For a better part of her first decade in the workforce, Yifon Law built a lucrative career in actuarial science both in the United States and Malaysia. Never did he imagine that one day, she’d be trading spreadsheets for lipsticks.
Despite the security and success of a corporate job in an MNC, Yifon yearned for work where she could see a direct impact from what she did each day. She shared that “I have always wanted something where I could actually see the difference I was making. Really helping people in a way that mattered”.
A personal health setback in 2018 became the catalyst that pushed her to embark on a completely new chapter, one that would blend her passion for natural living with a mission to make beauty safer and more personal for everyone.
Behind every handcrafted lipstick tube and engraved balm is Yifon’s story, leaping out of the corporate grind and into the colourful world of clean beauty.
A New Shade In Her Career
The inspiration for Lips Carpenter came through on a particularly intense workday. Just before she was to deliver a major work presentation, Yifon discovered her lips were badly cracked and bleeding. In a rush, she dashed into a pharmacy and grabbed a random lip balm off the shelf. Instead of soothing her lips, it triggered swelling and discomfort.
“Standing there during my presentation, feeling embarrassed and in pain, I realised there had to be a better way,” she recalls.
Yifon turned to her sister, Yi-Xian, for support. Both women, passionate about natural living, decided to create safer, more effective lip care products for people like themselves. They started experimenting in their brother’s apartment, mixing small batches of lip balms and testing them on friends and family.
This is how Lips Carpenter was born. A brand that blends clean beauty with artistry and craftsmanship. Yifon explains that just like “a carpenter who crafts each piece by hand, we do the same for lips. Clean formulas, beautiful shades, and personalised touches tailored to customers,” explains Yifon.
From Home Experiments To Major Retailers’ Shelves
Launching a beauty brand from scratch wasn’t easy. Yifon and her sister ran hundreds of experiments, reading scientific journals, learning from global clean-beauty formulators, and perfecting their recipes.
Besides the product, designing the packaging was another personal endeavour. “We sketched everything ourselves. Limited skills, lots of heart,” Yifon laughs.
A significant milestone came in 2020 when Lips Carpenter became a finalist in the Alliance Bank BizSmart Challenge, a powerful affirmation that their idea had genuine business potential.
Equally memorable was a recent moment in MR DIY. Yifon was browsing the store’s beauty aisle when she overheard two shoppers discussing how Lips Carpenter’s natural lip mask had finally solved their long battle with chapped lips. “Hearing that right beside the shelf was incredibly gratifying,” she says.
Building A Brand With Heart
Today, Lips Carpenter remains proudly digital-first, selling through its own website and on platforms like Shopee and Lazada. The brand frequently appears at pop-up events and collaborates with corporate clients, gaining a loyal following for its unique customisation services.
“Every balm or lipstick can be personalised with a name, shade and even a brand logo,” explains Yifon. “It’s become a favourite bridesmaid gift, and corporate clients love it for unique staff or client gifts.”
Yifon’s next vision is to open a physical retail space where customers can experience the products firsthand and customise them on the spot.
Glowing Up In A Crowded Beauty Space
The beauty industry is competitive, with large brands dominating the conversation and advertising budgets.
One of Yifon’s biggest business lessons was understanding that selling great products aren’t enough if people don’t know they exist. “A marketing specialist once told me, ‘You girls really put a lot of effort into your products, but your message is too humble. People need to know it.’ That stuck with me,” she says.
Yifon relies on three core brand values to stand out from the crowd: 1) clean, natural formulations, 2) product personalisation, and 3) showing genuine care for customers.
“We’re not the loudest brand,” she admits. “What truly sets us apart is the heart we pour into every product and every customer interaction.”
Social media has been critical in building awareness for Lips Carpenter. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and RedNote help the brand share authentic stories and showcase their craftsmanship through engaging short videos.
Word-of-mouth has also played a significant role, especially among customers searching for gentle, clean beauty solutions suitable for sensitive skin.
Constantly evolving consumer behaviour is another challenge. One year, shoppers are all about Shopee; the next, TikTok Shop is trending. Yifon has learned to remain nimble, experimenting with new platforms and marketing strategies to stay connected with her audience.
From Lips To Head-To-Toe Clean Beauty
Lips Carpenter, bootstrapped from day one, has grown steadily thanks to loyal customers and a reputation for quality and integrity. The brand is on a healthy growth trajectory, with plans to expand into Singapore and beyond.
Yifon’s ultimate vision is to transform Lips Carpenter from a purely lip-care brand into a full clean-beauty house.
“We want Lips Carpenter to be the most trusted clean beauty house, known for gentle, natural-yet-effective beauty,” Yifon says. “We’ll widen our range from lips to head-to-toe clean beauty, face makeup, skincare, and body care, while keeping every formula clean and sensitive-skin-safe.”
Reflecting on her journey, Yifon shares that “building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. We should plan for the long haul and be ready to learn, tweak, and adapt every single day. Don’t just rush into trends. Build a solid foundation first.”
With passion, resilience, and a willingness to pivot, Yifon Law and Lips Carpenter are proving that even the most unexpected career detour can blossom into something beautiful, and impactful.
Subscribe To The DollarsAndSense Business Pass
Enjoy what you are reading and want more? Join The DollarsAndSense Business Pass and unlock access to valuable tools, exclusive networking opportunities, and tap into the wisdom of industry experts to fuel your business expansion!
