Shaily Mehrotra Criticizes Naturopath Pitch on Shark Tank India 5 for Selling Fairness
Shaily Mehrotra,CEO and co-founder of Fixderma,recently debuted as the newest shark on Season 5 of Shark Tank India.In one episode, lewisia Wellness founder Manoj Das faced criticism from the sharks for claiming his products were ‘natural,’ and the ‘aromatherapist and naturopath’ was challenged for referring to himself as a ‘doctor.’ In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shaily criticizes the ‘natural skincare’ brand for promoting fairness, discusses her Shark Tank journey, and more.
Indian’s skincare market preys on deep insecurities,says Shaily
Shaily states that Lewisia Wellness exemplifies brands that capitalize on vulnerabilities by promising ‘fairness.’ “For too long,the Indian skincare market has preyed on deep-seated insecurities about skin tone. Many brands employ fear-based marketing to sell fairness to a vulnerable audience.The pitch from Lewisia Wellness on Shark Tank serves as a stark example of this,” she says,adding,“Our mission is to shift this narrative entirely and move the focus away from fair skin. Fairness is a stereotype we must leave behind.”
Aside from that experience, Shaily says she approaches Shark tank with a ‘founder first’ philosophy.