Ep 48 | Divya Gugnani

Written By Yasmin Nouri
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Supercharge Your Business with Relationships

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Divya Gugnani is the CEO and Co-Founder of Wander Beauty, a clean, cruelty-free beauty brand that creates multitasking, beauty essentials

Divya began her career in the world of finance and has extensive experience in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital. She calls herself an “accidental entrepreneur” and eventually left finance to pursue her newfound passion as an entrepreneur. After co-founding multiple businesses with two successful exits, and having two children, Divya found her former beauty rituals tossed to the wayside as she became more time-starved than ever. 

Balancing a thriving career and motherhood, Divya realized there were no beauty brands speaking directly to her - a woman who loves beauty and maintains a fast-paced lifestyle. That’s when Divya’s fourth business, Wander Beauty, was born. With 30+ beauty awards in five years, including Allure Best of Beauty Awards, Wander Beauty has become a favorite of editors, influencers, and customers alike. Celebrity devotees include Heidi Klum, Emma Roberts, Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Sims, and more.

We’ll chat with Divya about the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur, common mistakes that she sees other entrepreneurs making, her biggest learnings over the years (both personal and professional), and why relationships are the most important element in business and life. 

Show Notes:

  • The event which led to Divya’s dad becoming an entrepreneur and why her dad’s experiences put her off entrepreneurship. [3:12]

  • Why Divya’s mother took her to a yogi clinic in India when she was little, and how meditation changed her life. [6:12]

  • What Divya learned in her first job that she has carried with her throughout her life. [08:12]

  • Why Divya decided to go back to business school and self fund an MBA, and what she gained from the experience. [9:53]

  • The curiosity that led Divya into the world of entrepreneurship, even though she loved her finance job. [11:37]

  • Challenges that Divya experienced during her first entrepreneurial stint and why she now doesn’t mix her personal and business relationships. [13:50]

  • Reasons that Divya’s first solo business was not able to scale, and why she believes it would be a success today. [15:23]

  • Driving forces behind Divya’s second venture; intelligent shopping recommendation technology. [16:58]

  • The realization Divya had just after giving birth to her second child in the space of two years. [22:03]

  • Upsides and downsides of working from home while starting Wander Beauty. [23:07]

  • Personal experiences that inspired the creation of Wander Beauty, and what the brand provides to the people who use it. [23:38]

  • Divya’s relationship with her business partner, Lindsey, and how their skill sets complement one another. [24:43]

  • How Wander Beauty differentiates itself from other beauty brands. [26:22]

  • Early days of hustling for the small Wander Beauty team, and how this paid off. [28:34]

  • Advice on fundraising; raise what you need plus a little bit more. [30:03]

  • Constant difficulties that CEOs face, and the number one way to alleviate them. [31:45]

  • Divya’s mindset when it comes to balancing her work life, family life, and personal life. [33:40]

  • A common mistake that Divya often sees entrepreneurs make, and her suggestion for a better way to do things. [35:32]

Follow Divya: 

Behind Her Empire Featured Entrepreneur:

  • Lia Lee, founder of UNLIT, a plant-based adaptogen recovery drink that helps to relieve your hangover symptoms.

  • Learn more about UNLIT at https://unlit.co/ and follow them on Instagram @getunlit

Yasmin Nouri
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