Maja Hoops, Naked Toggle Thin, and Naked Bangle Thin
What do you do?
I run a young line of organic beauty & wellness products called UMA.
Being the CEO of a start-up spans the range of the highest level of strategic decision making,
down to ensuring that employees can get into the office when they've accidentally locked themselves out, often all in a day!
Where are you from?
Agra, India
Where do you live now?
Beverly Hills, CA
What are your goals?
Over-archingly, to live the fullest life I could live through intellectual pursuits as well as personal relationships. Currently my goals are almost entirely focused on my brand, and seeing it touch lives, and change how people traditionally view beauty & wellness.
Favorite hobbies/pastimes?
I love long swims, classic literature, and Italian wine.
Those are often only achieved when I'm traveling. So, also traveling.
"Creative, provocative perspectives inspire me in everything from debate and music, to design and technology. I know you don't often hear Kurt Cobain and Picasso in the same breath, but it's that kind of departure from the norm that I find very inspirational."
Who is your favorite artist? Seen any great exhibits lately?
Goya, is my favorite artist perhaps. I was at the Chicago Institute of Art recently, and while undoubtedly there were some stupendous exhibits on I just found myself meandering through old favorite Van Goghs on a Sunday afternoon. It was the best afternoon!
What is your favorite music and latest bands?
Alternative Rock from the 90s would likely be my favorite style of music, but latest bands, hmm, maybe The Killers, even though they're not quite the latest.
Where do you suggest one must go in India?
There’s a multitude of very unique experiences India offers, and they can be wildly different from each other. A Yoga & Meditation trip up North near Rishikesh, touring through palaces in Rajasthan and soaking in the rich royal history or an Ayurvedic backwaters trip in Kerala could all be equally memorable and life changing. I have a personal love for Rajasthan, my husband and I got married there! The Lake Palace in Udaipur, the deserts of Jaisalmer and the thronging markets of Jaipur, are unlike anything in the world!
What is your favorite hotel/resort to stay in?
Cap du Eden Roc in Antibes, FR
Biggest luxury?
Sleeping in, without a care in the world. I do sleep in, but there's care!
What are some of your favorite books/audiobooks, and films/shows?
The Great Gatsby. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I'm predictable like that.
How do you unwind or de-stress?"I am happiest when I’m part of an engaging dialogue, especially one involving new ideas, little known theories or facts, fresh ways of solving problems. Fittingly, I’m also unhappiest in situations that feature never-ending small talk, or thoughtless conversation where everyone superficially just agrees with each other and no real opening of minds, or widening of horizons is accomplished."
Clean sheets, open windows and a feel good classic to curl up with.
Do you unplug from devices? Night time or weekends?
I don't. I don't even try.
How do you take good care of yourself?
I do try to get at least 25-30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. I've recently started taking 8 Greens, a supplement I quite like (it's like desiccated greens in a fizzy tablet). I'm acutely aware that I could, and should be, doing more. But accepting moderation and balance when life needs it is also a virtue I'm trying to teach myself!
Beauty routine/skincare regime?
I keep it relatively simple. In the evenings, I cleanse and tone, I exfoliate 2-3 times a week, followed by a face oil massage. I do the same in the morning, followed by sunscreen. From time to time, I add in a homemade Vitamin C serum under the face oil.
Can you share any beauty recipes with us?
Since summer is upon us, I’ll share some of my favorite Ayurvedic beauty recipes for keeping skin clean, fresh and breathing though sweat and sun screen. Face masks are great for summer, especially ones with the following ingredients: Fuller’s Earth (cools skin and removes impurities), honey (fights bacteria and fades acne scars), and turmeric (combats inflammation and is highly healing). A paste of turmeric and sandalwood in either mustard oil or lemon juice can be great for hyper-pigmentation that can often result from sun exposure. If you’re more acne prone, I love a mixture of tea tree, clove and orange or lemon oil essential oils, diluted in a little grapeseed oil (try 30% essential oil to 70% grapeseed) as a spot treatment. If you want an out of the bottle solution for a potent clarifying treatment that nourishes deeply as it cures, try Uma’s Deeply Clarifying Face Oil, which is packed with seven deeply healing and clarifying extracts.
What is your style credo?
I gravitate to timeless, elegant pieces and add in a bit of edge,
say, with a pair of brilliant blue Alexander McQueen heels, or a bold pair of KC earrings. I don't wear a lot of jewelry so I like pieces to stand out.
What is your favorite KC bag/jewelry/belt, iphone, cuff, and how do you like to style it?
The Gyro Hoops are gorgeous. I love how they can nicely set off a muted dress, and bring attention to your face, especially with hair pulled back.
What do you like best about KC bags or jewelry?
They're immaculately crafted and somehow manage to be uber-elegant and bold at the same time, but I most love everything KC for how it makes you feel when it's on you. I love the rush of confidence and sexiness, and it's almost like a little spirit of Kendall has made it into you with her craft, so yes I also feel a little bit taller!
Photos by Kendall Conrad using an iPhone X