Today we’d like to introduce you to India Hester.
Hi India, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Marietta, GA. I’ve always been obsessed with makeup and skincare. It’s literally in my DNA. One of my grandmothers owned a hair salon in her basement and my other grandma along with my mother always taught me the importance (and fun) of having a skincare routine and how to apply makeup.
After graduating from Spelman College, I moved to Indianapolis and worked as a product planning coordinator for turbo engines. After about two years of working in this role, I realized I wanted to explore a career in marketing. I loved the idea of working on a team to develop and nurture creative ideas. I applied to a few marketing roles and was given feedback that I needed digital marketing experience to land the job I wanted. I didn’t really know how to gain that experience in my role at the time, and then it dawned on me that I should create a beauty blog. I could incorporate my love for makeup and skincare with technology and gain digital marketing experience. I created India Approved and the rest was history! I also moved back to Marietta last year and work in the venture capital and tech industry.
Since moving back to Georgia, I’ve been able to expand and grow my brand. India Approved is now an online platform dedicated to providing honest reviews of beauty products and exploring the intersectionality between beauty and technology.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a super smooth road, but it also has not been a huge struggle for me. I thought when I created India Approved, I would be able to land a bunch of partnership deals with large brands. I quickly realized I needed make a name for myself in the beauty space and remain consistent in my content. I also found that connecting with other influencers in the beauty space was extremely helpful and allowed us to lift each other up.
I wanted to create content that was helpful but also of substance. My dad always told me, “I support you in everything you do, just make sure you create and participate in new ventures or projects with substance that positively impact others.” I’ve finally found my voice in this space and guess what? The partnership deals are coming in!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work on quite a few different things! As far as India Approved, I provide honest reviews of beauty products and also educate my followers on the importance of skincare and how to use makeup tools. I love creating unique content for my followers and learning new things at the same time! India Approved is also a consultant for emerging beauty brands. I help with social media management, brand management, and strategy. I’m also more than just a consumer of beauty products. I actually worked part-time in the beauty department of a major department store a few years ago and learned the strategy behind marketing campaigns, sampling, and sales.
I’m extremely proud of my ability to grow and pivot my business. I’m also proud of myself for creating a path for myself in this space. It’s been hard to gain support in this space, but I’ve been able to build relationships with others in space, which has been a game-changer!
What’s next?
The possibilities are endless! I’m currently re-branding India Approved to focus on beauty, technology, and community. I want to create an online platform that informs my audience on new products, companies, and technology being used in the beauty space. I also want to meet and interact more with my followers! I’m creating a totally different website (coming soon) and also adding in India Approved Beauty Boxes this summer. One of my best friends suggested I look into adding a service where I create beauty boxes with my favorite products based on the client’s budget. Think of me as your personal beauty shopper.
I also recently extended the IA brand and created a separate PR firm, IA PR, where I manage brand awareness and reputation management for clients through owned, earned, and paid communications.
I’m looking forward to expanding my business and network in the metro-Atlanta area!
Contact Info:
- Email: india@indiaapproved.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiaapproved/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaApproved
