Tajinder Banwait, an entrepreneur and mother of two, has accomplished the remarkable feat of launching not just one, but two successful businesses right from her kitchen table. She conceptualised and introduced Urban Apothecary, a high-end fragrance brand for home and body, which has garnered a global presence. In March of this year, she further expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio with the launch of Palette London, an eco-luxe beauty brand.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Tajinder discusses business acumen, work-life balance and all about her entrepreneurial journey.
What inspired you to start Urban Apothecary and Palette London? Can you share the philosophy behind your businesses?
Urban Apothecary London started from my kitchen table at home in Leicester and the collection combines my passion for perfume and aromas that stir the senses with an appreciation of stylish interior accessories. Every product and all the scents continue to draw deeply from my original ethos.
Palette London, on the other hand was launched earlier this year starting with nail paints that are vegan, halal accredited and formulated with up to 70% plant-based bio-sourced ingredients. My struggle with nail health inspired this venture and it was important that my formula while having the glossy, long-lasting gel-effect finish, wasn’t damaging.
How has your South Asian heritage influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
Asians, by nature, are very entrepreneurial because of the support systems available. We rely often on family, one of the first places to seek reassurance and funding is family. I come from an entrepreneurial family as well, so I always knew it would be a case of when I would start a business rather than if I would. My dad came from India in 1977, and by 1979, he became one of the largest clothing manufacturers in the 70’s in Leicester. I loved spending time with him while he worked, so naturally, the entrepreneurial spirit was instilled into me from a young age. I built my Leicestershire-based candle factory based on my dad’s entrepreneurial advice and a decade later, he still runs the show alongside my mum, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry?
I always knew I would, one day, become my own boss. A career in the beauty industry was certainly not ‘the norm’ for Asian girls, so I knew I would have to work extra hard to achieve my dreams. My biggest challenge came very early in my career and required breaking the stereotype of what a beauty industry entrepreneur should look like. I felt extra pressure to succeed because of this additional point to prove.
During my business journey, I take every opportunity to share my brand story and with it my Asian heritage, so those following in my footsteps, or wishing to, could see it and therefore be it. I was setting myself up as an example of what can be achieved if you set your mind to it.
How do you stay innovative and competitive in the ever-evolving beauty market?
Over 26 years in the fragrance, beauty, and luxury lifestyle industry, I have built up an intuitive understanding of consumer preference and a natural ability to identify what will work for my customers for both Urban Apothecary and Palette London. I have great commercial awareness and an eye for opportunity! Both my brands have a luxury appeal without the luxury price tag and I will always position them as ‘affordable luxury’. We also always go the extra mile.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, striking a balance between the two?
It might seem counter-intuitive, but I decided to launch my fragrance brand shortly after the birth of my first child. I would create, plan and even hold supplier meetings with the baby carrier on the table. This way, I had the best of both worlds, spending time with my newborn and growing the business I loved. By the time my son was out of the cot, my products were in 40 John Lewis stores and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
Raising a family and growing two businesses can be challenging. I have an incredible passion and drive for what I do and for my family, so I’ve become an expert in juggling so both can thrive. In addition, my incredibly supportive family takes a great interest in what I do and they are extremely hands-on.
What have been the most rewarding moments in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
In 2022, Urban Apothecary London was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. We were one of only 226 businesses to have received the award, plus we are the first home fragrance brand in the history of the awards to win for International trade.
Having grown a successful business based on export, I was invited by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to become an Export Champion and I am now in my second year. I cherish this role, which enables me to give speeches and presentations that help other British businesses take the first step to trading overseas.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs, especially those from the South Asian community?
My top tips for aspiring female entrepreneurs are: relationships are key; people work better with people they like, consider your long-term strategy to put in place now what will safeguard you for the future and consider the benefits of international trade. I would also advise that every market has unique requirements, so understanding what’s expected from a regulatory point of view is essential.
