As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Inaas Abdalla.
As the CEO of InêSKN, she is passionate about revolutionizing the beauty industry with innovative skincare solutions. Her journey in this field is driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the well-being of her clients. With her upcoming skincare line for Skin of Colour (SOC), she aims to set new standards by offering transformative products tailored to diverse skin needs, addressing the unique challenges faced by those with SOC.
Her expertise extends beyond skincare, as she is also the founder of Inês Cosmetics, a brand celebrated for its premium eyelash extensions. She takes great pride in her meticulous attention to detail and her insistence on using only the finest materials. This dedication has earned Inês Cosmetics a loyal following among beauty enthusiasts who seek natural yet glamorous enhancements. Her ability to blend science with beauty ensures that her products not only enhance appearance but also promote overall skin health.
In her role as co-founder of Intelhive, she is dedicated to integrating technology with beauty. By leveraging advanced data analytics and AI, Intelhive provides personalized skincare solutions that reflect her forward-thinking approach. This innovative platform embodies her strategic vision and commitment to harnessing technology for the benefit of her clients.
Her leadership is characterized by passion, creativity, and an unwavering focus on quality and customer satisfaction. She strives to be a trailblazer in the beauty industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Her diverse skills and relentless drive make her a formidable force in the world of beauty and skincare, setting new benchmarks for excellence and innovation. Through her work, she aims to inspire and empower others to embrace their unique beauty.
Here’s what we found out about Inaas‘s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start your own business?
Growing up, I was often told that I was different from my siblings because I always sought my “whys” in unconventional places. This curiosity and drive to explore beyond the norm is much like the approach Eric Ries describes in “The Lean Startup,” where innovation and questioning the status quo are key to starting a successful venture.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in the business world, I have faced more “no’s” than “yes’s.” Overcoming these challenges required constant trial and error, much like the Gibbs Reflective Cycle. By analysing each situation, learning from it, and trying again, I was able to navigate through obstacles and find success.
How do you balance your professional and personal life as an entrepreneur?
Balancing my professional and personal life as an entrepreneur is challenging because I truly love what I do. However, I make a conscious effort to take ten hours off on Saturdays to catch up with my family. During the week, I maintain balance by sticking to a routine that includes going to the gym, ensuring I get enough rest, and avoiding evening work unless absolutely necessary.
What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building connections in your industry?
There is nothing better than face-to-face networking events. Call me crazy, but I attend a minimum of three each week. This helps me expand my contacts, nurture my current connections, and find general inspiration.
How do you approach mentorship and seek guidance in your entrepreneurial journey?
I was fortunate to start my entrepreneurial journey by enrolling in the Oneday mentorship program. There, I was assigned a mentor in my niche—a successful entrepreneur with years of experience—who helped shape my ideas. Currently, I am enrolled in the Oneday MBA program, which offers in-depth mentoring combined with an MBA curriculum. This program allows us to apply what we learn directly to our businesses, ensuring success in both our ventures and our educational pursuits.
Can you talk about a specific setback or failure you’ve experienced in your business and how you bounced back from it?
Absolutely. Initially, I wanted to start a mineral makeup brand that offered a range of chemical-free, healthy powder products. However, I struggled to achieve the quality I wanted for my customers because there were no suitable suppliers in the UK, and outsourcing was too expensive for a startup. I pivoted to focus on skincare and the science of skin, eventually obtaining CPD certification and a licence as a skin specialist consultant. This shift allowed me to build a more feasible and impactful business.
In what ways do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your company or startup?
As a woman of multiple races from three continents who has flourished in England, diversity and inclusion are my strong suits. Having experienced bullying growing up, I understand the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. My strategy involves actively engaging with employees and celebrating their holidays and important dates. Additionally, I have created a virtual community that includes my employees, where I offer support, mentoring, and various resources through both free and paid memberships. This approach ensures everyone feels valued and supported.
How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times in your business?
I stay motivated and resilient during tough times by constantly seeking new inspirations. Whether it’s through meeting new people, networking, observing daily life, or simply listening to my favourite song and dreaming about the future, I always find ways to envision what lies ahead for my companies. This proactive and imaginative approach keeps me driven and hopeful.
What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to leave behind anything that makes you feel upset and embrace your entrepreneurial journey. Although it’s not easy, the challenges you face will pay off in the end. Also, network, network, network. Make it a priority to meet new people—they could become your new friends, co-founders, or key connections in your journey.
What is one quote you live by that has guided you in your entrepreneurial journey?
One quote that has guided me in my entrepreneurial journey is: “Love what you do to do what you love.” This mantra reminds me to find passion in my daily efforts, which ultimately leads to doing what I truly love.
Can you share a memorable success or milestone that you’ve achieved in your entrepreneurial career?
One memorable success in my entrepreneurial career is the formation of two shareholder companies alongside three partners. In these ventures, I serve as an artificial intelligence teacher. We have witnessed remarkable growth, and I am thrilled to see our hard work paying off.
