Kuljeet Kaur Sohal is mum to two young boys and CEO of Uzuri Aesthetics, an award-winning online luxury skincare company known across the UK for its premium, medical-grade skincare products.Â
An expert in her field, Kuljeet is a Level 7 trained aesthetic practitioner and prescribing pharmacist. Her passion for skincare started at a young age. While growing up, Kuljeet suffered from eczema, which in retrospect, helped her to really understand how much of an impact problematic skin can have not only on your confidence but mental health as well.Â
Kuljeet has now made it her mission to help other women who suffer from breakouts, acne, rosacea and eczema, as well as specific skin conditions including hyperpigmentation and anti-aging, to restore their confidence by providing professional skincare advice through virtual consultation alongside a collection of targeted medical-grade luxury skincare products.
Featured in some of the most well-known and trusted magazines such as British Vogue, Kuljeet also makes it her mission to empower other female entrepreneurs that anything is possible. Her business started during Covid while raising an 18-month-old and her second child on the way. After multiple periods of burnout while initially growing the brand, Kuljeet realised the importance of self-care and work-life balance to make the journey of having her own business and raising a family achievable. Â
Can you share a brief overview of your career journey and the key milestones that have led you to your current leadership role?
I began my career as a pharmacist and progressively advanced to the role of Pharmacist Store Manager. Over the years, I’ve consistently sought opportunities for growth and leadership. I knew that community pharmacy was not for me when I was family planning, so decided to do a prescribing course and then a diploma in Botox and Fillers.Â
I founded my e-commerce business during the pandemic, just before giving birth to my second son. The need for virtual skincare consultations was growing as aesthetic clinics were forced to temporarily close. I found a gap in the market as medical-grade skincare products were not easily accessible during this time. I have always been passionate about skincare and wellbeing and although I had no knowledge about e-commerce, I persevered to create my vision. We now have 13 different medical-grade brands with over 400 premium skincare products. Â
What do you believe are the most important qualities or attributes that a successful business leader should possess, and how do you embody them in your leadership style?
In my perspective, successful business leaders should embody a combination of vision, adaptability, and effective communication. A visionary leader can steer the company toward long-term goals, while adaptability ensures resilience in the face of change. Effective communication is vital for fostering a cohesive team. Personally, I strive to lead by example, maintaining a clear vision, adapting swiftly to evolving landscapes, and fostering transparent communication to inspire and unite my team toward shared objectives.
Can you describe a significant challenge or setback you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it to achieve your goals?
One of the most significant challenges I faced in my career as a business owner was grappling with burnout. Balancing the roles of a mother to two toddlers under two and being CEO/Aesthetic Practitioner of Uzuri Aesthetics proved to be a demanding endeavour. Recognising that this struggle is not uncommon, I decided to take a step back and prioritise self-care. By allowing myself the time to heal and recharge, I was able to bounce back stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to fulfil my responsibilities as a leader and be a better mother to my children. This experience taught me the importance of self-care and resilience in sustaining long-term success.
In a rapidly changing business landscape, how do you stay informed about industry trends and adapt your strategies to remain competitive?
In navigating a swiftly evolving business environment, my approach centres on continuous learning and proactive engagement. I stay well-informed about industry trends through market research, regular participation in industry events, joining seminars and networking with fellow business owners.Â
What is your approach to building and leading high-performing teams, and how do you motivate your team members to achieve their best potential?
In building and leading high-performing teams, my approach revolves around fostering a collaborative and empowering environment. I prioritise creating a culture of open communication and mutual respect and leveraging individual strengths. By promoting a positive work culture that values innovation, collaboration, and individual growth, I aim to inspire my team to consistently deliver their best performance and reach their full potential.
How do you balance short-term financial goals with long-term strategic planning for the growth and sustainability of your business?
I approach the delicate balance between short-term financial goals and long-term strategic planning with a blend of practicality and careful planning. In the short term, I focus on maintaining financial stability through budgeting and customer-centric initiatives to drive immediate revenue. Simultaneously, I invest time in understanding market trends and consumer preferences to inform a robust long-term strategy. By prioritising customer loyalty and fostering community engagement, I create a solid foundation for the future.
Can you share an example of a major decision you had to make that had a significant impact on your organisation? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
An example of a major decision I had to make that significantly impacted my skincare e-commerce business was hiring a team to enchance our daily operations and marketing efforts. This decision has helped free my time to focus on innovation and strategic planning to grow the business.
From this experience, I learned the importance of investing in the right talent to drive specific aspects of the business.Â
What role does innovation play in your business strategy, and how do you foster a culture of innovation within your organisation?
As the owner of Uzuri Aesthetics, innovation plays a pivotal role in our business strategy as it is essential for staying competitive and meeting the evolving needs of our customers. The skincare industry is growing rapidly, as is the e-commerce market, so we are constantly innovating to keep up with current trends.Â
We actively foster a culture of innovation within our organisation by encouraging creativity and continuous improvement. We regularly invest in research about industry trends and customer preferences. Open communication channels and collaborative brainstorming sessions are promoted, allowing team members to contribute ideas and perspectives
How do you handle ethical dilemmas and make difficult decisions when they arise in your role as a business leader?
Addressing ethical dilemmas and making difficult decisions as a business leader requires a thoughtful and principled approach. I adhere to a set of core values that guide my decision-making process. When faced with an ethical dilemma, I prioritise transparency and open communication, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and involved in the decision-making process. Additionally, I stay well-versed in industry regulations and ethical standards, consulting legal and ethical experts when necessary. Upholding integrity and accountability is non-negotiable, even if it means making tough decisions. By maintaining a commitment to ethical conduct and fostering a culture that values honesty, I aim to navigate challenges with integrity and ensure that our business operations align with ethical principles and societal expectations.
Looking to the future, what are your top priorities and goals for your business, and what strategies do you plan to implement to achieve them?
We are aiming to reach more people, specifically women who aim to gain their confidence back through healthy, glowing skin. To achieve this, we aim to double down on our marketing strategies, and collaborate with other businesses and influencers who share our vision. We aim to expand our team of talented practitioners to improve our availability of online consultations. Our goal is to be one of the leading online providers of medical-grade skincare in the UK.
