Wendy Kim is a co-director of Nellie Tier, an Auckland-based skincare business made in New Zealand, and is a passionate advocate for products that are chemical-free and natural.
Wendy was a loyal fan of Nellie Tier’s natural skincare range before joining the company in 2016 and became a director three years later.
It is her firm belief that the use of Nellie Tier’s products is what’s keeping her in good health and beauty.
Wendy is a passionate advocate for natural skincare and swears by the brand's hydrating mask and face oil and is dedicated to expanding its reach.
She has successfully taken Nellie Tier’s baby products to South Korea, and expanded this business locally mainly to the Asian community.
Originally from South Korea, Wendy has a background in languages with a master’s degree and had studied Japanese and English, and worked as a translator. This, she said, helped in the expansion of the business to new markets here and abroad.
When she moved to New Zealand in 1994, Wendy said she was amazed by its “natural beauty and environment”.
Wendy suffered from troubled skin before looking into natural alternatives, and in 2013 had a major health scare when she was diagnosed with multiple fibroids.
“My skin is super sensitive, and I often get allergic reaction to different products which is why I don’t put make up on,” she said.
Puzzled as to what caused her illness even though she keeps a healthy lifestyle, Wendy set out to study the nature of its topical causes.
“What I found was that the skin is the largest vital organ of our body, and anything you put on it, from shampoo, cream and other products, they go straight into our blood streams, especially the chemicals,” Wendy said.
When a friend introduced her to Nellie Tier skincare, she found that it was “really good” and did not give her any side effects.
“I would buy it as gifts for friends and loved ones everytime I went back to Korea,” Wendy said.
Impressed by the brand's effectiveness and ethos, Wendy became a devoted user and advocate.
Her connection with Nellie Tier deepened through a fortuitous meeting with the founders, Ann Porter and Sara Sadd. Recognized for her natural affinity with the brand, Wendy was welcomed into the fold and now works closely with co-director Sarah, continuing Ann's legacy.
Under Wendy's leadership, Nellie Tier has grown its loyal customer base through word of mouth. She is committed to further expanding its reach, particularly within the Asian community and among younger generations.
Wendy's vision and dedication to natural skincare are driving Nellie Tier to new heights, making it a beloved brand for many.
While South Korea is taking on the world with its celebrated phenomenon in skincare and beauty products, Wendy believes New Zealand has what it takes to carve its own niche in the global beauty industry.
“Yes there is a lot of hype about K-beauty, but I feel products from New Zealand is of similar if not better than any of the products you find in the global market,” she said.
This article is brought to you in partnership with Nellie Tier.