Clean Beauty to $228M: Tower 28's Amy Liu on Scaling a Sensitive Skin Empire
Jan 29, 2025
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Amy Liu, the founder and CEO of Tower 28 Beauty, dives into her journey of creating a clean beauty brand specifically for sensitive skin. She shares her personal experiences with eczema and discusses the unique challenges of launching during a pandemic. The conversation also highlights the power of social media in building a beauty empire and her commitment to uplifting the AAPI community. Amy emphasizes the importance of authenticity in marketing and offers insights into supporting underrepresented beauty entrepreneurs.
Amy Liu shares her journey of creating Tower 28 beauty, addressing the challenges of launching a skincare brand during a pandemic.
The podcast highlights the financial and emotional burdens of managing eczema, illustrating the significant costs related to skincare treatments and their impact on self-esteem.
Discussions on the immigrant experience underscore the influence of frugality and risk-taking on entrepreneurship, shaping one's approach to business opportunities.
Deep dives
Impact of Eczema on Confidence
Living with eczema can significantly affect one's self-esteem and confidence. Experiences of flare-ups can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, as visible skin conditions often influence how individuals perceive themselves and how others perceive them. The discussion highlights the frustration of relying on ineffective or unattractive skincare products, which further complicates the journey for those managing sensitive skin. As more than 31 million people in the U.S. deal with eczema, the conversation underscores the universal struggle of finding effective, appealing remedies.
Insights from a Shared Journey
The podcast features an in-depth conversation about how lifestyle factors and living conditions, such as the experience of living in a non-insulated garage during college, can trigger or worsen skin issues like eczema. This candid sharing helps normalize discussions around skin conditions, letting listeners know that they are not alone in their experiences. The host and guest reflect on the societal pressures associated with appearance and how these pressures can disproportionately affect women, particularly regarding confidence in professional settings. These insights provide a relatable context for how personal history can shape one's relationship with beauty standards.
Financial Burdens of Managing Eczema
Managing eczema often leads to significant financial expenditures as sufferers try various treatments, with some individuals spending upwards of five digits on products over the years. The conversation sheds light on the reality of costs associated with skincare and medical treatments, including prescription creams and alternative therapies. As individuals navigate an array of options, they become increasingly aware of the potential for addiction to prescription medications, which can create further anxiety about long-term skin health. This financial strain is presented not just as a burden but as part of the larger conversation about individuals’ relationships with health, beauty, and self-care.
Cultural Reflection on Entrepreneurial Spirit
The discussion touches on the immigrant experience and how it shapes perspectives on work and money. The guest shares insights into their family's financial habits, emphasizing frugality and a strong work ethic as foundational elements of their upbringing. The willingness to embrace entrepreneurship emerged from necessity, showcasing how cultural backgrounds can inform one's approach to business and opportunity. This narrative enhances the understanding of how immigrant experiences can lead to a different relationship with risk-taking in career paths.
Building Community and Mentorship in Beauty
The conversation culminates in a discussion about initiatives that promote inclusivity and mentorship in the beauty industry, particularly designed to support underrepresented founders. The creation of a program like the Clean Beauty Summer School emphasizes the importance of community and knowledge-sharing among aspiring beauty entrepreneurs. This initiative not only empowers individuals with essential skills but also fosters a supportive network aiming to diversify the beauty landscape. It reflects a commitment to not only personal success but also lifting others within the industry, aiming for a broader impact on societal beauty standards.
Today I am joined by the amazing founder and CEO of Tower 28 beauty, Amy Liu! Amy is a badass woman creating phenomenal products for those with even the most sensitive skin and is always working to connect and uplift the AAPI community. Amy and I chatted all about the start of Tower 28, her failures and all of the roadblocks that come with starting a beauty company in the middle of a pandemic.
Check out Amy HERE and you can find Tower 28 on IG HERE. You can also find all of their products at your local Sephora, both in store and online! PLUS, use code RICHBFF15 on www.tower28beauty.com between 1/28 to 2/29 for 15% off!