Leslie interviews Shabia Walia, Beauty Wellness Mogul , CEO of Wild Earth

Share |LT: Hi Shabia Walia, welcome to "My Legacy with Leslie" I deeply admire your powerful journey into a Beauty-Wellness-Mogul and how you built an empire from it. Please tell us more about it.
SW : One day when a scrub finished at home, I tried to order the same one online and was shaken by its unbelievably high price. This coupled with my concern over harmful chemicals in bath and body products led me to research it online. I then made my own natural, chemical free scrub at home and decided to make more of those. My husband, Ravi, being a cinematographer and good at photography, clicked pictures of the products and it started selling.

We then thought of a name and in demand from our customers kept adding products to our range. Within three months we had to move out from our kitchen to a proper workshop to keep up with the demands.

Today we have more than 35 products in our range, we sell online and through retail all over India, export to foreign countries as well as cater to corporates via gifting. 

My big win is that within a short span of two years,Wild Earth has become a credible brand in the space of natural bath and beauty and enjoys a dedicated customer loyalty and consistent great reviews. We have a long way to go but having great product quality, loyal customers, positive reviews from users and an ever increasing demand for your products are 4 great positives to have while building a brand and a company your are proud of.

LT:  How do you prioritise your day with so much work and duties going in your life 
SW : I am a born multitasker. Having lots on my plate keeps me fresh and excited. I juggle a lot of things alongwith my business like my social work, parenting, conducting workshops, even some media work once in a while.

Having said that, I do manage my time well. I go to bed by max 11 pm and wake up at 6 30 and after packing off my daughter to school, I read for an hour post which I I go thru my mails etc. Post 11 I look after my orders, instruct my team for the day and then step out for any meetings or social commitments I may have. I try and finish maximum work before my daughter comes back from school.

I have delegated most of my house work to my househelps and I settle for 85% perfection. I do not feel guilty about giving my work priority. I say no to things and people that do not add value to my life. I stay away from negativity and events that take away my energy or are just time fillers.

My husband Ravi is my biggest support and is a very hands on Dad. He helps fill in whenever I am too busy at work. Apart from him, I have a set of few good friends and they are my support system whenever I need them. I can trust them with my daughter as well. Lrgely I am very organised and keep making to do lists for everything and ticking them off. That helps divide my day into small parts and keeps me from getting overwhlemed. My to do lists and google calender helps me plan things weeks in advance right from my daily meetings, to award functions to open house of my daughter to business workshops that I conduct, its all there on my google calender at a glance.

My family and friends are my lifeline and I try and make maximum time for them. Nothing like chilling with your friends over chai and forgetting your worries. I feel I manage time well because I drive it, not the other way round. I have loads to do in a short time, I better spend time wisely.

LT : What were the defining moments and advise that helped you achieve your goals

SW : I have had several defining moments. When I was a teacher, a chance audition helped me pave my way into media about which I knew nothing about but went on to work in for twenty five years and practically honing my skill in every department.

Then when my daughter was born, a chance attempt at making my own body scrub led me start my brand Wild Earth and give up my life in media. Basically i have taken opportunities as they come. I see every adversity or challenge as an opportunity for change and growth.I am a risk taker. I love exploring what lies for me on the other side and it has helped me tremendously.

The saying or advice that if you do not work on your own dream, someone else will hire you to work on theirs actually made me quit my media job and become an entrepreneur.
I also live by the saying, Live seventy lives in one lifetime rather than live seventy years of the same life.

LT: Do you have any icons that you look upto

SW : A lot of them. Michelle Obama, Princess Diana, Ratan Tata, Mother Teresa, Gordon Ramsay, people who make a difference to other people's lives, people who are compassionate while being succesful, people who have built something valuable out of nothing. I totally idolise them.

LT : Your favourite Books 

SW : The power of the subconscious mind

 Bridges of Madison County
One minute Manager
You can heal yourself by Louise Hay
Who moved my cheese?

LT : Do you watch movies, which are your 5 favourite movies of all time
SW : I am a movie buff. My whole family is including my daughter. My favourite movies are:
Bridges of Madison County
Maqbool
Bridget Jones Diary
Notting Hill
Andaz Apna Apna

LT: What is your motto in general 

 SW : 'Giving is Receiving' and 'The Universe will take care of you'

LT: What do you think is plaguing the youth today

SW: Apathy. The whole society is plagued by this disease. We need to build more empathy into people. 

LT: What is your message to youth today?

SW: Start looking at everyone with empathy. Empathise, Empower and Educate. These are the three pillars to build a robust, healthy society one can be proud of.

LT: Words for me

SW: It was great meeting you Leslie and having a short but sweet interaction with you. Lovely to have you as a voice empowering women by doing what you do. The more women step out to carve a niche for themselves, the more women they pave the path for to have a voice and a chance at a better life.

LT: What is your legacy according to you?
SW: I am still building it. I cant claim to have one yet :)

LT : How can people stay in touch with you? Links on insta n fb / website
SW: Here it goes

http://www.wildearth.in

instagram @wild_earth_by_shabia_walia

/ info@wildearth.in

LT: Where do you see yourself, 5 years from now

SW: In Bodrum by the beach with a chai in my hand getting updates on Wild Earth from all over the world while the waves wash my feet and the sun setting down.