| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim So-hee (김소희) |
| Date of Birth | 1980 (Exact date not publicly confirmed) |
| Place of Birth | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Beauty Executive |
| Known For | Founder of Stylenanda and 3CE (Three Concept Eyes) |
| Education | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Founded Stylenanda | 2004 |
| Launched 3CE | 2009 (as the cosmetics line under Stylenanda) |
| Major Milestone | Sold Stylenanda and 3CE to L’Oréal in 2018 (estimated deal value: $375–530M) |
| Former Role | CEO and Creative Director of Nanda Co., Ltd. |
| Current Activities | Private lifestyle, real estate investments, occasional advisory roles |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100–200 million (as of 2025, post-acquisition and investments) |
| Languages | Korean, limited public use of English |
| Social Media | Not publicly active under personal accounts |
When Kim So‑hee launched a small online fashion boutique in her early twenties, few could have predicted that she would transform South Korea’s beauty and fashion industry. As the founder of Stylenanda and 3CE, Kim became a trailblazing entrepreneur—building a globally recognised brand and earning her place among Asia’s most successful businesswomen.
Estimated Net Worth: $100–200 Million
While Kim So‑hee has never publicly disclosed her wealth, credible financial benchmarks suggest she’s amassed an estimated $100–200 million.
In 2016, her company Nanda reported $101 million in sales and $20.4 million in net profit. By 2018, L’Oréal acquired a controlling stake in the group—widely reported to range from $375–530 million. Kim retained a significant share (estimated 30–50%) and took on a creative leadership role during the transition.
Taken together, these figures place her individual net worth in the low‑hundreds of millions, even after stepping away from day-to-day operations.
How Kim So‑hee Built Her Fortune
1. Stylenanda (Fashion Ecommerce Pioneer)
Kim launched Stylenanda in 2004 as a simple online mall. Over the next decade, it gained popularity among millennial and Gen Z consumers, thanks to its trendy designs sourced directly from Seoul’s Dongdaemun market. By 2015, sales had surged past 100 billion KRW (~$85 million), establishing her as a major force in K‑fashion.
2. 3CE (Three Concept Eyes)
In 2009, Kim expanded into beauty with 3CE, a cosmetics brand spun off from Stylenanda. Known for its bold colours and fashion‑forward design, 3CE quickly became the group’s top revenue driver—accounting for around 69% of total sales. Amid the global K‑Beauty boom, 3CE opened hundreds of outlets worldwide, especially in China, Southeast Asia, and the U.S..
3. Sale to L’Oréal
In 2018, major cosmetics conglomerate L’Oréal acquired Nanda, including Stylenanda and 3CE, in a multi-hundred-million-dollar deal. Though exact terms weren’t disclosed, Korean news sources suggested transaction values between $375 million and $530 million. Kim stayed on as creative director until 2021 before stepping back to focus on family and real estate investments.
4. Real Estate and Investments
Post-exit, Kim invested in high-value properties, including a $19 million, three-story home in Seoul’s Myeongdong district. She has reportedly continued to invest in South Korean real estate, building wealth through capital appreciation.
Estimated Income Sources
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Sale of Nanda/3CE to L’Oréal | ~$110–265 million (assuming 30–50% equity) across 2018 transaction |
| Creative Director Role | Annual compensation + benefits (2018–2021) |
| Real Estate Investments | Appreciation on multi-million-dollar properties |
| Royalties & Licenses | Brand usage rights under L’Oréal’s global distribution |
What Sets Kim So‑hee Apart
Kim So‑hee’s rise is defined by authenticity and innovation. She began by curating fashion directly from Dongdaemun’s thriving market, building trust with candid storytelling and genuine pricing transparency. As 3CE’s founder, she pushed strong branding with bold packaging and influencer-focused campaigns—raising Korean beauty on the global stage. Her decision to sell to L’Oréal was strategic: it provided international expansion, scaling her vision while preserving creative control during the transition.
Where She’s Headed Next
Though Kim stepped down in 2021, her entrepreneurial spirit endures. She’s reportedly focused on family life and real estate while occasionally advising lifestyle and beauty startups. Expect her to possibly return to the creative world, launching niche design or wellness ventures backed by her brand-savvy eye.
Final Thoughts
Kim So‑hee’s journey—from reselling fashion pieces online to exiting a global beauty empire—demonstrates how passion and strategic execution can create extraordinary success. With hundreds of millions in the bank and a legacy in both fashion and cosmetics, she remains a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
