Interview with Shilpa Khanna Thakkar, CEO of Chicnutrix

An exclusive interview with Shilpa Khanna Thakkar, CEO of Chicnutrix, an all-women’s wellness, beauty, and nutrition brand

When a young woman whose first language, growing up, was never English, graduates with an MBA from the world-renowned Cardiff University it certainly speaks a lot about her drive and self-confidence. So, when she after over a decade in a financial service company, JP Morgan decides to plunge into entrepreneurship it comes as no surprise.

Shilpa started her career at JP Morgan in Operations Management but very surged ahead to become Training and Development Head of the company – the youngest manager at that time to be given this position and responsibility.

Shilpa was always one who wanted to “have it all” – a career, a family life, friends and leisure pursuits (dance being a passion).

Being a woman, and consequently understanding the different phases of a woman’s life and the kind of toll it takes on their health she knew that it was important to create a brand that focused exclusively on women’s needs.

But with time the focus of Chicnutrix moved towards creating a premium brand that focuses on the needs of everyone and anyone for healthy skin, hair and helping them resolve these issues. It is now a one stop brand for beauty, nutrition and wellness requirements through all phases of life with products that provides solutions for skin, hair, nails, PCOS, weight management and UTI amongst others.

The star products of the brand include, Glow, Happee, Bounce, Cysterhood, Cleanse and Super C. The brand brings new age, science- backed supplements that are formulated using innovative Swiss technology and world class ingredients.

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar is also the founder of Chic Moms Tribe, an online community for women to come together and discuss, share and seek advice on matters pertaining to motherhood. A platform by a mom for moms, Chicmomstribe has collaborated with Bollywood actor Neha Dhupia to talk about post-partum hair fall and also has celebrity Sucheta Pal as its post-partum coach.

Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to establish Chicnutrix, an all-women’s wellness, beauty, and nutrition brand?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: While growing up, English was not my first language. However, I graduated from the prestigious and world-renowned Cardiff University. After spending over a decade at a premium financial service company, JP Morgan, I made the dynamic decision to venture into entrepreneurship.

Being a woman and, therefore, understanding the diverse phases of a woman’s life and the toll it takes on their health, I was inspired to create a brand that exclusively caters to women’s needs.

This journey began with a personal challenge I faced – significant hair fall issues, for which I couldn’t find a suitable solution. This challenge motivated me to establish Chicnutrix, with the primary aim of becoming India’s finest wellness and beauty nutrition supplement brand for women.

Chicnutrix was conceived in 2019 with a focus on creating a premium brand that addresses the unique requirements of every woman, particularly concerning healthy skin and hair.

Today, Chicnutrix has evolved into a one-stop destination for beauty, nutrition, and wellness throughout various life phases, offering solutions for skin, hair, nails, PCOS, weight management, UTI, and more. Our star products include Glow, Happee, Bounce, Cysterhood, Cleanse, and Super C, all designed to meet the diverse needs of women in India.

The brand has also launched a Korean Skincare range formulated for Indian skin. K-Skincare range formulated for Indian skin by Chicnutrix

Chicnutrix focuses on providing wellness and beauty solutions specifically designed for women. What unique challenges and opportunities do you see in catering to this demographic?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: Focusing on providing wellness and beauty solutions exclusively for women has been our core mission at Chicnutrix. It’s a journey that presents unique challenges and remarkable opportunities.

One of the primary challenges we encounter is the diversity of women’s needs. Women go through various life phases, from adolescence to motherhood to menopause, each with distinct wellness and beauty requirements.

Addressing these diverse needs effectively requires constant innovation and product development. We aim to offer a broad product range that can adapt to these unique life stages, providing tailored solutions for every woman.

Furthermore, women’s health and beauty are not just about appearance; they are deeply intertwined with overall well-being. This adds another layer of complexity to our mission. Our products need to be holistic, addressing both internal health and external radiance.

This presents the challenge of balancing science-backed formulations with products that are enjoyable and convenient to use.

