From facing funding hurdles to a strong community of 50,000 curl enthusiasts, Anshita
Mehrotra of ‘Fix My Curls’ spills the beans on her curly hair revolution.
In an era where embracing one’s natural beauty is celebrated more than ever, ‘Fix My Curls’ stands out as a pioneer brand in India, dedicated to transforming the way curly hair is nurtured and appreciated. Founded by the visionary Anshita Mehrotra, this innovative brand is a testament to the power of recognizing and filling a niche in the beauty market. Mehrotra’s journey from identifying a personal need to launching a successful line of curly hair products mirror a deeper narrative of empowerment, resilience, and the celebration of individuality. In a candid conversation with Lavenderoom, Mehrotra shares the story behind ‘Fix My Curls’, the challenges she overcame, and how her brand is changing the curly hair care game in India, one curl at a time.
Lavenderoom: Can you start by telling us how ‘Fix My Curls’ came into being?
Anshita Mehrotra (AM): Fix My Curls’ was started in 2019 when I took a semester off from college in Canada. I have curly hair, and during my stay in Canada, I became familiar with curly hair products. Upon returning to India, I realised there was a lack of such products. This gap in the market led me to create products. After about six to seven months of research, I launched the first five products. The main motivation was to address my personal hair needs and the lack of attention for curly hair by Indian brands.
Lavenderoom: Why the name ‘Fix My Curls’?
AM: In India, people often tell you to “fix” your curls. The name is a response to those who suggest straightening or altering curly hair. It resonates with many who have curly hair and have faced similar issues.
Lavenderoom: Tell us a little about the challenges you have faced.
AM: Raising funds was a significant challenge. Two years ago, many startups were securing funding, but it was a challenging process for us. Being a woman founder in the industry also has its own set of challenges. There’s often a preconceived notion about women entrepreneurs, and sometimes, we’re not taken as seriously as our male counterparts. I’ve faced instances where my decisions or ideas were questioned, not because of their merit but because of my gender. However, these challenges have only made me stronger and more determined to succeed. It’s essential to surround oneself with a supportive network and to believe in one’s vision and capabilities. Over time, with persistence and hard work, I’ve been able to prove the naysayers wrong and establish Fix My Curls as a reputable brand in the market.
Lavenderoom: What have been your biggest milestones so far for ‘Fix My Curls’?
AM: Hitting 50,000 organic followers on Instagram was a significant milestone. Another was receiving positive feedback from experienced investors. Recently, our stall at Leap Club was well-received, marking another achievement.
Lavenderoom: How do you maintain a healthy connection with your consumers?
AM: We share influencer haircare stories and emphasize our brand’s origin story. It’s essential to keep reminding people of our roots and the reason behind the brand’s inception.
Lavenderoom: What’s your personal favourite product from the collection?
AM: My favourite is our hair butter. It was developed in response to the need for more moisturizing styling products. Made with chia seeds, shea butter, and olive oil, it’s both a fan favourite and a personal one.
Lavenderoom: What is a typical day like for you?
AM: My day starts with Pilates, followed by office work, which includes checking emails, planning, and brainstorming. Post-lunch, we wrap up the day’s tasks. Once home, I spend time with my dog and unwind by watching TV.
Lavenderoom: How do you unwind?
AM: I use the ‘Calm’ app for meditation. Listening to podcasts, especially those unrelated to work, helps me relax. I recommend listening to “Tinx” and “Grace Beverly.” They discuss various topics, from personal journeys to business insights. I also enjoy watching Korean reality shows.
Lavenderoom: What is your personal hair care routine like?
AM: I use a cleansing shampoo and conditioner, followed by our hair butter or leave- in cream. Sometimes, I use our hair mousse for volume. I also use our scalp and strands of elixir hair oil and sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase.
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiixmycurls
