We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ishitta Ghelani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ishitta , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Ever since I was young, I’ve had this fire in me—a drive to see things through no matter what. I’ve always believed that if I commit to something, I need to do it with everything I’ve got. When I decided to go solo and start Ish Essence as a cosmetologist, specializing in skincare, it was no different. But let me tell you, it wasn’t easy.
I still remember the looks on people’s faces when I told them about my plan. Friends, family, even people who barely knew me had something to say. “Why would you do that?” “What if it doesn’t work?” “It’s such a risky move.” They weren’t just doubting the idea; it felt like they were doubting me.
But here’s the thing—I’ve always believed life is a 50-50 shot. Sure, there’s a chance it might not work, but what if it does? That thought—what if it works?—was enough to drown out the doubts and keep me going.
I remember late nights planning everything, balancing my excitement with the fear of failure. I studied, saved, and worked on my craft, all while carrying those voices of doubt in the back of my mind. Every time someone said, “You can’t,” I told myself, “Watch me.”
The first few months were tough. I had moments where their voices got louder in my head, and I questioned myself. But every small win—a happy client, a glowing review, or even just perfecting a new technique—reminded me why I started. Slowly but surely, those voices faded away, replaced by the belief that I could actually do this.
Now, when I look back, I’m proud I didn’t let the fear of failure or the negativity stop me. To me, persistence isn’t about proving people wrong; it’s about proving myself right. And honestly? Taking that leap was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I specialize in skincare, offering organic facials and scalp facials, also known as head spa treatments. Skincare has always been a passion of mine, but it became even more personal after I moved to the U.S. My skin started breaking out due to hormonal changes, the shift in weather, and even changes in food and diet. It was frustrating, but it also fueled my interest in understanding skin on a deeper level.
That’s when I started working on my own organic skincare line, Renitae. It began as a solution for my own skin struggles, but it quickly grew into something I wanted to share with others. Right now, you can find Renitae products in my studio, but I’m thrilled to share that by March, we’ll have them available online! It’s been such a fulfilling journey, combining my love for skincare with helping others feel confident in their own skin.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Persistence was my anchor. Even when people doubted me or I faced challenges, I stayed focused.
My passion for learning came from my own skincare struggles—moving to the U.S. brought unexpected challenges for my skin, which inspired me to dive deeper into organic solutions. This journey eventually led to creating Renitae, a brand born from both personal experience and a desire to help others.
Building connections became equally important. Sharing my story and offering authentic, personalized care not only helped me spread the word but also created lasting trust with my clients.
For anyone starting out, believe in yourself, even when others don’t. Start small and focus on what excites you most—it’s often where your unique strengths lie. When things get tough (and they will), remind yourself why you started and stay the course. And don’t forget to connect with people authentically—your story, passion, and hard work will resonate with the right audience. It’s a journey, but every step brings you closer to your goals.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did was believe in me unconditionally. Coming from a small town in India with an orthodox mindset, they stood out with their modern, open-minded outlook. They always told me, “No matter if the world is against you, we’ll always stand by your side.” That unwavering support gave me the strength to focus on my own well-being and not care about judgments from others. They raised me to be independent, confident, and true to myself—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ishessence.com
- Instagram: Ish.essence
- Facebook: Ishitta Ghelani
Image Credits
Cortney Evans
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