On the flip side, catering to women provides immense opportunities. Women are not only discerning consumers but also powerful decision-makers in their households. They have an extensive network of influence, and their wellness and beauty choices often impact their families and communities.

This amplifies the potential impact of our products. In addition, there’s a growing awareness and demand for women-centric wellness and beauty solutions. Women are now actively seeking products that understand and cater to their unique needs. By specializing in this demographic, we can create a strong and loyal community of women who appreciate our commitment to their well-being.

The wellness and beauty industry is highly competitive. What sets Chicnutrix apart from other brands, and how do you maintain a distinctive edge?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: The wellness and beauty industry is indeed highly competitive, with numerous brands in the market. What sets us apart from the rest of the crowd is our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of our customers.

First and foremost, our dedication to innovation. We continuously research and develop new products and delivery formats that address the evolving needs of our consumers. We pride ourselves on being pioneers in introducing innovative formats, such as effervescent supplements, that are not only convenient but also enjoyable to incorporate into daily routines.

Quality is at the core of everything we do. We source the finest ingredients and maintain quality standards, ensuring that every product we offer is safe and effective. This commitment to quality extends to our ‘K-Skincare by Chicnutrix’ range, which is meticulously formulated to cater to Indian skin, setting us apart from other brands.

Moreover, our deep understanding of the multifaceted needs of women sets us apart. We understand that women’s wellness and beauty requirements change with age, lifestyle, and life phases. To address this, our product portfolio spans a wide range of solutions, from skin and hair care to weight management and PCOS support. We provide holistic solutions that adapt to the diverse and ever-evolving needs of our women customers.

To maintain our distinctive edge, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve by keeping a keen eye on the latest trends and customer feedback. By staying connected to our community and understanding their requirements, we ensure that Chicnutrix remains a pioneer in wellness and beauty.

Our vision is not just to meet industry standards but to exceed them, delivering innovative, high-quality, and personalized solutions that empower our customers to embrace their best, most confident selves.

How does Chicnutrix ensure that its products align with the latest trends and scientific research in the fields of nutrition and wellness?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: At Chicnutrix when we launch products, we don’t go by what is the fad for the time. Many trends keep coming and going, but that’s not what influences our decision to launch a product. What influences our decision is the scientific studies that are there for any ingredient or any formulation.

A lot of data studies are done. We go through the clinical research papers, we go through the scientific papers, white papers, we understand how this formulation works and are there any clinical studies based on that we derive the formulation and launch the products.

So that’s how at Chicnutrix we differentiate ourselves as somebody who’s backed by science in this way and not just launching products because others have done it. We don’t follow trend from that perspective, but we follow the trends or the ingredients where clinical searches are very strong for every ingredient. So that’s our way.

Women’s health and wellness is a dynamic field. Can you discuss any upcoming trends or developments that Chicnutrix is keeping an eye on, and how you plan to incorporate them into your product offerings?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: Consumers enjoy experimenting with different formats, and we believe it should be an enjoyable experience. Nowadays, people are shifting away from traditional capsules and tablets in favor of alternative delivery methods.

This is where we excel, as we have been pioneers in this regard. We’re constantly innovating and introducing new delivery formats that are poised to revolutionize the market once again. These formats have been widely accepted in the

Western world, but they are still relatively new in India. This emphasis on varied delivery formats is a key focus for us. It’s not just about the formulations and ingredients; we also prioritize the delivery format, ensuring it’s both convenient and enjoyable to use, providing the right way to experience our products.

Chicnutrix emphasizes the importance of holistic health. Could you explain how your products promote overall well-being, both internally and externally?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: At Chicnutrix, we have a deep commitment to promoting holistic health, and we believe in the interconnectedness of internal and external well-being. Our products are thoughtfully designed to foster overall wellness by addressing both internal and external aspects.

Internally, our range of nutraceutical supplements is formulated to nourish your body from within. Whether it’s our beauty supplements like ‘Glow’ for skin radiance or ‘Bounce’ for hair health, or wellness products like ‘Super C’ for immunity support, each one is carefully crafted to provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs.

