Women Empowerment - Interview with Faaizah Husain.
At Beauty Story, we love featuring women who inspire us and many others. This month's feature shines the spotlight on Faaizah Husain, the dedicated founder of Batti & Co. Her passion for handmade skincare and her commitment to empowering women through her brand is truly inspiring. Join us as we delve into an exclusive interview with Faaizah, exploring her views on beauty, the women who inspire her, and how her products foster self-care and empowerment.
Interview with Faaizah Husain
Beauty Story: What is beauty to you?
Faaizah Husain: "To me, beauty is found in the simple, authentic experiences that resonate with one’s true self. It’s the pleasure of indulging in something that's made with care, is personal, and nourishing for the soul. It’s about embracing self-love and translating it into every aspect of life, from the way we care for our skin to how we savor everyday moments."
Beauty Story: Who are the women that inspire you?
Faaizah Husain: "Women like my own mom and grandma, who taught me the value of craftsmanship, creativity, and patience. Creativity takes bravery, and they are the bravest women I know of. Their influence in nurturing my love for hands-on, creative endeavors continues to inspire me. While I learned about creativity from them, my resilience is inspired by my father (I know the question was about women, but I just couldn't leave him out). Additionally, women who pursue their passions with determination and a devil-may-care attitude inspire and fuel my drive."
Beauty Story: Do you believe that self-care and your products can empower women to be the best version of themselves?
Faaizah Husain: "Self-care is a fundamental aspect of well-being and confidence. While self-care is something that comes only from within, I believe our work at Batti & Co. can play a small yet significant role in this journey for women. We are a women-owned brand and we try our level best to empower women around us in any way possible, may it be by being able to provide a safe work environment for them or by being able to provide a range of products that help them to do something just for themselves. Either way, we are happy to contribute in any manner possible.
Our products are designed to offer a luxurious, personalized experience that encourages women to take time for themselves. When women use high-quality, hand-crafted products that reflect their values and needs, it fosters a sense of self-worth and empowerment, helping them to embrace and express their best selves."
Image by Bodhi Basu
The Birth of Batti & Co.
Beauty Story: Tell us about the beginning of Batti & Co. and what inspired you to start this journey.
Faaizah Husain: "The only good thing to come out of this pandemic for me is Batti & Co. When we started working from our homes, we stopped traveling to work. And like any other Mumbaikar, it meant that I ended up saving at least three to three and a half hours of time every day. I am a restless individual and don't fare well with a lot of spare time on my hands. So I started making candles, something I learned to do at age ten. But this did not challenge me enough. So when I came across online courses related to soap making, it piqued my interest! I decided to learn the art and the science of soap making. I tried, experimented, failed, and tried again. It was quite a journey to even reach a point where I could feel confident in asking my friends and family to test out these soaps for feedback.
Starting with the melt and pour soap-making process, I found it fairly simple and quick. Once I mastered all possible techniques, my friends and family encouraged me to take it to the next level. I then delved into the cold process of making soaps. Despite its complexity, it proved to be the most satisfying and rewarding experience. The cold process, using no heat, preserves the benefits of oils and butters, creating soaps that are gentle and nourishing for the skin.
I am a bath and skincare aficionado. I personally feel there is no luxury that can beat the simplicity and candor of something that has been handmade. And when I could create my own soaps, there was nothing stopping me from sharing this with everyone. And that's how and why Batti & Co. came into existence. We are for everyone whose bathrooms are as exciting as their lives!"
The Essence of Batti & Co.
The name 'Batti & Co.' is derived from the Hindi term 'sabun ki batti,' meaning cake of soap. Hailing from Chhattisgarh, Faaizah wanted a name that reflects her roots while clearly conveying the essence of her products. The ingredients may be desi, but the soaps exude luxury, embodying self-love that goes beyond inspirational quotes to everything one touches, breathes, and bathes in Batti & Co.
Faaizah Husain's journey with Batti & Co. is a testament to the power of handmade, artisanal products in promoting self-care and empowerment. Her commitment to quality, sustainability, and the well-being of women is reflected in every aspect of her brand. Through Batti & Co., Faaizah continues to inspire and empower women to embrace their true selves and find beauty in the simple, authentic moments of life.
For more about Batti & Co. and to explore their range of luxurious, handcrafted skincare products, visit Batti & Co
