Launched in 2020, Superegg is a premium vegan skincare brand inspired by the holistic Korean beauty philosophy and the egg’s nutritional value for the skin’s well-being. We spoke with co-founder Erica Choi about the highs and lows of running your own business, and why storytelling is key. Inside Retail: How did the idea for Superegg come about? Erica Choi: Beauty has always been a source of comfort for me, and I have pursued my passion for it through positions at Aveda, Teen Vogue, R
gue, Razorfish, Huge, Create the Group, and most recently, as the vice president of digital design at Barneys New York. Despite being able to take good care of my own skin, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of skincare and skin health and became a licensed esthetician through 600 hours of training at Aveda Institute New York.
While my corporate career was an important stepping stone, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to create Superegg, a brand that reflects my passion for beauty and empowerment. I have collaborated with top brands in the fashion, lifestyle, and beauty industries as a design director and content creator, which has inspired me to create a brand that offers high-performance and sensorial formulations to promote skin health and radiance.
With Superegg, we aim to promote self-care and nourish the inner self through sophisticated and thoughtful products. Each use of our products is intended to feel like a ritual of self-love and care. Pursuing my passion and taking risks has been the key to my success, and through Superegg, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their own self-care and well-being, follow their dreams, and feel beautiful both inside and out.
IR: What have been the biggest highlights and setbacks you’ve experienced in building the business thus far?
EC: We ended up launching during the pandemic and, like a lot of other businesses, experienced a plethora of challenges like supply chain backups. However, our steady and thoughtful approach has resonated with consumers and retailers alike; we’re in some of our dream retailers, like Bergdorf Goodman and Moda Operandi, and we launched in Japan and are gearing up for other international markets.
IR: Prior to launching Superegg, your background, both as a content creator of the account @eggcanvas and as the vice president of digital design for Barneys New York, focused heavily on visual design. How do you feel that this may have been to your benefit in building your brand?
EC: A graphic designer is fundamentally a storyteller, a role integral to my current pursuits. My background has been instrumental in various aspects, including branding, packaging, website design, art direction, and more. I had a clear vision for the brand and products, aiming for a specific aesthetic and an encompassing emotional resonance. We maintain an in-house approach, handling everything from creating in-store presentations to capturing social media assets in my apartment. Beyond the creative aspects, I’m grateful for the experiences that introduced me to diverse people, forged meaningful connections, and exposed me to different corporate structures.
IR: What are your top priorities/areas of focus for the brand over the next 12 months?
EC: We are putting the final touches on a few new products we will announce in Q1 and Q2. Currently, we are perfecting the packaging, fine-tuning sales strategies, and preparing for press rollouts. Our emphasis next year lies in conveying our brand narrative, drawing inspiration from the symbolism of the egg, embracing holistic wellness practices, and incorporating traditional Asian beauty rituals. As part of our growth, we’re expanding to a larger global audience, and the anticipation is exhilarating.
IR: What is your approach to work/life balance?
EC: It’s been a lifelong struggle for me, but things are improving. I’ve figured out how to work smarter, not harder, and to prioritize my well-being. Of course, this is not easy for a business owner. I’ve always been naturally ambitious and find it hard to switch off. Yet, I’ve learned the importance of loving myself to love others and caring for myself so I can care for others. I try to find time to rest when my body and mind need it most. This is something I hope Superegg also encourages – for individuals to seek balance in their lives as much as it balances their actual skin.
IR: What is a piece of advice that you wish you would have been able to give to yourself when you were at the beginning of your business journey?
EC: I would advise my past self to embrace grace and acknowledge that everything is a continuous journey. As a natural perfectionist, I always wanted the products to be impossibly flawless and universally loved, but I’ve come to understand that perfection is unattainable. Recognizing that there’s always room for improvement and continuous learning has been essential. I’ve also learned the importance of seeking help when needed, particularly as it fosters a sense of community.