Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Suresh
Hi Sasha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Living and going to school in NY, I always knew I wanted to work for myself. The desire to create something beautiful paved the way for me. I launched a clean beauty brand back in 2016 – Jolii Cosmetics, when the whole concept wasn’t a huge deal as it is now. I was also one of the first South Asians to step into the beauty space and launch a brand that caters to different skin tones. Through all the ups and downs, I’ve been able to make a place for myself as a solo founder which led me to launching a wellness brand Full Ritúal with a childhood friend as my co-founder. The journey from one to the other has been nothing short of crazy. There are so many things that you learn about yourself through the process of launching and scaling a brand which makes me feel like I’ve lived multiple lives so far. I’m currently also working with clients as a coach helping them design a life they are truly desiring for themselves. This is something I wish I had access to when I first started my entrepreneurial journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been anything but smooth to be honest! Bootstrapping in itself is a stressful process that’s never ending because you always have to make sure that you have cash ready to go. It requires commitment and discipline like none other. Being a first-time business owner and having no background in beauty were added struggles when I first became an entrepreneur. This meant that not only did I have to incorporate a business but also build a brand while simultaneously learning how to do various other things. This includes product development, design, branding, social media to name a few. It also didn’t help that I went into debt after a year of launching. Having a mentor back then would have helped tremendously but I unfortunately didn’t have one since that wasn’t really the norm. Times have definitely changed and launching my second brand felt a whole lot easier or less hectic if that makes any sense.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Feels like I’m being asked to pick my favorite child which would be impossible for me! I have a special place for both my brands and I’ve learnt something different about myself through the launching and building of them both. I’m the Founder and CEO for both the brands but also wear many other hats when needed. I’m most proud of the fact that both my brands are bootstrapped and I’ve been able to sustain and keep the business running despite the crazy two years of being in lockdown. Jolii Cosmetics philosophy is simple, clean beauty formulas created for any woman who is on her own mission, whatever that may be and wants to look fabulous doing so. On the other hand, Full Ritúal was born out of self-love including the love we harbor for our family, friends and community. My co-founder and I wanted to add a touch of our roots into daily rituals that seem to have lost authenticity these days.
Pricing:
- Joot Yoga Mat – $62
- Magnetic Lip Balm – $26
- Fluid Resistance Bands – $32
- Kwench Sipper – $25
- Basik Tote – $22
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fullritual.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullritual
