Pioneering in Sexual Wellness
In this episode, we're joined by Anna Lee, the founder and CEO of Lioness, a company focusing on sexual well-being through innovative and data-driven products, who shares her journey from a conservative Korean American upbringing to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur representing Asian Americans in the sexual wellness industry.
Anna's transition from an engineer at Amazon to the tumultuous world of startups was far from linear. When she decided to start Lioness, she kept it a secret from her family for almost two years. She was aware of the societal taboos and personal boundaries she would have to cross, particularly within her conservative background.
Lioness introduced the first and only smart vibrator that allows users to view their orgasm data to learn more about their bodies. The company didn't just cater to physical needs but also sought to educate and empower. Anna works to break the chains of secrecy surrounding sexual health and provide a platform for open, stigma-free discussions.
Recent data shows that the sexual wellness industry is rapidly growing, estimating to reach $125.1 billion by 2026. However, the industry remains predominantly male-dominated, with women holding only 20-30% of executive positions in major sexual wellness companies. This gender disparity highlights the importance of entrepreneurs like Anna in bringing diverse perspectives to the field.
Asian representation in the sexual wellness industry is particularly low, with less than 5% of leadership roles held by individuals of Asian descent. This underrepresentation is significant as it limits the industry's ability to address the unique cultural nuances and needs of Asian communities regarding sexual health and wellness. Anna’s presence as an Asian American founder in this space is crucial for breaking cultural taboos and encouraging open discussions about sexual wellness within Asian communities.
Tune in to learn about Anna's innovative approach to sexual wellness, the personal journey that drives her mission, and the future aspirations of Lioness.
Listen here, on Spotify, or watch on YouTube!
00:00 A Surprise Visit
00:24 Introducing Anna Lee and Lioness
00:53 Early Life and Upbringing
03:07 Pursuing Engineering and Career Choices
04:07 Starting the Lioness Journey
05:11 Creative Hobbies and Tinkering
06:08 Representation in Sexual Wellness
09:20 The Importance of Sexual Wellness
12:56 Innovating with Lioness
16:15 Future of Lioness
17:30 Mother-Daughter Bond
22:46 Balancing Heritage and Identity
26:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections
E3: Anna Lee (Founder of Lioness)