Meet Aish Gupta | Business Owner & Sustainability Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aish Gupta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aish, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was just 6 years old, when I met with a terrible burn accident. It left me with scars all over my body, extremely sensitive skin, and self-confidence issues that lasted well into my adulthood.

Growing up, I always felt like I had to conform to societal beauty standards. As a young girl, I was constantly told what was considered beautiful and what wasn’t. I remember flipping through magazines and feeling like I didn’t measure up to the models with their perfect skin and flawless features. But the more I tried to conform, the worse I felt about myself. I was never satisfied with the way I looked and constantly compared myself to others. It was then, my mom decided to work on my issues.

I grew up in a family where Ayurveda and Yoga are an integral part of our living. My mom turned to literature to find natural remedies that will help my sensitive skin. We took inspiration from ancient ayurvedic recipes and natural ingredients that had been used for centuries to promote healthy, glowing skin. With the help of my mother and grandmother, I started experimenting with these ingredients and creating my own natural skincare products.

As I began to use these products, I noticed a difference in my skin. It was healthier than ever before. But more than that, I began to feel more confident in my own skin. I realized that I didn’t need to conform to societal beauty standards to feel beautiful. I could embrace my imperfections and love myself just the way I was.

Creating my own natural skincare line, which I called SPELL – MAGICAL BATHING, was a labor of love. As a burn survivor, I wanted to create products that not only helped people with sensitive skin but also promoted self-love and embracing imperfections. Through my skincare line, I hope to inspire others to love themselves just the way they are and to see their imperfections as something beautiful.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am most proud of the fact that Spell Bathing is dedicated to providing customers with natural and eco-friendly skincare products that promote self-care and well-being. We prioritize sustainability and aim to reduce the environmental impact of the beauty industry and this is what sets us apart from others.

It was definitely not an easy journey! I am a mom, a full-time employee, a business owner. Wearing multiple hats is definitely not easy!

During the initial stages of my business, I embarked on a series of pop-up events at different locations. These pop-ups allowed me to showcase my products and services to a diverse range of potential customers. They provided me with valuable insights into consumer preferences, helped me refine my offerings, and allowed me to build a loyal customer base. Each pop-up event was an opportunity for me to learn, grow, and make connections within the local community.

I opened my store-front in Jersey City this year at 351, MLK Drive, Container #3. The warm response and encouragement I have received from the locals have been instrumental in giving me the confidence to take this leap of faith. Opening my store in this vibrant and diverse city feels like the perfect fit, and I am eager to become an active contributor to the local business landscape.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Jersey City is my favorite place to be in. Close to NYC, we have plenty of things to do, places to eat (and drink). Here are some of my fav places, where I would definitely take a friend Mana Contemporary, a vibrant art center featuring contemporary art exhibitions and open artist studios. I would definitely take my friend to see the local art scene of Jersey City. I would take her out for lunch at Battello, which is by the river. It offers stunning views of the NYC skyline and has some good food options. Although if you are a vegetarian (like I am) or a vegan, your options run low. We will spend our evening at Liberty State Park, watching yachts and boats running on Hudson River, sun setting and painting the horizon orange, Lady Liberty lighting up and lights from the NYC skyline growing.

The next day we would spend in NYC. I would take them to an Indian Accent Restaurant which has some amazing Indian delicacies. Their paneer tikka masala is my fav. Our next stop would be Summit One Vanderbilt which is 15 mins away. I would take my friend to experience majestic NYC architecture from heights. Our last stop would be Macy’s on 34th street and would pamper her with some shopping therapy, lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I would love to give a shoutout to my family. Their undying love, support, and encouragement have been my driving force. They have always believed in me, even when I have felt unsure about myself. I also owe a great deal to organizations like JC Women’s Collaborative, Sustainable JC, JCEDC (Jersey City Economic Development Corporation) McGinley Sqaure and many more. I feel the connections at these organizations provided me with an environment where I could learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Website: www.spellbathing@gmail.com

Instagram: spellbathing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishgupta03/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spellbathing