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Believe it or not, Korean Vegan Beauty has been alive, now, for EIGHT months. WOW!!! I honestly can't believe that we are now coming up on a full year of existence, because it feels like just yesterday that Anthony and I were freaking out at my mom's dining table in Chicago over business permits, coupon codes, and the best photos to use for our website. 😅 It was also during that time that I seriously considered bribing every single one of my family members, including my very taciturn uncle, to leave reviews for our products because I was worried no one else would!!! LOL. (We now have SO many reviews and that also feels TOTALLY surreal!!!) Anyhoot, for today's Beauty Journal, I thought I'd list out four random things I've learned as a baby entrepreneur (I mean, 8 months is still an infant!). These are truly random and not terribly thought out, but I want to encourage anyone reading this to feel like they, too, can take a leap of faith because if I can do it, anyone really can! Sometimes you have to do things even if you'd rather eat sludge. One thing I've learned is that no one is going to tell you what to do when you own your own business. You have to be your own boss and that sounds great, at first, but it becomes really hard to stay motivated. For example, I'm not gonna lie--sometimes, I don't want to write another Beauty Journal entry. Sure, I could have AI do it, but I absolutely and utterly REFUSE to sell my soul to that particular devil, so here we are. I have to think of what to write and then write it and then add pictures every single week. Today, things got rocky in the US with birthright citizenship on the line and I was very distracted. So, I was tempted to just say, "Hey, you've had a rough morning. Maybe skip this week's blog post?"  And there'd be NO ONE to tell me otherwise. Except for me! Community doesn't happen overnight. And community can't gel around inconsistency. This is my one chance, every week, to touch base with you and that is a privilege--one I should never take for granted. Hence, the Joanne who is grateful for you reminds the Joanne who is a little distracted: write about something you care about, even if it's not polished. And that is why I'm writing about this! Working with your life partner has its ups and downs. The major "up" is that I get a lot of free labor!! 🤣 My husband is an incredibly talented website developer and as a result, I get a free BEAUTIFUL website. Anytime I need to make so much as a tweak to it, he's right there, on the second floor of our house! I can literally holler, "BABE CAN YOU FIX THE THING ON THE THING PLEASE?" And it gets done in like 15 minutes. But that's the other thing... It's easy to take your life partner for granted when the separation between personal and professional grows inevitably blurred. I have to constantly remind myself that I need to treat him with the same respect I would've treated one of my colleagues at the law firm. Otherwise... fireworks (of the not fun variety) typically ensue. This is way easier said than done--trust me. But it's a lesson worth learning. Your Community is the lifeblood of your business--no matter what you're selling. You can have the BEST product in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD (and KV Beauty truly does), but it won't mean diddly squat if you treat your community poorly. I've seen this time and time again--a brand neglects or even disrespects its community and they will pay dearly for it. We've seen the opposite (thank God)--KVBeauties are loyal, joyous, and fiercely devoted to compassion. I like to think that the KV Beauty family mirrors the values I personally hold, which is why, again, I'm here in your inbox, relaying a small snippet from my everyday life. I want you to know that I'm not just grateful for you, but that I am very much like you. I'm an ordinary gal who wanted to start a business because she saw a gap in the market: a K-beauty brand owned and run by a woman who grew up using Korean beauty products, who also believes that animal suffering isn't necessary to achieve optimal skin and hair health. I had very little idea about what I was doing (hence the literal 11th hour fire drill on how to obtain a business license in California ...), but I did it anyway.  You can't do everything on your own. And that's ok. The idea here is that if I can do it, then maybe you should ask yourself, what do you want to do that's maybe a little off the beaten path? And what's stopping you? I'll bet if you take a good look at all the things in your way, you'll figure out a way to get around a lot of them. And for those things that seem impassable, try and identify someone who might be able to help with those. That's what I did--I didn't know the first thing about manufacturing beauty products, so I found someone who could help. The last time I tried writing "code" for my website, I ended up nearly breaking it. Thank God Anthony is here to help with that. And I'm not good at comedy videos, but those seem to do really well for our IG account. Luckily, our creative director goes viral 7 times a day for his comedy videos! Anyhow, I hope this little journal entry was illuminating and even inspiring. Till next week, make sure to put a little of the skin cream on your neck!! <3

What used to be a niche request from Western vegan consumers is now being driven from within — by native Korean Gen Z shoppers who care deeply about what goes on their skin and what it costs the planet.

I love the idea that these women helped to build the country that birthed the women in my own family. And, not gonna lie, reading up on their stories makes me want to get knee-deep in a K-drama RIGHT NOW!!

One of the most critical components of a healthy beauty regimen isn't something you put on at all. It begins inside—with your nervous system.  

