Meet the impressive Li Ming Geh–the founder and CEO of our latest clean beauty addition, Li Organics. Born and raised in Malaysia, Li spent years perfecting skincare solutions for herself to combat her sensitive, eczema prone skin. The end result became a nourishing combination of ancient traditions, healing, and botanicals that work for all skin types. Discover Li's skincare regimen and more about her journey in the beauty industry.
xoxo
Marysia
Tell us a bit about yourself..
I was born and raised in beautiful, tropical Malaysia and ever since I was little and for as long as I can remember, I've suffered from wildly sensitive and eczema prone skin. I moved to Canada after high school to pursue my degree in Psychology and Neuromechanics thinking I’d be a research scientist. However, while I was in graduate school, I was unexpectedly scouted to be a double for a television show, and that eventually led to a contract with a top modeling agency in New York. All throughout my modeling career, I continued my battle with sensitive skin and eventually decided to create skincare solutions for myself. It took a long time with a lot of experimenting and trying different things. What I finally arrived at was a nourishing combination of ancient traditions, healing, nourishing botanicals, confirmed by modern science.
What inspired you to start your brand?
Having battled with sensitive skin all my life, I know too well the stress and toll it can take on someone’s confidence and self esteem. However, I feel this doesn’t have to be the reality for us all and I want to help turn the tide and be a part of the movement that creates lasting positive change in the beauty industry. So, what inspires me most is the idea that beauty is far more than skin deep and sharing the message that we are all created beautifully, regardless of what shape, skin challenges, or skin color we are. My mission is to love others well by sharing our deeply nourishing and transformative skincare with the world.
How does your brand practice sustainability?
Sustainability has been woven into our brand from day one because we believe it’s the only way to live on an earth that has given so much of itself to us. So, from the sourcing of our raw ingredients- choosing to work with farmers that practice organic farming methods, and distillers and farms that pay fair wages, to our small batch manufacturing- focusing on delivering on quality and results rather than volume, to our glass packaging, recycled corn husk labels, and FSC certified paper for all our cartons- we make sure to be as self aware as possible as to how we can play our part at every step in preserving and nurturing our environment and planet that we love and appreciate so deeply.
What is your morning skincare regimen?
The first thing I do when I wake up is exfoliate. I start with opening up my pores with a warm water rinse over my face. Then, I take a small almond sized amount of the Li Organics Obsidian Renewal Scrub and lather it with a tiny amount of water onto my face, massaging it in circular motions. Gentle, regular exfoliation is so important as it removes dead skin cells and continuously allows for skin cell renewal to take place. I look forward to this morning massage and detox as it encourages blood circulation and feels incredibly relaxing. After about 30 seconds, I rinse my face with warm water, followed by icy cool water to close my pores.
Then I spritz 3-4 pumps of our Palmarosa Revival Face Mist over my face and neck. This mist is wonderful as it doubles as an antioxidant filled drink for our skin, keeping it hydrated all day.
Then, I apply two pumps of our Liquid Amber Serum and massage it in circular motions into my skin, while rubbing the access into my cuticles as it often feels dry. It’s the only thing that helps my cuticles stay healthy.
Finally, I apply a sunblock even on rainy, cloudy days. It’s just a habit I have. I’m alternating between Supergoop’s SPF 40 Unseen Sunscreen and Organic Pharmacy’s Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 30.
Do you have a favorite Li Organics product? If so, what makes it so special?
There’s that saying less is more but I think there’s a better idea, and that is that less of what is excellent and essential is more than a myriad of the unessential. We have a super tight collection of 4 products, so it’s been hard to choose a single favorite because our line has already been so distilled down to just what is essential and excellent. But, if i had to live with just two for a month- then i would choose the Obsidian Renewal Charcoal Scrub and the Liquid Amber Concentrated Serum.
Are your skincare products recommended for all skin types?
It certainly is. We tested our products with so many different skin types from dry, to ultra sensitive, to oily, and breakout prone and with people from an age range of 18 to 70. Our goal when we formulate is to nourish the skin deeply and bring balance back to it so that it can be its very best- regardless of your skin type or challenge.
Where do you draw creative inspiration from?
Nature. It has an uncanny ability to breathe life into my soul and I always feel so refreshed and renewed after just taking a walk in the park and observing the tiny details of nature that we so often miss- like the veins on a flower petal, or the markings on tree trunks. Or going on a mountain hike and reaching the top, and feeling so tiny amidst the vast space and magnificent mountains. It does my soul a lot of good in a way that is hard to describe.
Any tips on balancing your work and personal life?
I’m super anti being a workaholic and a huge believer in taking time for yourself to rest, be creative, think, and get enough sleep. Protecting your asset, ie. yourself is so important and I feel no one should ever feel pressured to push themselves to unhealthy limits.
Best piece of advice for fellow female entrepreneurs?
Focus on the one or two things you’re good at, and be unapologetically passionate about your vision. Realize that it is also so important and absolutely okay to seek help and ask questions when we don’t know the answers. Finally, don’t ever give up- it’s about the journey not the destination.
