Bollywood Actor Zareen Khan is all set to make waves in the beauty world with her very own skincare brand, ‘Happy Hippie’. Inspired by her personal struggles with sensitive skin and the often confusing barrage of skincare choices, Zareen spent nearly two years meticulously researching and testing to create a range that is as effective as it is effortless and truly inclusive for all. In a chat with IMPACT, she shares candid insights about transitioning from the glitz of Bollywood to the grounded world of entrepreneurship. Zareen talks about her hands-on involvement in crafting every product, her mission to foster a community that seeks simplicity, and how ‘Happy Hippie’ aims to make self-care- joyful, simple, and accessible to everyone.
Watch the full video interview here:
Q] As you prepare for the launch of your brand, guide us through it, what is it about and how did you inspire to launch a beauty brand?
The main reason I decided to launch Happy Hippie is that it comes from my personal need for skincare that suits my sensitive skin. When you open social media, there are many self-proclaimed skincare experts sharing advice about different products, which often ends up being confusing. I went through that confusion myself; kept getting attracted to so many products and wanted to try them all. But most of the products didn’t suit my skin and gave me bad rashes. And I’m not someone who can follow a 7-10 step routine. I don’ t have the patience, time, or bandwidth for it. I wanted skincare, haircare, and personal care products that are simple, effortless, and effective. ‘Happy Hippie’ was born out of that need.
I have done extensive research for nearly two years, testing multiple samples on my own skin to select a hero product in each category. Now, I’m sharing these with my audience and others who face similar challenges, like sensitive skin and not wanting to spend hours in front of the mirror doing skincare.
Q] You mentioned that you’ve been preparing and researching for a long time. Can you tell us when this journey actually started?
It started around late 2023, maybe even a bit earlier. From the end of 2023 into early 2024, I extensively tested multiple samples, until I finally found the right ones. Soon, people will get their hands on these products. Right now, Happy Hippie products are part of my own skincare routine. Like I said, I curated them for myself, and now I’m excited to share them with others.
Q] The name you choose for your brand is really fun and catchy. How did you come up with it?
I resonate a lot with the name ‘Happy Hippie’. I actually identify as a happy hippie myself. There’s a lot of misconception about ‘hippies’, people often think of them as unhygienic or pot-smoking junkies. But that’s not true. Hippies are amazing people who live in peace, harmony, and love, in sync with nature. They want to live life on their own terms, rather than being pressured by societal norms. That’s exactly the kind of brand I wanted to create. So, I couldn’t think of a better name.
Q] Your Bollywood days have been very hectic, and we’ve all heard about the harsh lights of Bollywood. How would you say that experience has shaped the brand identity today?
Well, it’s not just Bollywood. We’re living in an age with so much pollution around us. More than the harsh lights, it’s the city pollution that affects us the most. So, it’s not only actors who need to take care of themselves. ‘Happy Hippie’ is created for everyone. You don’t need to be an actor to take care of your skin. Everyone has skin, not just actors. So, why should skincare be limited to actors or just women? Living in a city with dust, constant construction, and pollution, it’s important to care for your skin. But taking care of your skin shouldn’t mean using thousands of products. One good product is enough to keep you sorted.
Q] In a crowded beauty market like India’s, how will ‘Happy Hippie’s’ approach stand out?
I’ve created products that are cruelty-free and gender-neutral. The brand is affordable, effective, effortless, and all-in-one. I don’t have 10 different serums for 10 different skin concerns; just one product that takes care of multiple issues. That’s what sets ‘Happy Hippie’ apart from the clutter in the market.
Also, I’m trying to build a community of like-minded people who want to live, have fun, and enjoy taking care of themselves, rather than seeing it as a task. After a hectic day, nobody wants to spend time sitting in front of the mirror doing endless steps and routines. So, it’s more than a business, it’s a community I’m creating for my people. And of course, there will be much more to offer as time goes on.
Q] What about the marketing side? How do you plan to advertise Happy Hippie? Any campaigns in the works?
Like I said, I’m focused on building a community, not just a business that launches new products every month without purpose. Every product will be carefully thought out to truly meet people’s needs, not just introduced for the sake of it. Marketing will be minimal and genuine. This brand is for those who genuinely want to connect with me and the vision behind ‘Happy Hippie’. I won’t do unrealistic marketing or force the products on anyone. My message is simple: come try it, and if you like it, stick around; I’d love to have you as part of this community.
Q] Apart from social media, are you planning to use any other platforms to promote ‘Happy Hippie’?
Right now, I’ll be focusing on social media and my own website. Eventually, we’ll expand to marketplaces, e-commerce, and quick commerce platforms. But that’s about it. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t want to do unrealistic marketing or make exaggerated claims. It’s all about being real- that’s what my brand stands for.
Q] With the launch just around the corner, what kind of responses or anticipations have you received from early customers, testers, or people in your inner circle?
I’m always going to be biased towards my own products. But I’m not saying this lightly, ‘Happy Hippie’ has really worked wonders for my skin. Don’t just take my word for it, try it yourself. It’s not even an expensive product, so give it a shot. See if you like it. I’m confident you will, and that you’ll keep coming back.
Q] How hands-on were you in the product development during the research and preparation phase?
I was involved at every step, from deciding which ingredients to include or exclude, to determining what suits all skin types and the right percentages. I’ve probably been a pain in the neck for my manufacturers because I was so involved. There’s a common misconception that celebrities just lend their name and promote products without real involvement. But this is my baby, my heart project. I’ve been involved in every little detail of this brand.
Q] Since you now have experience in both acting and entrepreneurship, which do you find more satisfying?
Of course, if I hadn’t been acting, I wouldn’t have the resources to become an entrepreneur. So, it all started with acting. But entrepreneurship brings me huge satisfaction because now I’m my own boss. When I’m acting, I’m working for someone else. But Happy Hippie is truly my own.
Q] We can see the excitement on your face about the launch. What are your expectations and hopes for ‘Happy Hippie’? Where do you see the brand in the coming years?
I see ‘Happy Hippie’ becoming a household name because it’s a true self-care brand. It’s not just skincare, it includes haircare, and eventually, we’ll venture into body care as well. I want people to be part of the Happy Hippie community; those who believe in simplicity and who want to cut through the clutter to care for themselves happily. It’s about spending more time doing what you love, not stressing over endless routines.
