Ju Rhyu

Ju Rhyu, co-founder of Hero Cosmetics, shares her journey from a corporate job in South Korea to launching her skincare line known for its popular acne patches. She discusses the moment she recognized a gap in the U.S. market for hydrocolloid pimple patches and how her immigrant background and father's entrepreneurial spirit influenced her. Rhyu also reflects on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of collaboration, and the emotional challenges of achieving a $630 million exit, emphasizing innovation and timing in her success.

Ju Rhyu, co-founder of Hero Cosmetics, created the Mighty Patch acne treatment, inspired by similar products from her time in Korea. Alongside Dwight Lee, she shares how they identified a unique market opportunity and successfully launched their product on Amazon. Their journey highlights cultural contrasts in business, innovative marketing strategies like a college ambassador program, and how social media propelled their brand's growth. They reflect on the blend of hard work and timing that led them to a $630 million acquisition in just five years.

Ju Rhyu, the founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics, shares her groundbreaking journey of turning her brand into a $630 million success story in just five years. She reveals her unconventional strategy of prioritizing Amazon over direct-to-consumer sales, emphasizing profitability and rapid growth. Ju discusses the importance of building a brand with saleability in mind and how her personal story has evolved since her financial milestone. She candidly explores the challenges of branding as a founder and the essence of authenticity in the beauty industry.