Protecting Your Skin & Finding Beauty Beyond Trends | Michelle Doan | Founder of Emani Vegan Cosmetics
What if healthier skin starts with simplifying your routine, understanding your body, and finding peace within yourself? Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Vegan Cosmetics, joins Kara Duffy to explore the science behind skincare, the pressure to look a certain way, and how to make choices that support your skin through every stage of life.
Together, they discuss what vegan and Korean skincare really mean, how to evaluate ingredients, why Michelle believes in skin longevity over quick fixes, and how hormonal changes can reshape our skincare needs. Michelle also shares her journey from leaving Vietnam as a refugee to building a self-funded beauty business, the lessons hardship has taught her, and why slowing down, living in alignment, and finding your own version of beauty matter more than following every trend.
The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.
Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.
You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.
INSTA: @emanicosmeticsWEBSITE: emani.com
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/
TIKTOK: @emanivegan
00:00 Meet Michelle Doan & Emani Vegan Cosmetics
01:30 Clean Korean Beauty, Vegan Skincare & Sensitive Skin
02:45 The Three P’s of Skincare
05:30 Redefining Beauty, Aging & Feeling Enough
07:40 From Vietnam to California: Michelle’s Journey
08:45 Living with Cystic Acne & Finding a Purpose
10:45 Skincare Through Hormonal Changes & Menopause
12:40 Beauty Standards, Fragrance & Everyday Toxins
15:30 Finding Your Zen Garden & Inner Peace
17:30 Skin Microbiomes, Sleep & Simplifying Your Routine
20:45 Skin Academy, Consumer Education & Ingredient Trends
21:45 Vegan Skincare, Science & Skin Longevity
23:40 The Challenges of Building a Beauty Business
24:40 Passion, Conviction & Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
26:30 Why Michelle Believes Skincare Should Be Simple
27:45 Turning Hardship into Opportunity & Breaking Patterns
30:00 Morning Rituals, Mindset & Finding Stillness
31:30 Returning to Vietnam & Reconnecting with Her Roots
33:40 Immigration, Courage & Our Shared Humanity
36:00 Diversity, Community & Entrepreneurship in Orange County
37:40 Entrepreneur Organization & Supporting Women in Business
39:00 Emani’s Mission, Shopping Direct & Closing Reflections
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