Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Swati Gupta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Swati, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
“My story began 10 years ago when I was about to embark on a beautiful journey of marriage. I was young and excited. In India, marriages are a big affair, and I was super excited to pick my dresses and jewelry for various occasions. I had dreams of a beautiful natural dewy makeup that glows from within. However, my excitement was dulled when I started getting severe acne just a few months before the big day.
I tried using over-the-counter acne products and even visited dermatologists, but nothing seemed to work. Instead, my face was getting worse. I desperately tried everything, including a popular 3-step acne system called Proactive, which I used like crazy. Unfortunately, in the process, I ended up damaging my skin. I vividly remember the day of my wedding when the makeup artist struggled to hide scars and active zits on my face. Tears welled up in my eyes.
Life went on, but my struggle with acne continued for the next three years. It was a constant battle, and it took a toll on my self-esteem. I could see pity in the eyes of my friends. I became so self-conscious that even if a friend stopped by for just five minutes to say hi, I would hastily put on makeup to hide my red, swollen face.
My husband, who is a physician, tried to support me by giving me different medicines, but they all came with side effects. My cycles were disrupted, and I was still suffering. The final blow came when my dermatologist told me that I would probably have to live with adult acne for the rest of my life.
My father, a renowned biotechnologist in India with over 40 years of experience, witnessed the trauma and depression I was going through. He made it his mission to help me. Being a believer in holistic healing, he introduced me to his own handmade oil infused with calendula and other herbs and actives. He urged me to stop using my current acne treatments and start using the oil. I was scared, skeptical, and doubtful. No one had ever told me to put oil on acne-prone skin. However, since I had nothing to lose, I decided to give it a try.
To my surprise, within one week, I started seeing a difference. For the first time in three years, I didn’t get a new zit for a whole week, and my existing acne began to heal faster. Within a month, my skin showed signs of repair, and I started seeing patches of clear skin. My father helped me create more products to accelerate the healing process, and gradually, I started eliminating traditional acne products from my routine.
Within six months, my skin was clear, to the point that only some scars remained. I didn’t experience any new acne for six months. Today, years later, my skin is so clear that people don’t even believe I ever suffered from such severe acne. There are no visible scars left from that time. Some of my friends who witnessed my journey expressed interest in trying the same products, and one of them suggested I start selling them at farmers’ markets. I thought, why not give it a try?
I did exactly that and had a very successful stint, with people loving my products and constantly reordering them. However, I noticed that many people still preferred the convenience of traditional skincare products. While some were open to using powdered masks without any water or preservatives, I achieved real success in sales when I created a ready-to-use version of my mask.
This got me thinking. Even though people loved my holistic skincare products and experienced positive results, I realized I needed to present them in a format that people were more comfortable with. In 2019, during a visit to my family in India, we worked on the idea of setting up a fully-fledged unit to professionally manufacture the products and launch them properly. However, our plans were delayed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Throughout my journey, I firmly believed in holistic healing from within. I wanted to create products that didn’t just provide a temporary fix for skin issues but actually promoted healing and improvement with each use. With Tozad Beauty, we have developed a comprehensive framework that addresses the five key skin concerns: Toning, Oiliness, Sensitivity, Acne, and Dryness. Our products work in harmony with each other, creating a complete skincare routine for clean, clear, and healthy skin.
At Tozad Beauty, we aim to change the conversation around skincare. We want to address the emotional trauma that often accompanies skin problems. We firmly believe in the power of nature and modern science, which is why we have meticulously crafted products that combine the best of both worlds to build a stronger foundation for your skin.
Unlike many skincare brands that focus on individual ingredients, we have designed complete products that offer multiple benefits. We understand the frustration of trying to figure out which products to use or not, so we have simplified the process by providing effective and versatile solutions.
Our mission extends beyond creating unique products; we strive to help individuals achieve healthier, radiant skin that shines from within. We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. With Tozad Beauty, we are not just selling skincare; we are empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty and regain their self-assurance.
While our journey faced unexpected challenges due to the pandemic, we remain committed to our vision. We are actively working to establish a fully operational manufacturing unit and bring our products to a wider audience. Our dedication to providing holistic skincare solutions remains unwavering. We are actively working on our widening our range and audience so everyone can get the benefits of our lovely products.
Swati, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Swati Gupta, and I am the founder of Tozad Beauty. I entered the skincare industry through a deeply personal experience with severe acne. When I was about to get married, I started experiencing a sudden outbreak of acne, which persisted for three long years despite trying numerous over-the-counter products and visiting dermatologists.
During this challenging period, my father, a renowned biotechnologist with a belief in holistic healing, came to my rescue. He introduced me to his handmade oil infused with calendula and other herbs and actives. To my surprise, within a week of using this oil, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin. It was a turning point that sparked my passion for developing natural, effective, and holistic skincare solutions.
At Tozad Beauty, we specialize in creating a complete skincare framework that addresses the five crucial skin concerns: Toning, Oiliness, Sensitivity, Acne, and Dryness. Our range of products is meticulously crafted to work synergistically, providing a comprehensive routine for clean, clear, and healthy skin.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our commitment to holistic healing and our belief in the power of nature combined with modern science. We have developed products that go beyond surface-level treatments and focus on nourishing and healing the skin from within. Our goal is not merely to provide a temporary fix, but to build a better skin foundation that promotes long-term health and radiance.