When I started Korean Vegan Beauty, I knew I wanted to offer products that: Actually work; Are vegan and cruelty free; and Don't make your face feel like it's on fire. I remember one day, my mother came home from the beauty salon, her entire face covered in angry, blistery boils. To this day, she still has scars from that experience and it made me SO paranoid about going to the salon for anything more complicated than a haircut. It also made me wary of getting facials. I mean, sometimes, there's no coming back from something like that! Now obviously, it's important that we all stay on top of our allergies. And, as my mother discovered, sometimes, those allergies can crop up later in life. Our bodies are a mystery, after all, and hormones can play an oversized role in developing sensitivities to ingredients that never bothered us before. But clearly, there's an appetite for beauty products that don't wreak unnecessary havoc on our bodies, as evidenced by how frequently shampoos, creams, and serums are advertised as "gentle." "Gentle cleanser," "gentle exfoliant," etc. etc. Funnily enough, those "gentle" products often leave my face feeling raw. Am I the only one? Or, it's the other way around, where the "gentle exfoliant" literally does nothing. Most often, the term "gentle" means there is no fragrance, there are fewer obvious irritants, or the product doesn't "tingle" in the way we usually want it to (I know I want it to!). But is that really a good definition of "gentle"? If the product is either too weak to do anything or just takes more time to wreck your skin, I'm just not sure that's really what "gentle" should mean! "Gentleness" Rooted in Korean Beauty Tradition. Traditionally speaking, one of the reasons Korean beauty is so effective is precisely because it avoids harsh chemicals in favor of gentle treatment. Korean vegan beauty takes it up a notch by ensuring that "gentleness" doesn't just describe our list of ingredients, but the entire ethos of the brand. This, too, though, is rooted in tradition. Beauty is about healing and healing should never incur the expense of suffering--human, animal, or otherwise.  What "Gentle" Means to KVBeauties. To the KVBeauties Fam, "gentle" means that the product is gentle on your skin barrier, while still being effective. The skin barrier is your skin's immune system and the last thing we want is to mess with that. If a product repeatedly strips your skin barrier, your skin becomes more reactive, more acne-prone, and more sensitive over time. Thus, it was important to me that we develop products that were still as effective as Korean beauty products have a reputation for, while being respectful of the skin barrier. Why is this important? Well, it means you can use the product consistently, to maximize its benefits. It's annoying when you're told, "oh this works so well, but only use it once per week or stop altogether if it makes your skin red." I mean, what the heck is that? One of the reasons I love Korean Vegan Beauty's All-In-One Skin Cream is because I can use it every day, twice a day, knowing that my skin barrier remains healthy. This philosophy will underscore all of our products (we are working on a serum right now!).  

A few fun facts about bakuchiol and why it DESERVES to be KVBeauty's hero ingredient.

Back in the late 2000s, I started taking photos of myself using my laptop's webcam. I'd just joined Facebook and perfecting the profile pic became a fun little obsession. I soon became acquainted with the crude editing functions that came with "iPhoto"—the self-installed app on my computer that helped to brighten, sharpen, and saturate the images I captured. Eventually, I upgraded from my webcam to a small point-and-shoot camera, and then to a proper DSLR (my first was the Nikon D90). I was the subject of 90% of my photography, partially because I was too shy to ask anyone to pose for me. But also because, by that time, I'd developed a bit of narcissism around my physical appearance, which ultimately led to a number of plastic surgeries (which I won't get into here). I grew very adept at "editing" my perceived flaws out of existence. I could get rid of moles, an unfortunate wrinkle, or even some cellulite with a few clicks of my mouse. I could make my teeth extra white, my skin even, and my arms taut with a wave of my cursor. But, I hated doing it this way. I felt like I was lying to myself and to everyone on Facebook by utilizing a computer program to make me look "better" than I actually did. So, I made a bargain with myself—I could only edit away those things I was actively  (undertaking the cost of) changing in real life. If I didn't want people to see my sagging belly, then I needed to get rid of it in real life—even by plastic surgery. If I didn't want people to see the mole on my right cheek, then I needed to visit my dermatologist.  These are the strange deals we sometimes make with ourselves. I say "strange," but, in actuality, they are toxic. I won't get too into the weeds on why I grew so obsessed with my appearance, but let's just say, I grew up in a house that overvalued a girl's physical "beauty." Instinctively, I measured my worth in metrics that resembled vanity. Was I pretty enough? Was I sexy enough? Did men fall in love with me? Did women envy me? Unless I could answer "yes" to these questions, I harbored an anxiety that I couldn't quite extinguish, one that seemed to echo: No one will ever love you, because you're too ugly. Once I finally started taking photos of things other than me—a beautiful building in Chicago, a young man I fell in love with right after I separated from my first husband, the aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer right before she went in for her first chemo treatment, the friend who laughed so hard and loud I often refused to go into quiet restaurants with her—I began to realize that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. With my camera, I could make anything and anyone beautiful. Correction: through the eye of my camera, I could see the beauty in anything and anyone. Suddenly, the challenge was no longer finding beauty in them, but finding it in me.  Wouldn't you know it? The answer was so obvious. My beauty—the thing that makes me truly beautiful—was just that: the ability to see the absolute best in everyone. To see what truly makes them outstanding, spectacularly brilliant. It wasn't the menial task of photo-shopping crow's feet or brightening complexion or erasing a blemish. It was seeing beneath someone's skin, straight through to their intentions, their fears, their safeties, their loves. Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Even if you have a sweetheart you plan to celebrate, I'd like to remind you to celebrate yourself too. Ask yourself, What makes me beautiful? And be sure to go back to that thing the next time the world tries to make you feel like you're not. <3<3<3  

