The power of Caci: We talk 30 years of skin confidence with founder Jackie Smith

29 May 2025
By Paris Lloyd-Beere

Inside the 30-year legacy of a brand that empowers and inspires skin confidence in women throughout New Zealand.

Caci founder Jackie Smith.

Confidence isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you feel. For the past three decades, Caci has been at the forefront of this philosophy, transforming the way New Zealand women invest in themselves and turning self-care into an essential, achievable ritual. At the heart of it all is founder Jackie Smith, who recognised the need for a new results-driven approach to skincare.

Through expert-led treatments, an innovative membership model, and a franchise network that champions female business owners, Caci has built a lasting legacy — one that redefines self-care as an investment in confidence, success, and strength. At the core of Caci’s success is its industry leading memberships, designed to make skin treatments both accessible and effective. Smith believes that consistency is key to achieving real results, yet too often, women put their own needs last. “Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let self-care slide,” she says. “With a membership, women can stay on track and truly see the benefits of regular treatments.”

By offering flexible payment plans, Caci removes the barriers to investing in your skin, turning beauty into a sustainable, long-term commitment. The company’s philosophy is built around ‘Skin Confidence’ — the idea that when you feel good in your skin, it can transform the way you carry yourself. Caci’s expert clinicians create tailored treatment plans to address individual concerns for their clients, from skin rejuvenation and appearance medicine to laser hair removal and body shaping. 

This expert-led approach is what sets Caci apart. A former nurse, Smith understands the value of clinical expertise in aesthetics. “Nursing is rooted in care and precision,” she explains. “It’s about achieving the best possible outcomes through a structured, evidence-based approach, which is what we’ve brought to the beauty industry with Caci.” 

Beyond skincare, Caci has also transformed the landscape for women in business. The company’s franchise model has enabled ambitious women — many of them nurses — to step into business ownership, creating opportunities for career progression outside traditional healthcare roles. Smith is passionate about the link between nursing and entrepreneurship. “Nurses are problem-solvers, detail-focused, and deeply committed to care, and these skills translate seamlessly into running a business,” she says. “What we have demonstrated at Caci is that nurses can operate independently within a structured clinical setting, delivering high-quality services outside of the public sector. They can own businesses, be trusted to work autonomously, and build something truly successful.”

With 80 locations across New Zealand, Caci continues to redefine self-care, not just as a beauty ritual but as an act of empowerment. A Caci treatment or membership isn’t just about skincare; it’s about taking ownership of your confidence, making an investment in yourself. You deserve that ‘me time.’

Words: Natalia Didovich
Photography: Ruby Jayne Hamilton

This article originally appeared in Fashion Quarterly‘s Autumn 2025 issue.

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