Faith KimLashfood
Faith Kim and her mother, Jane, launched Lashfood in 2010 as a natural alternative to chemical-based lash enhancers and commercial eyelash extensions (the latter of which they helped to pioneer). Today, the line includes a number of products for healthy eyes and lashes, including enhancing serums, lash primer and a unique makeup remover pen.
What drove you to start your own brand? I’ve always had a passion for creating! My mom and I were the first to launch a pro-facing eyelash extension brand 13 years ago. While working closely with lashes and celebrity lash stylists, we saw a need for a natural alternative or a product to condition and feed your natural lashes. (Think of hair conditioners after getting your hair colored at a salon.) We were slow to formulate as efficacy was our top priority, as well as sourcing good-for-you ingredients that won’t irritate the eyes.
What’s your favorite product in the line? Our hero product, Lashfood Phyto-Medic Lash Enhancer, is my holy grail! Both my mother and I have very sensitive skin, so we wanted to create a formula that not only worked, but also didn’t cause irritation. We want you to see results, not side effects.
What are your morning and evening routines?
In the mornings, I catch up on all my alerts from emails and Slack. I turned off my IG alerts (it’s been one of the best things I’ve done last year), so I don’t really get to that until later in the day. Then I have a shake with all my supplements and sit down to set my intentions by writing down three big goals, along with three smaller goals, I’d like to accomplish that day.
Before going to bed, I plug my phone away, turn my diffuser on, swipe on Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer and read a chapter or two of my current book. I’ve also been into spritzing a fine lavender mist onto my pillow and sheets before falling asleep! What would people be surprised to learn about you? I co-founded the business with my mom when I was in college, and I’d take customer service calls from a cell phone in my car in between classes. During that time, I was studying business, and I used our concept as part of my class project, complete with a business plan and a live pitch presentation to a panel of angel investors, some of whom expressed interest in investing! It was good encouragement for us to move forward with the business. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business? Don’t give up. Take risks. Stay balanced. Always remember to give back.
Before going to bed, I plug my phone away, turn my diffuser on, swipe on Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer and read a chapter or two of my current book. I’ve also been into spritzing a fine lavender mist onto my pillow and sheets before falling asleep! What would people be surprised to learn about you? I co-founded the business with my mom when I was in college, and I’d take customer service calls from a cell phone in my car in between classes. During that time, I was studying business, and I used our concept as part of my class project, complete with a business plan and a live pitch presentation to a panel of angel investors, some of whom expressed interest in investing! It was good encouragement for us to move forward with the business. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business? Don’t give up. Take risks. Stay balanced. Always remember to give back.
The Founders Series
Learn how some of the beauty industry’s most dynamic entrepreneurs find inspiration and develop must-have products as they share their advice for aspiring business moguls and much more