Did you know that on average, it takes roughly 66 days to develop a habit? Thats roughly two months. But some habits can take much less time to form--as low as 18 days. That's less than 3 weeks! I mention this because I think it can be really intimidating, sometimes, to set seemingly unattainable goals, especially as we usher in a new year. It's helpful to remember that will power, discipline, and motivation, while important, may not always be the dispositive factor when it comes to sustaining a desired behavior.

This is the part about being a "beauty brand founder" that no one ever talks about...

I started seeing a therapist again. I've been meaning to get back to seeing a professional counselor for some time, but it's not always easy finding the right person. Especially for something so vulnerable. In any event, we had our first session last week and he had a fairly significant impact on me immediately. Within minutes, he observed, "I sense a lot of sadness in you."  I found this a little jolting, only because a friend had said almost the exact thing about me the other day. I asked my therapist how to not be so sad, and he asked me a fairly simple question: "Describe for me times in your life when you were very happy." I rattled off a bunch of things: when I graduated law school, when I got a full-time offer from my law firm, when I made partner at the law firm. When I passed the bar exam: "My parents were so happy they were literally jumping up and down when I passed that test," I recounted. My therapist noted, "You're only happy when you accomplish something, it seems. What would happen if you were happy not because you did something, but because you just enjoyed something?" That thought has been rolling around in my brain ever since. And so, I've been trying, every day, to identify things that make me happy just by being them (and not because I did them). And these things CAN'T include Anthony (my husband) and Lulu (my dog)!! Otherwise, that would be too easy! So, here's what I've come up with thus far: Kimchi Jjigae (I made some the other day and as soon as I had a spoonful, it reminded me so much of my grandmother and that made me so happy). My friend getting out of a terrible speeding ticket (it bothered me more than I let on). The smell of the Christmas tree we put up yesterday (good smells definitely make me happy). The writing group I just joined (this is slightly performance based, but honestly, I really just enjoyed being part of a group of writers who do not know me as "The Korean Vegan"). Ok, that's all I've got for now. I'm telling you--it was NOT easy for me to come up with these! And I've been thinking about it for days! I keep coming up with things that are very clearly achievement based (e.g., finishing all the items on my task list, getting all my videos uploaded, writing a blog for nearly every single week of KVBeauty's existence, etc.).  Anyhoot, curious--what are some things that make YOU happy just because they are what they are?? I'd love to know!! Joanne.

A nasty comment on a YouTube video inspires Joanne to get real about aging.

I knew the minute I even thought about starting a Korean vegan beauty brand that we would need to get PETA certified.

