We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikita Magan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikita, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up in health-conscious San Francisco, the mantra “you are what you absorb” guided my choices, especially as I overcame a stroke and dealt with the aftermath of it as an invisible disability, along with living with cerebral palsy. Health awareness has always been a huge part of my life, from being active to knowing what I put in my body. This health-conscious mindset naturally extended to beauty. I vividly recall stepping into a popular beauty store and struggling to find a nude lipstick that met my criteria: hydrating, lightweight, fully pigmented, and made with high-quality ingredients I could pronounce. This frustration sparked the realization that many others faced similar challenges, particularly those with multi-tone lips and golden skin like mine. Mainstream lipsticks often fell short, designed for one-tone lips and failing to cater to diverse beauty needs. That’s where Vedi Beauty steps in. Our lipsticks are meticulously crafted to be richly pigmented, lightweight, and hydrating, specifically tailored for multi-tone lips, filling a significant gap in the market.
Frustrated by this lack of representation, I launched Vedi five years ago. Our brand focuses on skin-centric, golden-friendly lipsticks with nourishing formulas made with organic ingredients, oils, and waxes that are cruelty-free. Each color in our collection is inspired by golden skin, two-tone lips, and my Indian heritage. The fusion of these influences is reflected not just in the colors but also in the names, drawn from my background. This blend of East and West is symbolized in our sleek packaging, embodying the simplicity and elegance of true beauty.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Starting my makeup brand, Vedi, has been a challenging yet rewarding journey of research and experimentation over the past five years. Our commitment to the highest quality sets us apart, as well as our texture. Our lipsticks are highly pigmented, requiring just one swipe for full coverage, yet they are still very hydrating and weightless, preventing bleeding and settling into cracks. The formulation has the right balance, creating an even finish of color. Also, our range of colors was carefully chosen to look stunning on two-tone lips. Our formulation is made with organic ingredients, oils, and waxes and is cruelty-free. Every detail, from the name to the branding, formulas, and colors, has meaningful significance. For instance, our logo—a beautiful interpretation of the goddess Saraswati—reflects our belief that beauty and knowledge are intertwined.
Creating Vedi wasn’t easy. There were many challenges. Passion and perseverance were crucial. I learned that loving what you do and having a deep reason for doing it is essential. I want people to know that I truly live by the values my brand stands for. Vedi is an extension of myself, inspired by my upbringing in the health-conscious city of San Francisco and my personal health issues of living with cerebral palsy and my invisible disability from having a stroke.
Vedi is an extension of myself. The idea of informed beauty—understanding what your body needs to make the best choices for yourself—is beauty. From clean ingredients to knowledge, these values have helped me persevere through all setbacks, even today. Vedi is dedicated to quality, offering luxury makeup that caters to diverse skin tones with two-tone lips, with beautiful, skin-loving ingredients in elegant packaging, celebrating the natural beauty of women with golden skin tones.
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.
For a week-long trip with my best friend visiting the area, I’d create an exciting itinerary showcasing the best of San Francisco. We’d start by exploring the iconic attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown, North Beach, and Haight Street.
Since hiking is a must, we’d venture to scenic spots like Marin Headlands and Rodeo Beach for breathtaking views and nature walks. We’d indulge in delicious meals at my favorite restaurants, such as Wildseed in the Marina, known for its fantastic healthy vegan options. A picnic in Presidio Park would be a perfect way to enjoy the city’s beauty, weather permitting.
Throughout the week, we’d also explore local hangouts, unique shops, and perhaps catch a live music performance or visit a museum or two. San Francisco offers a vibrant mix of culture, art, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable and fun-filled experience.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are three people who have been instrumental in my journey. First, a very close family friend who played a crucial role in helping me overcome a stroke and the aftermath of it seen as an invisible disability and cerebral palsy. Her support and care were vital, and without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Next, I must credit my parents, particularly my mom. She has been my biggest supporter, helping me with everything from initial research to the creative process. She tested different colors and formulas and always encouraged me to dream big and think outside the box. My dad has also been invaluable, especially with the business side of things. He fought to get me the help I needed to recover and the tools I needed to live with cerebral palsy and my invisible disability from the stroke. Without my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today because they provided the support I needed to reach this point. These three individuals were the ones who supported me from the very beginning, and I owe a significant part of my success to their guidance and encouragement.
Website: https://www.vedibeauty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedibeauty/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vedibeauty
Twitter: https://x.com/vedibeauty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VediBeauty/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vedibeauty