Meet Lorenzo Wong

We recently connected with Lorenzo Wong and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorenzo, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

When you’re the only one in the room who looks or thinks like you, it can feel overwhelming at times. But I’ve come to view it as an incredible opportunity to make an impact. One of the defining moments for me was when I spoke as a panelist at the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty CEO Summit 2024 in Key Biscayne, Florida. I had the chance to speak alongside the CEO of Bubble Skincare and fellow brand ambassadors, discussing the topic of ‘Inside the Mind of Gen Z’ and exploring consumerism in the modern beauty landscape. Here I was, a younger voice in a room filled with seasoned beauty executives, and I realized quickly that what made me different—my perspective, my approach, my background—was actually my greatest asset.

Being “the only one” can easily make you feel isolated, but instead of focusing on what separates you, I’ve learned to lean into what I uniquely bring to the table. My experience in social media and brand ambassadorship has shown me that authenticity is the most valuable currency today, especially with Gen Z. I spoke about this at the summit, emphasizing how this generation wants transparency and realness from the brands they engage with. That lesson has stuck with me—authenticity bridges the gap when you feel different.

At the WWD Beauty CEO Summit, I was honored to be a brand ambassador for Bubble Skincare, advocating for the values and needs of Gen Z in front of industry giants. As I shared insights on how Gen Z craves honesty, diversity, and a genuine connection with brands, I realized I was speaking not just for myself but for an entire generation. Being in that room wasn’t just about representing a brand; it was about using my platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard in spaces like this.

This experience strengthened my desire to build something that reflects these values—my own skincare brand that champions inclusivity and confidence for all. The summit showed me how much work still needs to be done in the beauty industry to create spaces where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels represented and heard. That’s a challenge I’m passionate about taking on.

The road hasn’t always been easy. Standing in a room where you are visibly and ideologically different from others can create moments of doubt. But what I’ve learned is that being different isn’t a barrier—it’s an advantage. My perspective as a young, diverse voice has allowed me to bring fresh ideas to the table. And with my passion for fostering an inclusive community, I see my uniqueness as an asset in creating something truly innovative and impactful in the beauty industry.

Ultimately, I believe that inclusivity and authenticity should be at the core of every brand. At the summit, this belief was reinforced as I engaged with industry leaders, shared ideas, and absorbed the incredible knowledge around me. Looking forward, I plan to use everything I’ve learned—from the WWD panel to my experiences as a brand ambassador—to shape a future where my skincare brand becomes a beacon of inclusivity, inspiring confidence in everyone who uses it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

For those who don’t know me, I’m Lorenzo Wong, a 21-year-old Communications graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, who is committed to shaping a more inclusive beauty landscape. My journey began with a fascination for how media can amplify voices that are often underrepresented, leading me to delve into social media and digital marketing. I believe that every story has the power to inspire change, and that belief has guided me through various roles in brand ambassadorship and marketing.

Currently, I’m focused on building my social media presence, where I create engaging content that promotes authenticity and community. I collaborate with brands like Bubble Skincare and Beekman 1802, crafting tailored campaigns that resonate with Gen Z. My work includes everything from designing eye-catching visuals to strategizing impactful social media outreach that emphasizes transparency and real connections.

What truly sets my work apart is my unwavering commitment to representation. My long-term aspiration is to launch my own skincare brand that welcomes everyone, aiming to inspire confidence across all backgrounds. I envision creating products that cater to diverse skin types and needs, emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance. My goal is to challenge traditional beauty standards and foster a community where everyone feels valued.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a panelist at the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty CEO Summit this past May in Key Biscayne, Florida. This experience allowed me to advocate for the wants and needs of my generation in the beauty industry, reinforcing my commitment to creating a positive impact.

I’m also exploring new collaborations and initiatives that promote inclusivity within the beauty space. I believe that by sharing our journeys and supporting one another, we can cultivate a movement that celebrates diversity and empowerment in the industry. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me, and I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique narratives along the way!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey so far, I’ve realized that three qualities have really shaped who I am today: the importance of networking, the power of authenticity, and a love for learning. Even though I’m still early in my career, I’ve had some eye-opening experiences that I think can help others navigate their own paths.