For those who know me well, I'm a skeptic when it comes to touchy-feely-froo-froo stuff. But several years ago, my therapist told me that if I didn't want to take drugs to manage my anxiety (I have an aversion to pills), meditation was the ONLY other proven method for coping with stress and my propensity to worry about everything. As we've discussed before, stress and anxiety increase inflammation in your body. And excessive inflammation can, in turn, cause a whole host of unpleasant problems--from an untimely breakout to chronic illnesses. In other words, to all the skeptics out there (including ME!), SCIENCE demonstrates that it pays to meditate. But what if we extrapolate our 15 minute session with that meditation app to practices throughout the day? For example, can we leverage the precepts of meditation during our morning skincare routine, our shower, our cardio sesh, our dog walks, and even mealtime to optimize the benefits of meditation? Enter mindfulness. What even is "mindfulness"? Mindfulness is paying attention, without judgment, to the present moment. This is something my Calm app told me to do every time I meditated: do not judge what you observe. Simply observe it. For example, in meditation, I often started by describing (to myself) what my head felt like, what my neck felt like, how my shoulders felt, and all the way down my body, to my toes. The trick was to do so without berating myself: well, if you'd do more pushups your shoulders wouldn't be so sore! Not surprisingly, the practice of mindfulness originates from ancient Buddhist meditation. It involves things like: Noticing the texture and taste of your salad or smoothie bowl. Feeling the cold water hit your face each morning. Observing how something you see or hear makes you feel a certain emotion. Again, the key is to try and not judge what you observe--simply to observe it. What role does mindfulness play in beauty? Here at KVBeauty, we've always talked about beauty as a kind of ritual (hence the tagline, KVBeauty Rituals!). Mindfulness plays right into that concept. Instead of hurtling through your routine on autopilot, we can inject the same spirit of non-judgment and observation in how we take care of our skin and hair. For example, let's NOT: Criticize our skin for aging (that's what we do when we, uhm, don't die). Negatively compare our skin or hair to other people. Berate ourselves for not hydrating or sleeping enough. Castigate ourselves for "not doing better" with our skincare routine. Instead, let's be present for what we see, smell, hear, and feel simply as a bystander: The way the sun filters in through the blinds as you head to the sink. How cool and refreshing the water feels on your face. The squishy feel of the cleanser as you place some into your hand.  The circular motions you make with your hands as you wash your face. The sound of the water as it runs into your sink. The fragrance of KVBeauty's skin cream as you dab some on your cheeks and neck. The softness of the fabric touching your arms and chest as you shimmy into your blouse. The smell of coffee wafting up from the kitchen. Being present for these minute moments fosters serenity and helps to balance the amount of stress and anxiety that likes to build a home in our consciousness and thus our bodies. More importantly, it cultivates a lasting gratitude for our bodies--their ability to collect all these little data points that enrich our lives. And remember... Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about presence. Even the practice of mindfulness can be imperfect, especially if you're unfamiliar with meditation. But that's okay!! And the way you show up for your skin, your hair, your body, is the way you show up for your life. Slow down, breathe deep, and remember: this time is yours.

While changing leaves are indeed beautiful, for your skin, seasonal transitions can also be a kind of stress test.

It's no secret that what you eat is a vital part of how you age (or, to be brutally honest, whether you age at all). Not surprisingly, your kitchen can also play a huge role in your skin and hair health. Having a well-rounded pantry can be a game-changer in not just how you feel, but how you look, as well (since you feel will have a direct impact on how you look!).  Here are five Korean kitchen staples that can improve the look and feel of your skin and hair. I daresay some of these might surprises you!! 1. Soybeans (Tofu, Doenjang, Soy Sauce, Gochujang, etc.). Soybeans are so prevalent in Korean ingredients. Whether it's tofu or gochujang, you'll find soy has been deployed to add rich flavor and umami to Korean food for millennia. But did you know that soy also furnishes incredible benefits to both your skin and hair? Soybeans are rich in isoflavones (plant estrogens), which can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. Soy is also high in protein, which supports keratin production for stronger hair.  2. Sesame Seeds and Sesame Oil. If you have my cookbook, then you know I add sesame seeds or sesame oil to almost every savory recipe. It adds so much flavor and texture!  But because these tiny little seeds are also packed with vitamin E and antioxidants, they can help protect the skin from UV damage and support barrier repair. In Korea, sesame oil has also been massaged into the scalp for shine and to reduce dryness (wait, should we come up with a Sesame Oil Hair Mask...??). 3. Green Tea. I think everyone already knows how beneficial green tea is for your health and your skin, but it truly bears repeating, green tea is SO GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN!! The catechins contained in green tea possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help with acne and redness. The same properties can also help to reduce scalp irritation and support hair growth by improving circulation.  4. Ginseng. Have you all been watching Bon Appetit Your Majesty? I can't get enough of this drama and the most recent episodes featured Korean ginseng in more ways than one...! As alluded to in this popular kdrama, ginseng is one Korea's most precious ingredients--not just to help you feel energized, but as party of your KVBeauty ritual too! Ginseng improves blood circulation and boosts your body's natural collagen production. Ginseng may also help to strengthen your hair's roots, improve your mane's thickness, and prevent excessive hair loss. Time from ginseng tea!! 5. Seaweed. I love seaweed--in all forms! Not only is it great for my kimbap, dried kelp is the secret to my amazing vegetable broths ands stews. But did you know that seaweed also contains nutrients that are good for your skin and hair? Seaweed contains polysaccharides, iodine, and minerals that will hydrate your skin and also support repair. It's also rich in iron and omega-3s, which can help with strengthening hair follicles and support growth.   If you all needed an excuse to incorporate some of these pantry items into your diet, now you have them! Now... get thee to the kitchen!!