We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Soo In Michelle Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Soo In Michelle, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving the traditional corporate world. As a first-generation immigrant, I grew up with the mindset that security was the ultimate goal, instilled in me by my parents who believed in the stability of a steady paycheck. However, I found myself at a crossroads where the security I was taught to value no longer aligned with the passion I was eager to pursue.

The decision to quit my corporate job wasn’t easy. There were many moments of doubt, especially since I started working at very early and worked my way up the corporate ladder as a young woman. I was in a senior position by the age of 25. But I knew I needed something different, no matter how scary. I was venturing into the unknown, not only as a content creator but also as the founder of a brand new skincare company, INYOUN SKIN, which focuses on sensitive skin and normalizing real skin. I knew I wanted to create something more meaningful—something that didn’t just feed me financially, but fueled my soul. I felt a deep urge to follow my passion, using my creativity to give back and make an impact. I wasn’t just chasing success—I was chasing purpose.

Leaving the comfort and perceived stability of a corporate environment to immerse myself in a creative space and build a brand from the ground up was intimidating. I took a leap of faith because I believed in the vision I had for INYOUN SKIN, where I could bring products that are genuinely healthy, effective, and designed for people like me who’ve struggled with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It’s about more than just skincare; it’s about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin.

This journey has been filled with challenges, but the fulfillment I’ve found in following my passion and helping others has been beyond rewarding.

Soo In Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not know me, my journey into the skincare and content creation industry started about seven years ago. I began as a creator by sharing my honest, unfiltered thoughts on skincare and makeup. What set me apart from the beginning was my commitment to being genuine—both in what I shared and how I represented myself. I wasn’t just talking about flawless skin or picture-perfect looks; I was opening up about real skin issues and giving advice based on my own experiences. That authenticity resonated with people.

In 2019, I faced a personal challenge that became the driving force behind my skincare brand, INYOUN SKIN. I was diagnosed with psoriasis, a condition that ultimately covered 80% of my body. It was a difficult time, both physically and emotionally. But during that period, something beautiful happened: I started receiving messages from young men and women who thanked me for proudly showing my skin. They were grateful that someone was representing real skin in a world where flawless perfection is often the norm. That connection, that sense of community, inspired me to do more.

I realized there was a significant gap in the skincare market for people like me, who struggle with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and other sensitive skin issues. That’s why I launched INYOUN SKIN. Our products aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re designed to address real skin concerns with clean, healthy, and effective ingredients. I wanted to normalize real skin, helping people feel seen and confident, no matter what their skin condition may be.

What sets INYOUN SKIN apart is our commitment to transparency and quality. We’re not just creating products to mask issues but to actively improve skin health. Our focus is on providing solutions that are effective, safe, and free of harmful chemicals. We want our customers to feel confident in their skin, knowing they’re using products that truly work and align with their values. It’s about more than skincare—it’s about helping people reclaim their confidence and embrace their uniqueness.

At the heart of everything I do, both as a content creator and as the founder of INYOUN SKIN, is a passion for authenticity and a desire to make a difference. I want my followers and customers to know that I’m here to support them, not only with great products but with a message of self-acceptance and empowerment.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After a few months of psoriasis overtaking my body, I decided to openly show up in real life and on social media, the raw version of me. I began to post myself authentically, no photoshop, no facetune – and it reached parts of the world I never expected. It empowered me to do more.

So, I decided to go out with my girlfriends for the first time in public, wearing a bikini, showing my skin, representing this skin disease.

Within the first 30 minutes, an intoxicated “frat guy” came up to me and picked me up only to immediately drop me after feeling my rough patchy skin on my back. He freaked out and asked me “do you have herpes????”

That moment… rocked me. And it could have knocked me down right back to square 1. I was used to often getting asked if I had been in a terrible burn or even if I was contagious. I understood their worry. But to be so disgustingly looked at by a male… it hurt my ego, my pride, my heart.

In that moment, I did cry. I did run away. But I came right back and decided that this is one of those defining moments that is going to become a powerful story as to why I do what I am doing.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

“Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.”

A very common phrase that became so popular. And I had to unlearn that.

Because now, I believe that you should keep your friends the closest and your enemies far, far away. I think the original phrase makes sense for people who want to keep their enemies close to be able to beat them. So it becomes a pattern of taking time and energy going towards figuring out how to beat someone else.

I had to learn that it’s never about beating your enemies but the real point in life is you vs you. You trying to be better than the version you were yesterday. That’s when you become untouchable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inyounskin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmichellelee/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellesooinlee/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ohmichellelee?lang=en

  https://www.instagram.com/inyounskin/