Our latest Beauty Bosses are Jenn Chung, Founder of embody, and Alexis Starling, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Embody is an ingestible skincare brand that is known for creating the world’s first retinol gummy in 2020, which quickly sold out within its first three weeks. The daughter of a beauty entrepreneur, Chung grew up in the industry, gaining much of her knowledge and experience through working for her family’s business before becoming the company’s president at the age of 24.

Behind the Brand: Embody’s Ingestible Products Simplify Your Routine & Improve Skin

Chung was inspired to start her own brand years later as a result of her own skin struggles with the goal of helping others address the root causes of their skin issues. Since launching embody in 2020, the company has rapidly grown and expanded its line to include several different gummies designed to improve various skin issues ranging from dry, itchy skin to sun care. All of their gummies feature effective formulas that address skin concerns from the inside out and are available in several delicious flavors.

Starling has been with the company since its inception and as COO she works closely with Chung, overseeing multiple aspects of the company and helping to achieve big picture goals. Together, they are the ultimate power duo and have helped pave the way for what is now one of the biggest (and continually growing) divisions in the beauty and wellness industry.

The Best Gummy Vitamins for Immunity, Clear Skin, and More

We chatted with Chung and Starling who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.

When was embody founded and what does the name mean?

Jenn: embody was established in late 2019 with a transformative mission: to shake up the beauty aisle by approaching skincare from a whole new perspective—from the inside out. embody means to represent an idea. We're out to "embody" the knowledge that skincare starts from within. We don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

Jenn: As a Vietnamese immigrant raised by a strong and independent single mother, I was deeply rooted in my cultural heritage and captivated by the simple beauty traditions passed down through generations of women in my family. My mother, a pioneer in the ingestible beauty industry during the early 2000s, sparked my fascination with the power of holistic wellness and nutrition for our skin.

Being a second-generation businesswoman, I was driven to pay homage to my mother's legacy while forging my own path. This led me to create embody—embody helps women minimize their routine and maximize their glow from the inside out by taking the guesswork out of taking vitamins and bridging the gap between topical treatments and internal nourishment.

Drawing from my own personal struggles with terrible acne and skin insecurities, not just as a teenager but as an adult who’s in her thirties, I know how it feels when you spend hundreds of dollars on skincare products a year and still feel insecure about your skin. This experience fueled my determination to find solutions that truly address the root causes of skin issues.

embody not only offers the effectiveness you want in a skincare vitamin but it’s a convenient, delicious delivery method and that has encouraged thousands of women to look forward to incorporating into their routine for less than $1 a day.

What inspired you to join embody?

Alexis: I was fresh out of college and looking for my first “big girl” job when I came across a listing for an executive assistant to a young beauty exec. I had no intentions of pursuing a career in beauty (I went to college for Theater Arts, of all things), but something told me to go for it. Jenn took a chance on me and the rest is history.

While I don’t think I was a particularly good assistant, Jenn and I made a great team. After two years working together at her family’s business, Jenn presented me with what I thought was a hair-brained scheme: to create a retinol gummy. She asked me to help her and, despite my initial skepticism, I said yes. Here we are three years later with three incredible, innovative gummies, a team of amazing people, and a brand that we adore.

As embody’s COO I have a finger in just about every pie in the business—finance, R&D, customer service, web development, retail operations, you name it. Jenn and I work on a flexible version of the Executive Operating System, in which she takes on the role of Visionary, setting the big picture goals, and I fill the role of the Integrator, executing what needs to be done to achieve those goals.

Does embody have a hero product?

Jenn: The world’s first Retinol Gummy launched in June 2020 and has been a fan fave ever since. The comprehensive formula includes most of your daily vitamins and minerals to support glowing skin, acne reduction, and collagen production. It’s a great all-in-one formula that starts showing results quickly, making it a great introduction to edible skincare. Plus, it’s super tasty!

Where are your products sold?

Jenn: Our edible skincare collection has just hit the shelves nationwide at Vitamin Shoppe, and you can find us in over 300 JCPenney Beauty Centers. Of course, we're also just a click away on our website and Amazon for all your skincare needs. We currently sell through our website and on Amazon.

Future plans for the brand?

Jenn: Looking ahead, embody can't wait to keep sharing our incredible story of how vitamins work wonders for skin health with everyone—from lazy skincare girlies to beauty enthusiasts. Right now, we're rolling up our sleeves and giving it our all to create a brand that's strong, sustainable, and destined to be a favorite for generations to come. With our recent launch at Vitamin Shoppe, we're absolutely thrilled about what the future holds—imagining our tasty edible skincare gummies reaching a larger audience through partners like Ulta and Target.

We’re here for a good time and a long time. Our commitment is real, and we're dedicated to making skincare formulas that are both tastier and even more effective with each launch. You can bet on us to keep delivering new, innovative gummies that'll make you smile and love your skin even more.

What are your favorite products from the brand?

Jenn: The Retinol Gummy will forever hold a special place in my heart—it's the OG that started it all! But I've got to say, our latest launch, the Sun Gummy, has quickly become my new favorite. It's like a burst of sunshine for your skin, and I can't get enough of it.

Being the founder of embody, I was driven by my personal journey with skin and hyperpigmentation. Witnessing how sun damage affects various skin types differently and understanding the shared concerns about hyperpigmentation as we age, I was inspired to create a holistic skincare gummy. The Sun Gummy is all about providing users with a delightful approach to shielding their skin and addressing aging signs caused by sun exposure.

