Hi cuties! In addition to being the last hurrah for the summer season, the month of August is close to my heart because it happens to be Wellness Month! Wellness on all fronts–from exercise to eating well to self-care–has always been super-important to me so that I can be my best for my kids and for my team at KKH. That’s why I’m so beyond thrilled that we were recently able to host clean skincare entrepreneur Indie Lee at Kathy Kuo Home Southampton for a panel on wellness, clean beauty, and entrepreneurship.
“My mission has always been to help consumers be the most empowered versions of themselves and to create a community of like-minded individuals on the same journey of change. It guides everything my business does.” –Indie Lee
Indie Lee is a former CPA–she worked at a Big 4 Accounting firm then moved to HBO to managed their International finance division–who pivoted her career in a big way after she was diagnosed with, and the survived, a life-threatening brain tumor. With knowledge that her tumor could have been caused by environmental factors like the products she used on her skin, Indie dedicated her life to making a difference in the field of clean skincare–and thus her self-titled brand was born!
Indie’s story is so inspiring, and her products so amazing that I wanted to make sure to share her brilliance with all of our Kuotes Blog readers who might not have been able to join us in-store earlier this month. Read on to learn why should know Indie Lee and add her products to your skincare routine!
You survived a life-threatening brain tumor–how does that inspire your work.
In 2008, after losing vision in my left eye, I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and given as little as six months to live. I didn’t understand–I had been living a healthy life. In fact, at the time I was growing edible flowers in the greenhouse in my backyard and selling them to Whole Foods. I was eating healthy and exercising, plus there was no medical history like this in my family. When I asked how this was possible, my doctor asked me a life-changing question: “What do you put on your skin?”
This was my awakening. The truth was I had no idea what I was putting on my skin. I started researching and the more I learned, the more I knew that I had to create change in the industry. After successfully surviving the surgery, I started creating clean products dedicated to educating and empowering others to live the healthiest version of their life. I haven’t stopped since.
What should readers know about clean skincare and why it’s so important?
While there is no one regulating body for clean beauty, we believe clean beauty means beauty without sacrifice. That means using natural, naturally-derived, and organic ingredients to create products that are as efficacious, if not more than, conventional products. We believe what you put in your body as well as what you put on it are equally important.
Which products would you consider to be your “signature” items?
There is probably a tie between our two best sellers: Brightening Cleanser and CoQ-10 Toner. The Brightening Cleanser is an antioxidant rich cleanser, makeup remover and mask all in one, with a seriously intoxicating scent. The CoQ-10 Toner is formulated with powerhouse antioxidant Coenzyme Q-10 and other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and cucumber. It’s incredibly refreshing and effective. It can be used as a traditional toner, or as a hydrating mist throughout the day.
You’ve mentioned the phrase “reclaiming your skindependence”–what does that mean to you?
“Reclaiming my skindependence” happened for me after my diagnosis. It means empowering yourself with information to make educated choices about what you put in and on your body. This can look like doing your own research, reading ingredient labels, and supporting brands that align with your values. As the clean space has exploded over the last few years, there is more greenwashing, which makes it difficult for consumers to navigate. Educating yourself on this topic is more important than ever!
Shop Wellness & Self-Care from Kathy Kuo Home
What your greatest joys and challenges been as a founder and business owner?
Starting the brand was challenging–I had no beauty experience and no industry connections, but I was on a mission and I found my way. I’m incredibly grateful for that journey and where it has brought me today. I learned that the clean beauty space is such a supportive community. When one of us rises, we all rise. The community I’ve found was something I was not expecting and has been one of my favorite parts of creating this company!
Tell us about your home and what you love about it! How does your home environment factor into your sense of wellness?
For me, my environment is not limited to just one place. It’s about always creating an environment and mindset that nurtures creativity, support, positivity, and productivity. So whether I’m at my home office, our corporate office, a hotel room, or at a friend’s house–that environment starts with me and my mindset. And usually, it trickles to the others around me!