Nerissa Created Organic Makeup That Actually Improves Skin
What’s your story?
I battled with adult acne and sensitive skin in my 20s which caused a huge dent in my self esteem. After years of steroid injections and harmful medication, I did tons of research into product formulations and decided to eliminate all the harmful chemicals by going organic – and my skin cleared up significantly!
During that time, while organic skincare was readily available, organic makeup was not. That was when I decided to start my own organic line based on the criteria of safety and efficacy. We developed outstanding products and launched Liht Organics – makeup that is safe enough to eat!
What excites you most about your industry?
The market potential, and the lives we hope to touch with our message of empowerment and conscious living! The beauty industry is not just about which shade of lipstick is trending, it is also one of the driving forces behind many social campaigns surrounding equality, self-love, and environmental health!
It is also ever-evolving and dynamic – and we love that. While I relish the challenge of keeping up in this fast paced industry, I also appreciate the fact that it is an evergreen industry and it will still be some time, if ever, before it is fully replaced by technology.
What is your connection to Asia?
I am super proud to be Asian! I love the Asian culture and work ethic and I think there is a lot to learn from the centuries of rich culture and heritage.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Some of the nicest and most supportive people I have met are from Guangzhou. And while some businesses shun China because of the stereotype that the Chinese are shrewd when it comes to business, the massive population is made up of so many different kinds of people with different backgrounds, and I always learn something new from each connection I make there.
I also love the old-school valour and integrity that they embody, and the ever enthusiastic work ethic and relentless obsession with progress and innovation. Especially in this fast paced world, there’s nothing more admirable than the businesses that have taken the time to build a strong foundation that can weather any storm.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Sometimes in life, you have to earn more than just money. I couldn’t agree more and it’s always been a compass in my decision-making. While bottom lines are a key measure of a successful business, I believe there are also other, intangible factors that first need to be “earned” in order to achieve said bottom lines. It is important to earn the trust and respect from the people around us, and have the willingness to constantly learn, possess a true passion for the work we do, and have a mission, that is bigger than ourselves, to make the world a better place.
Who inspires you?
Oprah Winfrey, and pretty much anyone who is self-made and has dedicated their life to philanthropy and empowerment.
I respect how people have battled through hardship, setbacks, and injustices on their journey from rags-to-riches, and yet the successes they have achieved and the money they have made have only accentuated the goodness in them, instead of changing them. The world is in need of precious human resources. These are the people who make this planet a better place.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That Polar bears actually have black skin, and their fur is not white but hollow, allowing them to camouflage themselves in their snowy environment! The wonders of nature always blow me away!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I tend not to look back with regret, but with gratitude because I see every adversity as a lesson that helps me grow and develop. Without these experiences, both good and bad, I may have become a different person.
Seeing the past from my present perspective, I fully understand why things have happened the way they did and how it has prepared me for what is to come. That said, I might have started trusting in the process of life much earlier!
How do you unwind?
I like to watch “FRIENDS” over and over again while sometimes eating ice cream! Midnight snacks are my vice, but I try to choose healthy options. I also enjoy play time with my ginger tabby, Chowder, and my baby Corgi, Mochi! They are my life!
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Maldives! It’s so therapeutic to be in the water and be completely undistracted and fully focused on just watching the gorgeous marine life. I think of nothing else but the fish swimming around me. No phones, no worries.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the Chairman of the Board,” by Keith J. Cunningham. We make all kinds of stupid mistakes in business and this book gives us a heads-up!
Shameless plug for your business:
Everyone should go organic with Liht! Liht debunks the myth that makeup is bad for your skin by providing cosmetics that HEAL while they CONCEAL!
Thanks to my history of acne, I have always wished for makeup that actually improves skin, which inspired the inclusion of superfoods in Liht products! With skin-loving formulas that are made of up to 90% USDA-certified organic ingredients, zero harmful chemicals and nanoparticles (which can enter your bloodstream), are vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, everyone can now enjoy makeup that’s safe for their skin and the environment!
https://www.lihtorganics.com/
How can people connect with you?
They can chat with us on Facebook, Instagram or email us at [email protected]. We are prompt with responses and our friendly beauty advisers are always there to help with any queries!
Social Media Links:
Global:
https://www.facebook.com/LivingInHerTime
https://www.instagram.com/LihtOrganics
Middle East:
https://www.facebook.com/LivingInHerTimeMENAhttps://www.instagram.com/LihtOrganicsMENA
https://www.instagram.com/LihtOrganicsMENA
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
