Jennifer Garner On 13 Going On 30, Her Top Beauty Tips And New Business Venture
Whether she’s portraying the iconic Jenna Rink, the steadfast and gritty Hannah Hall, or her relatable online alter-ego, ‘Farmer Jen,’ Jennifer Garner has more than solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most cherished stars. Sitting down to chat at 12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, I’ll admit to feeling rather star-struck in the presence of an actress I’ve long admired. Yet, after bonding over shared memories of growing up on farms and finding peace in the countryside, the conversation quickly began to flow.
Over the span of an hour-long chat, we covered some serious ground. We reminisced over the collective nostalgia of 13 Going on 30 and the possibility of a revival, reflected on her philosophy on beauty, and looked ahead to the upcoming UK launch of her brand Once Upon A Farm. I left the interview steadfast in the belief that to call Jennifer merely an actress today would be to pigeonhole her, as she continues to take on producer roles behind the camera, is a savvy entrepreneur in the food industry, and even a hands-on farmer who never misses a chance to get behind the wheel of her tractor.
13 Going on 30 2 and Hollywood’s sequel fever
Jennifer has recently returned to the small screen to reprise her role as Hannah Hall in Apple TV’s The Last Thing He Told Me. As we discussed what viewers can expect from the new season, she candidly confessed that she is nervous for people to watch it, but reminisced on how thrilling it was to play a character like Hannah, who has to uproot her life and go on the run to protect herself and her daughter.
“It was satisfying to play and really thrilling to see this woman who never planned on having to fight for her life in any way, much less run for her life, or fight or be physical, face doing all of those things. It’s really fun to watch.”
Naturally, the conversation then segued to Jennifer’s previous roles, namely her iconic portrayal of Jenna Rink in the cult film,13 Going on 30. Following the recent announcement that it will be joining the wave of follow-ups, namely The Devil Wears Prada and The Princess Diaries, and receiving a sequel of its own, Jennifer offered her ‘two cents’ on the news. She said: “I don’t know that you know, 15 going on 50 has the same ring to it, but I would love to see a young girl tackle it. That time in life is still interesting. I mean, it’s part of why it’s so resonant, right? So I’d love to see it being remade, and I can’t wait for the musical.”
I don’t know that you know, 15 going on 50 has the same ring to it, but I would love to see a young girl tackle it.
When probed for a sequel that she personally hopes will be made, Jennifer replied: “I think every movie that I really love, I love as it is. So if there was a remake, I would be all for it, but I am not desperate for any.” She caviated this, adding: “But nobody remake ET, it’s perfect.”
Jennifer’s philosophy on beauty
After reminiscing on our favourite films, the conversation shifted to beauty, where Jennifer quickly confessed to knowing little about the latest trends and products, proudly declaring that she happily breaks most skincare and wellness rules.
Oh, okay, a beauty or wellness rule thatII happily break? All of them. I’m not very good at all that stuff.
She went on to reveal her golden rule, which she often tries to follow: “I try not to look in the mirror. Don’t look at unflattering pictures, because you will just obsess, and the brain can not be nice to you, so be nice to yourself and choose what you feed your brain. Don’t feed it things that are going to make you feel bad. Skip right over them. So just focus on and repeat the things that are affirming.
Jennifer then reflected on her children’s reaction to her appearance on the nights when she would come home from set or an event with her hair and makeup done.
“See yourself through your kids’ eyes. When I would come with hair and makeup when my kids were little, and I’d been at work, the first thing they would say is wash your face.”
“My kids would say your eyebrows are too dark. They would say put your glasses on. And that’s the reminder to me. You want to be what your kids see, and mine want me without makeup done. They want me with my hair in a bun and my glasses on because that’s mum.”
When asked about a small, unglamorous part of her day that brings the most joy, Jennifer was quick to reply: “Sweatpants, pyjamas, taking my bra off, slippers. I mean, what is better than that?”
I try not to look in the mirror. Don’t look at unflattering pictures, because you will just obsess, and the brain can not be nice to you, so be nice to yourself and choose what you feed your brain. Don’t feed it things that are going to make you feel bad. Skip right over them. So just focus on and repeat the things that are affirming.
‘Farmer Jen’ and her new business venture
After several years of success in the US, Jennifer is bringing her children and baby organic food brand, Once Upon A Farm, to the UK. Her role as co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of the company may come as a surprise to some; however, the Hollywood star is no stranger to having dirt under her nails.
After spending her childhood growing up on a farm in West Virginia, she has returned to her roots in adult life, as epitomised by her internet alter-ego ‘Farmer Jen.’
“My mum grew up on a farm in the middle of Oklahoma, and they really didn’t have a whole lot, but she told such happy stories of it, and still does, so I have always romanticised farming. And I grew up when I was little visiting the family farm, and my brother would take me on the tractor. Now, every chance I get, any farm we get to visit I’m like, huh? I know there’s got to be a tractor around here somewhere.”
I grew up when I was little visiting the family farm, and my brother would take me on the tractor. Now, every chance I get, any farm we get to visit I’m like, huh? I know there’s got to be a tracor here somewhere.
What is Once Upon A Farm?
The brand focuses on the production of fresh and organic refrigerated nutrition. After amassing huge success in America, the brand is now coming to the UK with the launch of six of its hero products.
On this latest venture, Jennifer said: “We exist to drive systemic improvement in childhood nutrition for a happier, healthier, more equitable world.”
At its core, Once Upon A Farm also has a mission to help others, with it providing over one million meals to children in insecure communities through its charity initiative in 2025. On this, Jennifer said: “We really do take our mission seriously. We want to be held accountable for what we say we’re going to do.”
As we wrapped up the interview, one thing became abundantly clear, and that is that Jennifer remains anchored by life’s simplest and most affirming joys, whether that be the peace of the farm, the choice to reject reflective surfaces, or the steadfast power of a favourite pair of sweatpants. As she prepares to bring Once Upon a Farm to the UK, she isn’t just expanding her brand, but she is also sharing a piece of her philosophy with a whole new audience. A philosophy that prioritises heart, health and, of course, a bit of dirt under the fingernails.
