Let’s get real—founding a beauty brand isn’t all about flawless selfies and perfectly dewy skin. For Amy Liu, founder of TOWER 28, it’s a mix of consulting gigs, eczema, and a healthy dose of psychic readings. Yep, you read that right. Liu’s beauty journey may not have been your typical “aspiring beauty mogul” story, but it’s one filled with lessons, laughs, and a serious passion for sensitive skin.
Why You Need to Tune In to This Episode of Hitting Pan
If you’ve ever wondered how to start a beauty brand without a built-in fan base like a Kardashian, or you’ve dealt with skin that just doesn’t play nice, this episode is for you. In this episode of Hitting Pan, Liu gets to the bottom of what it’s like to juggle entrepreneurship, family, and a beauty empire while proving you don’t need perfect skin to create a brand that changes the industry. Check out one of our favorite moments from her episode below, then head to Spotify to catch the full thing.
Key Takeaways: Building a Brand When You’re “Sensitive”
Risk-Averse Rebel: Liu grew up with frugal, immigrant parents who believed in zero debt and minimal risks. Yet, she went ahead and did the most risky thing—started her own beauty brand. Spoiler: It worked out.
From Number 2 to Number 1: Liu’s secret to success? Learning on someone else’s dime. She spent 22 years in beauty working for brands like SMASHBOX, KATE SOMERVILLE, and JOSIE MARAN, figuring out how to not blow her own money.
SOS to the Rescue: TOWER 28’s SOS Rescue Spray is Liu’s pride and joy, saving skin worldwide from angry flare-ups. Turns out, creating a cult-favorite product might be as satisfying as calling your psychic for validation.
Additional Resources & Products Mentioned
Final Thoughts
Amy Liu’s journey to creating TOWER 28 is a refreshing reminder that you don’t have to fit the mold to make it in beauty. Whether you’re juggling eczema, self-doubt, or that all-too-familiar pressure that you should’ve “made it” by 25, her story proves it’s okay to be sensitive—both in business and in life.
New episodes of Hitting Pan drop every Thursday. Follow Hitting Pan on Spotify to catch the full episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow IPSY on Instagram and TikTok for all the latest Hitting Pan news (plus so much more!).
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