First, I can not emphasize the importance of networking! During my time at UCLA, I wanted to connect with more individuals who embraced creativity and I joined a club called UCLA REACH, an organization dedicated to creative individuals passionate about social media. It was intimidating at first, but I quickly realized I was surrounded by so many people who shared my interests and passions. Through this club, I met so many talented individuals who opened doors I didn’t even know existed—like collaborative projects and mentorship opportunities. My advice? Find communities that inspire you and don’t hesitate to reach out—those connections can lead to amazing opportunities!

Second, Authenticity has been essential in overcoming my imposter syndrome, especially when I first began sharing my content online. I remember posting my initial video with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had poured so much effort into it, but the fear of judgment loomed over me. After I hit “post,” I felt a wave of doubt wash over me, questioning whether I really belonged in this space. During that uncertain time, I leaned on my close friends for support. I opened up about my insecurities and fears, and their response was overwhelming. They reminded me of the passion and creativity I bring to my work and encouraged me to stay true to my authentic self. Their belief in me was the spark I needed to push through those initial doubts and remain consistent in sharing my journey. This experience taught me the power of surrounding yourself with uplifting people. I realized that staying authentic and consistent is vital, even when the voice of doubt creeps in. I want others to learn to embrace your vulnerabilities and share them with those who support you. It’s those moments of honesty that foster genuine connections and inspire others, reminding us that we’re not alone in our journeys.

Third, I genuinely believe that a commitment to continuous learning is beneficial for everyone because it keeps your mind active and helps you stay current with industry trends. My passion for learning really took off during my time at UCLA, where I pursued a degree in Communications and minors in Entrepreneurship and Film. The courses challenged me to think critically and creatively, which fueled my desire to deepen my understanding of marketing. I quickly learned that in this fast-paced industry, staying curious is essential.

That’s why I’ve made it a priority to keep learning and improving. I sought out certifications in Google Ads, Google Analytics, Salesforce Sales Operations, and HubSpot Marketing Software. Each of these certifications has not only expanded my marketing skill set but also kept me updated with the latest trends in the industry. If you’re just starting your journey, embrace every opportunity to learn! Whether it’s through formal education or self-directed study, each piece of knowledge contributes to your growth and development.

Though I’m still figuring things out, I believe these lessons can resonate with anyone starting their journey. By building genuine connections, staying true to yourself, and embracing the journey of learning, you can navigate your path with confidence. I’m excited to keep growing and sharing my experiences as I aim to make a positive impact in the industry!

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe in focusing on what you’re good at while also striving to be well-rounded. For me, my strengths lie in marketing and social media, but as I look ahead to becoming a future business owner—especially in the skincare industry—I know it’s essential to expand my skill set beyond just what I’m comfortable with.

For example, I’ll never forget an experience that I’ve had when working on a group project for one of my entrepreneurship classes at UCLA. For this project, we were assigned the task of developing a concept for a startup. I was so excited to take the lead on our marketing strategy, feeling right at home thanks to my experience as a brand ambassador and social media content creator. However as the project unfolded, I quickly realized that my team needed someone to step in and guide us through budgeting and financial planning to make our proposal even stronger. It was a lightbulb moment for me—I could whip up creative campaigns all day long, but without a grasp of the financial side, I wouldn’t be fully prepared for the challenges of running a business.

That experience pushed me to seek out workshops in finance and operations because I want to be a future business owner who understands the full scope of what it takes to run a successful skincare brand. I’m passionate about creating a brand that welcomes everyone and inspires confidence, and I know that means I need to cultivate a broad range of skills. The journey doesn’t stop with marketing; I want to ensure I’m well-equipped to navigate every aspect of entrepreneurship.

By continuously learning and growing, I hope to build a brand that genuinely resonates with my audience. Balancing my love for marketing with an understanding of business management will not only help me in my future endeavors but also allow me to connect with others who share my dreams and aspirations. After all, we’re all on this journey together, and I can’t wait to see where it leads!

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Lorenzo Wong

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