A Conversation with Alicia Yoon, CEO of Peach & Lily

Today, we’re chatting with Alicia Yoon, the CEO and founder of Peach & Lily, a skincare brand known for its innovative formulations inspired by Korean beauty. Alicia, thank you for joining us! Let's start at the beginning—What inspired you to create Peach & Lily?

Alicia: Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind Peach & Lily came from my own skincare journey. After moving to Korea, I was amazed by the beauty rituals and products that were available. I noticed that Korean beauty focused on a holistic approach, emphasizing not just skin appearance but overall skin health. I wanted to bring that philosophy to the U.S. and create products that were effective yet gentle, suitable for a diverse range of skin types.

Can you share the journey that led you to establish Peach & Lily?

Alicia: Absolutely! After my time in Korea, I returned to the U.S. and began working in the beauty industry. I was determined to create a brand that would bridge the gap between Korean skincare innovation and the American market. In 2012, I launched Peach & Lily as an online destination to curate the best K-beauty products. Over time, I realized there was a demand for our own product line, which led to the development of Peach & Lily's formulations.

What sets Peach & Lily apart from other skincare brands?

Alicia: What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and efficacy. All our products are formulated with clean, skin-loving ingredients, and we prioritize transparency. We believe that skincare should be uncomplicated, effective, and enjoyable. Our approach is rooted in the principles of K-beauty, which emphasizes layering and gentle care, allowing customers to find what works best for their skin without overwhelming them.

How has the response been from customers regarding your products?

Alicia: The response has been incredibly rewarding! Our customers often share their positive experiences and results, which motivates us to continue innovating. We’re especially proud of how our products resonate with people, helping them address various skin concerns while enjoying their skincare routines. It’s gratifying to know that we’re making a positive impact on people’s lives.

What challenges have you faced in the beauty industry, and how have you overcome them?

Alicia: The beauty industry is highly competitive, and one of the main challenges is standing out in a saturated market. To overcome this, we focus on building strong relationships with our customers and listening to their needs. We invest in education, ensuring that our audience understands how to use our products effectively. Transparency and authenticity have been key in building trust, which is crucial in the beauty space.

How do you envision the future of Peach & Lily and the skincare industry?

Alicia: I envision Peach & Lily continuing to grow as a leader in the clean beauty movement. The skincare industry is increasingly shifting towards more sustainable and effective practices, and we want to be at the forefront of that change. We're committed to exploring innovative formulations and embracing technology that enhances customer experience, whether through personalized recommendations or new product development.

What’s one little-known fact about yourself that might surprise people?

Alicia: Many people might be surprised to learn that I used to work in finance before venturing into beauty. I think that background has helped me approach business strategically and understand the importance of data in making informed decisions for Peach & Lily. It’s a blend of creativity and analytical thinking that I find really exciting!

Thank you, Alicia, for sharing your insights and the story behind Peach & Lily with us! We can’t wait to see what’s next for your brand.

Alicia: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to chat with you. For more information about our products and to explore our skincare line, visit peachandlily.com.