This internal nourishment supports healthy skin, hair, nails, and immune functions, contributing to your overall well-being.

Externally, we understand that true beauty and confidence are not just skin-deep. Our ‘K-Skincare by Chicnutrix’ range, sourced from Korea and specifically formulated for Indian skin, complements our internal wellness approach.

This premium skincare line includes serums, sunscreen, and sheet masks, enhancing your external appearance while promoting skin health.

We firmly believe that true holistic health integrates internal vitality and external radiance. Chicnutrix strives to empower individuals to look and feel their best by maintaining the delicate balance between inner and outer well-being.

Our products are a testament to our commitment to promoting overall health, ensuring that you can confidently embrace a healthier and more beautiful you, both inside and out.

Women’s empowerment is a significant aspect of Chicnutrix’s mission. How does your brand support and empower women beyond offering products?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: “Chic Mom’s Tribe” was born from a simple realization. I noticed that most mommy support groups primarily revolved around children, often overlooking the challenges and joys of motherhood itself. That’s when the idea struck me—to create a platform where moms could candidly share their unfiltered experiences.

From the rollercoaster of pregnancy to the whirlwind of postpartum life, dealing with the ups and downs of motherhood, coping with hormonal changes, and grappling with post-pregnancy body insecurities—Chic Mom’s Tribe is a community designed exclusively for moms.

 Chic Mom’s Tribe embraces the diversity of motherhood. Whether you’re a single mom, a queer mom you’ll always find someone who understands and can lend an empathetic ear. The mission is simple: to provide unwavering support, celebrate each other’s journey, and encourage all mothers along the way.

In addition to our commitment to moms, we also proudly support “Aftertaste,” an NGO dedicated to empowering women from economically disadvantaged communities.

Aftertaste works tirelessly to break the cycle of social and economic poverty for marginalized women in Mumbai’s urban low-income neighbourhoods. You will find a range of products on Chicnutrix’s website crafted by the talented women of Aftertaste.

Every purchase you make not only enhances your well-being but also extends a helping hand to these deserving individuals, offering them opportunities, knowledge, exposure, and a chance at a better life.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who are looking to establish their own businesses in the wellness and beauty industry?

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: One piece of advice I’d like to share with all aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace failure as an integral part of the journey. Setbacks, whether large or small, are inevitable in the entrepreneurial path. What matters most is not getting discouraged by these setbacks, but rather celebrating them as valuable learning experiences. Failure is not a dead end; it’s a stepping stone.

Take the time to learn from these setbacks, and use that knowledge to propel yourself forward. Otherwise, you risk repeating the same mistakes, hindering your progress.

What is your success tips for women entrepreneurs

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar: First of all, find a work-life balance. It can be very difficult for women entrepreneurs to strike a balance between family and business, especially for parents. But creating a schedule can always help. It allows one to allocate a healthy duration of time for both aspects of your life without any compromises.

However, this again does not mean your health must take a back seat. Avoiding your health would only lead to a meltdown. Set your boundaries, set your goals.

Secondly, stop doubting yourself. And this is not just for women, but for all entrepreneurs out there. Any leader out there must grow an honest and steadfast belief in what they are doing. There will always be times or days when insecurity creeps in.

You can still get through this and distinguish yourself as a businesswoman if you persevere and have confidence.

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar’s story and her leadership at Chicnutrix represent the epitome of innovation and empowerment within the wellness and beauty industry. Her passion for women’s well-being and the commitment to creating effective, science-backed products that cater to the unique needs of women are inspiring.

Chicnutrix’s growth and positive impact on women’s lives underscore the importance of women-centric solutions. It’s clear that Shilpa’s dedication to fostering confidence, self-care, and holistic wellness resonates deeply with her mission.

As she and her brand continue to flourish, we anticipate a future where women’s wellness, beauty, and nutrition find a place that is both enriching and empowering. Shilpa Khanna Thakkar, through her leadership and Chicnutrix’s innovative offerings, stands at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Read more Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs & startups stories at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn