Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Thao.
Hi Lydia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been in direct sales for most of my adult life, and while I didn’t always know I’d love it as much as I do, I’ve learned that helping and being of service to others truly warms my heart. There’s something so rewarding about connecting with people and making a difference — whether that’s through encouragement, community, or beauty.
I’ve always considered myself a bit of a Jack of All Trades. I’ve explored many paths, but what I’m currently enjoying most is being an independent beauty distributor with SeneGence.
I first discovered this company over seven years ago when a friend introduced me to what she called “magic lipstick” — a long-lasting lip color that wouldn’t budge or transfer no matter what you ate or drank. At the time, I was part of another network marketing company, but I’ve always believed in supporting my friends and small businesses, so I jumped in to show my support.
Fast forward to now — two years into being a SeneGence distributor — and I can honestly say it’s been such a fulfilling experience. What started as curiosity has become a genuine passion through my own skincare and beauty journey. I was originally just looking for products that could help my sensitive skin manage redness and large pores, but I ended up finding so much more — confidence, community, and connection.
Through this business, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible people within the Kansas City metro area — a community that’s truly near and dear to my heart. From local events to collaborations and friendships, every experience has reminded me why I do what I do.
For me, it’s not always about the sale. It’s about the impact — helping women, men, and members of the LGBTQ+ community feel confident in their own skin. Because when you feel good about yourself, it radiates outward. And that kind of confidence is powerful.
Being part of this community and having the chance to serve others continues to inspire me daily. I’m excited to keep growing, connecting, and making an impact right here in KC — one lipstick, one skincare set, and one conversation at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth sailing. When you’re in business for yourself, there’s a lot of trial and error involved in figuring out what works best for you — and that’s been a big part of my journey.
I’m grateful to have an incredible support system made up of my family and close friends who have always encouraged my ventures. On top of that, I’ve also found a wonderful community within SeneGence — a team that truly provides resources, guidance, and encouragement as I continue to grow and learn what works best for my business.
In my first year as an independent distributor, most of my sales were online. I had to learn how to create content that connected with people — from figuring out what to post and which products to feature in videos, to understanding what my audience really wanted to see. That learning curve was real!
This year, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and start doing in-person vendor events because I wanted to build stronger connections within my local community. That came with its own set of challenges — like learning what inventory to carry, how to display my products, and how to manage everything solo. It took me about four events to finally feel confident with my setup and flow.
But every challenge has been a lesson, and I truly believe each step — even the tough ones — has helped me grow into the businesswoman I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Elevated Beauty Co started from a genuine passion for helping others feel confident, radiant, and empowered in their own skin. I’ve been in direct sales for most of my adult life, but when I discovered SeneGence, it felt different. The products worked, the mission aligned with my heart, and it gave me a platform to serve others through beauty in a way that felt authentic to me.
At first, it was all about finding solutions for my own sensitive skin — managing redness and large pores while still wanting that effortless, natural glow. But as I began to share my results, I realized how many others were looking for the same thing: products that perform and help them feel good about themselves. That’s where Elevated Beauty Co truly came to life.
What sets my brand apart is the personal touch and connection I bring to every interaction. I don’t just share products — I focus on education, confidence, and helping my clients discover what makes them feel beautiful from the inside out. I’ve learned that beauty is deeply personal, and it’s my mission to make that experience empowering, not intimidating.
As Elevated Beauty Co continues to grow, I’m also taking my artistry to the next level by pursuing my Makeup Artist (MUA) certification. This next step allows me to combine professional makeup artistry with the skincare and cosmetic expertise I’ve developed through SeneGence — offering a more complete beauty experience to my clients.
What I’m most proud of, though, is how this journey has connected me to my Kansas City community. Through local events, pop-ups, and collaborations, I’ve met so many inspiring people. Those relationships have made this business feel like more than a brand — it’s become a community of empowerment, support, and self-love.
For me, Elevated Beauty Co isn’t just about selling beauty products — it’s about elevating confidence and connection one face at a time.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to work with or support Elevated Beauty Co!
For those interested in skincare or makeup, I love helping people find personalized beauty solutions that fit their lifestyle — whether it’s through one-on-one consultations, product recommendations, or beauty demos. You can shop directly through me or on my official website, where products conveniently ship straight to your door. You can also catch me at one of my local pop-ups or vendor events, or even host a beauty experience with your friends or team.
I’m also open to collaborating with other local businesses, creatives, and community leaders who share a passion for empowerment, self-care, and connection. Whether it’s a joint event, community initiative, or creative project, I’m always excited to partner with like-minded individuals who want to uplift and inspire others.
And lastly, the best way to support Elevated Beauty Co is to stay connected — follow along on social media, share a post, refer a friend, or simply stop by to say hi at a local KC event. Every bit of support means the world and helps keep this community growing strong.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.senegence.com/?pws=TheElevatedBeautyCo.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyfewithlyddie/#
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lyfewithlyddie
- Other: [email protected]
