Exponent Super Human - Rocky Barnes

Convictions from the Super Humans we admire the most.

 

Rocky Barnes is the ultimate modern muse—a model, influencer, entrepreneur, and mother who seamlessly blends effortless style with an adventurous spirit. With a career that took off before “influencer” was even a recognized job title, Rocky has carved out her own space in the fashion and beauty world, inspiring millions with her travels, fashion choices, and authentic approach to life.

In this conversation, Rocky shares what “thinking outside the jar” means to her, the defining moment that shaped her career, and the song she’d want playing every time she enters a room (spoiler: it’s a classic). She also opens up about juggling multiple roles, staying grounded through wellness rituals, and the skincare hack that transformed her routine. Read on for her take on style, success, and living life to the fullest.

We use the phrase "think outside of the jar" rather than "think outside the box."  What does this phrase mean to you?
When I hear think outside the jar, it makes me think of a couple of things. It makes me think of a new way to use our skin care. We are no longer held to the standard traditional packaging. I also see it as a hint to transparency in skincare. Thinking outside the jar as in letting the results of the product speak for themselves.

What is your most marked characteristic?
I think my most marked characteristic is my individual sense of style. It has become my calling card.

I’ve always wanted to
go to Burning Man.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagances in life are usually experiences. Whether it be a trip, a festival, or a unique experience.

What is it that you most dislike?
I dislike small talk and flaky people.

What song would you want played as you enter every room for the rest of your life?
Marvin Gaye’s Got to Give it Up

Thriller or comedy?
Comedy.

I am FULL OF potions; I am FREE OF anything basic.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career as a fashion and lifestyle influencer?

I have always loved fashion. The influencer part was less intentional, but I am so grateful that I ended up in this industry. I have always been a hard worker and was an early adapter to social media before being an influencer was even a thing. I was excited about sharing my travels and love for fashion, and eventually it took off!

 

Can you share a defining moment in your journey that made you realize the impact you could have in the fashion and beauty space?

I think a real turning point for me was when I booked my first campaign as an influencer (not as a model.) I booked an advertorial for Sam Edelman. It was shot by Patrick Demarchelier for the September issue of Vogue.

 

You wear many hats—model, influencer, entrepreneur, and mom. How do you balance these roles while staying true to your personal brand?

Sometimes it feels impossible to do everything. I’ve come to terms that I will no longer do anything perfectly. You have to listen to yourself and know that your time and energy will fluctuate in different areas of life. Sometimes this means you say no to certain things and other things might take a little longer, but I would rather do that than put out work I’m not proud of or miss out on a moment with my family. At the end of the day family is everything.

 

What advice would you give to someone trying to juggle multiple passions and responsibilities?

Nothing is ever going to be perfect. It’s more important to get your work out there. Just do it! You can always improve and evolve but you have to start somewhere!

 

What are your go-to wellness practices for staying grounded amidst a hectic schedule?

Despite whatever chaos is happening around me, I find my morning and night time routines help keep me grounded. I always give myself a moment in the morning to make my bed, do my skin care and have a cup of tea. And at night I don’t sleep without my skin routine and feet washed lol.

 

What’s the biggest skincare myth you’ve encountered, and how do you debunk it?

I always used to think I had dry skin and that nothing could fix it. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized most of our skin products need moisture to work. I started applying my products to damp skin and it has completely changed my skin for the best.

 

How do you adapt your skincare routine to suit your travel-heavy lifestyle?

I actually love my skincare routine so much that I don’t change it too much while traveling. I love to keep my travel bag packed at all times so I never have to worry about it while packing for a trip. It’s always ready to go!

Learn more about Rocky at @rocky_barnes