Community Highlights: Meet Alice Liang of Lövve Beauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Liang.

Hi Alice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Originally from a seafood-loving beach city in northeast China, my Chinese name, somewhat of a boy’s name, means the “most important pillar.” While I dearly miss eating fresh Uni from my hometown and playing in the local pro ping pong league, I came to Los Angeles after college to pursue a master’s in Gerontology at USC. Learning about the aging process and working closely with the elderly enlightened me about human health and wellness throughout our lives and inspired me to consider my life’s path.

Chinese herbs have always been a part of the tradition in my family and kitchen. I began studying acupuncture and herbal medicine due to my fascination with the natural healing powers that exist, as opposed to simply consuming chemicals to treat symptoms. I became a licensed acupuncturist, harboring hopes of opening my own wellness and acupuncture clinic someday. However, I realized I could channel this natural healing knowledge into something entrepreneurial. Thus, I created Lövve Beauty, a handcrafted holistic skincare line infused with Chinese herbs and botanical oils.

My entry into the skincare world stemmed from personal struggles with acne and dry skin. Firmly believing in eating unprocessed, wholesome foods based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (“TCM”) principles, I also recognized the importance of different colors and scents in our well-being. Surprisingly, I had never paid attention to what I put on my own skin, our body’s largest organ.

To change that, I applied the same philosophy I learned about and lived by to skincare. I tested over a hundred ingredients on myself, selecting those that truly work wonders for our skin. Ginseng, Chinese Angelica, Raw Acai berry oils, Chrysanthemum are just some of the herbs that help heal dry skin, fine lines, and inflammation. Friends began to notice the difference in my skin, inquiring about my skincare routine. As I let them try my products, they too experienced noticeable differences, expressing interest in purchasing them. That’s when Lövve Beauty was born.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Embarking on a new business journey from scratch has been both thrilling and challenging. Launching a wellness skincare line felt easier when my friends were trying my products, but selling to the general public proved to be an entirely different challenge. While formulating new products remained exciting, encountering diverse criticisms based on individual needs made me question the intention of creating Lovve Beauty. Some encouraged me to incorporate trendy ingredients like Vitamin C or Retinol, but I took a step back, choosing to prioritize what aligns with my traditional Chinese medicine philosophy and what feels natural and good on my skin.

Another significant challenge was realizing that creating exceptional products doesn’t automatically translate to sales. As somewhat of an introvert, navigating marketing and sales to new potential customers with diverse expectations proved to be challenging. Establishing an online presence, crafting catchy Instagram posts, and selling products at different pop-up events targeting various demographic populations were all challenging tasks. I had to quickly learn how to convey the unique story of my products and highlight their differences in a market flooded with thousands of other skincare products. I am still learning, and each hurdle transforms into a valuable lesson, contributing to the growth and identity of Lövve Beauty.

As you know, we’re big fans of Lövve Beauty. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lövve Beauty draws its inspiration from Traditional Chinese medical philosophy, deeply ingrained in my upbringing surrounded by Chinese herbs—a cherished tradition in my family and kitchen. The essence of “药食同源” or “Medicine and food have the same source” resonates with me as a TCM practitioner. I’ve observed a prevalent trend where people emphasize organic food but often overlook the significance of the ingredients in their daily-use products.

Understanding the need for a natural, simple, and effective skincare approach, I advocate for allowing the skin to breathe and harness its inherent barrier and healing abilities. Lövve Beauty’s skincare routine reflects this philosophy, focusing on providing the skin with natural and nourishing “food.”

What sets Lövve Beauty apart is its commitment to simplicity. In a world where complex skincare routines have become the norm, I believe in the skin’s ability to thrive with a more straightforward approach. My brand stands out by offering a holistic skincare routine that embraces the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The emphasis on unrefined botanical oils as major ingredients is a testament to our dedication to providing the skin with the purest and most beneficial elements.

I am proud to champion the use of Chinese herbs in my own way, introducing more people to the magic of these herbs and the timeless wisdom of TCM. Lövve Beauty is not just a skincare brand; it’s a cultural bridge, bringing the ancient traditions of Chinese herbs to the forefront of modern skincare.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Living in Los Angeles for more than a decade has truly been a transformative experience for me. It’s the city where I first landed from China, and it has grown on me over the years. I appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the diversity of people from various backgrounds. The pleasant weather and the incredible variety of food, ranging from Chinese and Japanese to Korean and Italian, are the things I love the most.

Like any big city, there are challenges, such as traffic and pollution. However, what sometimes stands out is the sense of superficiality. Many people here seem to be chasing the Hollywood dream, and while the city sparkles with lights, there’s a feeling that something is missing underneath it all. I find this paradoxical quality to be part of the city’s unique charm, much like the most common word you hear everywhere – “Amazing!” (with a bit of humor).

Pricing:

• Lövve Beauty Lazy Goddess Luxury Gift Set – $255
• Anti-Aging Serum – $50
• Super Herb Toner – $30
• Super Herb Essence – $50
• Silky Moisturizer – $50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovvebeauty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovve.beauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovve.beauty.LA