Launched: 2012
Key Executives:
2025 Full Year Expected Revenue Range: $20 to $30 million according to industry estimates.
2025 Projected Offline Distribution Points: 3
Primary Category: Facial Skincare
Other Categories: Haircare, Bodycare
Key Markets: United States, Canada, European Union
Primary Distribution Channel: DTC
Other Distribution Channels: Amazon
Funding Rounds: Seed
Soko Glam was founded in 2012 by Dave and Charlotte Cho out of a shared passion for making Korean skincare accessible and approachable to everyone, no matter where they are in their skincare journey. At the time, Korean skincare and rituals were relatively unknown in the US, and together they set out to bridge that gap by curating high-quality Korean products that focus on self-care, consistency, and long-term results.
Soko Glam isn’t just about selling products—it’s about educating and empowering customers to understand their skin’s needs and build rituals that work for them. From introducing the 10-step skincare routine to spotlighting groundbreaking K-beauty ingredients and brands such as COSRX and Beauty of Joseon, Dave and Charlotte built a trusted space where skincare is more than a routine—it’s a form of self-discovery and wellness.
Through thoughtful curation, expert guidance, and a deep connection to their community, Soko Glam has become a leader in the global beauty industry, setting trends and redefining skincare experiences. Their commitment to innovation, education, and community ensures they continue to meet the evolving needs of their customers, helping them feel confident and cared for in their skin.
Insights provided by Dave Cho, Co-Founder + CEO
Key business initiatives for 2025?
Soko Glam will continue to position itself as the most credible brand and voice in Korean beauty and skincare.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
We are most proud of building the Korean beauty brand to the size and strength that it is. We've also discovered and helped grow mainstay Korean beauty brands such as COSRX and Beauty of Joseon.
What has been the biggest surprise?
When we first started, all Korean brands were focused on China. Today, it's all about the US.
What fuels your competitive advantage?
We are not a discounted Korean beauty player; we are not a place that you simply transact. Soko Glam is a place people trust to get all their knowledge, education, and help when it comes to finding the right products for their skin goals and concerns.
Insight on the future of the beauty industry.
K-beauty may be making headlines on the volume of units sold on TikTok or Amazon, but what's underneath the surface are tremendous potential sinkholes if there isn't a focus on building the foundation for long-lasting growth. This is where Soko Glam thrives, in partnership with those brands who align to that vision.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
At the moment: There's a difference between a hard decision and a hard conversation.
What is the best mistake you've ever made and what did you learn?
For my undergrad and grad schools, I got rejected the first time I applied. What I learned is to not be defined by that experience and learn to truly be resilient in the face of adversity and no one believing in you ... and achieving success. The journey is actually the gift.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating launching a beauty brand?
If you're launching a beauty brand, be sure that you're ready to face the ugly side of beauty. You have to be clear about what you want out of the experience, and it shouldn't be to make a lot of money—assume you are not that person, and dig deep on what truly matters to you and why your beauty brand deserves to exist.
If you could change one thing in the beauty industry what would it be?
I would reward and recognize brands beyond the norm (i.e., raising capital, retail expansion, acquisition from the usual strategics). Success should be defined more broadly.
