Meet: Lisa Mattam
Founder of: Sahajan
Tell us about your business:
Sahajan is the only clean, clinically proven skincare company based on the science of Ayurveda.
What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out?
This is very practical but it has served me very well. When I was in the Sephora Accelerator, we received a gift with a card from one of the founders of Urban Decay. The card congratulated me for the creation of Sahajan but continued with this advice. Invest is back end operations, that will ultimately decide the success of your business. I reflect on this piece of advice all the time- as a beauty founder and someone now in CPG- we focus most of our energy on the brand itself and the traction that we need. While these pieces are critical, it's easy to neglect everything behind the business which can eventually sink any strong brand with the greatest of traction.
Name the biggest overall lesson you've learned in running a business?
Obsess over your customers- not your competitors. One of my goals is that every person who interacts with Sahajan who has purchased or not, has an incredible experience interacting with us. Every single customer who purchases from us, takes a chance on us. I am grateful for that chance and that gratitude is reflected in the interactions and touch points the customer has with Sahajan. Being close to your customer helps you understand their needs, creates unparalleled relationship and if done well, sincere loyalty.
Does your culture influence your choices and decisions? If yes, how?
Sahajan is founded in the Ancient Indian Science of Ayurveda. Full stop. It's important to be that the brand is authentically reflects the foundations of Ayurveda. We work with two Ayurvedic doctors on our formulas- we support our community by sharing knowledge from Ayurveda to support them in their wellness journey and we use our voice and our platform as a voice that supports Indian culture and an environment for inclusion.
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build your resolve?
This is an ongoing process... In moments of adversity, I turn to my faith first- prayer is critical. I am a big believer that it takes a village to grow a business and that every founder needs her or his own village. My family, friends, and fellow founders are amazing supports along the way. Exercise is everything. I work things out in my head during a hard workout and that awful feeling when you are stressed, worries or upset, somehow it's not there anymore when I get my sweat on.
What tool, object, or ritual could you not live without in your workday?
Every week, I create a very structured to do list which involves my children, my parents, my seva (my giving back), my workouts and then a huge section on the business. Every morning before I start my workday, I review, edit and use it as the foundation for my day.
Discover more:
www.sahajan.com
@sahajanskincare
