Firsts & Fearless: TheGlitz Super Woman 2026 Sonal Gupta, Founder, SQIN Botanicals

In an era where beauty is increasingly defined by consciousness rather than cosmetics, Sonal Gupta is quietly leading a movement that places integrity, wellness, and sustainability at the heart of skincare. As the founder of SQIN Botanicals, Sonal has carved a thoughtful path in the clean beauty space, blending the time-honoured wisdom of Ayurveda with modern skincare science to create formulations that are pure, effective, and deeply mindful.

Her journey into entrepreneurship reflects the very spirit of Firsts & Fearless. Instead of chasing fleeting beauty trends, Sonal chose to build a brand rooted in transparency, sustainability, and long-term wellbeing. Through SQIN Botanicals, she champions a philosophy where skincare becomes an act of conscious self-care, encouraging consumers to embrace products that nurture both their skin and the planet.

But Sonal’s story is about more than launching a brand; it is about redefining leadership in the wellness industry. With quiet determination and clarity of purpose, she has built a platform that resonates with modern consumers seeking authenticity in the products they use and the brands they trust.

This Women’s Day, TheGlitz Super Woman 2026 celebrates Sonal Gupta as a changemaker who embodies purpose-driven entrepreneurship… proving that when women lead with vision, responsibility, and courage, they don’t just build businesses; they shape movements that inspire a more conscious world.

“The woman behind every beauty brand is a woman who is dealing with supply chain issues, product development, team building, and business decisions, all while dealing with societal pressures about how she should look, act, or run a business. I think we should celebrate the messiness of that journey. Women in business are not just beauty entrepreneurs; they are also problem solvers and innovators.”

– Sonal Gupta

Firsts & Fearless

Over To Sonal Gupta, Founder, SQIN Botanicals

When was the last time you did something for the first time — and how did it shift your perspective?

The last time I really did something for the first time was when I decided to wholeheartedly become the founder and voice of the brand, rather than just the person working behind the scenes. Building SQIN Botanicals was about stepping into spaces where I was expected to speak on wellness, sustainability, and conscious skincare with conviction.

This experience has taught me that personal growth happens outside of the comfort of familiarity. Every “first” reminds me that, whether it’s launching a product, speaking on the brand’s philosophy, or navigating the challenges of the business, courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it.

What is one truth about being a woman in your industry that deserves more honest conversation?

One thing that needs to be talked about more candidly is that women in the beauty and wellness space are supposed to embody perfection while creating businesses that are far from predictable.

The woman behind every beauty brand is a woman who is dealing with supply chain issues, product development, team building, and business decisions, all while dealing with societal pressures about how she should look, act, or run a business. I think we should celebrate the messiness of that journey. Women in business are not just beauty entrepreneurs; they are also problem solvers and innovators.

Tell us about a challenge that tested you deeply — and what rebuilding taught you about yourself.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my journey so far has been the early days of establishing a brand that prides itself on transparency and clean living, especially in a space where trends are moving quicker than consumers’ levels of understanding.

Of course, there were times when it would have been easier to just follow the herd, but I think rebuilding during those times has been incredibly valuable, because I’ve come to realize that clarity of purpose is a founder’s greatest strength. When you know what you stand for, failures are no longer failures; they are just lessons that make you stronger.

What does power mean to you today, and how has that definition evolved over time?

Previously, I believed that having power meant achieving, launching products, building a brand, and reaching milestones.

Today, having power is not as flashy, but it’s much deeper and more meaningful. It’s having the ability to make an impact in a meaningful way, whether that’s building a brand that focuses on wellness, supporting good causes, or inspiring people to live healthier lives through the care of their skin.

The real meaning of having power, to me, is building a brand that aligns with your values and inspires others along the way.

Beyond titles and milestones, what change do you hope your journey inspires for the next generation of women?

If anything, I hope that my story might inspire women to trust their instincts and pursue ideas that are truly meaningful to them.

You don’t need a traditional blueprint to build something significant in the world. Sometimes, the biggest journeys start with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to take that first uncertain step.

If more women feel empowered to build, lead, and reinvent themselves without permission, I truly believe we will see a generation that creates not just successful companies but purpose-driven legacies.

Rapid-Fire: Sonal Gupta “Her Firsts”

First Bold Risk:

The first bold risk I took was switching my career path—from aspiring to pursue Company Secretaryship to stepping into the world of business and embracing the journey of becoming a businesswoman.

First Time I Chose Myself:

After a significant break following the birth of my daughter, I made the decision to return and rejoin my family’s business. It was the first time I consciously chose my own aspirations while balancing my responsibilities as a mother.

First Failure That Became a Lesson:

In my twenties, I started a homegrown brand of hand-painted apparel. While it didn’t achieve the success I had hoped for, the experience taught me invaluable lessons. It helped me identify my loopholes and mistakes, shaping the way I approach business today.

Big Win:

My biggest win has been my ability to keep learning and evolving despite numerous setbacks. That journey of persistence has helped me grow into the best version of myself—both personally and professionally.

First Time I Felt Fearless:

I truly felt fearless when I began to see the fruits of my hard work and vision come to life. The appreciation and positive response from people toward our brand, SQIN Botanical, reaffirmed my belief in what we set out to create—skincare that is clean, effective, and honest. Their trust and encouragement gave me the confidence to keep moving forward with even greater conviction.

The First Women Who Shaped My Career:

The women who have truly shaped my career are the countless women who step out every day to work while also managing their households with dedication and strength. Their determination, resilience, and accomplishments make them true leaders in my eyes.

I strongly believe that women in business bring not just ambition, but also empathy, balance, and long-term vision to leadership.