The co-founder and CEO of the popular Filipino makeup brand steers her ship through open communication, active listening and fostering a collaborative mindset in her team
Easy, fuss-free and inclusive: these are the goals of Filipino beauty brand, Issy & Co. Known for its bestselling active skin tint, a product that combines beauty and skincare into a tube, Issy & Co has seen success in both online retail channels and brick-and-mortar stalls around Metro Manila.
Read now: Philippine femtech startup Kindred launches app on its first anniversary
One of the key women behind its popularity is co-founder Jasmine Ang Chua. The entrepreneur radiates calm, betraying none of the stress or frenzy typically associated with running a startup. Couple that with her strong partnership with her co-founder, creative director and friend Joel Andrade, who steers the ship for Issy & Co’s daring campaigns, and you have the reason why Issy & Co has become a household name in the Philippines.
Ang Chua shares more on how she manages to strike the right balance between leader and friend, and toeing the line between authority and support.
How would you describe yourself as a leader—and how has that worked well for your team?
Jasmine Ang Chua (JAC): I prioritise collaboration, participation and inclusiveness as a leader. I believe in giving my team members a voice and involving them in decision-making processes. I empower my team members by delegating responsibilities and authority. I trust their capabilities and encourage them to take initiative and make decisions within their areas of expertise. This approach helps develop their skills, builds confidence and promotes a sense of ownership in their work.
How do you know if a job candidate will be a good fit for your company?
JAC: A promising candidate stands out through a combination of the following: relevant experience, strong skills, a positive attitude, effective communication, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, teamwork and a genuine passion for the role. They should demonstrate a track record of success, a willingness to learn and grow, and alignment with the company’s values.
Read now: This VC is backing Filipino innovators solving Filipino problems