Indy Lee on how to embrace your natural beauty and live your best life

They say that starting a business is difficult, it is associated with sleepless nights and a lot of risk. And for Indie Lee, founder of clean skincare brand Indie Lee, it was all true, especially as she launched the brand against the backdrop of a brain tumor diagnosis and a six-month life expectancy. Ahead, she shares how her brand has become her life's mission and how to use your own power to live your best life, as well as advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.

What is your background? How did you get inspired to start a pure beauty business?

When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008, I was given six months to live. When you are given six months to live, you can be very specific about how you want to spend your time. For me, it meant merging into a space that I was passionate about.So, in order to stay busy and positive when my kids were in school or I wasn't looking for a doctor to give me a different prognosis, I researched and studied the skincare and beauty industry. 

What challenges — apart from health concerns — did you face launching your brand? 

For me, ignorance was bliss, and no - not an option. If someone said "no", I took it as "no now, not forever". Even though my story got people's attention, I still needed the products to work. It's fine if you have a story, but if your products don't work, you won't be able to sell them. However, I didn't have any money, so I sold all my jewelry, emptied my $401k, and went into credit card debt. I was fully prepared. I thought that if I could make a difference and give others the opportunity to live a better life, even if it had nothing to do with skin care, then I felt like I was living for a reason. 

Do you have any advice for those who want to get into the beauty industry? 

It takes hard work. I don't believe in the word "failure" - I think of it as a learning opportunity. So, as an entrepreneur, you will have many learning opportunities that don't feel comfortable to you or that make you feel intimidated. Rely on it. Use it as a catalyst to level up and you'll be fine. I want people to understand that you have to be passionate and love what you do. If you do it because it is your mission and you know it in your heart, nothing will stop you. If this is what you really want to do, no one can talk you out of it. 

How do you stay so down to earth? Do you have an awareness ritual?

I am a caring mother and a member of the Five AM club! I meditate every morning and evening. I believe that if you spend time on your own education and personal development, you will fill your own cup, which is necessary before you can fill the cup of others. Because of what I've been through, I have a completely different idea of ​​what a bad day is, so when I have a bad day, I accept it as just a bad moment in time and don't let it define me. 

How do you feel about skinimism, the no-makeup makeup trend? 

I love makeup because I think it's a form of art and self-expression. But I don't wear much. I don't wear foundation even though I have hyperpigmentation and that's okay. I mean, I've been on chemo for four years! I have thin lines because I laugh and express emotions. This is fine! It only adds character. I want people to love themselves for who they are. We are all completely imperfect. When we can come from a place of love, the makeup and everything that follows is just the icing on the cake. Accept who you are. Wear what makes you feel good.

What is your skin care regimen? 

I don't always wash my face in the morning. But when I do this I use Indie Lee Soothing Cleanser. Then I use CoQ-10 toner and follow our Stem cell serum, Daily infusion of vitamins и Eye cream. Sounds like a lot, but I usually finish in less than five minutes. At night I use our Purifying face wash and exfoliator before applying serum, eye cream, and moisturizer.  

Do you have any advice - beauty or not beauty - for yourself in your youth?

Don't be a passenger in your life, be a driver. I didn't know this until the day I was diagnosed. Own your own life, accept your true self, take your own risk and make your own choices. Every day is a gift, and tomorrow is not promised.