TCM has always intrigued me, given the various dynamic traditions that are still applicable to modern life. I’ve enjoyed hearing about the experiences of 5YINA founders, Angela Chau and Ervina Wu and their ability to introduce TCM to Western skincare routines everywhere through their iconic natural skincare brand.
Where were you born and where have you lived?
Angela: Born in NYC, but moved to Cali as a kid. Love the Golden State, settled in the SF Bay Area for the last 15 years.
Ervina: Born in Singapore. Lived in US, Singapore, China, and Thailand (in order of time spent).
What inspired you to start 5YINA? What impact has your cultural background had on your work through 5YINA?
Angela: My love for skincare and my passion for Chinese medicine really sparked what became 5YINA. Growing up in a Cantonese family observing the daily benefits of traditional herbal soups really cemented the foundation for my interest in Chinese medicine. Formulating our products draws on both my cultural heritage and graduate studies. I want to help integrate this ancient wisdom with the modern lifestyle.
Ervina: I’m inspired by the positive effects I experienced when Chinese medicine was applied on my skin. I had poor appetite and low energy while going through chemotherapy for cancer. My TCM doctor gave me a skin patch with Chinese herbs that relieved my nausea, increased my appetite, and lifted my mood. So amazing!
Chinese medicine is simply a way of life in our culture, it’s part of our upbringing.
I remember growing up, we had easy access to herbal remedies for everything. Chrysanthemum flowers for conjunctivitis, watermelon pith for canker sores and so on. But Chinese medicine is beyond just fixing health issues, it’s also about disease prevention and cultivating wellness through diet and lifestyle. The wisdom and philosophy of Chinese medicine is what makes it so unique and relevant. Living in multicultural cosmopolitan cities also helped shape my ideas for 5YINA.
Were there any challenges you experienced when creating 5YINA, and how did you overcome them?
Angela: Oh boy! It’s been an uphill battle ever since we started. But you know what, there are always solutions to any challenge. It’s a matter of staying flexible, focused, adaptable, and most of all have FUN!
Ervina: Everything was new to us and we faced a huge learning curve: packaging, logistics, finance, and a gazillion startup problems! Because we have so much passion in doing what we do, we are able to stay focused and motivated to help us push through. We are also very fortunate; we have help from talented friends to get us where we are today. There’ll always be new challenges!
What is a typical day in your life like?
Angela: I start the day with yoga or meditation. I’m a breakfast champion, otherwise I become hangry. I work hard but will take breaks as needed, my secret to staying sharp in the afternoon are power naps. I usually end the evening with a good book and bath.
Ervina: I like to start the day early when I’m the most productive mentally. I try to get most writing/content/emails done in the mornings. Meetings, training, research, and errands usually happen in the afternoons. I’ll fit in exercise in the late afternoons several times a week. If I’m able to sneak in a couple hours of Chinese calligraphy before bedtime, my day would be perfect.
What do you do to stay inspired and encourage creativity?
Angela: Meditation. Emptying the mind to allow clarity to arise. In a world full of information and misinformation having a space to let it all go keeps me fresh and renewed.
Ervina: Travel, study, time spent in nature, and art – I love Chinese calligraphy, it’s my meditation.
If you weren’t an entrepreneur, what would you be doing?
Angela: I would practice Chinese medicine and teach food therapy. There is so much wisdom in TCM nutrition that needs to be shared! Well I guess that would still make me an entrepreneur…
Ervina: TCM doctor, or artist.
What are your favorite green beauty or wellness products (including from 5YINA) that you like to use?
Angela: Our Divine Bio-cellulose Mask and Quiescent Beauty Oil are products I use year round. I also love using Antonia Burrell’s Mask Supreme and Josh Rosebrook’s Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30. I enjoy a cup of artisan tea every day.
Ervina: Here’s the stash that travels with me currently: my custom blend of TCM herbs (mainly blood tonics), all sorts of artisan teas, Floradix Iron + Herbs supplement (blood is a major theme here!), Kosas lipsticks, silk pillowcase (life saver for my hair), Manduka eko superlite mat, 5YINA DIVINE products, ENLIGHTEN Duo and some lab samples (testing new prototypes!), sunscreen – currently Josh Rosebrook and a Japanese one, my Chinese Calligraphy treasures (calligraphy counts as wellness right?), konjac sponge, it’s a perfect pair with our DIVINE cleanser.
In your own words, what is the mission of 5YINA?
Angela: Inspire others to harmonize their mind, body, and spirit with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ervina: To bring wellness and beauty to the world with Chinese Medicine!
Do you have any advice for young creatives/entrepreneurs?
Angela: Don’t give up. Do not be afraid to fail. Failures open doors and inspires greatness. Behind every success there is always a major failure. Fall and fall again when you are young. Just don’t forget to pick yourself back up and restart.
Ervina: Stay focused and consistent. When you are truly passionate, it shows in your work and attracts the right energy!
Who is a notable Asian American (alive or deceased) that you admire most? Why?
Angela: I truly admire Anna May Wong. Through all the social and racial injustices of her time she held great dignity and strength, opening up doors for Asian Americans. She had passion and the desire to work hard, always striving and persevering, with great dedication to her profession and art.
Ervina: I’m a fan of Eva Chen – she’s quirky, smart, fun, and very relatable.
Do you see a lack of Asian American influence or exposure in the beauty/wellness industry? If yes, how do you think this could be resolved?
Angela: There are quite of few Asian Americans in our industry but lack of exposure for many. We face quite a few barriers to entry, but I believe this is becoming less so as we see more Asian Americans take on bigger leadership roles. Providing better resources and mentorships to budding creatives/entrepreneurs will help more thrive and succeed. Access is the key.
Ervina: Yes, but it’s evolving. The current beauty/wellness landscape is more diverse now than 10 years ago. The most efficient way to increase Asian American exposure is for consumers to demand for more diversity! Let our voices be heard.
Favorite words to live by?
Angela: Transiency – “We should find perfect existence through imperfect existence.” – Shunryu Suzuki
Ervina: “I exercise so I can eat…more.” – Ervina
Thank you for sharing with us, Angela and Ervina!
Find out more about the 5YINA story and products here. Read my past 5YINA review here.
Stay tuned for more stories from leading Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) creatives!
Photos courtesy of 5YINA.
