Q&A with Emily H. Rudman to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month we sat down with three of our favorite Asian female entrepreneurs, Emily H. Rudman, Jenn Kapahi, and Janice Kinjo. We were very inspired by their individual stories and experiences. We hope to recognize and pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have immensely contributed to America and are fundamental to America’s future success.
We were lucky enough to talk to Emily H. Rudman, the founder of lifestyle brand Emilie Heathe, to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We chatted about her Asian heritage, her business and all things skin! Emilie Heathe was born out of Emily’s desire to build a brand based upon clean beauty, quality, and diversity. Emily’s priority was to make a difference by allowing everyone to see that they are beautiful just the way they are!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and Emilie Heathe?
In a nutshell, Emilie Heathe is the superhero version of myself - or my alter-ego if you will. There’s me, Emily H. Rudman the person, the mom, the friend, the wife, the sister, the daughter, the comic book lover and then there’s me and the brand. I always wanted to create a brand that was rooted in quality, integrity, and diversity. In addition, I always knew I wanted a brand that did more than just created and sold products, I wanted a brand that did some good and could make a difference. If I could make one person’s life better somehow then it would all be worth it. If I could show a child there are people who look like them and convince them they are beautiful just as they are. If I could make beauty fun again, if we could change thousands of lives, even better.
Tell us why you're proud to be Asian?
I am proud to be Asian American because I love celebrating the duality of where I come from. And all the experiences I’ve had in my life, good and bad, have led me to being who I am and where I am today.
What do you love most about your skin?
The color. I love that I have some nice pigment year around but in the summer get pretty tan even with high SPF 50 slathered on. I also have to say genetics play a role and I’ve been fortunate to not have too many terrible skin concerns into my mid-thirties. Only in the past few years have I noticed enlarged pores and sunspots. So a skincare routine is definitely more important to me in my thirties than it was in my twenties.
If you were stuck on an island and could bring only 3 skincare products, what would they be?
Royal Tulip Cleansing Jelly! This product is to die for. It feels so good and my skin looks amazing after I apply it. It’s a toss-up between Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and my La Mer Crème. I’ve used La Mer for over 20 years but I’ve recently been converted to AB. Lastly of course our lip r&r. With antioxidants and squalane all in one, it’s my go-to. I even use it on my cuticles sometimes.
What type of skin do you have?
Super dry. I’ve suffered from eczema since I was a kid so have to be super diligent about moisturizing daily since I was little. My skin is also much more sensitive since I gave birth. I get much redder and scar easier than I did before pregnancy.
What is your best skincare hack?
Using La Mer on minor cuts, sunburn, and scars. It’s what it was originally invented for. Works like a charm.
Why do you take care of your skin?
Mainly because I’ve had to since I was a child. But for my face, in particular, it goes hand in hand with my day job. Great skin is the foundation of great makeup. I love everything from no-makeup makeup to a full-on transformative beat. But at the end of the day, it’s always going to look better and be easier to execute with great skin. Cancer also runs in my family and while I’m not biologically related, I’ve seen how unrelenting and unapologetic it can be so do what I can to live a healthy lifestyle.
Describe your go-to morning skincare routine
I’ll be honest, these days mornings are not really my own. If I’m up before my daughter I’m usually checking in on work emails or preparing for the day. If she wakes up before me, then I don’t really have much time for a routine. Mostly I use lip r&r and will throw on face cream and hand serum. I’m actually better about taking care of my skin throughout the day. I keep our hand care products in development next to my desk and use them throughout.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received, period? OR what’s the best skincare advice you’ve ever received?
“If you don’t” ask, you don’t get” basically ask because the worse that will happen is someone will say no. For skin “‘moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.” At one point my skin was so bad I thought it was because it has changed and become oily. It was the complete opposite, my skin was so dehydrated it was producing oil but that was getting trapped on the surface And causing breakouts. Also, drink LOTS of water.