Inspiring Women: Indie Lee of Indie Lee Skincare
In our new Inspiring Women blog series, we're shining a light on women who've built businesses and brands that we love. From beauty moguls to publishing powerhouses to truly inspiring influencers, we asked these women to share their stories, advice, must-haves, and secrets for crushing it at work, life, and motherhood.
For the inaugural installment of our Inspiring Women series, we chatted with Indie Lee, founder of her eponymous non-toxic skincare brand. Lee was inspired to create her line of all-natural, clean beauty and bath products after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of 37—she was given just six months to live. But on Earth Day in 2009, following a successful surgery to remove the tumor, she awoke from her surgery with a new outlook on life, and she decided to make it her mission to educate, inspire, and empower women to live their healthiest life and "reclaim their skindependence."
"Clean skincare is not a fad or a trend—it's the new standard. People will look for the organic bananas and the organic apples, but they won't look at the ingredients of the products that they're buying for their skin—their largest organ."
—Indie Lee
Below, read our conversation with Indie Lee. We cover the steps she took to start her business, what she got right and what she got wrong along the way, the skincare must-have she won't leave home without, and so much more!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your story—what inspired you to start Indie Lee?
My entry into beauty started out of a deep desire to create change. After being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and autoimmune disease that doctors felt could be environmentally derived, I knew I needed to do something. Since the diagnosis was potentially from something as simple as what I was putting on my skin, I wanted to create a line that was clean and efficacious. I felt that no one should have to sacrifice their health for beauty and, more importantly, I wanted to provide a platform to educate and empower others to make healthier, mindful choices.
What steps did you take to start your business and/or launch your brand?
My journey to start this company was a little bit unique. I had no beauty experience—I was actually an accountant and had previously managed HBO’s International Finance division. I simply knew that this brand was my mission and my platform for education and empowerment. Failure was not an option, so I built the brand from the ground up. It was hard work but to see what the company has become today is so rewarding. I wouldn’t trade a second of the experience.
What’s one thing you’ve done right and one thing you’ve done wrong along the way?
What does an average work day look like for you?
How do you find balance between mom life and work life? Do you believe there is such a thing?
I don’t think there is a 50/50 balance... at least not for me. Sometimes I’m 80% work and 20% mom, and other days I’m 90% mom and 10% work. The trick is to find a balance that works over time so I don’t feel depleted personally. That is where self-care becomes a priority. I always say I’m a better founder, mom, daughter, and friend when I take the time I need to recharge personally. Meditation has always helped me here.
When you’re not working or have a day to yourself, how do you like to spend your free time?
I love to hike with my pups, friends, and kids. Any time I can spend outdoors in nature energizes me. Recently, I’ve become a fan of just chilling on the sofa binging Netflix with my daughter—it’s become our mother-daughter activity and guilty pleasure.
What food, meal, or restaurant are you always craving?
Sushi!! It is my all-time favorite.
What’s one fashion item or accessory you’re currently coveting?
My Apple Watch for a reason you may not suspect. I am a big believer in meditation and breathing exercises. I have my watch set to remind me periodically throughout the day to stop and simply breathe. It’s a very small wellness practice that allows me to stay centered and grounded on my crazy days.
What’s one of your beauty or skincare must-haves?
I can’t live without my Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum and our Radiance Renewal Peel Pads. I-Waken is my go-to for everything—morning ritual, evening ritual, in-flight ritual, you name it. It’s like faking a full night’s sleep every time I apply it. And the Radiance Renewal Peel has AHAs for perfect exfoliation.
What destination is on your travel wish-list?
The Maldives. It’s been on my bucket list for awhile. I want to stay in one of those huts on top of the water, because who doesn’t?
What song or album are you currently listening to on repeat?
With a 15 year old daughter, I have a built-in DJ (whether I want one or not), so I usually have no idea what I’m listening to on any given day, it’s an eclectic mix for sure. There’s a Spotify playlist called ‘Have a Great Day!’ that I absolutely love. It's the best mix of upbeat songs and it spans all genres and periods. I listen to it in the morning to set the stage for my day.
What book, podcast, or TV series are you currently loving?
I’m currently reading Sicker, Fatter, Poorer: The Urgent Threat of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals to Our Health and Future and What We Can Do About It. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more on this topic. For podcasts, I love Second Life, Bad on Paper, and Pursuit with Purpose.
What’s one item that you always carry in your bag?
Our Banish Stick—I gotta stop those blemishes on the go, especially with the amount of travel I do for work.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
My grandmother. She grew up in a time when most women did not go to college, yet she placed a huge emphasis on her education. She ended up graduating from NYU. She inspired me to always pursue my dreams.
If you could go back, what advice would you give your teenage self?
Take the risk and live—passionately and with purpose. This is not a dress rehearsal.
What words of wisdom would you offer fellow women and female entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself and what you are creating. There will be ups and downs but don’t let a few closed doors derail you from following your dream. It’s also important to be passionate and love (I mean LOVE) what you are doing. Being an entrepreneur is a lot of late nights and long hours, but, again, if you love what you do it never seems like work.
Photos: Indie Lee / Fawn Design