Mother-Daughter CEOs Shaily and Anshita Mehrotra on Beauty, Business & Balance

In the ever-evolving beauty and skincare industry, two names are making waves not just for their innovation but for the special story behind them. Meet Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and co-founder of Fixderma, and her daughter Anshita Mehrotra, founder and CEO of Fix My Curls. This mother-daughter duo has carved out distinctive spaces in the world of skincare and haircare, with their shared values of science, quality, and compassion acting as the connective tissue between their respective ventures.

As part of Local Samosa’s Mother’s Day special, we talked to both of them to learn about their entrepreneurial journeys, how they balance family and business, and what the future looks like for women-led brands in India.

How a Mother’s Instinct Sparked a Skincare Innovation

For Shaily Mehrotra, launching Fixderma in 2010 wasn’t just a career move—it was a maternal mission. The brand was born from her realisation that India lacked scientifically-backed skincare options that were both safe and effective.

“I noticed a huge gap in the skincare market,” she recalls. “As a mother, safety and quality were non-negotiable. That’s what led to the birth of Fixderma.”

Initially focused on supplying dermatologists and clinics, Fixderma has since expanded into an omnichannel presence, gaining trust through results-driven formulations that address real skin concerns.

Motherhood and Management: The Balancing Act

Running a company while raising children came with its fair share of late nights and sacrifices. In the early days, Shaily often found herself working after her kids went to bed.

“The biggest challenge was guilt—feeling like I was constantly choosing one role over the other,” she admits. But she made it a point to be present for the moments that mattered, from school functions to bedtime stories.

This balance, though delicate, taught her critical leadership skills—especially patience, empathy, and the art of multitasking. It’s an ethos she carried into her role at Fixderma, where nurturing her team and empowering women remain key pillars.

Science First: The Fixderma Philosophy

From day one, Fixderma stood apart by refusing to follow fleeting beauty trends. Instead, the brand was built on rigorous research and strong dermatologist partnerships.

“We wanted to solve real skin problems like hyperpigmentation and acne,” Shaily explains. “Each formula is driven by need and clinical insight.”

This approach continues to define Fixderma’s product innovation, most recently with the launch of Hoopoe, a baby care line that brings the brand’s scientific roots to the gentlest members of society—a personal passion project for Shaily as both a mother and entrepreneur.

Making in India, Competing Globally

For Shaily, aligning with the Make in India movement was a conscious decision rooted in both pride and responsibility. It allowed Fixderma to invest in high-quality local manufacturing while creating globally competitive products.

“It gave us the confidence to aim high, and the responsibility to deliver world-class solutions,” she says.

A New Generation of Innovation: Meet Anshita

Growing up in a household where skincare was discussed over dinner, Anshita Mehrotra was destined to bring her own twist to the beauty industry. At just 19, she launched Fix My Curls, a haircare brand addressing the overlooked curly hair community in India.

“I suffered from the lack of curly hair products myself,” she says. “That’s when I realised—if it doesn’t exist, you create it.”

Inspired by her mother’s entrepreneurial grit, Anshita infused her brand with her own values - inclusivity, community, and digital-first storytelling. Where Fixderma is anchored in medical credibility, Fix My Curls thrives on user-generated content, open dialogue, and tailored solutions.

Complement, Don’t Compete

Despite leading two beauty brands from the same family tree, Shaily and Anshita maintain clear boundaries—and mutual admiration. “We respect each other’s space and strengths,” says Shaily. Anshita adds, “Fixderma and Fix My Curls have different identities. We bounce ideas off each other, but we never compete—we complement.” It’s a synergy that keeps both businesses thriving while preserving a strong mother-daughter bond.

What’s Next for the Mehrotras?

Shaily is focused on expanding Fixderma into new categories and geographies while maintaining the brand’s scientific foundation. She’s also optimistic about the rising influence of women-led businesses in India.

“Women are bringing empathy, strategy, and resilience to the forefront of this industry,” she says.

Meanwhile, Anshita is looking to scale Fix My Curls both nationally and internationally. “We’re enhancing product personalisation and working on accessibility so that every curly-haired person finds what works for them,” she shares.

More Than a Business, It’s a Legacy

For the Mehrotras, beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s a legacy rooted in values, vision, and a deep respect for one another’s journey. Whether it’s Shaily’s commitment to clinical-grade skincare or Anshita’s community-led curly care, both women are rewriting the playbook for Indian beauty brands.

This Mother’s Day, their story reminds us that the most powerful empires are often built not just with strategy, but with love.