Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kavita Sahai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kavita, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

For many years, the beauty industry promoted a universal approach to skincare. As a South Asian woman, I found that many products weren’t tailored to my unique skin needs. This motivated me to collaborate with scientists and dermatologists to develop an algorithm that recommends the ideal botanicals for one’s skin, factoring in ethnicity, skin type, and individual objectives.

Kavita, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello to all the readers who might be discovering me for the first time! My journey into the beauty and wellness sector began when I noticed a significant gap in the market: the demand for genuine, fresh oils that aren’t laden with chemicals and preservatives. This realization was the spark that ignited my passion and commitment to this industry.

We specialize in crafting custom face oils tailored to individual needs, ensuring that each product is as unique as the person using it. Beyond face oils, we’re also deeply invested in providing holistic, natural wellness solutions to those who seek a more organic approach to beauty and health.

What am I most proud of? It has to be the heartfelt testimonials we receive. Knowing that our products have made a difference in people’s lives and hearing that they finally feel represented in the beauty industry is truly humbling. Our brand is more than just products; it’s about acknowledging and catering to the diverse beauty needs of every individual.

For anyone considering our brand, I want you to know that with us, you’re not just another customer; you’re an individual with unique beauty and wellness needs. And our primary goal is to ensure that these needs are met with the highest standards of quality and care. We’re here to redefine beauty, one custom face oil at a time.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

Yes, I did sell a majority stake of this business to investors in 2019. Our growth was rapid, and the demand for financing that growth was something we initially struggled with. The decision to sell was driven by that need for capital. However, in hindsight, it’s clear that the investors we partnered with lacked the industry-specific insight we needed. Despite my efforts to guide the direction of the business, they made choices that weren’t in its best interest. As a result, I felt it was best for me to step away. When the company faced challenges under their leadership, I saw an opportunity to step back in. I was able to repurchase the business and took the chance to rebrand it as K Sahai. It was a learning curve, but it reinforced the importance of aligning with partners who not only bring capital but also a deep understanding and respect for the brand’s vision.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After initially stepping away from my business, I returned to find it struggling after a series of misguided decisions, including hasty distribution choices that had harmed our reputation and market positioning. Imagine confronting a situation where the brand you’ve poured your heart into was altered to the point of being unrecognizable. The challenge of rebuilding wasn’t just about logistics or business strategy; it was about confronting personal emotions tied to past successes and failures.

I had to set aside any remnants of ego or pride from previous achievements. It was essential to approach clients and accounts, some of whom were justifiably upset with prior engagements, and introduce them to the revitalized brand. It was a blend of re-establishing trust while also communicating the assurance that the quality of our formulas, which they had once loved, remained unparalleled.

Financial constraints added another layer of complexity. Keen on retaining full ownership and control this time around, and hesitant to seek external investors, I delved into my personal savings to fund the business. The days were long, often grueling, and demanded more from me than any previous endeavor. But it was this very challenge, this very test of resilience, that redefined my entrepreneurial journey. Today, when I reflect on that period, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, belief in one’s vision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, no matter the obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: ksahai.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveksahai/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveksahai
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ksahai
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/loveksahai