An Exclusive Interview with Beauty Icons Shahnaz Hussain, Founder chairman of Shahnaz Ayurvedics
In this captivating interview, Shahnaz Hussain, Founder Chairman of Shahnaz Ayurvedics, shares her trailblazing journey pioneering Ayurvedic beauty. From humble beginnings to a global empire, she reveals secrets of natural skincare, women’s empowerment, and timeless wellness wisdom.
What sparked your passion for beauty and Ayurveda, and how did your early life in Delhi shape your vision for Shahnaz Ayurveda?
Shahnaz Hussain: It took a breakthrough moment for me when I witnessed the first-hand experience of a model who lost her eyesight using chemical eyeliner. This moment became a turning point for me wherein I began looking for safer and alternate solution that would be supportive to human health.
Ayurveda with all its precious herbs holds the answer to all the ailments and addresses it to the root cause. Thus, began my journey into learning and then deploying the ancient principles of Ayurveda and putting these into practice.
I bottled 5000-year-old civilization into a jar and sold it to people making them realise how these magical herbs are the real deal with miraculous healing results proven by time itself.
How did you overcome challenges as a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry back then?
Shahnaz Hussain: Let’s focus here on the fact that the time when I began my journey as an entrepreneur the norm and the societal expectations from a woman was to be a homemaker and lead the life of a housewife with family and husband as the centre of her universe.
However, I formulated a new definition for women who are willing to achieve something in their life and have dreams. It is like breaking the norms and stepping into my power as a woman who has dreams and is ambitious.
With this, my passion for Ayurveda and providing the world with a safer solution came into existence.
Another challenging aspect that I faced in the beauty industry is regarding the boom of chemical products that were prevalent back then with beauty markets flooded with synthetic cover-up, I became a pathbreaker and a beacon of light for many to make a significant switch, it is more about changing the perception of people into choosing right.
How did you blend traditional Ayurveda with modern beauty needs?
Shahnaz Hussain: Ayurveda is rooted in providing solutions to issues related to skin and hair. It is essential to note that the principles of Ayurveda states that when the body is healthy, the doshas are balanced then it leads to healthy skin as well. The real beauty is therefore beautiful skin rather than tones of make-up.
Additionally, I have a product line with numerous products that are free of harsh chemicals and include botanical extracts, precious herbs, floral extracts and essential oils that are supportive of human health and helps achieve and restore natural beauty.
There is no comparison with modern beauty needs as often some people choose one over another, but with the growing awareness towards holistic lifestyle and wellness driven choices, consumers are aware of what they put on their skin is absorbed in their bloodstream as well.
They are making careful choices of natural ingredients-based products investing in Ayurveda driven product line and here it is that my brands stand strong with fifty years of excellence and counting.
What are some signature treatments or products you’re most proud of, and what’s the science (or ayurvedic wisdom) behind them?
Shahnaz Hussain: Plant stem cells harvested from precious herbs and formulating these in the products with scientific means to delay visible signs of ageing.
Harnessing the power of herbs, it is proven that these work on regenerating the skin cells, restoring skin elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles making the skin appear youthful and glowing.
Another breakthrough product I formulated for cancer patients called Chemoline with hair oil and skin cream.
Although, these are a part of my CSR initiative and I launched it in my servitude to cancer patients as it is difficult to see how specially women suffer from the aftereffects of chemotherapy losing their hair and how distressing it is to witness people go through the emotional and physical aspect of being a cancer patient.
Distributed these free of cost to cancer hospitals. One lady wrote me a heartfelt letter from UK on how the Chemoline skin cream has significantly improved her skin appearance and she is being complimented by her family and friends, it restores her confidence and self-image.
These products work on the root cause and are adaptogenic in nature as these come from nature, harnessing and balancing the natural elements within our body thus providing complete solution and addressing the root cause.
From one clinic to over 3,000 worldwide, what’s the secret behind scaling Shahnaz Ayurveda into a global empire?
Shahnaz Hussain: Brand values and its authenticity, staying true and committed towards providing pure products and natural ingredients.
I have always believed that deploying the herbal healing science of Ayurveda into a jar is where it provides ‘Care & Cure’ not just a surface cover up and many are choosing it making a significant switch for their personal wellness.
Consumers want a product that is rooted in decades of proving its excellence and is supportive to their health. I provided the key to wellness and here I am with my thriving empire of herbal products addressing consumer needs.
If you could give one piece of advice to young women dreaming of building their own legacy, what would it be?
Shahnaz Hussain: The first step is always to sharpen your skills and educate yourself regarding the path that you are about to tread on. It is essential that you carve your path rather than following the herd.
The next step is formulating a blue-print for success and design each step to achieve your goals without giving up. Be unique and be you instead of copying anyone else.
It is essential to analyse the market requirement and chart out your strategy as per consumer demands. Stay strong, be willing to grow, learn and improvise whenever required.
Shahnaz Hussain’s visionary blend of ancient Ayurveda and modern entrepreneurship inspires generations. Her enduring legacy in natural beauty reminds us: true glow stems from heritage and innovation. A timeless icon whose wisdom lights the path forward.
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