Quick Question
The beauty mogul opens up about her career.
I was a good little boring finance student, she tells me over Zoom, laughing.
Despite her finance background, though, Fu knew about cosmetics.
Her real impetus to begin a beauty company, however, lies in her experience as an insecure teen.
I am an example of how makeup can change someones life.
I was afraid of being regarded as nerdy, not cool, not beautiful, not popular.
At that time, makeup was really my superpower.
I always wished there was a better option in between, says Fu.
And thats how SHEGLAM came about.
I wanted to build a brand that could provide affordable, prestige makeup products.
It was a really tough time, she says.
Her guiding light, however, was the brands customers.
The only thing that really kept me going through that period was the customer feedback.
Positive feedback gave me power, and negative ones taught me how I could be better.
In fact, Fu centers the brand around its consumers.
From day one, I have viewed our customers as SHEGLAMs co-founders, she says.
Most of our launches come from our consumers needs and we take inspiration from our community.
Its their support that keeps my dream alive.
What does your morning routine look like?
Ill often make a cup of tea first, then I will do my hair and makeup.
While I do this, Ill listen to a podcast usually something about business trends or the beauty industry.
Lately Ive been loving experimenting with my hairstyle.
We just launched SHEGLAM Hair, so Ive spent more time trying new styles.
I know reading customer feedback helps keep you motivated.
What are other ways that you work through challenges without getting disheartened?
Though it changes by the day, theyre always there, and Im learning my way through them.
How do you prep ahead of a big meeting?
That helps me to become confident and stay calm.
What is your advice to women who are just starting their careers?
Be bold and take risks.
Its OK to be anxious and fearful.
When I start something new, I feel this way, but its OK. We just need to learn to dance with it, take that first step, and keep moving.
attempt to learn from either success or failure.
Life is full of possibilities.
I never imagined I could achieve this.
How did you improve your managing skills?
What are your tips for that?
The most important point is to be respectful of everyone.
You have to know what their needs are and what they want from the job.
We have to reach a state of mutual understanding.
Its also key to stay focused.
Itll improve the efficiency of the whole organization.
What is the best business advice youve ever received?
One of them told me that you should always fix the roof while the sun is still shining.
Similarly, last year, we expanded to hairstyling categories, even when our cosmetics were doing so well.
Even in good times, you still need to know what matters in the long run.
You should prepare yourself for what lies ahead before it is too late.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
