Meet Hanna Kim | Founder, Beauty & Wellness

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanna Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always known that I wanted to start my own business because I grew up surrounded by people who had their own businesses. I wanted to start something that is a natural extension of who I already am.

A few years ago, I started studying nutrition for fun during my free time. I ended up getting a certificate in Plant-based Nutrition and it naturally led to learning more about functional foods such as superfoods. During this journey, I also learned about foods that are good for your skin and how interconnected health and beauty actually are. I was very surprised because for most of my life, I only heard about approaching skincare from an external perspective (e.g., applying products on the skin, getting skin treatments). Yet I began to learn about foods that are naturally anti-aging, hydrating, and promote collagen production.

We frequently see skincare products with antioxidants (which fight signs of aging), and research shows that antioxidants are more effective when ingested than when applied topically. It became obvious to me that we all need a more inside-out approach to skincare as what we eat and drink also affect our skin.

I began noticing ‘inner beauty’ products in Los Angeles a few years ago, and I looked for specific ingredients based on my understanding of functional foods with beauty benefits. I couldn’t find blends that included exactly what I was looking for, so I began to experiment with my own blends at home. Pretty soon, I got to a point where I wanted to share this with people I knew because most of my friends and women I meet are also very interested in having healthy skin. So I started Anais as a way to share my love for wellness, holistic health, and beauty. I view business as a platform to share our gifts, to serve people, and to add value to people’s lives.

What should our readers know about your business?
This is still just the beginning for us and it’s exciting to learn as we go; we know that the learning will never stop. We started Anais to expand the notion of beauty – that beauty is beyond what you simply see on the outside, it’s also about taking care of yourself well and feeling good. We want to empower people with the knowledge and tools to take care of their skin and overall well-being in healthy ways. We view health and beauty holistically – this means that physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health all matter and are interconnected. We will expand our collection in thoughtful, meaningful, and even unexpected ways with products that help people look good and feel great.

We currently have organic beauty superfood products, and will add more functional products in the near future. We are also launching a jewelry collaboration that will include a note to remind people of their own inner beauty. We’re excited to express our ideas of what beauty is through our products.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents and family have been my greatest supporters and encouragers. My parents have always believed in me, and my dad has been telling me (since I was 10 years old) that I should start a business one day. My mom has been a great female leader example for me because she has always worked. When I initially shared my idea with her, her response was, “Go for it.” My sister, Grace, moved back from Seoul to help me with the creative aspects of Anais and we are partners now. I feel very blessed to have a family that supports me.

Website: www.anaislife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anaislife_official

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anaislifeofficial

Image Credits
VEDIO DABAN (Seoul, South Korea)