Michelle Phan, born in Boston to Vietnamese parents, started her career at age 15 as a blogger. Phan, 27, rose to fame in 2007 with her YouTube makeup tutorials. Her channel has 7.5 million subscribers. In 2011, she co-founded ipsy, a makeup subscription startup, which now has 100 employees. Last fall, she co-founded a new venture, Shift Music Group, a platform for artists to promote and share music.
What do you actually do all day in your job?
Every day is different. I am constantly creating, whether that be for my own YouTube channel and social networks; or my businesses like FAWN (For all Women's Network) -- a women's lifestyle network on YouTube that I founded/produce; em Michelle Phan (my cosmetics line with L'Oreal); or ipsy (a beauty sampling service I co-founded in 2011).
How many hours do you sleep?
5-6 hours, but I am working to increase this. Hopefully by the time I'm 30 I'll be up to 7!
What do you eat for breakfast?
I eat something light, like fruit and green tea.
If you could pitch to one person, who would it be?
Jack Ma, the incredible Chinese entrepreneur. His work as both a businessman in the digital space and a philanthropist has inspired me in countless ways.
What's on your homescreen?
A picture of the galaxy. I'm fascinated by astronomy and, in fact, I even got an amazing telescope for Christmas.
How often do you exercise?
Never. It's unfortunately one of the activities that falls victim to my crazy schedule.
What app can't you live without?
Google Maps -- with all the traveling I do, I'd be lost without it.
What's your favorite city?
Beijing -- I've been spending a lot of time in Asia recently, and fell in love with Beijing and how innovative and advanced the city is.
Uber, Lyft, or yellow cab?
Uber -- doesn't get much easier than ordering a car from your smartphone!
Are there any social platforms you refuse to participate in?
Nope, I embrace them all! I am pretty much on every social platform.
What are you reading right now?
Blogs and comments. I am so inspired by the people watching my videos and responding to them. I have learned so much from my community over the years and always love reading their feedback and their own personal stories that they share with me.
The Strand or City Lights?
The Strand. I adore books and reading, and love that they carry both used and rare books that you can't find anywhere else.
Best piece of advice you've been given?
Luck is opportunity meets preparation.
What keeps you up at night?
The Internet.
If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
If it's impossible, prove them wrong.
