DIVERSE LEADERSHIP ⭐👩🏽💼
Vol. 14
Hello CWBS!
Season’s Greetings! After a busy reading week and even busier finals week, we hope you’re enjoying some rest and relaxation as we head into the New Year. This year has been absolutely unprecedented, but in the midst of it all, I hope that The Scope has kept you informed about the world through our Business Bites, inspired through our Inspiring Women in Business feature, and engaged with internships and pre-professional opportunities that await you. Happy holidays from all of us at CWBS!
Sophia Naqvi, Membership Engagement Chair 2020-2021
PUBLIC: Invest in good company.
Want to give Public a try? Download the free app and start with $20 worth of stock on us.
PANDEMIC CHECK: Dysfunction surrounding the impending COVID stimulus bill looms as a House Democrat-effort to pass a $2000 stimulus bill failed in congress. With President Trump’s threats to veto the bill, congress and the American people have been left confused about the fate of their aid. Learn more.
CATCH FLIGHTS NOT COVID: Singapore has unveiled a new digital mechanism of tracking travellers’ COVID-19 statuses and vaccination histories. Is our new travel-reality the “immunity passport”? Learn more.
BACK TO SCHOOL: With a semester of untraditional learning all over the country and world, teachers, students, and parents alike are still learning to adjust to the reality of pandemic-learning. Some school districts, however, are leaning towards easing lockdowns, despite a US surge in cases. Learn more.
DEEPICA MUTYALA OF LIVE TINTED
Deepica is the founder & CEO of LIVE TINTED , a beauty brand focused on diversity and representation in the beauty industry. She’s been recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, VOGUE, O, The Oprah Magazine and was named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Powerful Women of 2020 as well as as the “Shade Shifter” in Marie Claire’s annual list of 25 People Changing the Beauty Industry.
Since rising to the forefront of the beauty industry as a beauty influencer after her 2015 YouTube video “How to Cover Dark Under Eye Circles” (currently 10.9 million views) went viral, Deepica landed appearances on Today and Dr. Oz. Following this success, she created the multicultural digital community LIVE TINTED, bringing attention to those underrepresented in media. In the past year, Deepica has transformed LIVE TINTED into its own award-winning beauty brand, offering a growing range of multi-use products that are inclusive, clean, cruelty-free and vegan.
1. What inspired you to start Live Tinted?
My inspiration for founding Live Tinted and an ongoing mission of the brand is to change the face of diversity and representation in the beauty industry. When I started Live Tinted, I didn't want this brand to be about me. I wanted it to be bigger than myself and stand for anyone who hasn't seen themselves represented in the beauty industry, which as a South Asian woman myself, I know includes us. That said, this brand isn't just for South Asian women, but instead it was important that we were finally included into the narrative as well. We purposely named it Live Tinted; to Live Tinted is to live embracing your skin tone. Live Tinted is a community and the products are the vehicles to showcase my passion and love for diversity as well as inclusion beyond just the makeup industry.
2. What skills or traits are vital to being a successful entrepreneur?
Agility and being back to block out the noise.
3. What does a typical workday look like for you?
As the Founder and CEO I wear many different hats and oversee everything that goes on with Live Tinted, from business and product development to creative and marketing and more, so everyday is different -- and also very busy!
4. What challenges have you faced as a South-Asian woman entrepreneur, particularly in the world of cosmetics? How did you face such challenges?
As a South Asian woman, one of the many challenges that I’ve had to and continue to overcome is underrepresentation, which was one of the biggest reasons for founding Live Tinted. We were never included in the narrative and I wanted to change that.
I want to champion all different skin tones, sizes, shapes, genders and I just didn’t see enough of all the beautiful cultures and communities represented in the media. As a result, I founded Live Tinted to redefine beauty standards and especially with social media, I’m fortunate enough to have built a platform where I can be a voice for the marginalized. It’s tremendously encouraging and rewarding to be a part of the small, everyday wins that we’re making with Live Tinted and knowing that we’re contributing to the larger conversation.
5. What advice would you give to college-aged women interested in entrepreneurship and the business side of the cosmetics industry?
Be fearless. There’s no playbook and along this journey I’ve had so many doubts and insecurities, yet I kept going. Keep pushing forward, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help, and build a strong network to support + guide you. It’s a continuous process and I’m learning everyday, but if you’re truly passionate, it’ll be well worth it in the end.
6. What are a few personal "must-have" items in your makeup bag? (Aside from the Huesticks, of course!)
I really just do a five minute face these days - I use our HUEGLOW all over my face and then the Huestick as an eye,cheek, and lip. In addition, I love a good brow gel and am using one from Milk makeup right now and a bit of mascara and I’m out the door.
7. Who is a woman leader you look up to?
Meena Harris - talk about being fearless, that woman isn’t scared to make any of her dreams reality. She works harder and smarter than anyone I’ve ever met. Women that inspire me most are those who while building themselves up bring others up along with them and that’s Meena.
Internships
Banking/Finance
Consulting
Tech
Startups
Venture Capital
Diversity in the beauty industry is still a major issue, with the statistics above showing prominent issues that British WOC face as consumers in the cosmetics industry.
According to a Viacom-CBS report, diversity in the cosmetics industry, particularly makeup, actually happens to be a wise business choice for cosmetics firms: women of color have cosmetics spending habits that far outstrip other groups. Black women, for example, spend 80% more on cosmetics than non-black consumers.
What’s the key to increased diversity in the cosmetics industry? Cosmetic chemist Stephen Ko asserts that diversity starts with diverse leadership; this includes diversity beyond race, and including diversity in sexuality, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and age.
Top WOC-Founded Cosmetics Companies: Fenty Cosmetics, Pat McGrath Labs, The Lip Bar, Juvia’s Place, and Beauty Bakerie Makeup.
MONEYGIRLS: It’s time to run your own money.
MoneyGirls’ goal is to empower all women to maximize their independence, influence, and leadership by giving them the tools and resources necessary to take control of their financial lives. MoneyGirls aims to carry out this mission through the Monday MoneyDrop, a once-a-week newsletter, the MoneyBag, and the MoneyGirls Strategist Network. Get involved here.
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