What Does Being South Asian Mean to You?
It gives me such an intense feeling of gratitude for the responsibilities that lie ahead. I'm so insistent on making sure that future generations don't have to go through what our people went through in the past — from being discriminated against due to our cultural differences to being grossly mistreated and lumped into a stereotype of how Western society wants to portray South Asians in general for the media's entertainment. South Asians were heavily overlooked for years, and now that we are finally getting attention, I want to make sure I work hard to give my people the beautiful representation that they deserve!
What Does It Mean to Have Style Right Now?
Style to me is something that makes you feel happy, confident, and something that you feel comfortable in. With everything going on this year, I think people have learned that life is too short to be overthinking things. If it makes you happy, then go for it! If you are comfortable, then you will confidently rock it no matter what.
The Best Piece of Career Advice You've Gotten?
Someone once told me, "Don't start a business for the money because you may not even make that much. Trying to get rich will only get you so far!" Find your passion and purpose in life. You might have this career for the rest of your life! Do you love what you do? If your passion can truly help people in some way, then you've already hit the jackpot before you even made your first dollar. Find your passion! Find your purpose!
Something You Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Business?
I wish I knew how truly difficult this whole process was going to be. I had no idea how intense the legal structures for starting a business are or that I would have to learn basic bookkeeping to keep proper track of my business finances. There wasn't a book that gave me step-by-step instructions on how to start a cosmetics company. Google became my best friend, and I would be on it for hours just researching different cosmetic labs to work with, the difference between an LLC and an S Corp, how to trademark or patent a product, the best social media tactics to market your brand, where to manufacture your packaging sustainably, how to create a website, and so much more.
Shop The Brand: Bili Beauty