Complementing your daily topical sunscreen, this gummy is designed to bolster your skin's resilience against environmental factors, while enhancing its natural beauty. We've packed it with powerful antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients like polypodium leucotomos extract, selenium, vitamin C, and lutein, creating a formula that protects your skin's health from the inside out like never before.

The Sun Gummy, like all embody products, is the culmination of our belief in skincare you can eat, skincare that works from within. It's an innovation we're incredibly proud of, and it showcases our dedication to creating a more convenient and effective approach to skincare.

Alexis: The S.O.S. Gummy holds a special place in my heart because it was inspired by my own struggles with dry, cracked hands. I was having a particularly rough flare-up of my dyshidrotic eczema when Jenn asked, "What supplements are out there to help?" The answer was none, so we made one! S.O.S. is definitely my baby, but I think Sun Gummy is my favorite formula for personal use since I’m prone to painful sunburns. Anything extra I can do to prevent that is automatically a favorite!

Who inspires you?

Jenn: I’m undoubtedly inspired by my mother, Nhi, who introduced me to the beauty industry when I was in my teens. Watching her build her brand, Forever Beaumore, from scratch as a single mother, with limited resources, serves as a constant motivation for me to give my all every single day. My mother has always been a force when it comes to empowering women through her products, giving them the encouragement they need to reclaim their confidence. She's the one who showed me what passion truly meant. I envision embody becoming a source of empowerment for women, just as my mother's legacy continues to be.

Alexis: Absolutely my teammates are my main source of inspiration. Their energy, support, and collective drive to succeed constantly motivate me to push my boundaries and give my all in everything we do together. 

Secret to success?

Jenn: The key to success? It's straightforward yet can be one of the toughest things to master. It’s understanding the "why" behind what you do. When you've got that locked in, everything else just clicks. From finding the right people to be on your team to drawing in loyal customers, and creating products that truly deliver—it all falls into place when your "why" is crystal clear.

Alexis: Ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness to admit you need help. You’ll be surprised how many people will step up and give you the extra boost you need to succeed, whether that be knowledge, a tactful introduction, or even a hug to get you through the day. Remember that a genuine “Thank you” goes a long way!

Beauty secrets?

Jenn: Less is more when it comes to the number of steps/products in your beauty routine. For the last 10 years, we were told that more is better when it comes to skincare. There is a lot of waste and headache that comes with stocking up your vanity with skincare products. We hope to make a bigger impact by promoting skin positivity and encouraging more people to minimize their skincare routine while focusing more on their nutrition. Skin care should be fun and effortless. Oh, and tasty! That’s why our gummies help you keep it simple, healthy, and stress-free so you look and feel your best.

Alexis: Wear sunscreen every single day. As a fair-skinned gal, I learned hard and fast how important sunscreen is to long-term skin health and comfort. My favorite is the Elta MD UV Clear–it's lightweight, hydrating, and doesn’t break me out.

Wellness tips? 

Jenn: Regular “forest baths” like my weekly walks in the nearby Huntington Central Library Park, have become an essential part of my routine. The simple act of taking off my socks and feeling the grass under my feet brings a sense of grounding that helps me find clarity amidst the chaos. Having access to this serene park is a blessing, and these affordable walks have proven to be a valuable tool for recentering my mind and reducing stress. I highly recommend doing a walk in your local park or anywhere with a peaceful nature setting at least once a month—even if it’s only for half an hour!

Alexis: Not so much a wellness tip as a life hack: Put your daily supplements and medicines next to your coffee maker. I'm notoriously bad at remembering to take supplements, but I guarantee I won't forget to make coffee in the morning. When my ingestibles are all next to my coffee maker, I get a nice visual reminder and can take them while coffee is brewing.

Best advice?

Jenn: The best advice I was given and would love to pass on to anyone who is willing to listen is to prioritize self-care and authenticity. Take time to nourish your body, mind, and spirit, whether through moments of solitude, being with people you love, or embracing a routine or activity that brings you joy.

And as you navigate the wonderful journey that is life, remember to stay true to yourself. What does that even mean? To me, it means embracing the uniqueness that lies in my strengths and weaknesses, finding enjoyment and gratitude in everything that I do, and having the courage to try new things even when I'm uncomfortable. Remember, you have the power to shape your path and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Alexis: It isn’t selfish, irresponsible, or lazy to do things you enjoy simply because you enjoy them. Hustle culture has us believing that we should squeeze every drop of productivity out of our day. Setting aside time to be artistic, to play a favorite game, or even be a couch potato is vital to preventing burnout and improving your overall mental health.

Favorite way to relax?

Jenn: For me, relaxation involves the simple pleasures: savoring a delicious frozen pizza, getting lost in a captivating romantic K-drama, and sharing cozy cuddles with my beloved cats, Boba and Mochi. It's these moments of comfort and connection that have been helping me unwind and find a sense of calm after a busy day building embody.

Alexis: Whenever I can, I try to take mini-vacations with my husband for a night or two. Simply getting out of the house and some new scenery is a wonderful way to help us reset and reconnect. We love to bring books and camp out at a pool or park to read the afternoon away.

For more information, visit embody’s website and follow on Instagram: @thisisembody

[Images courtesy of embody]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk