Faith, Skincare & Leadership: Myong Chong on Purpose-Driven Success

What if your deepest struggle became your life’s greatest purpose?

In this episode of Inner Work, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene sits down with Myong Chong, skincare innovator, faith-led leader, and cultural advocate, for a raw and powerful conversation about the emotional terrain of entrepreneurship. From overcoming severe acne to creating patented skincare technology and leading national advocacy efforts, Myong’s story is a blueprint for resilience, spiritual grounding, and purpose-driven leadership.

The Disruption: Pain as the Spark for Purpose

Myong didn’t set out to be a CEO, she set out to heal.

Struggling with painful acne after immigrating to Texas, she began a decades-long mission to understand the skin from the inside out. But skincare was only the beginning. As a Korean American woman navigating business, motherhood, and faith, she encountered injustice, language barriers, and even legal attacks on her leadership.

“If someone asked me to do it all again… I don’t know if I could. But I’m so glad I did.”

The Inner Work: Ritual, Faith & Unshakable Identity

Leadership, for Myong, is spiritual.
She begins each day with prayer and ritual, a bath to cleanse the body, a moment of silence to clear the mind, and scripture to ground the soul. Her skincare business, Hanna Isul, is rooted in that same belief: that true healing requires balance; body, mind, and spirit.
“Even a small light can break through the dark. Be that light.”

She describes herself as both Mama Bear and Tiger Mom; tender, nurturing, but fiercely protective of what’s right. And she’s not afraid to roar when needed.

The Rebuild: Advocacy, Innovation & Unbreakable Purpose

From formulating over 50 skincare prototypes to advocating for Korean American voices in Washington, Myong rebuilt her life (and legacy) through discipline and faith.

She now serves as President of the Federation of Korean American Associations, where she honors U.S. veterans, leads cultural initiatives, and prepares future generations for leadership.

“You have to fight the darkness to preserve the light.”

What I Know Now

• “Leadership isn’t loud, it’s consistent.”
  
  
• “Rest isn’t weakness. It’s sacred.”
  
  
• “We are not here just to succeed. We’re here to serve.”
  
  
• “Even if your voice shakes, speak the truth.”
  
  
• “Start with love: for God, for your neighbor, for yourself.”

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!