🤝 Meet Linda Dang. She’s the founder and CEO of Sukoshi, a Toronto-based beauty retailer focused on products from South Korea and other Asian countries that’s rapidly growing its footprint. We sat down with Linda to talk about why K-beauty is dominating store shelves and the challenges of expanding in the U.S. amid trade turmoil.
Can you give our readers a quick explanation of what Sukoshi is?
Sukoshi is North America's leading Asian beauty destination that curates the best of skincare, makeup, and lifestyle from across Asia, with a strong focus on education and discovery. We are known for making Asian beauty accessible, whether you are completely new to the category or deeply passionate about it. Our stores are designed to be immersive and welcoming, where customers can learn, test, and find what actually works for them rather than chasing trends.
What are the store’s origins?
Sukoshi started eight years ago from a simple gap I experienced as a consumer. There was no place in Canada where you could properly discover Asian beauty in person, ask questions, and feel confident in what you were buying. What began as a small retail concept grew organically through community, word of mouth, and trust. As demand grew, so did our responsibility to build something thoughtful, scalable, and culturally respectful.
You also co-founded a popular poke restaurant and Toronto’s first sake bar. What lessons did you learn in the restaurant business that you now apply to retail?
Hospitality shaped everything I do. Restaurants teach you how to read people, create moments, and obsess over consistency. In retail, we apply the same mindset. Staff education matters, the environment matters, and how someone feels when they leave matters more than the transaction itself. Retail and hospitality are both about emotional connection, not just product.
Why do you think K-beauty has taken off the way it has in recent years? What distinguishes these products from North American products?
K-beauty prioritizes skin health, prevention, and long-term results. The innovation cycle is faster, formulations are more ingredient-driven, and brands are willing to challenge traditional beauty norms. Instead of selling a miracle product, the focus is on routines, layering, and education. That approach resonates with consumers who are more informed and skeptical than ever.
South Korea's population isn't much bigger than Canada's, yet it has outsized cultural influence. Why do you think that is?
South Korea has been incredibly intentional about exporting culture. Music, film, fashion, and beauty are treated as soft power and economic drivers. There is also a deep respect for craft and constant improvement. Trends don’t stagnate. They evolve quickly, which keeps global audiences engaged and curious.
What are the benefits of building a business in Canada?
Canada offers diversity, global perspective, and resilience. We sit at the intersection of cultures, which makes us uniquely positioned to understand global consumers. Building here also forces discipline. You learn how to do more with less, how to scale thoughtfully, and how to compete globally without relying on a massive domestic market.
You’re prioritizing U.S. expansion. How do you manage that while Canada is in the middle of a trade war with the U.S.?
We stay focused on fundamentals. Strong unit economics, diversified supply chains, and localized teams on the ground matter more than headlines. Our expansion is intentional, not rushed. We invest heavily in compliance, logistics, and partnerships so that geopolitical noise doesn’t derail long-term strategy.
What are some of the hottest products Sukoshi sold this past holiday shopping season?
Toner pads, lip oils, and skin barrier-focused products are flying off the shelves. We are also seeing huge demand for giftable skincare sets and hybrid makeup products that blur the line between beauty and skincare. Customers are shopping smarter and looking for value, performance, and versatility.
What is an emerging trend in your industry that you think will take off in 2026?
Asian beauty beyond K-beauty. We are seeing growing interest in Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian brands, especially those rooted in science and heritage. The next wave is less about trends and more about credibility, education, and cultural depth. Consumers want substance, not just aesthetics.