Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Chan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Heather thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I like to think that I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, which was ignited when I attended a high school summer program at Wharton. The program introduced me to the world of business plans and thinking like a founder, laying the groundwork for what was to come.
Fast forward to the height of the pandemic, I was deeply immersed in my work at a private equity firm but, like many of us, also soul-searching. Every morning, I watched the sunrise, did my yoga routine, meditated, and wrote in my journal to calm my mind and inspire creativity. I had a notes page on my iPhone filled with random startup ideas—some legitimate, others downright hilarious. Among these ideas, one stood out: a skincare brand rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. I saw potential in combining my entrepreneurial drive with my twin sister’s expertise in Eastern medicine, so I shared the idea with her, hoping she would join me. Despite our initial discussion, the idea didn’t go anywhere.
It wasn’t until I moved to New York in 2023 and connected with a friend who has his own beauty company that things began to take shape. He challenged me to create a comprehensive deck outlining Moonbow’s vision, mission, and market analysis, giving me a two-week deadline to present it to him. This marked the transition from an initial idea to a concrete plan.
The next few months were a whirlwind of networking to build conviction that the idea I had was actionable. I was immersed in searching for a graphic designer and contract manufacturer, recognizing them as two fundamental roles in bringing my idea to life.
The pivotal moment was during Christmas break back in Hong Kong where I gained my twin sister’s wholehearted support, solidifying our partnership in this endeavor. Together, we meticulously sifted through an array of 150 potential brand names, eventually settling on ‘Moonbow’. Additionally, the month prior, I had applied to an accelerator program and received exhilarating news of my acceptance on Christmas eve, adding a layer of excitement and validation to our venture.
Reflecting on my journey, I was always hesitant to start Moonbow, often using the excuse that it wasn’t the right time. As cliché as it sounds, there really isn’t a ‘right time.’ You just have to take the leap and start. For me, it was my friend who provided the impetus to begin my journey, and I am truly grateful for that support!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up in Hong Kong and in a family with traditional Asian roots, my career path was predefined—a glorious career in finance. This contradicted my personal ambitions to enter into the consumer industry fueled by not only my major in Studio Art during college, but also my love for health and wellness.
As much as I try, my own health and wellness was never perfect. I’ve experienced persistent gut issues that have manifested as unhealthy skin, prompting a year-long journey of writing down everything I ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to decipher food triggers. I even went as far as taking a bone broth cleanse (which didn’t last long – I love food), and a visit to the doctors for an endoscopy. In a last ditch effort, I searched for holistic skincare solutions that could bring balance to my body and mind, but I never found obvious options.
My twin-sister coincidentally was also going through her own skincare struggles, during which she enlightened me with the transformative power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Rooted in our upbringing’s modest exposure to TCM through nourishing soups, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices, I delved deeper into its holistic philosophy. TCM, I discovered, is a medicine that focuses on mind, body, and soul, emphasizing emotional awareness alongside physical health. Inspired, I embarked on a holistic journey. By “holistic”, I mean that I incorporated meditation, journaling, yoga, and TCM herbs into my daily routine. The profound internal benefits of these practices manifested externally, as my skin became a canvas reflecting self-care and nourishment.
Integrating my heritage and modern wellness ignited the vision to start Moonbow – a manifestation of our shared ethos, promoting not only skincare but a lifestyle rooted in balance and mindfulness.
Over time, it became clear to us that the market lacked holistic skincare solutions—ones that emphasize improving lifestyle habits to counteract the rising stress among young adults, use natural herbs, and remain affordable. These issues helped us crystalize our mission: to democratize TCM, making its ancient wisdom and healing properties accessible to all.
We have meticulously crafted a unique blend of TCM herbs for our skincare products to achieve the effects consumers desire, as identified through interviews—brightening, moisturizing, acne-safe, reducing fine lines, and more. One herb we’re particularly excited about is wild chrysanthemum. It’s rich in beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
We plan to launch Moonbow in early 2025 with the intention to launch a face wash, face moisturizer, and a face serum to enlist a gentle, simple, and effective routine.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Luck would have it that I met my cofounder in the same womb! I’ve always had an unparalleled bond with my twin sister, Felice. We grew up as best friends and yes, had our ups and downs, marked by fights and competitiveness, yet anchored by unconditional support, a connection few are fortunate to experience.
Our business skills complement each other perfectly where she focuses on formulation and herbs, while I handle the daily operations to drive the brand forward. Being business partners has become a dream come true for the both of us and added a new dimension to our relationship. We’ve learned how to navigate boundaries from personal to business and the journey so far has positively deepened our relationship.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
We were deep in the production and formulation process. Everything seemed to be on track until we hit a roadblock with our chosen lab in California that wasn’t meeting our process timeline due to already having a large customer base. It became evident that the partnership wasn’t meeting our needs as we had hoped.
We made the decision to switch labs—a decision that was risky yet yielded an incredible outcome. The new lab not only had Asian skincare expertise, but also dedicated a full team towards building out Moonbow’s vision, which we believe is critical.
This experience taught us a valuable lesson: in moments of uncertainty, remain measured and adaptable change. The ability to pivot when necessary is essential for growth and success. It’s about embracing the twists and turns of entrepreneurship with enthusiasm and resilience. Not every decision will pan out perfectly, but it’s the thoughtful consideration and willingness to adapt that ultimately define your journey. In the end, it’s all part of the exhilarating adventure of building your brand from the ground up!
Felice and I could not be more happy with where we currently are in the journey of manifesting Moonbow into an inspiring TCM-focused skincare brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moonbowskin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_heatherjchan_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-chan-7826015b/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/moonbow_skin/
Image Credits
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