Meet Lena Chao | Founder and CEO of Clean Circle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lena Chao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In New York, it is so common to go from work straight to the gym. You are carrying all your gym gear and toiletries in your work bag on the subway. I got tired of using makeup wipes to remove my makeup before the gym. Makeup wipes wreaked havoc on my skin, leaving it sensitive, dry, and with rashes. I even tried washing the solution off the wipes to ease the stinging and burning on my skin. I became so conscious of the waste I was creating as well. So I started searching for reusables to replace my single-use makeup wipes and cotton rounds produced ethically and sustainably. And I did not find one. As a first-gen whose mom was a seamstress, I knew the in and outs of the textile industry. I also knew then that transparent fabrics, sourcing, and the workplace were important to consumers like me.

But it did take me a few years to launch a brand. I loved my career in college admissions working with first-generation, students of color to get accepted into college. But it wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles in 2019 that I found a sense of freedom and urgency to tackle the single-use problems in our beauty routine.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I spent all of 2020 talking to manufacturers and developing our products with stringent requirements. Never having taken a marketing or business class, I officially launched Clean Circle in December 2020. I always knew we were more than a two-product brand. I have an unwavering belief that beauty could be a vehicle to champion diversity, sustainability, and cultural relevance. I call it Beauty Equity. Little did I know, I was working and highlighting ingredients found in my culture, so we have some amazing products in development that honors the culture. I want people to know that my vision is to bridge cultures by making beauty inclusive and accessible with our planet in mind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been in quarantine for most of my time in LA, but I have to shout out Monterey Park. I tell people about NBC Seafood for dim sum or Alice’s Kitchen for a traditional cha chaan tang (Hong Kong style cafe). I follow Kristie Hang – queen of SGV- on Instagram: she legit serves you the culture 24/7. One of my favorites is PRD in Chinatown. Chef Johnny Lee makes some dope, back to the countryside, childhood memory food. I’ve been spending lots of time outdoors – who wouldn’t in LA! I love taking people to Manhattan Beach to walk or rollerblade the pathway. Culver City steps always deliver a quick burn without needing to spend hours on a trail or class. And last, I can’t forget the local brew scene! I love heading to Golden Road for a beer with visitors. I also discovered Common Space Brewery with its good beers and a great crowd. There is still so much in LA and I’m excited to continue exploring.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve met some amazing people since moving here and I’m thankful for their friendship and leadership. Everyone I named above deserves recognition for what they’re bringing to the food scene. There are so many founders/owners that I admire in LA, including Jill, owner of Homage Pasadena, and Clarissa and Lauren, Founders of SeaBlue Collectives. Jill has a beautifully curated store in Pasadena and SeaBlue Collective is a curated marketplace partnering with brands that have an environmental responsibility tied to their mission.

Website: https://clean-circle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleancircleofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenachao/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleancircleofficial