Being an entrepreneur is in Divya Gugnani’s DNA. She got here to the trade from an unconventional path, pivoting from funding banking and non-public fairness to the aesthetics-driven world of magnificence. While it’s a transition that’s unusual on most resumes, her title, the “accidental entrepreneur,” is simply a small a part of her story.
Now the founding father of the clear magnificence model, Wander Beauty, Divya’s trajectory serves as a strong reminder that at each step in our journey, we’re precisely the place we should be. As is true for a lot of passionate, profitable founders, Divya’s present enterprise was impressed by the challenges she was going through in her personal life. She got down to create an answer for busy folks in search of out clear magnificence necessities. And Wander Beauty sits squarely on the intersection of those two pursuits.
“Our goal was to help streamline the modern woman’s routine so she can spend less time getting ready and more time doing what she loves.”
As is conveyed within the intention behind every of her merchandise, Divya’s way of life prioritizes this pairing of effectivity and discovering pleasure in her each day. She limits her social media minutes, works out between conferences, and retains tech out of her bed room. With this construction set, she has extra time for her kids, more room for spontaneous creativity, and the bandwidth to feed a food-shopping obsession. Did I point out she swims at night time?
Just as Divya is aware of the best way to construct an organization, she is aware of the best way to construct a life. In each, she’s guided by her instinct and she’s not afraid to do issues in a different way. This makes for a routine that gives each focus and flexibility. Dive into the inspiration under.
On Building an Unconventional Career
You left a successful career in investment banking and private equity to launch your business. What inspired you to take the leap?
I left my career in finance to become an entrepreneur and successfully started four different businesses. Prior to starting Wander Beauty, I worked at QVC after I sold my previous company to them. But while there, I found that I missed entrepreneurship. Ultimately, I saw a problem in my own beauty routine and decided to launch a business to solve that problem.
What was the impetus behind launching Wander Beauty, and what was the goal?
I was a working mom and had two kids in two years. I was more time-starved than ever, doing my makeup on the subway, my skincare at the gym, and my hair at my work desk. I realized that my products and routines were not made for beauty in motion: There were too many products, an arsenal of “must-have” tools, and products housed in packaging that was too heavy, bulky, and fragile to take beyond my vanity. I needed high-performance products that saved me time in my day and space in my beauty bag.
In 2015, Lindsay Ellingson and I launched Wander Beauty to create clean, effortless essentials you reach for every day. Our goal was to help streamline the modern woman’s routine so she can spend less time getting ready and more time doing what she loves.
The Lessons She’s Learned Along the Way
What values have driven the direction of Wander Beauty?
I believe in innovating, not imitating. When we first set out to launch mascara, everyone discouraged us because it was already a very crowded space. But we knew that we had something special with our mascara so we trusted our gut and went forward with the launch.
We innovated in the formula, delivery system, packaging, and the wand. Both our Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara and Mile High Club™ Volume and Length Mascara are now multi-award winners.
Pursuing Passion, Finding Success
If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?
I always trust my gut and always follow my intuition.
What’s your favorite piece of career advice?
Learn to listen. Active listening is a vital skill for any leader. It builds and strengthens relationships between customers and brands, and between managers and employees.
Divya Gugnani Shares Her Morning Routine
What does a typical morning look like for you?
I start my day with ginger water and transcendental meditation to calm my mind and body and give me the strength I need to focus for the day. Then I empty my inbox and do some stretching before I drop the kids off at school. I often stop by the grocery store on the way home because I’m obsessed with food shopping and always trying new and interesting recipes. Then when I get home I start my workday.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I love to make this homemade yogurt with granola and fruit.
Take us through your beauty routine.
I don’t wash my face in the morning. I start by just splashing my face with warm water and then spritz my face with Mist Connection Essence and Toner. I finish my skincare routine with Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate and sunscreen.
For makeup, I start with Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer and then add some color to my lips and cheeks with Double Date Lip and Cheek. Lastly, I swipe on a few coats of Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara. These products keep me ready for the day.
Getting Dressed With Divya Gugnani
What’s your daily uniform?
I wear workout clothes or loungewear every day. I love Giapenta, ThirdLove, Athleta, and Heroine Sport. My day by day uniform has completely modified since quarantine as a result of I don’t have to enter the workplace since I’m working remotely from Miami.
What’s on your favourite getting-ready soundtrack?
“Tusa” by KAROL G and Nicki Minaj, and “Dákiti” by Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez.
What about your favourite books?
Rituals and Products for a Smooth, Successful Morning
What do you at all times preserve on your nightstand?
I wish to preserve my nightstand clear so I don’t have any distractions. I preserve a pen and paper in my drawer for any late-night concepts as a result of I don’t like to the touch my cellphone at night time. My bed room is a haven for me. I don’t do any work there and I don’t have a TV or any electronics within the room. I do, nevertheless, preserve my cellphone since I exploit it for my alarm, but it surely’s on Do Not Disturb mode.
What are your morning media rituals?
I wish to focus on my work very first thing within the morning, so I maintain off on checking my Instagram, the information, and different media till later on within the day. I actually get pleasure from studying The New York Times each single day.
Do you’re employed out within the morning?
I attempt to slot in a mid-morning or lunchtime exercise if I’ve a break between conferences. I alternate between weights circuits and cardio (elliptical, treadmill, biking, or spinning). My favourite train is swimming and I normally swim within the evenings after work. It’s a calming solution to finish the day whereas getting an excellent exercise in.
What do you do to remain current and grounded?
I thank God as soon as a day, each day for the whole lot that I’ve: well being, a roof over my head, scorching meals to feed my children, and that I’m nonetheless capable of spend time with each of my mother and father. I feel that one of the best factor I can do is categorical gratitude each day and there’s not at some point that goes by with out me thanking God.
Sentence Finishers
I never leave the house without: my Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer. You never know who you’re going to see.
If there were more hours in the day, I would: exercise every day.
Healthiest morning habit: morning meditation.
Worst morning habit: checking Instagram.
One thing I want to be known for is: helping others.
The biggest sacrifice I’ve made for my career is: missing special moments in my children’s lives.
The one thing I fear the most is: being irrelevant.
When I feel that fear, I: read everything and stay current with what’s going on in the world around me.
The book I always recommend is: The Ride of a Lifetime.
The top traits you need to succeed in life are: hard work, confidence, and intellectual curiosity.
