IMPACT 0330: THE MAKEUP OF MAKE-UP
Darshanaa Nair, 24, is the founder of GlitznglamSG, a cosmetic company that carries skincare, haircare as well as makeup products. GlitznglamSG is known for explaining the science behind the cosmetics to enable its users to understand how the products work. These products are also catered for those who suffer from eczema, psoriasis as well as other skincare conditions. Darshanaa is also a skin masterclass trainer and licensed skincare consultant.
Today she brings us deeper into the nitty gritty of what she does:
Tell us more about what you do!
Glitznglamsg was registered as an official business on September 20, 2020, and a year later, a physical store space was opened at 39 Woodlands Close, MEGA, on September 12, 2021. Our company carries an array of brands like CeraVe, The Ordinary, and The Inkeylist, which cannot be found in larger retail stores in Singapore. Our intent is to allow people living in Singapore to have easier access to skincare products that are found on shelves overseas at an affordable rate.
We also focus on helping our consumers understand the science behind each of our products. This is done through extensive reading and cross-referencing across research papers published by cosmetic scientists and chemists before determining if we should carry the products.
What inspired or motivated you to start this?
I was severely affected by acne for years since I was 13 years old and had explored various skincare brands. It was only in 2019 that I managed to find out what was suitable for my face – my acne started reducing and my scars started fading. Since then, I fell in love with exploring skincare as well as haircare to find out what works and does not work. I also love discovering how specific active ingredients in cosmetic products work and if I would recommend them for use.
Have you faced any challenges so far? And how did you overcome them?
I started Glitznglamsg with zero capital. It initially started with pre-ordering products, but I’ve grown to realise that consumers do prefer something in-stock so they can use the product as soon as they purchase it. For a while, the platform was not making profits. Shipping directly from US stores could cost nearly $200. Over time, I found a more cost-effective shipping method that helped us maintain prices while making some profits.
If you could share one piece of advice with your fellow youth, what would it be?
It is a privilege to do what you love. Everything in life is a privilege – it is a privilege to live every additional day and it is important to make every single day count. If you are able to do what you love, be prepared to sacrifice and go all the way out. Any setbacks should be taken as part and parcel of the journey. Always believe in yourself regardless of adversity and circumstances.
And while it is important to pursue what you love, it is also important to give to people who have supported you in any way throughout your journey. My favourite quotes are: “Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you.” And, from The Lion King: “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give”.
What are your hopes or plans for the future? What do you want to see or perhaps do?
I hope to create a brand of my own, combining what I am currently pursuing in school with the cosmetics industry. While the current physical store exists at Woodlands, as time progresses, we look forward to resuming operations on Shopee, Food panda as well as other platforms in the year 2022.
This article was published on Jan 27, 2022
