Jasmine Tran and Christine Nguyen from Essence Skincare join us to reveal the captivating journey of blending modern skincare with time-honored plant wisdom, a journey deeply rooted in Asian heritage. Inspired by her mother's practice of using herbs and adaptogens in meal planning to align with nature's cycles, Jasmine crafts skincare that echoes these principles. As we explore their approach to clean beauty, you'll discover how Essence Skincare adapts to the skin's seasonal needs with their small-batch philosophy, ensuring alignment with the body's natural rhythms.

Asian women's experiences in the beauty industry come to the forefront as we discuss challenges faced both as entrepreneurs and consumers. Jasmine and Christine open up about the hurdles of gaining trust and visibility for Asian-owned brands, and the struggle to find products that cater to diverse skin tones. Their insights shed light on the importance of representation and community support, encouraging a movement toward embracing natural beauty and authenticity amidst a market that has historically overlooked these nuances.

Connect with Essence Skincare: https://essanceskincare.com

Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Grace Young Foster, a trailblazer and the inspiring Founder and CEO of the Inclusion Initiative shares her extraordinary story of resilience and transformation. From her beginnings as a child abandoned in South Korea to her role as a formidable advocate for adoptees of color and foster care alumni, Grace's journey is nothing short of remarkable. She sheds light on the unique challenges faced by transracially adopted Asian Americans, a community often overlooked, and underscores the critical need for spaces of belonging and tailored career development resources.

In this heartfelt episode, we peel back the layers of Grace's personal experiences with transracial adoption, exploring the profound disconnection from cultural heritage and identity that many in her shoes encounter. Grace candidly discusses the struggles of growing up in a predominantly white environment, emphasizing the vital role of mental health support in overcoming the cultural and familial voids adoptees often face. Her story highlights the power of community in achieving both personal and professional success, offering listeners a glimpse into the hurdles she has overcome and the strength it has taken to reclaim her narrative.

Connect with Grace Young Foster: https://www.theinclusioninitiative.com

Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Join us as business growth coach Lorraine Chai spills the tea on her extraordinary journey from a Malaysian-born international student to a powerhouse in the business world. Lorraine doesn't just break the mold; she shatters it, navigating the complexities of cultural identity and societal expectations with grace and determination. Lorraine offers a fresh perspective on viewing individuals beyond stereotypes, emphasizing resilience in overcoming the challenges of being an Asian woman in a predominantly Western business environment.

Connecting with Lorraine Chai: https://www.solopreneur2entrepreneur.com

Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!