ISABELLE FOX MBA Class One: Trishna Daswaney

Trishna Daswaney is the founder of Kohl Kreatives, an inclusive beauty brand and non-profit that aims to empower through make-up, specialising in cosmetic creation of features lost through illness or accidents and helping transitioning transgender people. Trishna talks to us about her business and being an entrepreneur.

Trishna wears the Amelia coat.

The Curtain, London.

YOU ARE THE FOUNDER OF KOHL KREATIVES, AN INCLUSIVE BEAUTY BRAND, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND THE IDEA BEHIND IT.

I was bullied as a teenager for my appearance and I really struggled with fitting in. My mum taught be how to use eyeliner as a way to empower myself. While I didn't look any different physically, I felt amazing and that is what I use makeup for. I love the way it makes me feel, and I started to realise that everyone has the right to this feeling. Many people suffer from things that are out of their control like cancer, gender transition, accidents, burns, and even the capacity to hold makeup utensils. So I guess my main inspiration was that feeling, to feel like you and to solve the problem for people who do not have that privilege.

WHAT WERE THE FIRST STEPS YOU TOOK TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND?

A huge risk! The first thing I did was patent my idea. I then researched the manufacturing process to understand how to integrate my ethical beliefs as well as build relationships with the people who make the products. Once my prototype was ready it was all about testing the market which took me about one year to do.

Trishna wears the Florence skirt.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

While I have a degree in business, which helps me understand all the theoretical elements of the business like strategic planning and budgeting, it's my qualifications in skin and make-up that really propel this element of the business. Understanding skin is so important when you want to work with vulnerable people, especially when you're giving advice to certain skin types.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Business has its ups and downs, and it really does. Something amazing could be happening and simultaneously other elements are simply crumbling. I liken it to juggling as so much of it is completely out of your control. I used to love waiting for planned things to materialise, in reality, however, things rarely go to plan and that was hard to accept. Rejection is hard too. People say no for lots of reasons and keeping your morale high is also challenge. Nothing could have prepared me for the stress that comes with running your own business and I think managing that stress has been the hardest thing to tackle. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata which was definitely a wake up call and time for a major lifestyle overhaul, which in itself was a challenge.

Trishna wears the Matilda dress.

The Curtain, London.

IS THIS YOUR ONLY JOB?

No, as a non-profit I'm so focussed on making sure we give back to society as much as possible, and I therefore have a few other jobs. I predominantly lecture at two different universities and have the pleasure to be the Digital Marketing Course Leader at one.

HOW DO YOU JUGGLE YOUR DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES?

I don't really think about the responsibilities of the day, I just fit whatever I can wherever I can. As long as the day's work is done I'm satisfied!

Trishna wears the Amelia coat.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURS?

1. Always keep innovating: think of something new and challenge yourself

2. Don't give up when things don't go to plan

3. Unwind with a completely unrelated business activity

Trishna wears the Florence skirt.

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE AND HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR STYLE?

My typical day involves a lot of activity, and the one thing my London style needs is a comfy pair of sneakers! - And 100% a waterproof coat.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DAYS OFF? WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO WEAR WHEN YOU DRESS UP?

How I dress on my days off is either 0 or 100: I don't have an in between. Sometimes I will be in a pair of yoga leggings and a sweatshirt, or a cute midi dress. I do really love a good pair of heels, it helps add a pop of colour to my outfits which are almost always neutral-based.

Trishna wears the Matilda dress.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE AW19 COLLECTION? WHERE WOULD YOU WEAR IT TO?

I love all the pieces but I adore the slip dress, it was so beautiful I would wear it all the time. You can dress it up with a pair of heels for a night out, or put a warm knit underneath to wear it to a breakfast meeting. I could imagine dressing it up and down with accessories too and nothing beats a statement bag or shoe with that dress.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

The everyday person really inspires me, because experiencing and overcoming everyday struggles can be tough, and I am so inspired by other people's stories and solutions.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Kohl Kreatives. I love it and I am so proud of it.

You can find out more about Trishna's business by heading to Kohl Kreatives. Special thanks to The Curtain private members' club for allowing us to shoot on location.