1. Could you walk us through your journey—how did you get started, and what inspired you along the way?
After spending over a decade in the corporate and e-commerce world—with companies like American Express, NDTV Goodtimes, Emaar, Jabong, and Myntra—I decided to follow my true passion: skincare and beauty. In 2019, I began creating content that focused on these areas. What truly inspired me was the noticeable gap in honest, ingredient-focused beauty advice tailored for Indian consumers. I wanted to be a trusted voice in a space that often felt saturated with trends but lacked transparency.
2. What challenges did you face when starting out, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was turning down brand deals that offered quick money but didn’t align with my values. It was tempting, especially in the beginning, but I chose to stay true to my purpose. My priority was building genuine trust with my audience—and that trust became the foundation for everything I’ve built since. Saying “no” in the short term helped me create something more sustainable and impactful in the long run.
3. How do you stay creatively inspired, and what keeps you motivated in your daily work?
What truly keeps me going are the real conversations I have with women in my community. Their questions, experiences, and transformations inspire me every single day. Knowing that my work is helping someone feel more confident, informed, and empowered—that’s the kind of motivation that never fades. It’s more than just content; it’s a connection.
4. What are some key values or beliefs that guide your work and content?
Two principles drive everything I do: truth over trend, and always putting the subscriber at the center. If I can’t confidently recommend a product or practice to a close friend, I won’t recommend it online. My content is rooted in honesty, usefulness, and authenticity, not fleeting trends or popularity contests.
5. How do you handle criticism or pressure on social media as a public figure?
I approach criticism with an open mind, especially when it’s constructive. It helps me improve and evolve. But at the same time, I stay grounded in my core values, which act as my compass. Not all feedback is worth absorbing—some of it is just noise. Knowing the difference is key to staying sane and focused in the digital world.
6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a similar path?
Build slow, and build with integrity. Don’t chase overnight virality. This space truly rewards consistency, originality, and trust. Focus on creating value, showing up authentically, and being patient with the process. That’s what leads to lasting success.
7. Lastly, what’s one personal or professional milestone that holds a special place in your heart?
Launching India’s first Skincare Masterclass under my own platform was a truly defining moment for me. With over 10,000 students enrolled and an average rating of 4.8+, the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. What began as a single course has now grown—thanks to student demand—into a broader curriculum that covers communication, content creation, freelancing, corporate etiquette, parenting, and fitness. This evolution is soon culminating in the launch of the Chetali Chadha Academy—a full-fledged online school designed to equip women with real-world, culturally relevant skills. It’s a milestone that not only reflects my journey but also my mission to empower.
Bio:
Chetali Chadha is a leading beauty content creator and educator, renowned for her in-depth knowledge of skincare, cosmetic ingredients, and what genuinely connects with Indian consumers. With a background in corporate and e-commerce, she brings a strategic understanding to the beauty space, having collaborated with over 30 skincare and beauty brands to help them communicate and market their products effectively. Her approach strikes a thoughtful balance between formulation science, trend relevance, brand identity, and—above all—consumer trust.
With a digital community of over 800,000 followers, Chetali has built a trusted platform known for its unbiased, insight-driven content. In 2023, she launched India’s first structured Skincare Masterclass, which has already enrolled more than 10,000 students and holds an impressive 4.8+ rating.
Following its success, she is now expanding her vision through the Chetali Chadha Academy—a comprehensive online school dedicated to equipping Indian women with culturally relevant, real-world skills across communication, content creation, freelancing, parenting, wellness, and more.
Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur
0 Comments