As a company created by two women, we know how important it is to celebrate women who are trailblazers in their respective fields. That’s why we’ve started our Boss Babes series. Each month we’ll highlight one woman who’s leading the way and is absolutely crushing it, in business and in life. Here, they’ll answer questions on everything from how they started out and advice they think every woman should know, plus their beauty routines and how they take care of themselves. This month: Anisa Telwar Kaicker, founder of ANISA Beauty.

Even if you’re not familiar with ANISA Beauty, you may have still used an ANISA Beauty-made brush — just without knowing it. In addition to its bespoke line, the Atlanta, GA-based makeup brush company creates brushes for beauty heavyweights like Estée Lauder, Sephora, Laura Mercier, M.A.C., and more. Founder and CEO Anisa Telwar Kaicker founded the company in 1992, growing it into a global operation that also raises the bar for ethical manufacturing practices. Now, fresh off the heels of debuting skincare brushes, she shares her biggest accomplishments and best skin-care advice.

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you start your business? Why did you choose this as your passion?

I began the business accidentally really. I did not have the opportunity to finish a formal college degree and was working with my family’s international trading company from the age of 17. The business came on hard times and I had to figure out what to do, so this was a bit of a side hustle that became a full-time gig marketing cosmetic brushes for a brush manufacturer from Korea. It was not really about passion, rather, it was about preservation. I had to take care of myself, so it was a sink or swim motivation. The passion came a few years later in the business when I realized how much the beauty business impacted the world and all that was possible.

What were some of the challenges you faced as a female founder? How did you overcome them?

In the early 90’s there weren’t many female entrepreneurs and it was difficult to have financial institutions and potential customers take me seriously. It took about four years before I could really work with a bank for a line of credit or get a large order from one of the bigger brands.

Are there any particular moments that stand out as a defining moment for you?

Yes, so many. The first time I presented on my own to Revlon I was literally sweating and felt so insecure and scared, yet I was able to keep the business I was vying for. Another moment was the first $1M order I received from Elizabeth Arden for a gift with purchase of brushes. It was with this experience that I could finally believe the business was really going to make it.

What was your biggest achievement, the one you are most proud of?

I am most proud of building our own manufacturing facility in China. It has been the most difficult and challenging accomplishment, and yet it has been so rewarding to have our own facility to create and control our designs and ethical manufacturing.

Why do you think it’s important for more women to start their own businesses?

It is important because it level sets the business playing field.  We want there to be more equality so that there is balance in the  female and male leadership, and wealth distribution arenas.   

Any beauty secrets you want to share?

What we eat, how we sleep, how we hydrate, even our thoughts impact our skin’s health. If we start there, then the other stuff is just great maintenance. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Right now I am admiring leaders who are taking their company’s and countries through these tough times with grace and dignity and compassion, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand has been on my radar for inspiration and hope as a compassionate female leader.

What is something surprising people might not know about you?

I am becoming this socially introverted extrovert.  I truly enjoy my time alone and that used to not be the case.  I used to always need outside stimulation, had to be on the go and spending my time with loads of people and lots of activity. Yet still for work a total extrovert, love being with people and collaborating.