Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tyler Yang, founder of Loa Skin, located in Vancouver, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a skincare company obsessed with botanical formulations that don't sacrifice efficacy. All our formulations are informed by the latest medical research in skin health, and we take those findings to make botanical-first formulations. Often times, the skincare industry will lead with fillers and cheap ingredients with botanical ingredients at the bottom of the ingredient list; we lead with botanicals.

Our customers are folks like us who have struggled with inflammatory skin conditions their whole life; we're talking about acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. People who want to invest in their long-term skin health vs. a quick fix.

Tell us about yourself

Both my co-founder, Spencer, and I both struggled with skin concerns. I had terrible cystic acne that would not go away well into my twenties, and I had tried everything under the sun; drug store products, luxury products, and even dermatologist-prescribed products. Either they didn't work, or they had some awful side effects that I then had to find a way to remedy on their own.

I wanted to create something using botanicals entirely that could really work for people like myself. Having skin issues is a huge weight on your self-esteem, and I know how long I struggled with it; this keeps me up at night, knowing we can make a difference in how people feel about themselves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, it would have to be our products. We're currently working on two new products at the moment, and I am just continually blown away by the power of botanicals. There are so many companies out there that put a little bit of this plant oil and essential oil and call it done. We really take the time to ensure our product actually does what it's meant to do and isn't just hopping on a new trend or fad.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I'd have to say all the moving pieces in a business, especially running a small business, you're forced to wear all these hats at once. Before we began our business, I never had any formal training in finance, operations, inventory, and so many other areas.

You just have to tell yourself that you'll do your best on the task in front of you, that you're resourceful enough to find the answer, and then move on to the next thing. There's no time for your ego and you have to be willing to get out of your own way.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

To put it simply: be humble; you're about to learn more than you set out for, be proud; of what you're offering and try to put something into the world that doesn't just add more noise, and listen; to your customers and to the folks who have been down a similar path – they'll help you get there.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Start today. Sharing it with the world today is better than waiting until it's perfect to launch.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://loaskin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loaskin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loaskin/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loaskin

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.