Daisy Jing: From Vlogging Mompreneur to Multi Million Success Story
Daisy Jing
OG Youtube vlogger and a mom'preneur who founded and bootstrapped a now multi-million beauty product line named Banish.
Her business is ranked #152nd fastest growing company in INC500 and was included in Forbes 30 under 30 in
manufacturing. Just recently.
Daisy realized that many current skincare ingredients, such as fragrances or fillers, caused break out in her Skin, so she created her own skincare products in her kitchen. Daisy documented her struggle on her established YouTube channel.
Which now garners over 70M views.
Can you tell us about Banish, what it's all about and what makes it stand out?
I realized that many current skincare ingredients, such as fragrances or fillers, break out my skin, so I created my own skincare products in my kitchen. I documented my struggle on my YouTube channel, which now garners over 70M views. Eventually, my followers saw great results on my skin and encouraged me to launch my own business. Now we are a diverse team focused on inspiring confidence in others. Together with the Banish Warriors and Soldiers, we are here to join you in your skin journey.
You went from a regular employee to a full time six figure vlogging business and influencer, why did you start vlogging and who does your vlog/site help?
For me, Banish is very personal, as it was created out of something I have struggled with my whole life - my skin. I grew up with acne since the third grade, and it’s my biggest physical insecurity. I was made fun of for my skin, and this in turn, affected my confidence. Because of this personal experience, I’m able to relate to my customer and understand what they are going through. Even though my skin looks a lot better now, when making business decisions, I always think back to “What would I have wanted then?” “What would my customer want?”. I had no idea that I was able to create a business from scratch, and then have employees who are relying on the business for their livelihood. It’s a great feeling to know that you are providing a product and service to people who will pay for it.
I believe in empowering other people. Making a difference in the world... because those who think they are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones who do so. I worked in Accenture for 2 years and other companies related to business and marketing, but I didn't know that I was made for something BETTER! In my younger years, I was bullied because of my acne. Because I have no one to run to, I started making videos, and in 2010, I uploaded my videos and had followers on YouTube. In time, they were regularly waiting for my stories and skin care reviews. I found people who actually valued my thoughts and can relate to me and my experience.
As I walked my journey in looking for the perfect solution to my acne and skin blemishes, I was able to make my own skin care line. People requested to buy it from me and eventually encouraged me to launch my own business. It is from YouTube where I had the courage to make my own skin care products and through it, I gained friends and a good following who motivated me to have my own business. Without their trust, I won’t be here today. Soon, I had the courage to leave my job to give more time to my business. I never thought that my business would be as successful as it is now. Everyday I learn from experience and value each lesson I have. Now, those lessons are shared to my followers so they too will find the courage to "take the plunge." Having a business might be scary, but when you put your heart into it, it may be your life's biggest breakthrough. No I never imagine to be this successful but I know from the start that I am willing to do what it takes to at least try
Your popular site Banish, can tell us how you grew the traffic to a point and how it makes you money?
Since my business came from my YouTube followers and the encouragement I have from them, it is expected for me to value my followers online.. and that is why building an engaged fan base is needed for my business to grow .
My business is about being ready to what's coming up and to be innovative even if that means starting and risking something new on my own. When you have a directed consumer brand and you advertise a lot on social media, things are constantly changing and that is why I make myself aware of what's trending and what's hot.
Why did you start your own business and what hurdles have you faced?
My first community came from YouTube. I was bullied because of my acne. When I had no one to run to, I started making videos. 2010, I uploaded my videos and had followers who were waiting for my stories and skin care reviews. I found people who actually valued my thoughts and can relate to me and my experience.
As I walked my journey in looking for the perfect solution to my acne and skin blemishes, I was able to make my own skin care line. People requested to buy it from me and eventually encouraged me to launch my business. It is from YouTube where I had the feeling of belongingness in my community. Also in YouTube is where I had the courage to make my own skin care products and in YouTube, I gained friends and a good following who motivated me to have my own business. Without their trust, I won’t be here today. I learned the importance of networking, educating my followers, and being open to them --- those are the reasons how I became one of the trusted sources of information when it comes to skin care.
