VITA Daily: Meet Three Extraordinary Women

To celebrate this International Women’s Day (and really, shouldn’t that simply be everyday?!), we’re profiling some incredible women in the lifestyle space. Here, three we really look up to. —Noa Nichol

Julia Bao, BAO Laboratory Q&A

Tell us a bit about yourself to start.

My name is Dr. Julia Bao and I am the founder of BAO Laboratory. Before founding my company, I worked as an analytical biochemist, with a passion for using science to create innovative and effective skincare products. As the founder of BAO Laboratory, my background in analytical biochemistry has inspired me to create a range of effective skincare products that are powered by a unique small molecule formulation. This proprietary formulation is designed to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering restorative benefits that are unmatched by other products on the market. At BAO Laboratory, we are committed to using only the highest quality, all-natural ingredients in our products. As someone who believes that what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body, I take great care in sourcing our ingredients from reputable suppliers and selecting each one for its specific benefits and effectiveness. Our small molecule formulation and commitment to all-natural ingredients are two key factors that set BAO Laboratory apart from other skincare brands. Our customers can trust that they are getting the best of both worlds: cutting-edge science and natural ingredients that are good for their skin and the planet.

What inspired you to launch your business?

I was inspired to launch BAO Laboratory after a personal experience with poor-quality skincare products. As someone who had never paid much attention to the products I was using on my skin, I had a bad reaction to a particular product that left me with a rash all over my body. This experience led me to realize the importance of using safe and effective skincare products, and it ultimately inspired me to create my own line of skincare products that would be both high-quality and all-natural. By utilizing my background in analytical biochemistry and small molecule formulation, I was able to develop a unique range of skincare products that are both effective and safe for use on all skin types. At BAO Laboratory, we are committed to using only the highest quality, natural ingredients to ensure that our customers can feel confident in the products they are using on their skin. Overall, my personal experience with poor-quality skincare products inspired me to launch BAO Laboratory and create a line of safe, effective, and all-natural skincare products that anyone can feel good about using.

What’s a day in the life like for you?

A day in my life is always busy, but also very fulfilling. I typically wake up at 5 or 7 am and spend a few hours communicating with my global collaborators. This time of the day is important for me to stay up-to-date with our international operations and ensure that everyone is on the same page. After that, I take a couple of hours for myself to have breakfast and get ready for the day ahead. From 9 am to 12 pm, I focus on essential company work and communicate with my local colleagues. This part of the day is usually spent reviewing the progress of ongoing projects, making important decisions, and addressing any issues that may have arisen. At noon, I take a break for lunch and sometimes have meetings with potential collaborators. In the afternoons from 2 pm to 5 pm, I focus on closing the operations of the company and ensuring that all deadlines are met. Once work is finished, I go home to cook and enjoy dinner from 6 pm to 8 pm. The rest of my evening is usually spent finishing up any paperwork, communicating with my global collaborators, and preparing for the next day. I value this time for reflection, goal setting and sometimes learning a new skill or language. Then, I typically go to bed around 11 pm and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the next day.

How does your brand empower women?

At BAO Laboratory, we are committed to empowering women by promoting self-confidence and self-care. We believe that everyone, regardless of gender, deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. However, we also recognize that there are still significant inequalities and societal pressures that disproportionately affect women. From early childhood, women are often taught to rely on others for their emotional and financial needs, which can limit their opportunities and ambitions. That’s why our brand is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their lives and achieve their goals. We believe that by providing high-quality skincare products that promote healthy and beautiful skin, we are also promoting a sense of confidence and self-reliance in our customers. We also believe in supporting and uplifting women in all areas of life, which is why we are committed to giving back to the community and supporting causes that empower women. By creating a brand that is dedicated to promoting self-care, confidence, and social responsibility, we hope to play a small part in promoting equality and opportunity for all.

What are the current challenges for women in your industry? How do you overcome them?

While the beauty industry has seen significant progress in recent years in terms of inclusivity and representation, there are still challenges that women face, particularly in leadership and entrepreneurship roles. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of female representation in leadership positions in the beauty industry. Women are often underrepresented in executive roles, which can limit their ability to make decisions and influence the direction of the industry. This can also make it harder for women entrepreneurs to break into the market and secure funding. Another challenge that women face is the pressure to conform to beauty standards that are often unrealistic and unattainable. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the industry and limit opportunities for women who don’t fit into these narrow beauty ideals. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to promote diversity and inclusivity at all levels of the industry. At BAO Laboratory, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees, regardless of gender. We believe in providing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Additionally, we strive to promote diversity and inclusivity in our marketing and product development, with a focus on creating products that are designed to meet the unique needs of all skin types and beauty preferences. Overall, by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity for all, we hope to overcome the challenges that women face in the beauty industry and pave the way for a more equitable and empowering future.

How do you create a supportive environment for yourself and your team?

Creating a supportive environment for myself and my team is a top priority for me. I believe that to be productive and successful, we must feel comfortable expressing our thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. Here are a few ways that I work to create a supportive environment: First, I encourage open communication and feedback. I value the opinions and ideas of all team members, and I believe that by actively listening to everyone’s perspective, we can make more informed decisions and move forward as a team. Second, I prioritize mentorship and professional development. I believe that it’s important to provide opportunities for young people to learn and grow in their careers, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others. By providing support and inspiration, I hope to empower the next generation of leaders in the beauty industry. Finally, I work to create a culture of positivity and encouragement. I believe that by celebrating our successes and focusing on the good, we can maintain a supportive and uplifting environment that motivates us to keep striving for excellence. Overall, by promoting open communication, mentorship, and positivity, I hope to create a supportive environment that empowers myself and my team to reach our full potential and achieve our goals.

Who has been your greatest influence/mentor in your life?

My greatest influence and mentor in life has been my Ph.D. mentor. During my time in graduate school, my mentor not only provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in my field but also instilled in me a strong work ethic and dedication to my craft. My mentor was always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and challenge me to think outside the box. They encouraged me to take on difficult projects and taught me the value of perseverance and hard work in achieving my goals. Overall, my Ph.D. mentor has had a profound influence on my life and career. Their guidance and mentorship have helped shape my work ethic and approach to problem-solving, and I am grateful for the impact they have had on my life.

What are you most proud of doing/accomplishing?

One of the accomplishments that I am most proud of is my ability to think outside of the box and break the ceiling. Throughout my career, I have always been willing to challenge the status quo and explore new ideas and approaches. Whether it’s in my work as an analytical biochemist or as the founder of BAO Laboratory, I am constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve upon existing methods and processes. This willingness to think outside the box has allowed me to achieve success in my career and create a brand that is both unique and effective. By breaking the ceiling and refusing to be limited by convention, I have been able to achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the world around me. I am proud of the accomplishments that have come from this approach, and I am excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in the years to come.

From VITA Daily