Prachi Bhandari, Co-founder, AMINU, is a licensed cosmetologist trained at the highest level – CIDESCO, CIBTAC & MASA, London – the world’s most prestigious qualification for Aesthetics, Beauty Therapy & Treatments.
Prachi’s holistic health practices stem from having tragically lost her father to ill health in 2007. A few years ago, Prachi’s father tragically came down with a brain infection and slipped into coma, the doctors were not hopeful of his condition, and that is what sparked Prachi’s affiliation with holistic health practices. She was 16 at the time when she dropped a semester from college and spent 278 days straight in the hospital, monitoring every change in her father’s body, meticulously researching every salt in his medicines.
Driven by her unconditional love to see her father healthy again, Prachi started reading about the human body, its various forms of medicine and wellness. From the experience that shaped her into the person that she is today, Prachi learned very important lessons that have defined Aminu’s journey and shaped its philosophy.
Empowered with knowledge and a clear vision, Prachi decided to move on from her family business of lighting and translated her long-standing vision of ‘giving back’ into her signature salon Kallidora, which means the gift of beauty. Over the next two years, Prachi travelled all over Western Europe, the UK, East Asia, and North America. On March 2019, while on a three-week-long trip to Europe, to specifically study skincare, the idea of making her own natural and yet high-performance skincare took seed.
Prachi, her husband, Aman and uncle Sanjay moved forward with their vision for Aminu, to be an all-encompassing provider of self-care that is natural, effective, safe and sustainable. Prachi’s creative energy is also the backbone of AMINU’s unique aesthetic. Her background, and experience in design have helped immensely in amplifying the overall experience of AMINU products and conceptualizing the brand, whereas her eight years of hands-on experience as an aesthetician and trusted skin care expert have helped her channelize her creative ideas via the brand. Here, Prachi Bhandari talks to TheGlitz about AMINU and more…
Over To Prachi Bhandari
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about the life-changing milestones that has moulded you to be what you are today?
One of the most significant moments in my life was when I made the decision to start Aminu, a product line that addresses various skin concerns and is designed to promote healthy skin. It was a huge leap of faith, driven by deep conviction that skin care could be transformed through gentle yet effective products. This decision ignited a profound sense of purpose within me!
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
Our journey with Aminu has been filled with both – triumphs and challenges, each one, shaping us to be what we are today. One of the most significant challenges we faced was sourcing over 200 ingredients during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand for certain ingredients, the task seemed daunting, especially while bootstrapping the company and dealing with limited resources. We had to be very resourceful, making the most of limited resources and prioritizing our spending. This meant making tough decisions and sometimes taking calculated risks, but it also taught us the value of resilience and perseverance.
Through these challenges, we learned the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and the power of innovation in overcoming challenges. Also, the value of our relationships with our customers, suppliers, and team members, realizing that together, we are stronger!
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
A deep-seated passion for skincare and innovation, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges and a resilient spirit, bouncing back stronger and more determined!
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
Behind every venture is a team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bring a vision to life. At Aminu, I am fortunate to have a co-founder and life partner, Aman, who has been the driving force behind our brand’s growth and success, and Sanjay as an experienced mentor!
Aman’s strategic thinking and commitment to building Aminu with proper structure, passion, and mission have been truly inspiring. Also, from our product development team to our customer service representatives, each member plays a crucial role in bringing our vision to life. Their passion, creativity, and dedication are the heart and soul of Aminu, and I am grateful for each one of them. Beyond our team, I am also grateful for the support of our customers, suppliers, and partners. Their trust and belief in our brand have been the wind beneath our wings, propelling us forward even in the face of challenges.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
Prachi Bhandari
If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Just keep going & do common things uncommonly well!