One of the things I am most proud of is the success stories and transformations we have witnessed through our products. Many individuals who have struggled with various skin issues, including acne, have found relief and regained their confidence using Tozad Beauty. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact our products have on people’s lives and their self-esteem.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Tozad Beauty is more than just a skincare brand. We are a movement aimed at changing the conversation around skincare and addressing the emotional trauma associated with skin problems. Our products are carefully formulated with the best natural ingredients and backed by scientific research to provide effective and holistic solutions.
I want individuals to understand that they deserve to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. With Tozad Beauty, they can embrace their natural beauty and embark on a journey towards healthier and happier skin. Our commitment to quality, efficacy, and customer satisfaction sets us apart, and we strive to create a community where everyone feels empowered and supported in their skincare journey.
In summary, Tozad Beauty is a brand built on personal experience, holistic healing, and a passion for transforming skin health. We offer a range of products that work together to address key skin concerns and promote a clean, clear, and healthy complexion. Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty and build a strong foundation for their skin.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Yes, we manufacture our products at Tozad Beauty. The journey of setting up the manufacturing process was both challenging and rewarding. When I first ventured into creating my skincare line, I had a vision of the unique products I wanted to offer. However, I did not possess the knowledge or expertise to manufacture them myself.
Finding the right vendor who could bring my vision to life was a crucial step. I wanted to ensure that the manufacturing process aligned with my commitment to quality, efficacy, and the use of natural ingredients. It was essential to find a vendor who understood my requirements and could meet the high standards I set for my products.
To begin the search, I tested samples from various labs to assess the quality and compatibility with my vision. I also engaged in conversations with the chemists of these labs to gauge their expertise and experience. It was vital to find a manufacturer who not only had the technical capabilities but also shared my passion for creating unique and effective skincare products.
Throughout this process, I learned that building trust and finding the right manufacturer takes time and careful consideration. It took more than a year of rigorous testing and evaluation to identify a vendor who could deliver the quality and craftsmanship I desired. I had to be meticulous in assessing their capabilities, understanding their manufacturing processes, and ensuring they could align with my specific requirements.
However, even after finding a suitable manufacturer, I realized that as a business owner, I wanted more control over the production process. I had a vision of creating products that were not just unique but also had the highest level of attention and care. Consequently, I made the decision to establish my own manufacturing unit. This would provide me with complete control over the creation of my products, ensuring that they were produced according to my exact specifications.
The journey of manufacturing my own products has taught me valuable lessons. Firstly, it is crucial to clearly communicate your expectations and requirements to the manufacturer. Never assume anything and always ask questions to ensure complete understanding and alignment.
Additionally, documenting everything and keeping a thorough record of all agreements and discussions is essential. This helps avoid any misunderstandings or disputes during the manufacturing process.
I have also learned that having control over the manufacturing process gives me peace of mind. By setting up my own manufacturing unit, I can be confident in the quality, consistency, and timely delivery of my products. It eliminates the concerns of relying on a third-party manufacturer and the potential risks associated with that dependency.
Overall, the journey of manufacturing my products has been a valuable learning experience. It has highlighted the importance of finding the right manufacturing partner or taking control of the production process yourself. It has taught me the significance of effective communication, meticulous attention to detail, and maintaining high standards throughout the manufacturing journey.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a time when I had to make a significant pivot in my business. Initially, when I started Tozad Beauty, my focus was on creating holistic skincare products and selling them primarily at farmer’s markets. I had a successful stint with customers loving my products and constantly reordering them. However, I noticed that while some customers embraced the powdered masks, natural balms and the holistic approach, many still preferred the convenience of traditional skincare products.
This realization made me reflect on my brand and the direction I wanted to take. I understood that to reach a wider audience and make a greater impact, I needed to adapt and cater to the preferences of those who sought convenience without compromising on the effectiveness and holistic nature of my products.
It was during this moment of reflection that I made the decision to pivot and introduce a ready-to-use version of my products. This meant transitioning from offering solely powdered masks to developing a new line of products that provided the convenience and familiarity of traditional skincare while still maintaining the essence of holistic healing and natural ingredients.
The pivot required significant research, development, and testing to ensure that the new product line aligned with my vision and delivered the desired results. I collaborated with experts in the field to develop formulations that retained the effectiveness and benefits of the original powdered masks, while being user-friendly and readily accessible.
This shift in strategy proved to be a game-changer for my business. The introduction of the ready-to-use masks expanded my customer base and attracted those who were initially hesitant to embrace the powdered format. It allowed me to reach a broader audience, enabling more individuals to experience the transformative benefits of holistic skincare.
This pivot not only demonstrated my willingness to adapt and meet the needs of my customers but also reinforced my commitment to providing effective and convenient skincare solutions. It showcased my ability to innovate and evolve, while still staying true to the core values of Tozad Beauty.
This experience taught me the importance of being flexible and open to change in business. It highlighted the significance of listening to customer feedback and understanding market demands. By pivoting and introducing a new product line, I was able to connect with a larger audience, expand my brand’s reach, and ultimately make a more significant impact in the skincare industry.
Overall, this pivotal moment in my business journey emphasized the power of adaptation and reinforced my belief in the importance of continuously evolving and refining my offerings to meet the evolving needs of my customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tozadbeauty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tozadbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tozadbeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swati-gupta-aba3b3b/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tozad_beauty
- Youtube: @tozadbeauty