This is the story of Hetali Kamdar, the Founder of BABOSKI - Bath, Body & Skin - an Indian brand located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Hetali has always believed failure is likely and success is not given unless you work hard with all you have. From a very early age, Hetali started observing people, listening to their stories and getting inspired by them. An entrepreneur needs a solid mindset to succeed. And surprisingly she was building one.
Very soon she was going to find the purpose of her life but she was unaware. In order to gain further exposure, Hetali travelled to the most beautiful countries like Egypt, Russia, and Italy. During her internship in these three charming countries, Hetali explored the cultures, women empowerment programs, and marketing skills required to launch her dream company. As they say, “What’s meant to be will always find a way.” And it did!
While working as an intern Hetali started developing an interest in international markets. After completing her internship, she began working as an export manager, which led her to discover her dream. Hetali finally found the purpose that she was searching for everywhere. She began her entrepreneurial journey with Skin Wish, a homegrown bath and body brand offering a niche of select products like whipped soaps, scrubs, bath salts, bath bombs and lip balms. Slowly her products started attracting more and more people. When she realised the substantial numbers of growth in a short time, Hetali knew this was the right time to make her small initiative into a brand.
And that’s how BABOSKI - Bath, Body & Skin came to life. Her aim was to build a brand that offers the best of everything wrapped into one. Her line of Personal care & Skincare products are sulphate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free & formulated without any harmful chemicals. She has ensured that her products remain vegan and that didn't happen in a day - It took years of hard work and research to make BABOSKI not just a brand, but a faithful friend for life.
As we all know, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” After months of flying solo, Hetali decided to transform her home-based business into a brand. And with this vision, she started building her team- A team that just like her, loved what BABOSKI was doing and worked round the clock to build the dream of dominating the skincare market someday.
With BABOSKI, Hetali Kamdar created a dream team that is honest, talented, and dedicated to creating change. She always wanted to become an entrepreneur and she finally did it.
Lekin, Picture Abhi Baki Hain Mere Dost.
Hetali's journey has not ended, it has just begun. In the search for Success and Pleasure, we must face our Demons.
Being an entrepreneur is not easy. And it surely is no cakewalk. It is a continuous effort, sometimes without gains for prolonged periods of time. Having suffered from depression and mental health issues at a young age, Hetali was determined to spread awareness about mental wellbeing right from the time she started.
In our society talking openly about mental illness is not the same as speaking about a physical ailment. Going to a mental health therapist is still a taboo and with BABOSKI, Hetali is making a small endeavour to change it - BABOSKI not only promotes sound mental health but also supports and encourages people to seek help for themselves by contributing a certain percentage to NGOs. Hetali has found her purpose in facing various difficulties while running a business. Her logical reasoning helps her to solve problems at the right time and create an environment that is tenacious of obstacles.
Hetali believes in real experiences. Despite her business owner-responsibilities involving cost, finance, operations, and research & development, she does not ignore the emotional aspects of her well-being, relationships, and social life. Being an entrepreneur involves lots of gruelling work and sleepless nights, but she believes she wouldn't have made it this far had it not been for the support of her parents, siblings, friends and her team.
Anything is possible when you have the right people to support you. Hetali was lucky that her parents didn’t listen to the noise around them and let her spread her wings to fly.
When we asked her what she feels like as a Woman Founder and if there is anything she would like to convey to her counterparts entering the tricky spaces of entrepreneurship, she tells us a few things from experience:
"Being a woman is not easy; being a businesswoman is like playing with fire every day. Throughout our society and in our own homes, people look down upon a woman entrepreneur because they think she cannot manage her business and personal life. Startups are to relationships what Emperor Palpatine’s lightning hands were to Luke Skywalker – a painful, non-stop, bolt of life force draining energy. Trust the process of learning and making mistakes. Accept your role as a leader as one of embracing your weaknesses and strengths, time & money management. No one will help you or give you a heads-up that the situation might get complicated. Women are making their mark but yet as women entrepreneurs, earning respect will be a constant struggle. Helping yourself is as valuable as asking for help when needed. Saddle up, it's a long drive!"
Hetali Kamdar is not just an entrepreneur but a believer in small start-ups. She often educates other young entrepreneurs about her struggles, failures and success. She encourages founders, especially women founders research their domain thoroughly, understand the trends and then enter the industry. But once you are in it, follow your passion, wear your confidence on your sleeve and never give up!
Change the car if it stops, but never change your destination
Hetali Kamdar, Founder, BABOSKI
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