Meet Heather Chan

We were lucky to catch up with Heather Chan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Heather with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic comes from two main influences: growing up in Hong Kong under the guidance of traditional Chinese parents and my prior career in private equity. From a young age, it was ingrained in me to prioritize education and discipline. I remember looking out my window, seeing my friends playing outside, while I stayed in to focus on homework or sports. My parents set high standards, always modeling hard work and dedication in their careers, which inspired me to set similar expectations for myself.

In private equity, I spent seven years in a high-pressure, male-dominated environment, which taught me resilience and endurance. The culture was one of ‘sink or swim,’ and I quickly learned that hard work, grit, and producing exceptional work were key to standing out—especially as an Asian woman among predominantly white male colleagues. I remember two pivotal moments that gave me a wake-up call about the realities of this industry. The first was during a dinner with real estate moguls in Texas, when one of them pointed at me and asked the waiter to bring me a fortune cookie for dessert. The second was a 3 am meeting my boss had invited me to simply listen in on, or so I thought—until, out of the blue, he asked me to present. There I was, in my pajamas, with my camera on, scrambling to shift gears and speak professionally in front of a senior team of men. It was here that I developed a thick skin, learning to handle challenges with persistence and clarity of focus.

Resilience, for me, stems from understanding my purpose and passion. I co-founded Moonbow, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-inspired skincare company, to share the holistic benefits of TCM with others. Knowing the value of what I’m bringing to the world helps me persevere through obstacles and remain motivated, even when the journey is difficult. Working alongside my twin sister keeps me grounded and inspired as we hold each other accountable and push each other forward. This combination of passion, purpose, and partnership continuously fuels my resilience and work ethic.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the co-founder of Moonbow, a skincare brand on a mission to harmonize both skin and spirit. Moonbow is the culmination of my experiences and passions, brought to life alongside my twin sister, best friend, and a skilled Eastern medicine doctor. Together, we blend the wisdom of traditional Eastern practices with the modern lifestyle of the Western world, sharing the transformative potential of holistic health. This mission is deeply personal to me, inspired by my own gut health journey during high-stress years in private equity and my transition to calling the US my home.

Our brand stands out in an otherwise saturated skincare market because we’ve identified a unique opportunity: while searching for solutions to our own gut and acne issues, we kept coming back to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It became clear that the market was lacking in holistic skincare options—ones that emphasize lifestyle improvements to counteract rising stress among young adults, use natural herbs, and remain accessible. This realization crystallized our mission to democratize TCM, making its ancient wisdom and healing benefits available to all.

TCM is among the fastest-growing health approaches in the US, valued for its focus on the mind, body, and spirit, which prioritizes emotional well-being alongside physical health. TCM offers a lifestyle centered on nourishing the body with herbs, acupuncture, and more. At Moonbow, we’re not only incorporating powerful TCM herbs with skin-health benefits, but we’re also emphasizing the importance of slowing down and tuning into how you treat your body—because self-care manifests in the skin.

Through the expert advice of Dr. Felice Chan (co-founder of Moonbow) we have crafted a blend of TCM herbs that addresses what consumers most desire: brightening, moisturizing, acne-safe solutions, and fine-line reduction. One herb we’re particularly excited about is wild chrysanthemum, rich in beta-carotene, which offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

We’re set to launch Moonbow in early 2025 on our own website with three core products: a face cleanser, face serum, and a face moisturizer, designed to provide a simple, gentle, and effective skincare routine.

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?

First, staying intellectually curious has been invaluable. As an entrepreneur, you’re expected to become an expert in your field, and that requires constantly absorbing new information. I make a point of reading industry articles, attending events, and especially listening to podcasts on long walks to stay inspired and informed. I love my podcast walks! Even during my time in private equity, I pursued side projects, helping other startups without compensation just to broaden my knowledge. This approach taught me about different industries and filled gaps in areas I was less familiar with, equipping me with a comprehensive view that’s now essential to my work.

The second quality is the ability to pivot. Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight line, and success often hinges on embracing the unexpected. The willingness to adapt—whether in response to market feedback, team changes, or evolving business goals—allows you to refine your approach continuously. Every twist and turn is an opportunity to learn, and it’s through these experiences that a brand gains depth and resilience.

Finally, knowing how to leverage and monetize your network is crucial. The value of your network goes beyond simple connections; it’s a strategic asset that can provide access to investors, skilled team members, and potential collaborators. Taking the time to meet for coffee, lunch, or a quick call can open doors you never anticipated. Building and nurturing these relationships can be a transformative advantage for anyone early in their journey.

My advice? Foster your curiosity, embrace adaptability, and invest in meaningful relationships. These habits are the foundation for long-term growth and success.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a few grounding rituals that have become essential to my wellness journey. One of the most important routines is my morning meditation and journaling practice, especially during high-stress times. Starting each day with this ritual helps center my mind and set a positive tone for the day. I also highly recommend incorporating qi gong—a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing, meditation, and self-massage. Establishing a morning ritual of any kind, even something as simple as stepping out to get coffee, can be incredibly grounding.

On days when I’m short on time, I keep things simple by writing down three things I’m grateful for and repeating my personal mantra to myself. This quick practice shifts my mindset and starts my day on a positive note. For those who may not be drawn to meditation or journaling, I also find stress relief through exercise and spending time outdoors. I aim to work out six times a week, and a walk in fresh air can be just as powerful. It’s amazing how stepping outside can clear mental fog and help you regain perspective.

I recommend finding consistent practices that bring you peace and making them part of your routine, especially when things feel overwhelming. These grounding habits can make all the difference.

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