Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carolyn Li Ming Geh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Carolyn Li Ming , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose has never been a straight journey. I’ve always been deeply curious about so many things, and so in a way, this made finding my purpose in fact even a little challenging. I was never that kid who always knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Thankfully, I had incredible parents who encouraged me and supported me in all my interests: from running track and field, to taking opera lessons, piano lessons, gymnastics, and a bunch of other activities when I was in school. I also encountered some really hard stuff when I was in my early 20s and I think this was pivotal to helping me discover what I was put on this earth to do. I’m a strong believer of turning hard things into beautiful things, and I do also believe in God. I believe in the concept of grace and feel that despite painful challenges, with God and the transformative power of grace, beauty always rises from ashes and there is beautiful purpose in suffering. We’re all here for a reason and it’s the most worthwhile thing to figure out what that is. So, personally for me, the way I found my purpose has been through the consequence and combination of incredible support from my family, facing some pivotal life challenges, figuring out what inspires me, allowing grace to work, understanding my why, and learning how I can connect my gifts to serve the world beyond myself.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder of Li Organics, a beauty company with a focus on antioxidant rich and synergistic formulas, and a mission beyond skin deep.
I grew up in Malaysia and left after high school on my own to pursue my studies in Canada. I did my undergraduate in Psychology and Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition, and then a Masters in Neuromechanics. But while I was in graduate school, I randomly got scouted to be on a popular sci-fi TV show, and this led to my move to New York to model full time. I worked with FORD Models (and am now with Fenton) and had a lovely client list from J Crew, Banana Republic, Lanvin, Chanel, Cover Girl, Harpers Bazaar, and more.
It’s ironic to me that my modeling career has lasted as long as it did, and it’s cool to see it evolve (I do still model) because ever since I was a child, growing up in Malaysia, I had severe eczema. I also had a 2 year cancer scare, which only made my skin sensitivities worse. I tried everything I could to help my skin, including dozens of dermatologist visits, prescription steroids, antihistamines, and even expensive skincare products. Nothing worked for me and I would often feel pretty devastated, and wondered if I was ever going to find anything that would help.
In the end, I resorted to creating skincare solutions for myself. It took time with a lot of experimenting and trying different things. But with my background in experimental research from graduate school days, and a lot of patience, I finally arrived at an effective solution. So Li Organics is a culmination of all the ups and downs of my very personal journey.
Li Organics is mission driven business first and foremost, and our goal is to to create deeply nourishing skincare for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Inspired by the nutrient rich and vibrant plant life of South East Asia where I grew up, and traditional methods of making skincare, our formulas aim to feed your skin all it needs to be truly healthy, thrive, and glow.
Our skin being the largest organ in our body is often a signal to how we’re doing on the inside. Our skin reflects our health and affects how we feel about ourselves. This is so fundamental and my goal is to always remind you that you are beautiful regardless of how you look. and how your skin is, but when you truly understand your value and worth, you take care of yourself and your skin accordingly.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Personally I’ve found that the following areas of personal development have been crucial for me:
- Developing the courage to be honest with yourself.
Always have courage to be honest with yourself, about why you do what you do, why you’re where you are in life, and why you are not making the changes you so deeply desire. This is harder said than done but I always tell myself, what do I have to lose? I would rather die than to live anything that is based on an untruth or worse still, numb myself through life, because then you’ll never be able to see your true situation for what it is. It takes courage to pause, reflect, and think; identify what’s blocking you and run towards these things, address them at their roots, so that you can be free from what holds you back. It takes courage and resolve to be completely honest but oh is it ever worth it. Because, remember it’s not about the end goal, it’s about the journey. And how much we will grow and gain from the journey of being honest with ourselves in all things. - Be deeply curious and understand First Principles
Curiosity is vital to growth and learning, and it fosters creativity. There is so much to learn in this world and I have found that being deeply curious and constantly asking the why’s, and how’s of the way this world works, about our own selves, and understanding first principles leads to great ideas, and also helps one to develop problem solving skills. Aristotle defined first principles as “the first basis from which a thing is known.” Keep on digging until until you are left with only the foundational truths of a situation or a problem. I’ve found that when I feel stuck, going back to “why” I’m doing what I’m doing and understanding first principles always helps me to get back on track. - A willingness to change.
Change is never easy, especially if something has been engrained for a long time. However, it’s completely possible. Adopt the “Atomic Habits” style of change, take each day as it comes, and make positive changes bit by bit.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for brand partners and individuals that align with my purpose and the Li Organics mission. Whether you’re an artist, influencer, brand, designer, and share our mission, I would love to connect at [email protected], or via social media @liorganics and @lovewithli Our mission at Li Organics is to create deeply nourishing skincare for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Inspired by the nutrient rich and vibrant plant life of South East Asia, and traditional methods of making skincare, our formulas aim to feed your skin all it needs to be truly healthy, thrive, and glow. Li Organics is here to inspire confidence in one another and usher in a kinder era of beauty that is rooted from within.
Contact Info:
- Website: liorganics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liorganics/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiOrganics
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-li-ming-g-979a4741/
