Jessica Hanson, Beauty Industry Executive

Jessica is a beauty industry veteran with over 20 years of experience ranging from Marketing to Sales, Merchandising, and General Management. Most recently Jessica served as the President of Amorepacific US overseeing a portfolio of brands including Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Amorepacific, and Mamonde.  Jessica’s prior experience includes Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Perricone MD, senior leadership roles in both Marketing and Sales at L’Oreal USA, and a merchandising leadership role at SEPHORA as DMM/Vice President of Luxury Fragrances and Men’s Grooming. 

It’s befitting that Jessica was a leader for one of the most well-known Korean beauty brands in the world. For her, the K-Beauty trend is so popular because it is a generational, venerable story about rituals and self-devotion.  It is a lifestyle and practice of giving back to oneself.  It’s meant to be balancing, nurturing, and hydrating.   Jessica not only works in the business of beauty but she lives her craft as well.  She strives to create her practices and boundaries to dedicate time to each day to uphold her own beauty and skincare rituals.  It's no wonder that she radiates her beauty and grace through Zoom as if she has created her own living filter.  

Another non-negotiable for Jessica is getting movement in each day. Whether she’s hiking, going for a run or taking a Peloton class she knows she’s simply a better person if she’s worked out that morning.  Like so many other busy working women exercise in the morning is a priority because she knows there’s a less likely chance she’ll get it in as the day progresses with countless meetings and distractions.  

One of Jessica’s many superpowers is the ability to get an extraordinary amount of work done by creating lists, staying in the moment, and adapting when necessary.  As both a mother and executive, she understands that’s its a constant game of reprioritization and shuffling.  She knows it’s a hard balance and it can be a struggle.  However, it is her commitment to not bury the things she knows she should be doing and adding in those that allow her to live a high vibrancy life in alignment with her career.  

One of her favorite “Jessicaisms” is that the grass is never greener on the other side.  It’s just a different shade. Nothing or no one is ever perfect.  We all have different skin, hair, bodies, families, and stories.  The goal is to figure out what brings you the greatest joy right now.  We are at a time when no one can confidently plan ahead.  Jessica believes the best we can do is take it day by day and focus on the now.  Look at what you think you can get done and aim your energy in that direction.  

Jessica is pretty much skincare royalty with her impressive career but, speaking with her, you just become amazed by the generosity and kindness she displays at the very onset of meeting her.  Jessica is a true proponent of women supporting women and is a big believer in finding a professional tribe of other working women that can provide support, give advice, and offer that space to let loose, share stories, laugh but also really tackle your biggest challenges. 

As women step into more senior roles at work, it's important to find people and places to go for support and to create a forum to share, connect, and learn. It’s also worth mentioning that Jessica was the first woman to hold the presidential reigns at Amorepacific US.  She knows it can be a bit lonely at the top and she feels a true responsibility for creating seats at the table for other female executives.  

When she’s not busy managing a beauty conglomerate, taking the time to support the many women who reach out because they are so inspired (ahem, ahem), committing to her own beauty and health rituals, and a dozen more roles she is also a mother and wife who splits her time between San Fransisco and NYC.  She may acknowledge that everyone’s grass is just a different shade but I would take career and life gardening tips from this visionary woman any day. 

Photo Credits: Lauri Levenfeld

What is your secret to living a high-vibrancy life?

Never looking back or regretting choices and always being focused on what is ahead whether your next goal is a small one or significant.

Who is a woo-woo working woman that you admire and why?

There are so many, but the one who stands out the most is Julie Bornstein. She has been an amazing leader in the past but has now taken on a new journey of entrepreneurship by creating a shopping platform called The Yes. It is inspiring to me that she had the bravery to do this and she is a very humble person.

How do you balance work, wellness, and spirituality?

I have been investing in being more mindful of my goals, actions, reactions, and choices. The more in control you feel, the better balanced you will become.

Was there any one significant event that moved you onto the path of becoming the woman you are today?

My struggle with infertility led me down the path of open adoption. Becoming a mother this way changed my perspective and reshaped how I look at choices.

Personal mantra?

The grass is never greener, it’s just a different shade.

What did discovering what you wanted to do professionally look like for you?

I took a risk and a big step down in order to join the corporate side of the beauty industry.

What is your superpower at work?

To think ahead of my audience.

What is the best professional feedback you’ve ever received?

Trust your gut.

Are there any professional skills or life behaviors you wish you’d developed or learned earlier that are essential to your success now?

More language proficiency. I know some Spanish and French but have not mastered either yet.

How do you handle new projects or initiatives that you haven’t had experience handling before?

I embrace them as I love a challenge while trying not to get overwhelmed.

Are there any productivity or organization hacks you swear by to help you navigate your busy days?

Write a to-do list every day and know you’re not going to get everything done.

How does a woman find professional mentors that align with her purpose and values?

Build your network, through any and all channels.

Any secrets to confidence in the workplace?

Plan ahead and practice what you are going to say even if it is a one-on-one conversation.

How often do you work out? What are your favorite forms of activity?

Everyday. Running, Peloton classes (strength, cycle, stretch, yoga) and Hiking

As the ultimate beauty insider, what are some products that you've been amazed by?

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum. AmorePacific Time Response Eye and Face Creams.

In addition to products are there any other tips or practices for glowing skin?

Mask every day even if for only 5 minutes.

Do you have any morning and/or evening rituals?

Yes. They are very different:
Morning: Wash and rinse with cold water, sheet mask, moisturize, and protect.
Night: Double cleanse with warm water, anti-aging treatments/device, and moisturize.

How do you prioritize self-care?

After the kids go to bed.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

Facing Challenges

What is the greatest gift you can give yourself?

Patience.

What are three things any woman can start doing today to live a higher vibrancy life?

Get organized. Be honest with yourself. Don’t let others bring you down

I always wanted to learn more about__________?

Health and wellness

In my free time, when I have any, you can usually find me __________.

Planning or making meals.

Most people don’t know that I really enjoy_________?

Listening to music in my car.

Favorite motivational Instagram account, podcasts, and/or books?

Noom app

Go to sites for shopping and lifestyle?

Everlane, Neiman Marcus, Sephora.

Go to healers or practitioners for wellness?

My chiropractor.

Advice to the Woo🖤Wooo Working Women out there figuring out how to live their best high-vibrancy life?

Learn to put yourself first but be aware that there will be times in which it will be necessary to be selfless.