Latest news with #Kahi
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
From Kahi to Yless: How KoreaTech CEO is building next wave of K-beauty
Lee Dong-yeol blends tradition, innovation, indie spirit to redefine K-beauty experience When you step into the flagship Yless store nestled in Seoul's historic Bukchon Hanok Village, you're greeted not just by cutting-edge skincare, but by the aroma of freshly baked bread, the hum of live music and the warmth of Korean hospitality. It's a fitting reflection of the brand's ethos: deeply rooted in tradition, yet boldly innovative. At the forefront is Lee Dong-yeol, founder and CEO of KoreaTech, whose vision is reshaping the K-beauty landscape for a new generation of global consumers. From humble beginnings to beauty innovation KoreaTech's story began in 2003 as a distributor of everyday goods. But Lee's fascination with beauty was always simmering beneath the surface. 'In the early 2000s, I was already passionate about cosmetics. I wanted to try my hand in the beauty space and that led me to ReFa, a beauty device,' he recalls. The company's pivot to beauty devices like ReFa Carat and PAO proved prescient, successfully combining technology with personal care for a rapidly growing market. The real breakthrough came in 2020 with the launch of the Kahi brand. 'Meeting customers face-to-face, I realized their biggest concerns were about basic skincare. I wanted to address the frustrations they felt with existing products and create something truly new,' the CEO said. Introduced as a new type of skincare stick known as the 'multi balm,' Kahi became a runaway success, actively expanding into overseas markets in 2023. The brand surpassed $10 million in exports from July 2023 to June 2024. Kahi is now available on global e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and has entered 11 countries, including the United States and Japan. Birth of Yless: Platform with purpose The journey didn't stop there. December 2023 saw the launch of Yless -- a K-beauty platform designed to challenge industry conventions. 'After selling Kahi both domestically and overseas, I saw that indie brands in Korea were getting great responses, but the competition on platforms was fierce. Too much effort went into chasing trends and marketing rather than product development and quality,' Lee said. With Yless, the CEO set out to change that. 'Our goal is to spotlight brands — not just products — and to introduce truly unique, high-quality items that you won't find anywhere else, offered at prices free from inflated markups. I can confidently say Yless delivers department store quality at ultra-affordable prices.' From day one, Yless was conceived as a global platform. Just a week after launching its app in the US and Japan, international orders began pouring in. 'Japan responded most enthusiastically. At Beautyworld Japan in Tokyo, buyers and consumers were amazed — seeing one company showcase 1,500 products was unprecedented.' In North America, especially among Gen Z, Yless tapped into the rising "dupe" trend — high-quality alternatives to luxury products. 'In the US, buying dupes is considered stylish. Our Bluequatica line of body washes and hand creams, inspired by global luxury fragrances, sold out almost immediately,' he said. Product diversity is another core strength. 'For foundation alone, we offer 40 to 50 shades to cater to the world's wide range of skin tones. That level of customization is rare." Beyond beauty: Building K-culture The Yless flagship store is more than a retail space. 'I wanted it to be a place where people could enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional hanok, experience culture and shop for cosmetics all at once,' the CEO said. The store hosts free live music, offers traditional Korean snacks and even organizes kimchi-making events — last October, employees made 3,000 heads of kimchi, with plans to increase that to 5,000 this year. 'It's about sharing and cooperation — the values at the heart of Korean culture and our brand.' Yless also serves as an incubator for indie brands, partnering with fewer than ten carefully selected companies that share its philosophy. 'It's hard to find partners who prioritize quality over quantity. Like a great restaurant that refuses to become a diluted franchise, we're committed to maintaining excellence,' Lee explained. The CEO is candid about the obstacles small brands face in global markets. 'On platforms like Amazon, competition is so intense that advertising fees can eat up 50 percent of revenue. It's almost impossible for small brands to survive.' Yless' solution is to minimize platform fees and let brands focus on quality, not marketing spend. Much of Yless' momentum comes from its close relationships with top-tier manufacturers. 'Our trust with manufacturers like Cosmax and Kolmar was built during the Kahi project. They supported our bold attempts to create products that didn't exist before, focusing on quality over cost,' Lee said. Fragrance, a notoriously difficult element to perfect, is a point of pride. 'The hardest part always came down to 'scent.' We partnered with a 150-year-old French company in Grasse, the world's perfume capital, to develop our dupe fragrances. They even came to Korea and we bonded over homemade meals,' he said. For Lee, Yless is just getting started. 