Boss Lady Cosmetic, India’s first-ever vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable makeup brand is the brainchild of Kajal Bafna, a visionary woman, who founded the brand at the young age of 21. The Founder and CEO of the cosmetic brand grew up in a family with varied business interests in Mumbai. From an early age, Kajol’s worldview was informed by values of hard work, ingenuity, and respect for diversity. This instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in her, while also sharpening her cultural curiosity. Kajol’s creative energy is the backbone of Boss Lady Cosmetic’s unique aesthetic. She spent years researching the potential and uniqueness of her vision of a cosmetics startup in the industry. In a detailed conversation with TMM, she talks about the soul of the brand, the latest collection, and her future plans in the industry.
How and when did you decide to start India’s first-ever vegan makeup brand?
The thought of having a brand of my own that was not only cruelty-free but vegan and eco-conscious came to me when I finished my professional makeup artistry course and was working on several projects and hunting for a job at a couple of brands too. That’s when I decided to research a little bit and see what’s out there in the Indian market and what I saw was disheartening. There weren’t many good brands made in India catering to Indian people. Sure, we had many makeup brands but none were made in India for the Indian people. That’s when I decided to launch my own brand all made in India, made for every Indian skin tone which is conscious and mindful.
What is so unique about the name The Boss Lady Cosmetic?
BOSS LADY – that’s what is unique. The power, the confidence that name instills. The thought behind the name is simple – giving someone that confidence, that platform to be who they are & letting them own it. It’s my personal belief that in order for someone to be truly happy and at peace, it is important for them to own who they are, no matter their sexuality, color, body type.
And it’s my hope that when someone is wearing a BOSS LADY product, they feel just like it.
You became a businesswoman at an early age. What is your biggest takeaway or learning over the years?
Failure. It’s a part of it all. But the key is to accept it, embrace it, and do better than the last. Also, how important having a good team is. For the longest time, we have been shown that in order to be a successful entrepreneur you must be the employee and the leader, take over every task and not ask for help which is unjust to you and the business you’re building. Know your strengths and have people around you, who are good at what you’re weak at.
Tell us about the latest range of The Boss Lady Cosmetic for the wedding and festive season.
Our gorgeous Play Stix is made with 5 super oils which make it super creamy, blendable, and smooth. The idea for this came to me in the 2020 lockdown. I wanted to create something playful and colorful because the situation at the time was such that we needed that in our lives and we still do. I made Play Stix for those who love experimenting with makeup and for those who want to but are always on the go. The ease of using Play Stix has made makeup on the go for me achievable and how! Wear it wherever you want, however you want – it’s simple – don’t just break the rules but create your own with Play Stix and play it your way!
The starting price of the range is quite inexpensive as compared to the contemporaries. Why so?
I wanted everyone to have them as simple as that. I took it as a responsibility on me to make it accessible to everyone.
You are also inclined towards line art and yoga. How do you create a work-life balance?
It may sound cliché, but in reality, it’s about time management. It’s definitely not easy to manage time but I think knowing what’s your priority makes it all easier and accepting that priorities shift. Some days work takes the mantle and sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is relax!
Where do you see the future of The Boss Lady Cosmetic?
In every makeup lovers’ vanity! I wish for BLC to change the makeup game in the Indian market & to make being vegan, cruelty-free brands the norm!
The post Sustainably Yours: The Boss Lady Cosmetic appeared first on TMM.