Anisa Telwar Kaicker is the founder & CEO of Anisa International and Anisa Beauty. After almost 3 decades of providing superior products to the best brands in the business, Anisa chose to further expand her innovation with a specialized category of cosmetic brushes focused on skincare application through ANISA Beauty. This week, Anisa dives into her almost three decade journey and her commitment to never give away her value, create a profitable business and be financially independent. She shares how she overcame adversity to build a multi-million dollar business that is a true reflection of her determination, tenacity, and dedication to her passion: “I am still really in love with what I do. Yes it’s “just brushes”, but I think “just brushes” is really, really cool”.  She further explains that it is important never to expand unless there is a purpose and to focus on what’s not working to guide the opportunity. 

As Dorion Renaud, Founder & CEO of Buttah Skin, said on Business of the Beat in Season 1: “The key to being a successful CEO is letting others be great at their jobs” (S1, Ep. 15). Anisa has locked down the ability to be a true leader and CEO with her mindset around team: “I want them (my team) to be who they are. I don’t want another me. I’ve got that slot filled. I want them to be proud of who they are and  make sure that they shine too!”

Anisa leaves us with several key learnings on her path being recognized as a trailblazer in the space:

• “Nobody gets trained at the age I got trained at really”
• “I always used to say ‘I want to work on myself, I want to work on myself’, now I want to work with myself”
• “I didn’t want to work for work’s sake. I wanted to be able to take care of myself. That was always very important to me.”
• “It has always been an innate part of my business model [to create something innovative].”

Bio: Anisa Telwar Kaicker is the Founder and CEO of her namesake business, Anisa International. She  started her business in 1992 and for almost 3 decades has pioneered the leadership, product  development and culture of this globally branded business through the design and manufacturing of cosmetic brushes for makeup and skincare. She partners with the most esteemed brands in the beauty industry. 

In 2003 Anisa International vertically integrated their operations by opening their own  manufacturing facility, Anisa China, in Tianjin. Fast-forward to 2020 and through substantial  investment in social and environmental sustainability, Anisa has expanded her operations by  opening two new state-of-the-art facilities: Anisa Tianjin and Anisa Jinghai. Committed to cleaner,  safer and responsible manufacturing, these facilities employ over 500 individuals dedicated to the  practice of cruelty-free and ethically made products. 

Anisa’s personal reputation is equally notable and includes long-standing philanthropic contributions that span causes for homeless families, animals and the conservation of our  environment.

Follow @therealatk and @anisabeauty or visit https://www.anisabeauty.com/!

“It is impossible to create a dream without believers in the dream.”

Tune in to learn more from Kendra and Anisa!