Meet A Mom Feature – Kayla & Lisa the amazing Moms behind Soon Skincare
What was your inspiration behind creating Soon Skincare?
It all started when Kayla bought Korean beauty masks to give to our friends on a girls trip to Puerto Vallarta. We were excited to try the masks, but…well, they weren’t great. The masks didn’t have clear directions, they didn’t fit well, and we really didn’t know what we were putting on our faces. We knew we could do better, so we set out to create something revolutionary. After hours of measuring each other’s faces, countless trips to Korea to meet with skincare chemists, and dozens of nights testing products, we’re proud to announce we’ve created the most innovative sheet masks on the market. Everything we do is to improve the user experience when trying out Korean skincare. That is the motivating factor behind all of our decisions. We create products we want to use, and are confident recommending to our friends, family, and our amazing customers.
What is your relationship as founders?
We were friends for a couple of years before we started Soon Skincare. We already knew a lot about each other— how we worked, how we responded to different situations, and that we really had fun together. That helped us tremendously when we started Soon because we had a great foundation before we even started discussing working together.
What separates Soon Skincare masks from other masks on the market?
Where do we begin! The shape of the masks is definitely unique to Soon Skincare. We took into consideration people’s different face shapes, along with things like micro-blading, eyebrow tinting, and that pesky area under your chin that can be a problem area for so many. Also, all of the formulas of our serums are unique. We try to use the best ingredients available, and high concentrations of them as well. We want our customers to feel confident when they are putting them on their faces at our products are high-quality and have had a ton of thought put into every detail about them.
How do you balance being traveling businesswomen and wonderful moms?
We both try really hard to make sure we are present and focused on whatever we are doing at the moment. We block off certain hours to work, and then others when our kids get home from school where we can give them our full attention. Sometimes when we travel it is actually easier because then our work gets our full attention, and then when we get back home we try to make sure our kids know they are our top priority.
What one thing have you learned about one another traveling to Korea together?
Lisa– I’ve learned that Kayla is easy to travel with! She is easy going, always up to try a new restaurant, and is constantly making me laugh. We have the best time on our work trips, because not only are we getting a lot done to grow our company, but we get a chance to go on crazy adventures together too; like touring the DMZ, or seeing Pink Dolphins in Hong Kong. Also, she packs a portable speaker when we travel so you never know when our room will turn into a mini-dance party.
Kayla– Before launching Soon, I had never traveled to Korea. Luckily, I love to travel, having new experiences and learning everything I can. I really enjoy our business meetings, and working with Lisa in labs and manufacturing plants to come up with the perfect products for our customers. Being able to do it all with a good friend makes it even more fun because we always have such a good time! There is always a lot of laughter and we collect funny, new experiences with each trip. All of these lessons have helped make each of our trips successful and are now helping us build Soon and take it to the next level.
How do you deal with mom guilt while you are away?
Lisa-Mom guilt is hard, and to be honest I find it very unfair. When I feel it creeping up on me, I try to think about how many men travel for work all the time, and they aren’t shamed for it. They are seen as doing what needs to be done to provide for their family. It also helps having a business partner/friend who is in the same boat so we can talk each other through it.
Kayla– On our last time in Korea, I got a call that my three-year-old couldn’t breathe and had been hospitalized. I felt sick that I could not be with him. I feel like all working mothers have these kinds of moments, big or small, because we want to do everything and be everwhere, and it is difficult to accept that it’s not possible. So I do my best, lean on my husband and friends for support, and commit to being a better mother and person each new day.
What is your favorite family staycation in Southern California?
Lisa-We love going up to LA for either a day or a weekend. We hit up some of our favorite restaurants, the kids love going to the zoo or museums, and since my husband and I both lived up there for a bit we usually end up taking a stroll down memory lane too. Also, Koreatown up there has the best food, so we almost always end up there at some point. My grandpa used to live up there so we would go up pretty regularly, but we haven’t gone in a while. This is making me feel like we need to go again!
Kayla– That’s easy: Disneyland.
What is your favorite date night spot in South Orange County?
Lisa-We love going out to eat and going to the movies, so I feel like one of our reliable date nights is going to dinner at Cucina Enoteca at the Spectrum and then going to a movie after. The food is always delicious, and if you eat at the bar most of the time you don’t need a reservation, which is perfect for last minute date nights.
Kayla– I live for date nights. I think date nights are so important for two very busy parents, and I look forward to connecting with Blake and having him all to myself. Our favorite spot is probably The Montage – we love walking along the beach and enjoying the view together.
Best piece of advice you got from another mom?
Lisa– Listen to the advice of other moms, but then figure out what works out best for you and your family.
Kayla– The best advice comes from my mom: Be kind, and don’t judge (especially not another mom).
What is your favorite go to Soon product?
Lisa-It depends on the day! Our eye patch masks are lifesavers for when I don’t get enough sleep (which is most of the time), and I love that our hydrating mask never fails to give my skin a healthy glow after use.
Kayla– Our Mermaid Collagen serum! We are launching it in November, and I love using it every day.
What’s next for Soon Skincare?
Our next product launch is our Mermaid Collagen Serum, which we will begin selling in November. We have been working to perfect this formula for more than a year, and it turned out even better than our high hopes for it. We can’t wait for people to try it because if our testing groups are any indication, our customers will love it!
Please tell South OC Moms where they can find your amazing products?
Our products can be found on our website: https://soonskincare.com/
On Amazon: https://soonskincare.com/on: https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/13760592011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Soon&ref_=bl_dp_s_web_13760592011
And will be in Nordstrom over the Holiday season.
