GP and former Miss Cork: My goal is to enhance natural beauty

When Jean Kenny was a medical student in 2008 and won Miss Cork, she was described as “beautiful and personable”.

“That is a really good memory,” says Jean, from Clonakilty, who is married to well-known personal trainer Karl Henry, of Operation Transformation fame.

“Being Miss Cork was a great time in my life,” she says. “It was a great experience when I met people from all walks of life and I gained confidence.”

Now GP Jean Kenny a mother of two, is joining a dynamic duo, nurse Olive O’Sullivan and skin specialist Sherna Malone, at their clinic in Rossa Road, Clonakilty, becoming a dynamic trio.

“I’ll be offering anti-wrinkle injections to clients,” says Jean.

What did this new business idea stem from?

“I was always interested in the aesthetic industry,” says Jean, who works full-time as a GP.

“When I saw the RTÉ programme Prime Time Investigates that exposed individuals providing anti-wrinkle injections that weren’t properly trained or qualified to do so, it gave me the idea to explore the area of aesthetics. When Karl and I were moving from Dublin to Clonakilty, there was a lot going on. Now the time feels right.”

Was the ‘beautiful’ and ‘personable’ former Miss Cork ever tempted to get Botox?

“I certainly was!” says Jean. “I’d really love to have it done. I have frown lines or, as they are sometimes called, ‘elevens’.

“Between work, child-minding, and managing a busy household: I never found the time,” adds the Harley Street trained aesthetic practitioner.

The intense course I did in London was very intensive. The most intensive ever. It was phenomenal!

Apart from treating frown lines and wrinkles, Jean will also be treating jaw pain, teeth clenching, and hyperhidrosis, which is excess sweating and often proves debilitating for people.

Does Jean feel that people are getting anti-wrinkle treatments too young?

“I am very conservative in my approach,” she says.

I won’t treat anyone who doesn’t need it. And I won’t over-treat anyone, but I can advise an alternative treatment they might consider.

What age group are getting anti-injection treatments and fillers?

“Typically, people begin to think about aesthetic treatments in their late 20s onwards,” says Jean.

She is well-versed in all things medical.

“As a doctor, I can understand the different mind-sets people have and understand what limitations should be employed. My goal is to enhance natural beauty.

“I think there is a need in West Cork for this kind of service as most people have to travel to Cork for aesthetic reasons.

“I have had huge support and response since announcing that I am joining Olive’s clinic. I have great respect for Olive and for Sherna.”

Whatever about Botox, surely Jean doesn’t need much help keeping healthy and in shape being married to Karl Henry?

“Wrong!” says Jean laughing.

“From the get-go, Karl insisted he’d never train any family members!”

Not even his wife?

“Not even me!”

Jean can still avail of her husband’s healthy lifestyle and his healthy outlook.

“Our household is a healthy one,” she says. 

The fridge is always organised, and our food is always planned and prepped so that there is no waste. We have good eating habits because of what Karl does.

“Recently, he swam from Baltimore to Fastnet, which was a huge deal for him. Karl is very active.”

Jean is very pro-active.

“I’ll be opening my anti-wrinkle clinic very soon,” she says.

“Everybody is anxious to have their anti-wrinkle injections done before Christmas.

“Clients are encouraged to come back to the clinic a few weeks after treatment for evaluation or further tweaks if needed.”

Jean is brimming with enthusiasm for her new venture, adding: “I’m really excited about it.”

Olive O’Sullivan is excited about Jean joining the team, forming three separate businesses that compliment each other.

“Jean is an out-and-out professional,” says Olive.

I know that she will be a huge asset to our clinic in Rossa Street.

Olive carries out micro-blading and semi-permanent tattoo techniques for her clients who may be cancer sufferers or cancer survivors.

“Often, people going through a cancer journey feel isolated and confused,” says Olive.

“They want to get away from the maze of medical experts and the mass of sick people to feel a little better about themselves.”

It is a chance for them to become themselves again.

“They don’t look like ‘that person with cancer’,” says Olive.

Skin specialist Sherna Malone is looking forward to working with Jean and Olive.

“What we do is all skin health- related,” says Sherna, who is the daughter of the late businesswoman Bronwyn Conroy, who set up the first beauty therapy training school in 1972.

“Mum was dedicated and determined,” says Sherna, the mother of twin girls. “She founded the Society of Applied Cosmetology in Ireland with the aim to improve the standing of beauty therapy in the country.”

Sherna has her mother’s traits.

“I knew Olive was sub-letting her premises. I was determined to get somewhere bigger so I could practice my skin care clinic for more people to avail of essential skin care advice.”

What advice can Sherna offer?

“There is no point getting injectables if you are not looking after yourself from the inside out,” she says.

You are wasting your money. Things like quality sleep, good stress management, good diet, healthy lifestyle, all play a part in the condition of our skin and how we can age better.

“Hydration is very important, as is using the correct products for your skin type.”

Sherna uses her expertise in psychology at her practice to ascertain valid reasons for improving one’s looks and one’s skin. Building trust and building rapport with clients is very important.”

“Olive, Jean and I complement each other,” says Sherna.

“We are all on the same page encouraging wellness, good skin care, good practices to suit the individual aesthetically-wise, and striving to improve and encourage a healthy outlook for our clients.”

Former Miss Cork GP Jean Kenny is a valuable asset to the clinic.

“I can’t wait to get going!” she said.

Browtique Ireland Ltd is located at 16, Rossa Street, Clonakilty, P85 EW66. Phone: 021-4193011.