There’s no denying that Tatcha has become a favorite in the beauty world as a skincare brand that seamlessly blends Japanese botanicals with clinically backed ingredients to rejuvenate not only the skin, but the soul as well. At the helm of the brand is Vicky Tsai, who founded the brand during her own journey of self-exploration and self-discovery. During a visit to Kyoto, she immersed herself in the beauty practices of the geisha, a cultural treasure of Japan. Through their ancient rituals, Tsai’s skin found comfort and healing – a transformative experience lit a fire within her to share these ancient secrets with the world.
Today, Tatcha is a major player in the skin care space, found at major retailers like Sephora and on the counters of major beauty influencers and makers. And while Tsai, with the guidance of geisha and cultural advisors, has built an incredibly successful and purpose-driven skincare brand, her path certainly hasn’t been linear. In fact, Tsai’s journey is a testament to her extraordinary perseverance, resilience and unyielding sense of purpose.
Tsai’s career initially led her to the busy streets of Wall Street, where she worked as a derivatives trader at Merrill Lynch in New York City. Little did she know that the city she called home would experience one of the most important events in modern history: the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center – an extremely pivotal moment in her life. After September 11, Tsai reevaluated her path in search of more fulfilling work. Thus, she embarked on a new journey by enrolling at Harvard Business School, which led her to a multitude of opportunities. She interned at SKII and ventured into the world of Starbucks in China. She later joined a tech startup focused on sustainability. Despite these varied experiences, Tsai still struggled with a sense of purpose while dealing with acute dermatitis that ravaged her skin.
Ten years into her corporate career, Tsai made a bold and daring decision: to prioritize her own happiness. Armed with nothing more than a desire for change and a staggering half-million dollars in debt, she quit her job and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Listen to tthe last episode of Second Life to hear how Tsai ultimately found her place in the beauty industry.
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