In an interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Celine Guo, founder and CEO of Sunday Glow, shared the story behind her innovative skincare brand that combines holistic Eastern medicine principles with personalized Korean skincare solutions. From overcoming her own skincare challenges to scaling Sunday Glow into a seven-figure business, Celine has harnessed the power of authenticity and community, particularly through TikTok, to inspire confidence and empower individuals worldwide. She discusses the challenges of personalized skincare, the impact of the TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up, and her vision for Sunday Glow as a global leader in holistic skincare and empowerment.
A serial entrepreneur, the founder and CEO of Sunday Glow Celine Guo’s 10 year career in startups began at the age of 15 and has a long history of successful business ventures.
Since creating Sunday Glow in 2020, Celine has scaled it into a seven-figure business within just two years. On TikTok, Celine has built a vibrant community, sharing her journey and inspiring others along the way. Beyond skincare, she champions women’s empowerment, inspiring thousands worldwide to pursue their dreams, embrace inner beauty and cultivate lasting confidence.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Sunday Glow and what sets it apart from other skincare brands?
Sunday Glow was born out of my personal journey with skincare challenges, including acne and oily skin as a teen, which inspired a deeper quest for effective solutions. Our brand stands out because it combines holistic Eastern medicine principles, passed down through three generations, with personalized Korean skincare offerings. We focus not just on beauty but on empowering our customers to blossom into the highest versions of themselves.
What challenges and rewards have you experienced in building a business focused on personalized skincare?
Educating customers about how our skin quiz and personalized box work has also been an important step. Personalized skincare is a relatively new concept, so we’ve dedicated time to making it accessible and engaging through simple explanations and visual guides.
Another challenge has been managing a lean team while scaling the business. With just one team member handling operations and fulfillment, we’ve prioritized efficiency and streamlined our processes to ensure we meet growing demand without compromising on quality.
Despite these challenges, the rewards have been immense. Seeing our customers’ skin improve and their confidence blossom makes all the hard work worth it. Their trust and positive feedback fuel our passion to keep growing and innovating.
How has TikTok played a role in growing Sunday Glow, and what strategies have helped you build a community on the platform?
TikTok has been pivotal in growing Sunday Glow, offering a platform to share not just our products but the heart of our brand. Our content strategy is deeply rooted in authenticity—sharing my personal journey with skincare challenges, starting this business right out of school, and even the vulnerable moments of entrepreneurship. By being open and honest about my story, I’ve connected with our audience on a personal level, building trust and fostering a genuine sense of community.
Live streaming on TikTok has been a powerful tool in this journey. These sessions allow me to engage with our audience in real time, share stories, answer questions, and highlight the thought and care behind every product. It’s also a space where I make spontaneous decisions—like giveaways or customizing freebies—which keeps the experience exciting and interactive for our community.
Can you share the impact of the TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up at Union Station on your business so far?
The TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up at Union Station has been a fantastic opportunity for Sunday Glow to connect with our community in person. Meeting supporters face-to-face has allowed us to have meaningful conversations, hear their stories, and better understand their skincare needs and experiences. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm for our brand and to interact with customers who have followed us online.
Additionally, the pop-up has boosted our brand exposure, introducing Sunday Glow to new audiences who may not have discovered us otherwise. It’s been a great way to extend our online presence into the real world, creating deeper connections and furthering our mission to provide personalized, effective skincare solutions.
As you look to the future, what are your biggest goals for Sunday Glow, and how do you plan to continue making a positive impact?
Looking ahead, Sunday Glow’s goals include expanding our product range with more holistic and natural offerings and developing innovative skincare solutions. We aspire to become a household name in skincare while enhancing our focus on delivering even better experiences through advanced personalization. Beyond products, we are committed to championing self-confidence, sustainability, and the values of care and empowerment at the core of our brand. By staying true to our mission, we aim to foster authentic connections with our community, empower more individuals on their skincare journeys, and make a lasting, positive impact.