'My goal is to build a company that lasts a hundred years. This isn't just about creating a retail space — it's about laying the foundation for sustainable global growth,' he emphasized. 'If you make a good product and offer it at a fair price, consumers will recognize its value. Even without heavy marketing, word of mouth continues to drive our growth every day.' The Top 100 Global Innovators series spotlights the trailblazers shaping Korea's future across a range of industries — from bold entrepreneurs and tech pioneers to research leaders — whose innovations are making a global impact beyond Korea. More than a celebration of success, the series offers a deeper exploration of the ideas, breakthroughs and strategies driving their achievements. — Ed. hykim@
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Praveen Kumar Interview: Cinema is where all art forms meet
Not all engineers stick to the script. Some, like Praveen Kumar G, choose to write a new one—one that belongs on the big screen. With a degree in engineering but a heart firmly rooted in cinema, Praveen is now ready to make his directorial debut with , a romantic comedy set to release on April 25. 'I always had clarity that engineering wasn't my final destination. Cinema is my real passion—my ikigai ,' he says. His love for performing began in college, where he was part of a Mad Ads team called Nothing But Trouble. 'We did over 70 shows. I was the narrator of our team. That's where I found my voice.' The debutant director, born and raised in Ballari, has spent years behind the scenes learning the art of storytelling. 'It took years of working on different aspects of filmmaking. Amara Premi Arun feels like a natural extension of everything I've done so far,' says Praveen, who has worked as an associate and assistant director on Koormavatara , Sakkare , Endendu Ninagagi , Kahi , Dana Kayonu , and Mugulu Nage and written dialogues for Alidu Ulidavaru and Ninna Sanihake , among other projects. The film tells the story of Arun, a small-town medical representative who still lives in the memory of his childhood love. 'I chose Ballari as the backdrop because I wanted to capture the spirit of a town I know inside out. The Ballari accent adds a flavour of authenticity, and I've kept the dialogues simple—with a blend of Kannada and English—so that audiences everywhere can relate," he says. Starring Harisharva, Deepika Aradhya, Dharmanna Kadur, and Krithi Bhat, the film will be a clean romantic comedy filled with charm, humour, and nostalgia. With music by Kiran Ravindranath, cinematography by Praveen S, and editing by Manu Shedgar, the film may be made on a tight budget but is packed with emotional honesty," he says. The film is crowd-funded and backed by Olavu Cinema. 'Cinema is where all art forms meet. You can express every shade of life through it,' says Praveen, who has also published a short story collection titled Ede . "With Amara Premi Arun , I step into being a rooted and reflective storyteller," he concludes.
Associated Press
21-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Patriot Restoration Announces Expansion into Commercial and Government Restoration Services
Patriot Restoration is expanding its disaster recovery services to focus on commercial properties and government contracts, setting a new standard in the restoration industry with advanced technology and a client-first approach. United States, February 21, 2025 -- Patriot Restoration Expands Operations to Serve Commercial and Government Sectors Patriot Restoration, a leading provider of disaster recovery services in East Tennessee, has announced a strategic expansion into commercial and government restoration projects. With a growing demand for high-quality property recovery services, the company is shifting its focus beyond residential claims, positioning itself as a premier restoration partner for businesses, property owners, and public-sector clients. Founded by TJ Wiberley, Patriot Restoration has built a strong reputation for its transparent pricing, advanced restoration techniques, and commitment to minimizing downtime for businesses. By integrating cutting-edge technology and establishing key partnerships, the company aims to transform the way restoration services are delivered in the commercial and government sectors. 'This expansion allows us to provide high-value restoration services without the typical delays and compromises associated with insurance-driven models,' said TJ Wiberley, President of Patriot Restoration. 