Edible Ingredients & Ethical Glam: Inside The Clean Beauty Revolution with Ada Hsieh, Fluency Beauty
When you think of Wall Street, words like "sustainability," "plant-based," and "compostable packaging" don’t usually come to mind. But for Ada Hsieh, founder of Fluency Beauty, that’s exactly where her unexpected journey began.
In a recent episode of The Wild Party Podcast, Ada joined host Stefanie LaHart to talk about her leap from the high-stress world of trading floors to becoming a visionary in the clean beauty space. With a brand that’s vegan, cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certified, and committed to regenerative agriculture, Ada is proving that beauty can be just as ethical as it is bold.
A Clean Break from Finance
For over a decade, Ada worked on Wall Street, moving millions of dollars a day. “It was exciting, a total dopamine hit,” she recalls. “But at the end of the day, I wasn’t helping anyone—I was just helping the rich get richer.”
She eventually pivoted toward her true passion: makeup. What began as a creative outlet soon turned into a mission when she started experiencing breakouts and allergic reactions from traditional products. After researching ingredients, she was shocked to learn how many harmful toxins were hidden in everyday cosmetics. This sparked her journey to develop non-toxic, plant-based alternatives that not only enhance beauty but support health.
From Lipsticks to Lifestyle
Ada’s first venture, Ada Lip Beauty, focused on edible-safe lipsticks formulated with vegetables like turmeric, beets, and spirulina. Her goal was simple yet powerful: if we’re putting it on our lips, shouldn’t it be safe enough to eat?
Eventually, she expanded into a multifunctional product line and rebranded as Fluency Beauty. “Fluency is about becoming fluent in expressing who you really are,” she explained. Each product name is an affirmation, like “I Am Brave” or “I Am Perfect”—designed to empower users while enhancing their natural beauty.
Simplicity, Sustainability, and Self-Expression
Stefanie, who had taken Fluency’s online ShadeFinder quiz before the interview, was matched with “I Am Brave”—a bold yet wearable red. “It totally nailed me,” she laughed. “And the multistick? Absolute game-changer. One product for lips, cheeks, and eyes? Yes, please.”
But Fluency is more than makeup—it’s a movement. The packaging is biodegradable and made from corn, with recyclable aluminum components. And the ingredients? All plant-based, tested for pesticides, and free from PFAS and other harmful chemicals.
Ada’s commitment to transparency even led her to complete the rigorous Leaping Bunny certification process herself—personally contacting every supplier to ensure they met cruelty-free standards.
Building a Brand with Purpose
Starting from scratch, Ada bootstrapped Fluency Beauty with her own salary and by selling off 80% of her designer wardrobe. She also won a small pitch competition to fund product development. “You don’t need to be on Shark Tank,” she shared. “You just need to grow in a way that’s aligned with your values.”
That authenticity shows in her influencer strategy too. She collaborates with micro-influencers—those with under 10K followers—who are deeply engaged with their communities. “We’re growing together,” she said. “And that’s what it’s about.”
Regenerative Agriculture & a Better Beauty Industry
Fluency partners with suppliers using regenerative agricultural practices—methods that restore soil health, save water, and promote biodiversity. “Farming has become one of the most destructive forces on the planet,” Ada noted. “There has to be a better way.”
From garlic used as natural pesticides to compostable packaging that ends up enriching the soil, Fluency is proof that beauty and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
What’s Next for Fluency Beauty?
Looking ahead, Ada is focused on expanding her team, scaling her social media presence, hosting live events in New York, and eventually landing Fluency in major retailers by 2026. Final Word: Take the Quiz, Find Your Shade
As a parting note, both Ada and Stefanie reminded listeners to check out the ShadeFinder quiz at fluencybeauty.com. It’s short, fun, and delivers a personalized recommendation—plus a surprise gift in your inbox.
Whether you’re a seasoned clean beauty enthusiast or just dipping your toes into plant-powered products, Fluency Beauty is a brand worth watching—and wearing.
