Trust in Yourself: Self-trust is crucial because no one else knows your vision as well as you do. Early on, I would often turn to others for validation, but I’ve learned that trusting my own instincts and insights has been key to making meaningful progress. Believing in yourself and your choices gives you the courage to take necessary risks.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Lydia Li.
Lydia Li is the founder of iBlush, a company she launched in 2020 at the age of 19, during her first year as a winemaking student at university. Inspired by her personal experience with alcohol flush reactions, commonly known as Asian glow, and the lack of effective solutions in the Australian market, Lydia set out to create a remedy. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, she worked closely with a compounding pharmacist and a leading health scientist to develop a unique formula. This resulted in iBlush’s innovative transdermal patch and tablets, which help individuals overcome the discomfort and embarrassment of alcohol flush reactions.
As the first Asian female founder in Australia to release products focused on this issue, Lydia quickly gained traction. Within two years, iBlush expanded its reach, selling in Australia, the US, UK, and Canada. Today, iBlush is the dominant brand in the alcohol flush remedy space globally, empowering people to enjoy social drinking with confidence.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Thank you for having me! My journey began in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, while I was studying winemaking at just 19 years old. Like many others at the time, I was navigating a lot of changes, and I started looking for a solution to help with an issue that was personal to me. I quickly realized that I wasn’t alone — there was a significant gap in the market for this solution, and many others were looking for the same thing. So, I decided to take a leap and create something that could benefit not only myself but also help others facing the same challenge. It’s been an incredible journey since then, growing from an idea into a full-fledged business, and I’m excited to see where it takes us next.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most interesting moments since starting iBlush was the opportunity to work with influencers, including those I admired growing up. One collaboration was especially surreal: I got to work with YouTuber Wengie, who was my idol when I was 13 or 14. Having the chance to collaborate with someone I looked up to so much was a full-circle moment and really inspiring. It taught me a powerful lesson: if you dream big and work hard, you might just find yourself working alongside the very people who once inspired you.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started, I made the mistake of believing that any misstep or failure was the end of the world. I thought every mistake was a sign that things were falling apart, but over time, I learned that mistakes are a natural part of the process and don’t define you unless you let them. In business, no one truly fails — they just stop trying. Mistakes can make you want to give up, but I’ve learned that resilience is key. Now, I approach mistakes as valuable learning experiences. When they happen (and they always will), I focus on fixing them, understanding they’re essential stepping stones toward success.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
At iBlush, we’re committed to making a positive impact on health and wellness by designing products that directly address the needs of those who experience alcohol flush, particularly within the Asian community. Our products incorporate key antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, which work together to combat oxidative stress, support immune health, and potentially reduce inflammation. This approach helps people manage their reactions to alcohol more healthily and comfortably, enabling them to feel more confident in social situations and promoting an overall sense of wellness. By addressing a common yet often overlooked health challenge, we’re making strides toward a healthier and more inclusive approach to wellness.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
- Get Enough Sleep Each Night: Sleep is foundational to both physical and mental health. I used to pull all-nighters while studying and would feel exhausted the next day, struggling to focus. Now, I prioritize sleep as non-negotiable. Even just an extra hour of quality rest can make a big difference in energy levels, mood, and productivity.
- Meditation: Meditation has been transformative for me. I remember when I first tried it, I found it challenging to sit still, but over time, it became a go-to practice for reducing stress and clearing my mind. Even a few minutes a day helps me to refocus and maintain a sense of calm, which has been especially helpful on the busiest days.
- Drink Water: Staying hydrated seems simple, but it’s easy to overlook. I keep a water bottle with me at all times and aim to refill it several times a day. Proper hydration keeps energy levels stable and skin healthy and helps with focus. I encourage everyone to drink water consistently throughout the day.
- Exercise: Exercise is a fantastic way to boost endorphins and feel more energized. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a gym session, or some yoga, moving your body daily has countless benefits. I like to mix things up, so I stay motivated, and I always feel better afterward.
- Balanced Diet: Fueling your body with nutritious foods is crucial for wellness. I focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. When I’m mindful of what I eat, I find I have more energy, better focus, and overall feel my best. Even small changes, like adding more greens to each meal, can have a lasting positive impact on health.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could start a movement, it would focus on prioritizing mental wellness alongside physical wellness, emphasizing practices that strengthen the mind just as we would strengthen our bodies. Wellness truly encompasses both the physical and mental, and I’m a firm believer in the power of a healthy mind to drive positive change and resilience. Through practices like meditation and mindfulness, people can cultivate a better state of mind and build resilience against stress and life’s challenges.
The movement would encourage people to view their mind as one of the most powerful tools they have, deserving of daily care and attention. Just as we invest time in exercise or nutrition, investing in mental well-being has the potential to transform lives. A strong mind and positive mindset are foundations for achieving personal goals, overcoming challenges, and creating great outcomes. I’d love to see a world where mental wellness practices are a natural part of everyone’s routine, empowering people to live healthier, happier lives.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- Be Confident Even When You’re Not: Confidence is a powerful tool, especially when stepping into the unknown. In the beginning, I often second-guessed myself, wondering if I was truly capable. I’ve learned that even when you’re not fully confident, acting with confidence can make a huge difference. It shows others that you believe in your vision, which in turn helps you believe in yourself more deeply.
- Trust in Yourself: Self-trust is crucial because no one else knows your vision as well as you do. Early on, I would often turn to others for validation, but I’ve learned that trusting my own instincts and insights has been key to making meaningful progress. Believing in yourself and your choices gives you the courage to take necessary risks.
- Be Selective of Who You Work With: The people you work with can make or break your journey. I’ve found that surrounding yourself with individuals who align with your values and vision creates a supportive environment, while the wrong people can be draining and counterproductive. Being selective about who you allow into your inner circle ensures a more positive and productive work experience.
- People Are Judgmental, and They Don’t Know the Work You’ve Put In — Don’t Let Their Words Defeat You: Starting a business inevitably comes with criticism, and not everyone will understand or appreciate your efforts. At first, I found it challenging to deal with judgment from people who didn’t see the hard work behind the scenes. Now, I focus on what matters most to me and my business, ignoring negativity that isn’t constructive. It’s important to protect your passion and not let external voices shake your resolve.
- Have a Positive Mindset Because Things Do Get Better: Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, and sometimes it’s easy to feel defeated. A positive mindset helps me push through tough times and keep the bigger picture in mind. The journey isn’t always smooth, but staying optimistic helps me see opportunities where others might see obstacles. I’ve learned that resilience and a hopeful outlook can help you weather any storm and see things improve over time.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is definitely the cause closest to my heart. As a young entrepreneur, I see many people in my generation facing mental health challenges, yet it still isn’t discussed as openly or as frequently as physical health. Just as people commit time and effort to physical exercise, I believe we should all be encouraged to invest in our mental well-being. Practices like meditation and mindfulness are powerful tools to help achieve a balanced mental state, but they’re not emphasized nearly enough. I’d love to see a world where mental health is valued and spoken about just as much as physical health, with support systems and resources as accessible as gyms and fitness centers.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Instagram: @lydia_li_yall
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