'We are committed to delivering fast, efficient, and transparent solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses and government entities.' Addressing the Gaps in Commercial Restoration Services The restoration industry has long been centered around residential insurance claims, often leaving commercial property owners and public institutions facing extended delays and incomplete repairs. Patriot Restoration is addressing these challenges by offering a commercial-first approach that prioritizes: Rapid Response for Businesses and Public Buildings – Ensuring minimal disruption and downtime. Specialized Restoration for High-Value Properties – Tailored services for properties exceeding $600,000 in value. Direct Client Relationships – Transparent pricing and clear communication without insurance-driven limitations. This shift comes at a time when many businesses are seeking reliable restoration partners that can provide full-service mitigation without the complications of insurance claim disputes. Leveraging Technology to Streamline Restoration Processes Patriot Restoration is integrating state-of-the-art technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in restoration projects. The company utilizes industry-leading software such as: Encircle for real-time documentation, including moisture readings and imaging. Xactimate and Kahi for precise estimating and project management. GoHighLevel CRM for automated client communication and service tracking. Docusketch for advanced 360-degree property imaging. By adopting a technology-driven approach, Patriot Restoration ensures that every project is documented with precision, providing clients with clear timelines, cost estimates, and real-time updates. 'Restoration is about more than just fixing damage; it's about ensuring property owners have complete confidence in the recovery process,' Wiberley said. 'Our investment in advanced technology allows us to deliver faster, more transparent, and highly effective restoration solutions.' Expansion into Government and Institutional Contracts In addition to serving commercial clients, Patriot Restoration is actively working toward securing government contracts to support disaster recovery efforts at the municipal, state, and federal levels. The company is currently pursuing: TIPS Registration to become an approved vendor for government agencies. Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification to expand its eligibility for public-sector restoration projects. Strategic Partnerships with Municipal and Federal Agencies for rapid disaster response and mitigation. By broadening its reach to include government contracts, Patriot Restoration aims to play a critical role in disaster recovery efforts for public institutions, ensuring that essential facilities such as schools, government offices, and infrastructure are restored efficiently. Strengthening Industry Partnerships and Referral Networks As part of its expansion strategy, Patriot Restoration is also strengthening its industry partnerships to establish a reliable network of referral sources. The company has launched the Referral Reactor program, designed to provide seamless lead generation for trade professionals such as: Plumbers and HVAC Technicians who encounter water damage and can refer clients directly. Commercial Property Managers looking for dedicated restoration partners. General Contractors and Builders in need of professional mitigation services. By diversifying its lead generation approach, Patriot Restoration ensures a steady flow of projects while providing added value to industry professionals looking to support their clients with reliable restoration services. A Commitment to Professionalism and Expertise One of the defining characteristics of Patriot Restoration is its focus on training, leadership, and team development. Unlike many restoration companies that struggle with high turnover and inconsistent service, Patriot Restoration prioritizes: Ongoing Training Programs through Cardone University and industry certifications. A Leadership Team with Over 20 Years of Industry Experience. A Structured Approach to Client Communication with dedicated project coordinators. These efforts ensure that every project is handled by highly skilled professionals who operate with efficiency and integrity. 'Our clients deserve more than just a quick fix; they need restoration solutions that are backed by experience and expertise,' Wiberley said. 'We have built a team that understands the complexities of large-scale restoration projects and is committed to delivering exceptional results.' Looking Ahead: The Future of Patriot Restoration As Patriot Restoration continues to expand, the company remains dedicated to its core mission of providing reliable, transparent, and high-quality restoration services. The company's growth strategy includes: Further Expansion into the Southeast to serve a broader commercial and government client base. Advancing its Technology Infrastructure to enhance service capabilities. Strengthening Partnerships with Industry Leaders to drive long-term growth and sustainability. By focusing on commercial and government projects, Patriot Restoration is setting a new standard in disaster recovery—one that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and long-term value for property owners. About Patriot Restoration Patriot Restoration is a disaster recovery company specializing in water, mold, and smoke damage restoration for commercial properties, government buildings, and high-value residential homes. Based in East Tennessee, the company is recognized for its commitment to transparency, advanced technology, and expert service. With a focus on minimizing downtime and delivering superior restoration solutions, Patriot Restoration is redefining the industry standard for commercial and institutional property recovery. Media Contact TJ Wiberley 865-272-2350 LinkedIn Contact Info: Name: TJ Wiberley Email: Send Email Organization: Patriot Restoration Release ID: 89153555
