A Prelude

I have a lot to say.

So much feeling, importance, urgency, desperation, and hope to convey that I find myself speechless, at risk of the emotions spilling out of my eyes instead of my mouth. 

So many topics to cover, ideas to implore you to consider, and simple but difficult-to-digest truths that I have tried to convey them through 5 different mediums, and I have written and deleted about 250 drafts of this very message you are reading before deciding that saying something, even if it isn’t perfect, is better than not saying anything at all. 

I have fought myself in the simple act of convincing myself to create this. I am fighting second guesses, that I might say the wrong thing, and self-doubt, that I might not be qualified or eloquent enough to deliver such a critical message. Despite all this, what my heart is screaming out to tell you overrides any of the fear or doubt that enshrouds me. This very website is a physical example of the change I wish to incite: I built this website as proof to myself, and my 7-year-old self, that even especially as an Asian, I could occupy a meaningful spot in the industry I dreamed of being in. And through this I was able to be inspired by other AHANA beauty creators, and bring representation as an Asian featured on the Sephora website. I have been able to live out dreams. That’s why I’m here. I’m here because I believe we are all entitled to a chance to live out our wildest, most insatiable dreams. It is our very ability to dream, and pursue said dreams, that makes up the foundation of all humanity.

So I am here, reaching out to you, in the hopes that my words might bring some salience to the topic of representation in the beauty industry. I will be speaking from the perspective and experience of a Korean female, because that is what I am qualified to speak as, but my truest wish is that greater representation will be found for all those under-represented in this industry. It is my deepest conviction that you, dear friend, deserve the chance to hold a valuable, meaningful place in any industry, and field, any dream you conjure. But that kind of change, that cementation of equality, will only happen once stigmas, hegemonic standards, and stereotypes are broken. Only when each person is seen as a human with infinite potential, can that happen. Only when someone is willing to speak and share difficult experiences can others know that change is needed at all. So I speak.

As always, thank you for reading. I’m glad you’re here.