Sakshi Nath on Beauty, Entrepreneurship & Building Iconic Brands
Deepti Chandak, Founder of Luxpresso Magazine, in Conversation with Sakshi Nath
Your journey spans fashion, F&B and beauty. What has been the common thread behind everything you have built?
For me, the common thread has always been creativity, people and experiences.
I started my professional journey in fashion, where I learned the importance of aesthetics, attention to detail and understanding what makes people feel good. I then moved into hospitality and F&B, where I discovered the power of creating experiences rather than simply offering a product. Beauty became another natural extension of that philosophy.
Whether it is a beautifully designed garment, an exceptional meal or a beauty ritual, I have always wanted to create something that connects with people emotionally. I believe businesses become meaningful when they make people feel something welcomed, valued, inspired or simply a little happier.
So, although the industries have changed, my purpose has remained quite consistent: to create experiences that people remember and want to return to.
What inspired you to create Queens Beauty Lounge, and what did you want it to offer that was different from the traditional beauty salon experience?
Queens Beauty Lounge came from something very personal. I have always been passionate about beauty and self-care, but I often felt there was a gap between luxury and accessibility. I saw an opportunity to create a comprehensive, high-quality beauty lounge where women could have all their beauty and self-care needs taken care of under one roof bringing together a luxurious experience with the comfort, convenience and accessibility every woman deserves.
I wanted to create a space where women could come in and genuinely feel cared for not just come in for a service, get it done and leave. I wanted the experience to feel relaxing, personal and indulgent, while still being approachable.
The name “Queens” itself reflects the philosophy. Every woman should feel like a queen- pampered, empowered and beautiful.
For me, beauty is not only about appearance. It is also about how you feel when you leave. That is why we look at every detail the environment, the products, the expertise of the team and the way we interact with our clients. We want a visit to Queens to feel like a moment of self-care rather than just another appointment.
You have been behind several successful F&B concepts under Passion F&B. What, in your view, turns a restaurant into a truly memorable brand?
When we launched Trèsind, our vision was to change the perception of Indian cuisine to showcase its depth, artistry and innovation while preserving its authenticity. A memorable restaurant is not only about the food. It is about the complete experience: the concept, the storytelling, the service, the design, the atmosphere and the emotion created around the table.
We wanted to take guests on a multi-sensory culinary journey, making every meal an experience. I believe the strongest brands have a clear identity and stay true to what they stand for while continuing to evolve.
People may forget one dish, but they remember how the experience made them feel.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced while building and scaling multiple businesses, and what did it teach you?
Building a brand from the ground up is never easy. One of the biggest challenges has been establishing trust in highly competitive markets and maintaining consistency as the businesses grow.
Both hospitality and beauty are service-driven, so finding and retaining the right team is crucial. You can have a strong concept, but without people who share the vision and commitment, it is difficult to sustain growth.
It has taught me that there are no shortcuts to building a successful brand. Dedication, consistency, strong leadership and the ability to keep learning are essential.
There have been many highs and lows along the way, and I have learned not to be discouraged by either. Challenges are part of the journey, and each one teaches you something about your business, about people and, most importantly, about yourself.
As a woman in business, what does leadership and empowerment mean to you today?
To me, leadership is about responsibility, confidence and bringing people along with you. Empowerment means creating an environment where people, especially women, feel confident enough to take ownership, grow and believe in themselves.
At Queens, empowerment is deeply connected to our philosophy of beauty. Beauty is ultimately about confidence. If someone walks through our doors and leaves feeling more confident, more valued and more comfortable in her own skin, then we have achieved something much bigger than providing a beauty service.
I also believe women should support and uplift one another. The Pink Breakfast we hosted around breast cancer awareness reflects that belief creating a community where women can stand by one another through every chapter of life.
For me, true leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about leaving people stronger and more confident than when you found them.
Dubai is an extremely competitive and fast-moving market. How do you keep your brands relevant while staying true to their identity?
Dubai is constantly evolving, so staying relevant requires us to listen to our customers, watch how lifestyles and expectations are changing, and look for new ways to improve the experience. But I believe evolution should never come at the cost of identity. Every new idea has to make sense for the brand.
At Trèsind, we pushed the boundaries of Indian cuisine while preserving its cultural roots. At Queens, we combine modern techniques with expertise, quality products, new trends and thoughtful self-care, while maintaining the warmth and accessibility that the brand was built on.
I also believe that luxury today is increasingly about experience. It is not simply about exclusivity; it is about making every interaction feel thoughtful, personal and meaningful.
The market will always change. Our responsibility is to innovate with purpose while remaining true to what our brands stand for.
Behind the entrepreneur and the many businesses, who is Sakshi? What keeps you grounded and inspired?
Behind the entrepreneur, I am a mother, a wife and someone who values family deeply. My children and family have always been my priority, and they keep me grounded.
Balance is an ongoing challenge, so time management and prioritisation are important to me. I try to be fully present in whatever I am doing whether I am with my children or in a business meeting.
I am inspired by travel, food, design, beauty and, most importantly, people. I am naturally curious, and that curiosity has allowed me to move across different industries and keep learning.
At the end of the day, what keeps me grounded is remembering why I started in the first place. Businesses may grow and change, but at the heart of everything is still the desire to create something meaningful and make a positive difference in people's lives.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women who have a business idea but are waiting for the “right time” to take the leap?
Do not wait for the perfect time. I don't think there is one.
If you have an idea that you genuinely believe in, take the first step. You do not need to have everything figured out from day one. You will learn, adapt and grow along the way.
Passion and persistence are everything. A strong work ethic, determination and dedication are key. There are no shortcuts to building a successful brand, and you have to be willing to continuously learn, adapt and take calculated risks.
Surround yourself with the right people, trust your instincts and do not be afraid to begin. Sometimes you just have to take that first step and let the journey teach you the rest.
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