The story of Xyst begins with a personal quest for skincare solutions that truly work. Inspired by her experiences as a consumer and driven by a vision for transparency and quality, the founder transformed her passion into a reality during the pandemic. With her family’s encouragement, she embraced the challenge of creating a vegan, toxin-free, and cruelty-free skincare brand. Rooted in ethical values and backed by rigorous derma-certification, Xyst stands out for its innovative approach and commitment to purity. This entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance, blending years of homemaking skills with a new entrepreneurial drive to craft a brand that resonates with authenticity and purpose.
In this exclusive interaction with Ms. Gunjan Agarwal, Co-Founder of Xyst, we delve into the personal and professional journey in creating Xyst, a skincare brand rooted in ethical practices, innovation, and natural beauty. It explores the thought process behind starting the business, the brand’s name, and its commitment to being 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free.
What inspired you to start Xyst, and what is the reason behind the brand?
The inspiration behind Xyst came from my personal experience as a consumer of skincare products. I often found that the products I was using didn’t deliver the results promised on their labels. This gap between expectations and reality made me think about creating something that addressed these issues. When my family and I started brainstorming business ideas during the pandemic, skincare felt like the right area to focus on. We did thorough research and reached out to industry experts and manufacturers to understand the business better. After deep discussions, we realized that a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model for a skincare brand would be a great fit, especially as a startup. This clarity around my vision helped me move forward with creating Xyst.
Can you please share the story behind the name Xyst?
The story behind the name is quite interesting. Once we had finalized the business idea, we started brainstorming names. We wanted something that reflected our deep appreciation for nature. In my research, I came across the Greek word “Xyst,” which means a garden path lined with trees. I immediately felt that this word captured the essence of our brand, as we wanted our products to be natural and gentle. I presented the idea to the team, and from that simple word, it evolved into the brand name Xyst. It truly resonated with us, and here we are today!
Read more:- The Role of Generative AI in Shaping the Future of Brand Storytelling
How do you ensure that all your products are 100% vegan, toxin-free, and cruelty-free?
For us, being 100% vegan is a fundamental principle. We are committed to cruelty-free practices, which means no animal testing and no ingredients derived from animals. Our collaboration with manufacturers and suppliers who share these values is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our products. We make sure that everything aligns with our ethical standards, from ingredients to production processes. Our products are free from harmful toxins like parabens and SLS, which can damage the skin, so we always ensure that our skincare is safe, natural, and non-irritating.
What challenges have you faced in promoting a vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand?
The challenges start right from the beginning. Many brands in the market may not be fully transparent about their ingredients or manufacturing practices. For instance, while lecithin is commonly used in skincare products, it is often derived from animals, like snail mucin. As a vegan and cruelty-free brand, we opt for lab-synthesized lecithin, ensuring it’s not sourced from animals. The challenge lies in communicating such nuances clearly to our customers, but we’ve always maintained transparency. As more people are becoming environmentally conscious and seeking products aligned with their values, it’s becoming easier to market products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
The most rewarding part of the journey has been receiving feedback from customers, whether through social media, long testimonials on platforms like Amazon, or directly through our website. Hearing how much they love the products and seeing the positive results they experience is incredibly satisfying. It reaffirms why we started this brand in the first place – to provide safe, gentle, and effective skincare that’s clinically backed. It’s rewarding to know that the products we created are truly making a difference in people’s lives.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in this competitive skincare industry?
What keeps me inspired is our commitment to quality and the rigorous processes we’ve undertaken to stand out in the competitive skincare market. One of our key differentiators is that all our products are derma- certified. This certification, which involves 24 subjects and 7 days of patch tests, sets us apart from many other brands that may claim to be “derma-tested” but lack official certification. Consumers today are very knowledgeable, and they appreciate transparency. By using the purest ingredients, like 99.9% pure Ethyl ascorbic acid in our vitamin C products, we stay ahead of the curve. This constant push for better formulations and educating our customers through social media keeps us motivated.
Read more:- The Role of Gamification in Lifelong Learning
How do you differentiate Xyst from other skincare brands in the market?
One of the biggest differentiators is our commitment to dermal- certification. While many brands may claim to be gentle, we go the extra mile to ensure that our products are clinically tested for irritation. We constantly innovate based on customer feedback, tweaking formulations and creating better, more effective products. As the skincare industry evolves, we evolve with it, adapting to new challenges like environmental pollutants that affect the skin. This drive for continuous improvement keeps us relevant and ahead of the competition.
How did your experience as a homemaker influence your approach to creating this business and its products?
Being a homemaker for 22 years was a unique experience that prepared me for this entrepreneurial journey. Multitasking, managing crises, and balancing different responsibilities every day helped me develop the organizational and leadership skills needed in business. When the idea of starting Xyst was first introduced, I was initially hesitant, but the support from my husband and daughters helped me gain the confidence to move forward. The transition from homemaker to entrepreneur was challenging, but my experience managing family affairs taught me how to handle multiple tasks, manage budgets, and lead a team effectively.
How does your personal journey and background reflect the values of Xyst?
My personal journey has been about perseverance, learning, and never giving up. Once I decided to start Xyst, I knew I had to see it through to the end. My determination to do things my way and to do them well mirrors the values we hold at Xyst – authenticity, transparency, and quality. We started this journey with a clear vision, and now we are seeing it come to fruition. It’s been a fulfilling journey, and we are just getting started!
How do you think your journey from a homemaker to an entrepreneur can inspire and empower other women?
I believe my journey can inspire other women who may secretly dream of starting their own business but feel hesitant. My advice is simple: take that first step. Once you take that step, you’ll find yourself learning, growing, and building momentum. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – learn from them and keep moving forward. Planning is key, as it helps you navigate through the ups and downs. Most importantly, finish what you start. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards are worth it.
Read more:- How Gamification is Transforming Education and Training
What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own businesses?
My advice would be to start with a clear idea that you are passionate about. Don’t just jump into trends – find something you truly care about. Also, seek support from your family. Having their encouragement is crucial for balancing both your personal and professional life. Do your research, talk to people who are already in the field, and ask questions. Learning from others is vital. When you plan everything well, you’re more likely to succeed, and your business will follow the right path.
How do you balance your business and personal life?
Balancing family and business has been tricky, but family has always come first. In the early stages, I had to divide my time between both, but as my family has been very supportive, it’s been easier. My husband, who is also my business partner, and my grown-up children, have all been a source of strength. It’s still a balancing act, but with the right support and prioritization, I manage to maintain a healthy equilibrium between my business and personal life.
Follow: InsightConvey
