Anuj Chhajerh: I'm Here to Make Self-Respect Look Good (Skincare Storyteller, With 374K+ Followers)

Anuj Chhajerh Interview

"Skincare isn’t about gender—it’s about looking in the mirror and feeling good without a brand on your chest."

1. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to pursue this path?

Honestly, the journey wasn’t planned. I did what most of us are told to do—study, get a degree, land a stable job. And I stuck to that for over a decade. I worked in the corporate world, managing teams, recruiting talent, and bridging gaps between client expectations and deliverables. Over time, I got really good at simplifying things—explaining them in ways that actually made sense. That skill, as it turns out, quietly laid the foundation for what I do now.

While working, I dabbled in travel content creation—purely out of passion. But gradually, I found myself enjoying that more than my 9-to-5 job. I wasn’t exactly unhappy, but the excitement had faded. And that’s when the tough questions started.

Eventually, I left. It wasn’t a rash decision—it just felt like the right time. Once I focused on content full-time, everything began to align. I naturally gravitated toward skincare—not because it was trendy, but because I was genuinely curious. I kept asking: “Why does this even work?” That question sparked it all.

2. What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?

The first major challenge was telling my dad I’d quit my job. Coming from a middle-class family, stability is non-negotiable. My dad worked in the same company for over 40 years. So, for him, this world of content creation felt unreal. I didn’t argue—I just quietly put my head down and worked. I believe when your family sees you thriving—not just surviving—they come around.

The second challenge was carving out space in a field where I didn’t “fit the mold.” A man talking about skincare still makes some people uncomfortable. I’ve been questioned, even trolled. But I never saw skincare as a gendered topic. If men can spend on cars, watches, sneakers—why not their skin?

Skincare isn’t vanity. It’s self-respect. It’s being able to look in the mirror and feel good, without needing a label or a brand on your chest. That belief helped me cut through the noise.

3. How do you stay motivated and consistent in your field?

Because I still feel like I don’t know enough—and that keeps me curious.

Skincare is complex—literally and metaphorically. It involves science, psychology, biology, culture. And every time I learn something new, I feel the urge to share it—but in a way that’s real and understandable.

I don’t chase trends. I chase logic. Why does this ingredient work? What does this routine do beneath the surface? How do I explain it to someone who’s never touched a serum before? That’s what excites me—breaking things down, not just selling routines but building real understanding.

4. What does a typical day in your life look like?

My day always starts with grounding—mentally, physically, spiritually. I draw a lot of strength from within. My cats—my fur babies—are a big part of that. They’re more than pets. They’re my emotional anchors. Along with my wife, they’re my safe space.

Being spiritual, I begin each morning with prayer and reflection. I also pay close attention to how I nourish my body. I see it as a temple. I love food—don’t get me wrong—but for me, it’s about how food makes me feel, not just how it tastes. Clean, home-cooked meals are essential.

My workout partner is my wife, Debashree. We try to move together, even if it’s something simple. But the favorite part of my day? It’s when we sit down with our hard, black coffee—no sugar, no milk—and just talk. No phones. No work. Just us. That’s my daily reset.

Sleep matters to me. I try to get my 8 hours and make time for manifestation—it’s a non-negotiable part of my routine.

The rest of the day is usually spent on content—planning, strategizing, coordinating with my editors and team. I stay attuned to what my community needs—what they’re curious about—and shape my content around that.

And yes—I’m a total homebody. I’m not into night outs or heavy socializing. I think I’ve reached a point where stillness, conserving energy, and channeling it into something meaningful feels more fulfilling than being everywhere at once. I’d rather create something valuable with a well-rested mind than burn out chasing everything.

5. What role does social media play in your journey, and how do you balance it with personal life?

Social media is a medium—it allows me to reach people I’d never meet otherwise. It’s where I share, listen, and learn. And yes, it’s also my profession now. But it doesn’t control my life.

Debashree and I are very intentional about our digital consumption. We’re not into mindless scrolling or chasing outrage trends. We’re selective. We follow content that adds value, sparks thought, or inspires growth.

We’ve always drawn a clear line between “being online” and “being present.” When we’re together, we’re fully present. If something’s trending but doesn’t resonate, we simply let it pass. And we never let work become an excuse to ignore each other. For us, balance isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about mutual respect. For our time, our energy, and the life we’re building.

6. What are your future plans and dreams you’re working toward?

We’re dreaming a little bigger now—but in a more grounded, quieter way.

Debashree and I envision creating a space where conversations about skincare, wellness, beauty, mind, and body go beyond quick reels and superficial tips. A space that allows for deeper, more thoughtful engagement. Something that lasts beyond the scroll.

We’ve already started laying the groundwork and are collaborating with a team to bring this to life. Let’s just say—it will be a space for stories, for voices, and for reflections that deserve more than 15 seconds of attention.

7. What message would you like to give to young and aspiring individuals in your field?

Stop waiting for the perfect moment—it doesn’t exist.

If something lights you up, go all in. You don’t need anyone’s permission. Just begin. People will say it’s already been done—or that no one’s doing it. Neither matters. What matters is whether it feels right to you.

Don’t copy. Create. Protect your uniqueness—because that’s your true power. Everyone is replaceable, but your story, your lens on the world—that’s yours alone. Build from there.

Bio:

Ex-corporate, now full-time creator—Anuj Chhajerh is a skincare storyteller who simplifies science and celebrates self-awareness. With his unique voice, he’s helping make skincare less about trends and more about truth.

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Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh