Women in Power Suits: a conversation with Elizabeth Issac, the Founder of Gunam Beauty.
AS A FOUNDER, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING FROM BUILDING THIS BRAND?
Take your time; rushing leads to pressure for quick growth. Over time, I’ve realised that quality is more important than speed. Consistency and honesty contribute to more sustainable brand growth.
WHAT’S THE ONE PIECE OF GUIDANCE YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE BUILDING A CONSCIOUS BRAND TODAY?
Define “conscious” in precise terms for your brand.
It should encompass more than just ingredients or packaging, consider transparency, pricing strategies, and effective communication with customers. Prioritise honesty over perfection, as it builds trust and loyalty.
Adopt a strategic mindset by remaining patient and curious. Resist the urge to mimic competitors; instead, concentrate on intentional actions.
Continual learning will naturally guide your brand to establish its unique rhythm in the market.
CAN YOU SHARE A PIVOTAL MOMENT THAT ALTERED YOUR PATH?
My personal battle with skin issues sparked my journey years ago. I came to understand that no single product could address the underlying problems such as inflammation, stress, and lifestyle choices. This realisation inspired me from the very beginning to create Gunam as a beauty and wellness brand.
WHAT DOES YOUR SKIN REPRESENT TO YOU BEYOND THE PHYSICAL?
It’s a signal. My skin reflects how I’m eating, sleeping, managing stress, and taking care of myself. Learning to listen to it instead of constantly trying to control it has changed my relationship with beauty.
HOW DO YOU STAY ROOTED IN THE MISSION WHEN BUSINESS DEMANDS PULL YOU IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS?
I constantly come back to the question: would I use this myself, and would I recommend it to someone / care about? If the answer isn’t a clear yes, we pause.
That keeps me grounded, especially when there are tempting shortcuts.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH YOUR FRENCH LAB AND IN-HOUSE R&D TEAM?
The process is collaborative and thorough, questioning ingredient sources and their skin benefits. It combines French formulation with Indian botanicals, emphasising careful development.
Mistakes were made, leading to relaunching some products, as continuous improvement is essential.
Being a beauty and wellness entreprenur is not solely about creativity or visual appeal. There’s a wealth of science, regulations, decision-making, and emotional investment involved behind the scenes. You are creating something profoundly personal while managing a business, and this delicate balance deserves more attention.