When I first sat down with Manya Nayar, founder of the consciously inclusive beauty brand IBAEUTY, I expected a conversation about products and branding. What I got instead was a story of purpose, clarity, and rebellion—in the most graceful sense of the word.
Manya launched IBAEUTY during the pandemic, a time when the world stood still. But for her, it was a moment of awakening. “The pandemic stripped everything down to the essentials,” she reflected. “It showed me what mattered, what didn’t, and where I was holding back. IBAEUTY wasn’t born out of a perfect business plan—it came from a place of urgency and purpose.”
Launching a brand amid global uncertainty might seem risky, but for Manya, that chaos provided the clarity she needed. “There was no perfect time, just the right intention. I saw a gap in the market—not just for clean or effective beauty, but for something truly inclusive at its core.”
That ethos of radical inclusivity runs through every layer of IBAEUTY—and it’s deeply personal. Growing up, Manya often felt like beauty standards were built to exclude rather than embrace. “There was always this idea of who beauty was for—and who it wasn’t. That didn’t sit right with me,” she shared. “IBAEUTY is the brand I needed when I was younger. One that didn’t ask me to change who I was to feel beautiful.”
Her mission wasn’t just to sell makeup—it was to create safe spaces where people could see themselves reflected. That mission, however, came with its own set of challenges, especially when formulating hybrid products that were 50% skincare and 50% makeup, designed for all skin types and genders.
“When you’re formulating for everyone, cookie-cutter templates don’t work,” she explained. “We had to challenge every stage of the process—from choosing universal actives to fine-tuning texture and finish. The hardest part? Making sure our products didn’t just look good, but felt good. We wanted efficacy, comfort, and nourishment. That balance took time, but we never compromised.”
Manya’s background includes stints with both global giants and homegrown brands—a duality that shaped her leadership style. “Global brands gave me structure, systems, and an understanding of storytelling at scale. But the homegrown ecosystem taught me agility and the value of listening closely. At IBAEUTY, I’ve tried blending big-picture thinking with grassroots empathy.”
As we moved into a conversation about conscious beauty, she quickly demystified the concept. “People often think conscious beauty is complicated or niche. But it’s just about being intentional. At IBAEUTY, we talk like humans, not chemists. We believe in educating without overwhelming. We’re transparent about every decision—from ingredients to packaging to pricing.”
Now, as IBAEUTY prepares to step into global markets, Manya’s vision remains crystal clear. “I want to create a global brand that feels intimate and inclusive. One that doesn’t just sell beauty, but questions the standards around it. We’re proud of our Indian roots, our hybrid innovation, and our unapologetic approach to inclusivity. That’s the soul of IBAEUTY—and it’s non-negotiable.”
Sitting across from her, it’s easy to see that Manya isn’t just building a brand. She’s reshaping an industry narrative. One where everyone, regardless of gender, skin tone, or background, has a seat at the beauty table—and finally, a mirror that reflects them.
Follow her journey here