Meet Terisa Hsu-Lee, a remarkable woman who exemplifies passion, resilience, and dedication to empowering women and building authentic brands.
Born in Taiwan in 1983, Terisa’s family immigrated to South Africa during the challenging era of apartheid in 1985. Since then, she has called South Africa her home, and her heart resonates deeply with the diverse culture and people of this beautiful nation.
Terisa is a multi-talented individual, embodying the roles of a multi-disciplinary creative, mom-preneur, and passion-preneur. Her unwavering commitment to personal and business brand alignment shines through her work. She believes in the power of youth-preneurship, local-preneurship, community upliftment, and the empowerment of youth and women.
As the co-owner of Ever Beauty SA, Terisa has been instrumental in nurturing the growth of the family business legacy. Together with her sister Angela, she transformed Ever Beauty SA into an online beauty brand, catering to the diverse needs and skin tones of the South African market. Terisa’s exclusive range of affordable, quality, and professional South African makeup products has gained recognition for its inclusivity. In addition, her locally manufactured fragrances, Ubuntu, Amandla, and I’m Beautiful, aim to instill a sense of beauty, strength, and solidarity in their users.
In October 2021, Terisa and Angela achieved a significant milestone by opening the 600sqm flagship Ever Beauty SA Emporium in the heart of Fourways, Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Johannesburg. Despite the challenging business landscape caused by the pandemic, their perseverance and faith led them to success. Their determination serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs across the globe.
Terisa’s impact extends beyond the business realm. She is a compassionate advocate for animal welfare and a motivational force for individuals from all walks of life. Through her endeavors, she strives to nurture self-acceptance, self-love, and self-worth in both privileged and disadvantaged communities. Her academic achievements, including a bachelor’s degree in business communication with a specialization in marketing, have equipped her with the skills to make a difference.
Moreover, Terisa’s diverse certifications, such as being a qualified personal fitness trainer and certified pole fitness instructor, demonstrate her commitment to physical and mental well-being. She is also an accomplished makeup artist, having earned a diploma in fashion and photographic makeup from the esteemed Makeup School. Terisa’s ongoing studies at Trifocus Fitness Academy will culminate in her becoming a certified life coach in the near future, further solidifying her dedication to helping others reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Terisa cherishes quality time with her husband and children. She values her relationships with family and friends and recognizes the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health. Terisa’s love for travel, social events, and new adventures constantly fuels her vibrant spirit.
Driven by a deep desire to inspire and motivate, Terisa actively engages in community development projects and collaborates on social media influencer brand initiatives. Her involvement with the Impilo Collection Foundation, which focuses on uplifting and empowering victims of gender-based violence through various projects, showcases her dedication to a cause greater than herself. Terisa’s partnership with the Jessica Matheson Foundation, established in memory of a young girl who tragically took her own life, further demonstrates her commitment to addressing mental health issues and supporting vulnerable young individuals.
Terisa is also an ambassador for the She PowHer Foundation & the Crimson 1 million revolution, aimed at delivering 1 million menstrual cups to 1 million menstruating women & girl children throughout Africa. Terisa is an advocate for creating awareness & education surrounding the menstrual cup as the 3rd period option. One menstrual cup replaces the need for any young girl or woman to ever buy a pack of pads or tampons for a period of up to 10 years. Terisa has been using the menstrual cup for over 3 years and believes that it is a long-term, environmentally sustainable solution that will truly end period poverty, whilst also taking care of our environment. She believes that every woman, whether rich or poor, deserves to menstruate with dignity!
Terisa Hsu-Lee’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and authentic value brand building. Her journey as a multi-disciplinary creative, mom-preneur, and passion-preneur reflects her unwavering commitment to personal growth and the betterment of her community.
Terisa has embarked on an exciting Mrs. South Africa semi-Finalist Journey, where she aims to fulfill her dream of shattering glass ceilings and making history. Her goal is to become the first South Africaneese Woman to ever win a title in African Pageantry.
This year, alongside entering Mrs. South Africa, Terisa Hsu-Lee has also embarked on a new career expansion in the film industry. In 2021, she was an official A cast member of a highly rated international TV show franchise, which did not air due to a physical altercation between other cast members.
When she was re-appointed as a cast member in 2022, she decided not to take on the role. Walking away from the well-known Reality TV show franchise inspired her to manifest her dream of becoming a Producer, Director, and the main cast member of a documentary reality series called ‘Title to be confirmed’.
This exciting film project has been in production since December 2022. Terisa has been working closely in collaboration with her dear friend Michael Joe-Louis Jaspan, also known as ‘The Film Guys’. Michael takes on the role of creative director, cinematographer, and editor. The official trailer of ‘Title to be confirmed’ shall be released in July 2023, and official episodes are anticipated to launch in August 2023.
To learn more about Terisa and her exciting endeavors, visit her Instagram and Facebook pages @terisahsulee & her beauty business website.