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October unfolds as a suitable time for thoughtful reflection. After racing breathlessly through life, at the age of 60, I finally pause to look back. Unwrapping the thick layers of years past, it feels like rediscovering an old, worn diary. Today, I seek solace in those memories—specifically, memories of my father. My father, who admired Picasso and Klee, upheld his dignity with restrained language, lived as a painter and professor, and fulfilled his life beautifully as a human being. Somewhere, there echoes the lesson: “In life, nothing is useless.”
I had an appointment to interview Erica Jung, founder of the luxury cosmetics brand 3Lab. Without time for morning coffee, I hurriedly boarded the subway to Manhattan. There, at a posh Midtown lounge on 52nd Street, I met Erica Jung. Her slim, neat, and sophisticated presence exemplified the image of a modern woman. As I marveled at the “success story of the cosmetics industry,” she greeted me warmly with a greeting, as if meeting an old friend.
Erica succinctly shared her story: studying in the U.S. during university, living as a director of a Korean company in New York for a decade, opening a cosmetics store with her husband, and eventually launching 3Lab. From an annual sales revenue of $40 million, her journey, though briefly summarized, held profound meaning. In the cosmetics world, it is rare for the founder to remain influential and maintain 100% ownership, highlighting the importance of her insights on the brand’s value and philosophy.
Her business journey was filled with myriad challenges. Erica opened the ‘Monas’ cosmetics store in New Jersey, leading to successful ventures in New York and LA. Her husband, David Jung, then took their high-end cosmetics distribution rights to Korea, but the IMF crisis forced them back to the U.S. This pivot led to the successful launch of the online cosmetics platform ‘Mydiva.com’ and subsequently, 3Lab in 2003, priced between $100-$400. Despite starting with substantial risks, her perfectionism aimed for the world's best cosmetics, driven by a commitment to quality over superficial marketing.
3Lab’s rapid growth saw the formation of ‘Englewood Lab’ in 2005 and entries into New York department stores. By 2006, it had extended its reach to 18 countries including Germany, the UK, Hong Kong, Russia, and Dubai.
In reflection, Erica shared: “Through countless encounters and experiences, I learned peace of mind and realized that nothing in life is truly wasteful.” Embracing the philosophy of Once in a Lifetime Connections, she realized the importance of relationships previously unnoticed.
Her father, renowned abstract painter Jung Jom-sik (1917-2009), exemplified this ethos. A lifelong educator and artist, he influenced many, leaving a legacy celebrated by followers who remember his literary prowess alongside his artworks.
At Erica’s weekend house in Upstate New York hang several of Jung’s works, a gallery honoring her father. Though she didn’t initially realize his value as an artist, his words greatly impacted her: “Human beings differ from animals in their ability to grow through inner cultivation.” These lessons became the foundation of her ethical and introspective life.
With 3Lab achieving phenomenal success, Erica turns towards supporting struggling artists and society, aligning her actions with her father’s belief: “Art should radiate messages beyond personal existence.” As she embraces an altruistic path, her efforts to preserve her father's artistic legacy reflect this deep connection.
In the interview’s final moments, I posed the question: “What is life?” Erica replied, “Though life is given, one must strive diligently within that passive fate.” Her three guiding principles—honor, focus, and responsibility—have been pivotal, revealing Erica’s core values.
As her life progresses towards an altruistic sunset, her resolve to uphold her father’s artistic spirit reminds us that even a successful businesswoman possesses the aesthetic instinct of the modern art pioneer Jung Jom-sik.
