'I believe both functionality and aesthetics are equally important'

Asmika Ali, Founder, Peachytonics

Asmika Ali, founder of Peachytonics, likes to think of herself as a learner and creator. And she has managed to combine both for her passion for skincare through the establishment of Peachytonics.

This journey led her to become a certified skincare formulator and co-founder of Peachytonics, a natural skincare brand based in Nepal. Through Peachytonics, she strives to craft products that are clean, effective and thoughtfully designed.

In this edition of Business 360, Ali speaks about her pick of brands, her marketing mantra and some life lessons.

Top 3 Nepali brands

Peachytonics, Suiro Tea and Chai Chai Confectionery

Does advertising influence your purchase

Yes, advertising influences my purchases as it is primarily how I discover new products.

Three things you do to make your brand stand out

We create fun and unique product names, openly share our formulation process, and stay in constant communication with our community. Our products are crafted based on what our customers genuinely want and need.

You would never buy a brand that

Lacks transparency about its ingredients

Online or offline shopping

I generally prefer online shopping because of its convenience, but when I am feeling low, nothing compares to the experience of offline retail therapy.

A piece of advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs

Never compare your journey to someone else’s. Everyone is on their own unique path.

Future plans

The next step for Peachytonics is expanding our offline presence and retail network.

Is expensive better

Not necessarily. A higher price does not always mean higher value.

Best advice you have ever received

When there is a will, there is always a way.

Functionality or aesthetics

I believe both functionality and aesthetics are equally important. Functionality provides comfort while aesthetics romanticise life and bring joy.

Your role model

I do not have one single role model. Instead, I draw inspiration from different people at different times - friends, family or even strangers, depending on the situation. I like to take what resonates with me from each person and create my own path, rather than following someone else’s entirely. You learn so much from the people around you and you never know where the lessons you need will come from.

Necessary apps on your phone

Notes, Pinterest (I spend the most time here), and Instagram

One life-changing moment One life-changing moment for me has to be my first international trip. It helped me explore new horizons, made me realise there is so much more to life, and showed me how small my problems are compared to the vast world. It also ignited my love for travel. Prior to that, I did not think I was into it, but I discovered that I love learning about new people, cultures and how they live. That is why I often find myself skipping famous landmarks. I am far more interested in the people and their lives.