The Korean American Beauty Women’s Business Association (BBKWA) held its 23rd annual meeting on the 6th in Atlanta, Georgia, where the inauguration ceremony for the 12th president, Pyo Yeo-sik, and the farewell ceremony for the 11th president, Kim Geum-rye, took place.

Outgoing President Kim Geum-rye remarked, “Running a business while leading and serving an organization is no easy task. Nevertheless, I am grateful that President Pyo Yeo-sik, who has both successfully managed a business and demonstrated great passion, is taking on this responsibility. I have high expectations for her leadership.”

During her inaugural address, Pyo Yeo-sik, who received the association’s flag symbolizing its continuity, stated, “The first condition for an organization’s growth is the growth of its individual members. When each person’s small efforts come together, the organization can truly demonstrate its capabilities.” She added, “We must cherish, protect, and develop the industry we are engaged in.”

President Pyo also emphasized that the best way to safeguard the beauty industry is to grow at a faster pace than external competitors.

Promoting Unity Among Industry Associations

Acknowledging recent discord among industry associations, Pyo Yeo-sik highlighted the importance of harmony and cooperation. She stated, “Each association operates with its own characteristics and goals. However, I believe that by working together toward a common goal, we can foster greater growth in our industry and achieve even greater success.”

She continued, “When the time comes for us to unite, I am confident that we all have the inner strength to look in the same direction and join forces with one heart. BBKWA will play its role in this effort as much as possible.”

Education as a Key Focus

During her tenure, President Pyo plans to prioritize education. She stated, “To run a successful business, one must become an expert in all areas, including purchasing, production, personnel management, and store operations. We will dedicate our efforts to education so that all members can develop the necessary skills to become professional business leaders.” She urged members to unite and learn together.

Pyo Yeo-sik’s Background and Industry Expertise

While the past does not define the present, an individual’s leadership, inclusiveness, analytical skills, and vision for the future often stem from their experiences. In this regard, Pyo Yeo-sik’s background warrants attention.

She began her career in the beauty industry in 1988 in Atlanta with a jewelry business and later expanded by opening a beauty supply retail store in 1996. She currently operates three stores, demonstrating expertise in both wholesale and retail operations, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Before immigrating to the U.S., she worked at Oricom, the advertising agency for Doosan Group, a prestigious marketing firm in Korea. During that time, Oricom was regarded as a top choice for elite professionals, playing a pivotal role in the growth of major Korean conglomerates. Given this strategic planning background, expectations for Pyo’s leadership are particularly high.

A Leader Who Listens

In a personal conversation with President Pyo, an interesting observation emerged—rather than asserting her own opinions, she actively listened to others. She appeared to absorb valuable insights from conversations, asking follow-up questions to deepen her understanding and make the knowledge her own.

Perhaps true leadership is not about showcasing one’s abilities but about gathering and utilizing the best information to make well-informed decisions. This quality raises great expectations for the 12th BBKWA under President Pyo Yeo-sik’s leadership.

Event Highlights

The event was attended by leaders from various organizations, including the presidents of both major federations. Additionally, seminars were conducted by industry leaders, including Lee Eun-hwang, CEO of C&L USA; Eric Kim, CEO of Golden Key POS; and Lee Seung-yeop, Vice President of Hair Plus.