Since people saw my vulnerability and they’ve seen how my own skin care products have changed my skin and my life, they trusted that my videos and whatever information I share with them are true. Now, from the roots of using YouTube for the launch of my business, growth happens on YouTube too! From my own videos that discuss my skin care products to using influencers to make a review about my skin care products. Influencers are posting not just on YouTube, but also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Social media is also my next platform used to take care of my customers and get new customers. By making sure that people’s concerns are met (even from the inquiries online), my business markets easily and rapidly.
Perfection stops you from being a good leader. It is understandable to aim for development and growth, but once you start to work and aim for perfection, you immediately put a hurdle of becoming a leader. To lead is to give a good example to your team even if that means to show your weakness and imperfection in that reality you will find strength and learnings.
Running a business and a vlog must be difficult, how do you stay organized?
1. Know your priorities. See what gives you energy and makes you productive. If you see yourself drained in a certain task or with a specific person/group, cut them off. You have to figure out who and what are stopping you from moving forward and being at your best.
2. Block your schedule and be strict to it, do not go online (nor dare to turn your mobile data on) if you know that you have more important things to do. Eventually, you will thank yourself for practicing this as early as now.
What goals do you have and where do you see yourself in the future?
I will focus more on telling stories of those who are relatable and with good messages to share. I will be the voice of those who weren’t listened to. I will never get tired of sharing my company’s mission/vision, which is to empower people to feel like the best version of themselves. I will just continue to spread that mission far and wide until everyone understands that we don’t live to be perfect, we are meant to be authentic.
Which business professionals do you look up to in business and why?
Oprah taught me the beauty in answering questions, that no question is dumb. You can always learn from her answers. Authenticity is what makes your business successful. I try to lean towards people who I resonate with - anything Oprah
If you were to die 1 year from now, what would you want to be remembered for?
My story is about taking risks and being courageous to launch my business and face the future not knowing what to do back then. I had to take the plunge and to trust myself and my business that I can do it. I experienced a lot of challenges: from the fear of the unknown and not knowing what to do next to other things that I just have to charge to experience. As the CEO of the company, I also had to take steps and measures to make sure that my company’s mission/vision is aligned to what my employees do. If not, I have to ask them to leave. I also made some changes in my lifestyle and relationships. I had to phase out some activities that are not healthy for me and cut out people that aren’t helping in my personal growth anymore. Since I started my business, I have become a different person - courageous, risk-taker and smarter.
Let's talk about vlogging, what do you vlog about and how can people gain from watching your videos?
Through my YouTube channel, I educate my customers about skin issues, other skin care products and any topic about my skin care line. I also look for influencers who can make more videos about my products and at the same time take care of my customers' questions. Instagram helped me in posting before/after photos which made it easier for my followers to see the difference that my products make.
I started my YouTube account by showing my weakness. People don’t want to hear about your perfect life, they want to see who you really are. A lot of people can relate to that. It’s refreshing to know that someone else is experiencing the same thing you’re struggling with. Up until now, my brand's posting on social media is an outtake of who I am - imperfect, honest but beautiful!
Have you ever faced difficult times and what did you do to overcome them?
I constantly find ways to know what kind of content my audience wants to see. I realized that a lot of people want to know about skin care and how it works, what products to use for people with acne-prone skin. I focused on creating videos and contents about those topics. Making sure that I don't just give them my opinion, I also educate them. I overcame it by just focusing on what I do best, non-stop research, and by always being on top of things (trends, news, etc.) Putting my face on YouTube was also hard for me. Women tend to be self-conscious and the worst critics. I became too hard on myself too. I learned that it's okay if my hair isn't perfect or if I talk in a weird way.
In terms of starting my business, my biggest struggle is the feeling of isolation. I feel alone with my thoughts and ideas - figuring out how to do everything. I talked to people, read books, and executed what I learned ALONE. It was really time consuming! I made the products, labeled them, did customer service assistance, packed my products with bubble wrap, ship it, and the list goes on. The process made me confident to know that if I want something, I can do it without other people's permission and acceptance. I'll do it because I want it and I know I can do it.
Which Successful entrepreneurs do you look up to most in business?
Oprah - she led her own path. She made an empire for herself, she's different and authentic. Oprah values herself and others highly. She is a self-made gal.
What app do you recommend and why?
Tiktok - It is best for entertainment and education. I can process and understand it because of its fast-paced content. I have short attention span and it allows me to enjoy new information without overloading my brain
Did your upbringing play a part in your success and how so?
A huge thing that my parents have taught me is how to hustle and be scrappy. We are a first-generation immigrant; we came to this country with my dad having $500 and nothing else. He was able to make a life for him and his family out of that $500. They taught me that anything is possible even if you don't have a lot of money and resources. That's why when I started my business, I really didn't have much; but my determination made a successful business out of me.
My parents always taught me how to be independent, which also means not wasting time on something that requires money. I didn't go to the movies or spend money on amusement parks, or anything that cost a lot of money when I was younger. I had to find my own entertainment, so I played on the computer a lot. I made graphics on the computer and wrote a lot of stories. I went to the library and wrote a lot of books. I took pleasure in learning and not on spending money. That's why in my business now, I became independent in learning and teaching myself things that nobody's going to teach me how. I always have a self-starter attitude when I was younger, and I grew with that mentality because of the "independent" environment my parents gave me.
Also my parents placed a huge premium on education meaning they emphasized the value of education a lot. Though I didn't go to a private school or have tutors, I was constantly aiming for high grades, I always wanted to be the best in school. Those things taught me the importance of work ethic and time management on doing a lot of assignments and projects. I did my best to learn many things and my parents supported me in all the skills I wanted to learn, like computer codes in making a website.
Overall, I was very independent at a young age. My mom also discouraged me in playing Barbie dolls and would rather have me play Lego instead. She always put emphasis on learning skills instead of always trying to look good just like Barbie does. My mom always reminds me that I should never focus on my appearance (which is really ironic because now I run a beauty company). When I was younger, I wasn't allowed to dress up or have branded clothes/ designer items and I wasn't allowed to wear makeup as well. I am not focused on all those things because she wanted me to focus more on my work ethics and skills than on the way I look. I am really glad that I learned to value my skills and ethics more because I was able to value and give importance on my hard-work and intelligence rather than focusing on my appearance.
What's the best advice you could give to any aspiring entrepreneur?
There will be a lot of stress and uncertainties that you will encounter along the way. You might have some crossroads too. What will be the basis in making these tough decisions? It’s about knowing what you stand for. You got to know yourself. Know who you really are, what it is that you believe in and stick to what you really want. If you don’t know what you want, go and isolate yourself in the woods and spend time introspecting and figure it out. Once you know your values, you have to make sure everything you do, everyone and everything you surround yourself around has to align with those values. And Be firm!
What legacy will you and Banish leave to the world?
I grew up struggling with cystic-like acne and eventually shared my journey into “finding” perfection on YouTube. I showed vulnerability to my followers and gained a huge following. They trusted me and my opinion so much that when I created my own products and they noticed a big difference on my skin, they encouraged me to sell my products and have my own company. Banish is an all-natural, organic alternative for customers with skin problems. My mission is to combat perfectionism and focus more on authenticity. Skincare has more to do with confidence than the actual skin status of a person.
Would you be interested in talking to me further about my pitch? I'd love to talk more and take part in this project. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.
Watch Daisy in action as she shares her passion for authenticity during a
TEDxTalk
Keep up with Daisy via Banish site and social media channels:
Website : https://www.banish.com
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/daiserz8 9
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/banishbeaut y
Instagram : https://instagram.com/daiserz8 9
Linkedin : https://il.linkedin.com/in/daisyjin g
Twitter : https://twitter.com/banishacnescars
