The esthetician-slash-graphic designer Erica Choi is the visionary founder of Superegg, a skincare brand inspired by the harmony and purity of the humble yet powerful egg. Erica, who was the former vice president of digital design at Barneys, founded Superegg in 2020 as a vegan, cruelty-free skincare that balances the skin’s ecosystem with “egg duplexes”, where each component of the egg is paired with its effective plant-based equivalent. Even her nickname growing up was dalgyal, the Korean word for “egg”. Her products are as beautiful as they are efficacious, and as clean as they are cool.
We caught up with Erica to talk Korean beauty culture, her outfit spreadsheet, and her entrepreneurial journey.
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What does 'home' mean to you?
"Home is a place where I can always return to feel comfortable and genuinely myself. It can be a physical space or environment shared with people I love, filled with familiar scents, or with rituals that bring me joy."
Who are the important women or matriarchs in your life?
"It is my mother who is always there for me through everything. Then there are my girlfriends, each of whom is so dear to me, strong, and special in her own way."
From life and entrepreneurship to style and intuition, what lessons have these women imparted that you keep with you?
"Everyone has a unique gift that they share with those around them. From values like kindness and authenticity to skills like craftsmanship and leadership, there's always something to learn from them."
"Understand that everyone is on their own path, recognize that you're beautiful in your own way, and give yourself a bit more grace."
Superegg is an award-winning vegan skincare brand rooted in wellness, expertly balancing the power of botanicals and cutting-edge biotechnology to offer a comprehensive approach to beauty. Inspired by the holistic Korean beauty philosophy and the nourishing qualities of eggs for the skin, our products combine clinical actives and potent botanicals to offer effectiveness and indulgent self-care, all while prioritizing your well-being and our planet.
This stems from my Korean upbringing, where I observed my grandmother and mother apply different parts of the eggs onto their skin as a beauty ritual. Beauty has always brought me a sense of comfort. My career began with roles at Aveda, Teen Vogue, Razorfish, Huge, and Createthe Group, culminating in my recent position as VP of Digital Design at Barneys New York. Driven by my passion for the industry, I realized that maintaining my own skincare regimen wasn't enough—I wanted a deeper understanding of skincare and skin health. This drive led me to complete 600 hours of training at the Aveda Institute New York, where I earned my license as an esthetician.
My dream when I was younger was never to be an “entrepreneur,” but my career and life path naturally led me to this endeavor. While my corporate experience was invaluable, my entrepreneurial spirit grew and propelled me to create Superegg—a brand born from my love for beauty and empowerment.
You have such eclectic style and worked in fashion for years.
What’s your approach to getting dressed?
"I maintain a spreadsheet where I plan my outfits about a month in advance (admittedly a bit neurotic). This method helps me save time, ensure I style everything needed, photograph it, and rotate items in my closet effectively, minimizing waste."
What’s the one step in your beauty routine you can’t skip?
"Sunscreen! I rely on my Korean sun creams that feel like lightweight moisturizers. They always offer SPF 50 PA++++ and layer well over my skincare and under makeup."
For a busy entrepreneur living in New York, what does it mean to ‘come home to yourself’?
"Maintaining a tidy and organized space and finding moments to rest. Whether it's following my skincare routine or enjoying a Korean drama during dinner with my husband, these rituals ground me. It's about reconnecting with my core values, cherishing time with loved ones, allowing my body to rest, and nurturing inner peace through activities that bring joy and fulfillment."
Erica's Ritual:
