#CelebrateingtheRainbow at the workplace – share your stories of Pride!
The COVID-19 pandemic might not seem like the best idea to start my entrepreneurial journey. But let me tell you how I successfully did it!
Despite the difficult circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, the one industry that has stayed resilient more than ever is the global beauty industry. Yes, the sales have been feeble on account of the incessant lockdowns and a number of shops have also been closed down. However, the sector has encountered this crisis with great optimism and confidence.
One simple fact remains, regardless of where humans are, they pay attention to their skin and body. Thus, providing a muted yet colossal thrust to the beauty industry, advancing trends such as face masks, serums, mists and metallic makeup tones. This is a truth that’s evidently visible with their rising stock numbers. Beautifying rituals aren’t going to decelerate in consequence of an epidemic.
As a serial entrepreneur, I strongly believe in diversifying my investments and thereby my prospects. One of the key powers of being a serial entrepreneur is having the muscle to take risks and not let the fear of unchartered waters perturb you!
Entrepreneurship is not just about gender parity and leadership skills alone. In fact, it’s about the zeal, the outlook with which one pursues the dreams to achieve the impossible. You have to juggle between sustenance, perseverance, ideology and a balance of evolution.
Founding a beauty business was not an overnight impulse decision. The global beauty industry is a massive, snowballing billion-dollar business that is being estimated to be worth 438.38 billion by 2026.
As a businesswoman, it was only right that I wanted to test the waters in the playing field. As an E-commerce business owner and a person who believes in inclusivity and diversity, I am firsthand observing the beauty industry. I have seen how it has been at the very fore of innovation, breakthrough technologies and visionary products. This year will be no different.
The math is very simple. There was a time when the beauty industry was ruled by a handful of big names. Today, the entire definition of beauty stands dramatically altered.
From hyper-personalised to green products and beauty solutions from AI cosmetics to make-up that caters to women of colour. Right from ease of access on global marketplaces to virtual trials, beauty products are getting progressively relatable with concepts that are appealing and engaging. Beauty is becoming inclusive and accessible.
Let’s not even get started with the still snowballing Korean skincare and beauty industry after having become a world leader. From 2010 to 2014, masses of foreign companies splurged a whopping $215 million to acquire beauty and skincare firms in Korea, according to a report by KPMG.
What followed since has converted Korea into the world’s 4th largest exporter of beauty products. Their deal volumes grew to a gigantic $5 billion. And the global K-beauty products market size which was valued at $9.3 billion in 2018 is projected to reach $21.8 billion by 2026.
The poignant truth remains. Despite the saying, ‘Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder’ and with women standing against xenophobic values, the innate trend to look unblemished is one of the biggest drivers of this industry. In spite of being highly saturated, here is an industry that is evolving with each passing day. It is one of the best investment bets for market players and for entrepreneurs and marketers to infiltrate.
Here are some of my personal takeaways
With one last piece of advice, an adage that defines the life I lead, the woman I am, I will end this article – Every adversity comes with an opportunity.
No matter what kind of entrepreneurial adventure you want to embark upon, don’t get dragged into battling the rampant gender biases and stereotypes. Discover your forte, construct a rock-solid support system and let your work do the talking. Like I always say, “You are worth so much more than the ways you’ve been treated!”
Picture credits: Dr Somdutta Singh on Twitter
I love to read, hike, Sing more interested in writing regarding social issues, environment, Women-centric. read more...
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What lessons will we learn from the wrestlers' protest? Will the young girls have the courage to speak up against evil after they hear the deafening silence of support for the Betis?
On the 28th of May, Indian wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Sangeeta Phogat, Bajrang Punia and others were forcibly evicted from their protest site at Jantar Mantar. They were arrested, and severe charges were slapped against them.
Newspapers, that a few years ago, had carried photographs of these wrestlers proudly holding their medals draped in the Indian flag, were now splashed with photographs of these wrestlers being forcibly dragged into police buses. The wrestlers were protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh, an MP and president of the Wrestling Foundation of India, accusing him of sexual misconduct.
A similar case of molestation rocked US gymnastics a few years ago, where Larry Nassar, the team doctor, was accused and finally convicted of sexual abuse. The victims included Olympic medallist Simone Biles. During the trial, several lapses by the USAG and MSU in investigating the accusations came in front.
My supervisor introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As a transwoman navigating the corporate world, I had encountered my fair share of discrimination and challenges. Transitioning without the support of my parents and having limited friendships in my personal life made the journey difficult and lonely. However, when I stepped into the office, something remarkable happened, I left behind the stress and negativity, embracing a space where I could truly be myself.
Joining the marketing team as a graphic designer, I was initially apprehensive about how my colleagues would react to my gender identity. But to my surprise, the atmosphere was welcoming and respectful from day one. My supervisor, Sarah, introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As I settled into my role, I discovered that my colleagues went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and included. They consistently used my correct name and pronouns, creating an environment where I could be authentically me. Being an introvert, making friends wasn’t always easy for me, but within this workplace, I found a supportive community that embraced me for who I truly am. The workplace became a haven where I could escape the stresses of my personal life and focus on my professional growth.
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