Women leaders are reshaping the narrative by being more transparent: Rupal Shabnam Tyagi

Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Rupal Shabnam Tyagi, Aromatherapy Expert, Perfumer, Organic Skin Formulator, Co-founder, Wikka, speaks about the female entrepreneur in the wellness industry, leadership roles, balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments, and more.

What do you believe sets women leaders apart in the business world, and how do you incorporate these qualities into your leadership style at Wikka?

Women leaders bring a unique blend of empathy, intuition, resilience, and relatability to the business world. We naturally understand the significance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone feels appreciated. This approach boosts robust team dynamics and encourages transparent communication, towards a more collaborative work environment.

Also, women are innately intuitive, which guides us in making holistic decisions, especially in the wellness industry. Even I followed my intuition. After years of being a clinical aromatherapist and healing people, I sensed a need to introduce products that are wholly natural and free from adulteration. After extensive market research, hard work, numerous lab experimentations, we finally launched Wikka.

At Wikka, we foster a culture of empathy, transparency and open communication. Empathy creates a sense of belonging and motivation among team members. Transparency in our formulations and ethical practices has helped us communicate better with our customers.

I also give my team the creative freedom to explore new ideas and solutions that not only help us enhance our product blends, but also instills pride in the work we deliver.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the holistic wellness and beauty industry, and what innovations do you believe women leaders bring to the table?

I am happy to see the increasing participation of women adopting a holistic lifestyle as it is a sustainable way to achieve an optimal life. This evolution is paramount to sheer awareness and eco-conscious dialogues resulting in a growing desire to follow clean beauty practices.

Women are reshaping the narrative by being more transparent, which can be a beacon of hope for someone who is going through the same journey. Moreover, women are gifted with empathy, high emotional quotient, compassion, and creativity. When they bring their unique perspectives to the forefront during leadership roles, it can foster a more inclusive, innovative approach to wellness and beauty prioritizing authenticity and sustainability.

In my journey with Wikka, I’ve seen first-hand how our diverse team has brought fresh, innovative ideas to the table, from formulating unique aromatherapy, essential oil blends, and skincare solutions that work at a cellular level to sustainable packaging solutions. Our ability to empathize, listen, and connect deeply with our customers has allowed us to create products that truly resonate and make a difference in their lives.

As a woman entrepreneur in the wellness industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Let’s accept that obstacles are a part of the journey, and if I am being honest, I’ve faced my share of challenges. But staying true to my passion and the core values of my brand, Wikka, has been my guiding light. One of the significant challenges in the wellness industry has been breaking through some preconceived notions and biases. However, my team and I have found ways to navigate through choppy waters through effective planning, prioritizing time management, and incorporating innovative solutions.

Over the years I have also learned the importance of building a supportive network of like-minded individuals and mentors who believe in my vision. Another key aspect to staying ahead in a competitive market is embracing continuous learning and growth, and keeping up with industry trends and advancements.

Above all, it’s about resilience, perseverance, and believing in oneself, no matter the obstacles.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal commitments, and what advice would you give to other women striving to achieve similar balance?

Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments is indeed a challenging yet rewarding journey. For me, it’s about creating harmony between my roles as an entrepreneur, a mother, and a wife. One of the key strategies that I’ve embraced is prioritization and delegation, which helps me allocate my time and energy effectively both at work and home. I must admit that I have a very supportive family.

When I’m not traveling for work or spending time in my lab, I make sure to keep my teen daughter and son informed about our brand, Wikka. They actively participate and offer us advice, which provides insights into different consumer behaviour demographics. This approach not only keeps my children engaged and involved in my work, but also helps them develop decision-making skills.

To all the wonderful women striving to find their balance, being assertive and setting clear boundaries is a no-brainer. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions. Even embracing flexibility will take you a long way. Just be open to change as things might not always go as per the plan and that’s okay.

Also, remember to be kind to yourself. You are doing great!

In your opinion, what qualities make women particularly effective in crisis management, and how have you leveraged these strengths in your own career?

Women are most likely to survive a famine or an epidemic, and this is what research says.

I believe most women are born with qualities of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and clear communication that are effective in handling a crisis. They can read the room, respond with composure and make thoughtful decisions even under pressure.

Often having to balance multiple roles and responsibilities, women can navigate change and uncertainty. This adaptability allows one to quickly find creative solutions during a crisis. Also, women are great listeners and communicators, which is essential for coordinated and efficient crisis management.

In my own career, I have leveraged these strengths to navigate various challenges. For instance, during the early stages of building Wikka, we faced several hurdles – from sourcing high-quality natural ingredients to managing the production process. I have remained resilient, and adaptable to the frequent change of plans and addressed the concerns of my team and partners.

We have also remained true to the core beliefs of using 100% natural ingredients in our products and invested a lot of time in understanding our customer requirements and delivering their needs.

How do you perceive the expansion of roles and opportunities for women leaders in the current market ecosystem, and what factors do you believe have contributed to this shift?

We are witnessing a significant shift where women are breaking the glass ceiling and stepping into leadership positions, bringing fresh ideas and driving meaningful change across various industries, including wellness and beauty.

I believe there could be several factors that contributed to this positive shift in the current market ecosystem. With the growing market needs, businesses have started to understand the value that diverse leadership teams bring to the table, addressing a wider range of consumer needs.

The cultural shift in empowering women and encouraging them to pursue leadership roles could be another factor. Also, the increased visibility of successful women leaders serve as role models and can be a guiding light for others to follow in their footsteps.

At Wikka, we embrace these opportunities for women. Our team is diverse, and we prioritize creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

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