Do you pay as much attention to your inner beauty as you do to your skin care regimen? If your bathroom vanity is covered in bottles but you’re struggling to embrace who you truly are, you’re not alone.
Entrepreneur Shona Gupta made the leap from corporate America to launch her beauty brand, Maharindee, during the pandemic. Her goal was to marry today’s science with Ayurveda, the Indian holistic approach to healthcare in order to offer simplified, quality products to busy people.
But by tapping into her ancestral roots, Shona discovered more about the path forward than she imagined. She found an inner glow she now carries with her. Here are her top tips for finding your own glow:
- Reflect
Shona learned her beauty routine from her mother. But her mother had abandoned more traditional Indian skincare methods for easy American brand names and Shona followed in her footsteps. However, time spent teaching in India gave her a chance to experience the long-held tradition of Ayurveda.
Shona now sees this experience as the first step in her journey from a comfortable career to launching her own business – and newfound success! She realized that past experiences can help move us forward.
When you feel unsure of who you are or what to do next – reflect on the past.
Remember the moments in your life that define you. Some may be successes – and some may not. Failures in particular can be powerful teaching moments that move you forward. When you’re on the right path, your inner glow will start to shine, so start by reflecting on how you got here.
- Get outside
Think about what consumes you. It may be your career or responsibilities at home. Or it could be your emotions. Stress and negative feelings like resentment or anger can harm you emotionally and even physically. Chances are it’s a combination. Think of these things as the bottles on the vanity. If you spend too much time focused on the bottles and not the person in front of the mirror, you can’t find your glow.
For Shona, time outdoors gives her time to regroup and find that inner glow. It also reminds her that this world is beautiful and so is she, inside and out. If the great outdoors isn’t your thing, that’s okay, too. The key is to get outside of yourself.
Plan time to take a break. This might mean a hike, or it could mean diving into a new book, crafting, or volunteering at a local charity. You’ll feel lighter and less encumbered – and your inner glow will grow brighter.
- Be grateful
Shona wouldn’t be where she is without her gratitude journal. It’s a constant that helps her stay grounded and provides clarity for next steps. She highly encourages everyone to commit to a daily practice of gratitude.
If you don’t like to journal, that’s okay. Find other ways to take note of the parts of each day that stand out to you. This might be on a walk or even sharing with loved ones. Find the way that works best for you and stick to it.
Taking time to be thankful – from the small moments to the big successes to the people around you – is a powerful ingredient to harnessing beauty in your life – both inside and out.
- Be authentic
If you’re trying hard to be someone you’re not, it can show all the way through to your skin. Shona is proud to be a woman of Indian descent and to see more women of color making a difference in the world today. She’s embraced her heritage and now uses it for good through her business.
Embrace who you truly are and it will show.
There’s never been a better time than now to explore what makes you you. Move past the expectations and the beliefs that limit your potential and lean in to authenticity. It will show from the inside out.
They say beauty is only skin deep. But focusing on your inner beauty can help you find true success. Lean in to what really matters and get ready to glow!
