Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Hernandez.
Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
5 years ago, my husband and I made the bold decision to move to San Diego. We had visited three months prior and fell in love with the city—its vibrant yet laid-back energy, the ocean breeze, and the idea of starting a family here. We wanted to take some time to explore and settle in before embarking on parenthood. Little did we know, just one month after our move, the world would shut down due to the pandemic.
The next three years were challenging. Building a new life in a new city while navigating the isolation of lockdowns was far from easy. Making new friends became an uphill battle, but eventually, I found my tribe. I leaned into creating content more consistently and, through that, began connecting with other creatives and collaborating with local businesses and brands. It was an unexpected blessing; these connections slowly turned San Diego into a place that truly felt like home.
For the last couple of years, I had been toying with the idea of opening a K-beauty store. It felt like a natural progression of my love for skincare, but I hesitated. I wasn’t sure if the timing was right or if anyone else would see or understand my vision. Then, one day, everything clicked. I was collaborating with Hoda, an amazing esthetician (and now dear friend) who shares my deep love for K-beauty. She specializes in bespoke Korean facials, and during one of our sessions, we had the most inspiring conversation about our shared passion for K-beauty. It solidified what I’d been thinking for so long: this was the path I needed to take. It was as if all the pieces of my life—my love for skincare, my experience in the beauty industry, and my desire to connect with others—fell into place.
That’s how Seoul Glow Lab was born. I saw an opportunity not just to sell products but to tackle misconceptions about K-beauty and make it approachable for everyone. For me, K-beauty is about more than skincare—it’s about creating moments of care and self-love. My background in makeup helped me understand the power of beauty as a form of self-expression, and now I’m channeling that into something even bigger.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business while stepping into motherhood has been one of the most complex, humbling, and rewarding experiences of my life. There’s this societal narrative that mothers should put their dreams on hold or fit into a specific mold. People often have a preconceived idea of what motherhood “should” look like, but the truth is, it’s different for everyone—and that’s okay. For me, showing up as a mom means pursuing my dreams and demonstrating resilience and self-care. Balancing a new business venture with motherhood is challenging, but it’s also incredibly empowering. My daughter motivates me every day to show her what’s possible when you follow your passion.
As a native New Yorker, I grew up surrounded by diversity. It shaped me and gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Through Seoul Glow Lab, I hope to bring a slice of that richness to the San Diego community, —not just through the products I offer but by creating a space where people can learn, connect, and celebrate beauty from a global perspective. I approach this with deep respect for the local culture while also sharing what makes K-beauty so special to me.
Ultimately, my journey has been about embracing the unknown, trusting my instincts, and finding beauty in every challenge. Whether it’s juggling diapers and business plans or educating others on the magic of Korean skincare, I’ve learned that there’s no single path to success—only the one you carve for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykatiehernandez/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/kamara713/?hl=en
Image Credits
Kate Gookin Danielle Determan
