At just 23, Akanksha Sharma has redefined leadership by blending creativity, business acumen, and a deep-rooted commitment to conscious entrepreneurship. As the Co-founder and CEO of CITTA, a premium skincare brand for babies and adults, she has successfully combined Indian traditions with modern science to create products that are transparent, toxin-free, and effective. In this exclusive interview, Akanksha shares her journey from studying design and management in the U.S. to building a thriving brand in India, the challenges she faced as a young female entrepreneur, and her vision for the future of CITTA.
Akanksha Sharma, Co-founder and CEO of CITTA, is a young entrepreneur redefining skincare with a blend of Indian traditions and modern science.
In this interview, she shares her journey, challenges, and vision for CITTA’s future.
From studying design and management in the U.S. to becoming a successful entrepreneur in India, how has your journey shaped your perspective on leadership?
My journey has been a fusion of creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Studying Apparel Industry Management at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles, exposed me to global best practices in branding, design, and business operations. When I transitioned into entrepreneurship in India, I realized the importance of blending international insights with deep-rooted Indian values. Leadership, to me, is about embracing change, staying grounded in your purpose, and creating a culture of transparency and innovation. My experiences have taught me that great leaders empower their teams, lead with empathy, and always keep learning.
What challenges did you face as a young female entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
I often encountered skepticism, whether it was about my ability to scale a business or navigate an industry dominated by legacy brands. Additionally, breaking into the baby skincare market, where trust is paramount, came with its own challenges. I overcame these hurdles by letting my work speak for itself, through meticulous research, high-quality formulations, and a strong brand ethos centered on transparency. However, I didn’t do it alone. My mother and brother, who are also the co-founders of CITTA, have been my biggest pillars of support. My mother’s deep-rooted wisdom and nurturing perspective helped shape CITTA’s ethos, ensuring that every product is crafted with love and care. My brother’s strategic mindset and business acumen played a key role in scaling the brand and navigating challenges. Together, we built a brand that is not just about skincare but about trust, integrity, and innovation. Surrounding myself with the right team and learning from incredible mentors also helped me push through obstacles. Entrepreneurship is never a solo journey, it’s about collaboration, resilience, and unwavering belief in the vision.
CITTA is built on the foundation of conscious business practices. What inspired you to create a skincare brand that blends Indian traditions with modern science?
The inspiration for CITTA came from a very personal place. I grew up surrounded by traditional Indian skincare wisdom passed down from my grandmother and mother, with ingredients like turmeric, coconut oil, and aloe vera as household staples. However, I noticed a gap in the market where Indian traditions weren’t being effectively blended with modern, safe, and science-backed formulations. My goal was to create a brand that honors heritage while meeting today’s safety and efficacy standards. Every ingredient in our products is carefully selected, ensuring the perfect balance between ancient knowledge and dermatological advancements.
How did you identify the gap, and what makes CITTA stand out from other brands?
The biggest gap I noticed was the lack of ingredient transparency and truly clean formulations in the Indian baby skincare market. Many products claimed to be “natural” but contained hidden chemicals. CITTA is different because we disclose every single ingredient, there’s nothing hidden, no jargon, just honesty. We also ensure our products are dermatologically tested, toxin-free, and formulated specifically for delicate skin.
As a leader, you manage multiple aspects of CITTA, including operations, marketing, and sales. How do you balance these responsibilities while ensuring innovation and growth?
Balancing different roles is a constant learning process. I prioritize building strong teams that align with our brand vision and trust them to take ownership of their areas. Delegation is key, but so is staying actively involved in innovation and strategy. I make time for continuous learning, whether it’s industry trends, consumer insights, or leadership development. Setting clear goals, staying agile, and ensuring that creativity and data-driven decision-making go hand in hand have helped me manage CITTA’s growth effectively. This approach has also enabled us to successfully expand into the adult skincare market, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand while staying true to our ethos of transparency and high-quality formulations.
Your family has played a significant role in shaping your entrepreneurial mindset. What are some key lessons you’ve learned from them that guide your leadership style?
Entrepreneurship runs in my family, and growing up in such an environment instilled resilience and a problem-solving mindset in me. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that business isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. Building meaningful relationships with your team, customers, and partners is crucial. Another key lesson is persistence, setbacks are inevitable, but the way you adapt and push forward defines your success.
Many young women look up to you as a role model. What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in the business world?
To every young woman dreaming of building something of her own, believe in yourself fiercely. The road isn’t always easy, and you will face doubts, sometimes even from yourself. But confidence comes from action. Start, learn, iterate, and keep going. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, seek mentorship, and never compromise on your values. Most importantly, own your space, your voice, ideas, and leadership matter.
CITTA has not only grown as a brand but has also contributed to social causes, such as distributing care packages to underprivileged children. How do you integrate social responsibility into your business vision?
CITTA has always believed in giving back. Social responsibility is an integral part of our vision. We aim to create a positive impact by blending ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community initiatives into our growth journey.
What are your future plans for CITTA? Do you see yourself expanding into other areas of business in the coming years?
The future of CITTA is incredibly exciting. With the launch of our adult skincare range, we are expanding into a whole new segment while staying true to our philosophy of clean, conscious formulations. We also have plans to explore new categories like health & wellness and innovate with more product offerings. The goal is to continue making an impact by combining tradition with modern innovation, and this is just the beginning!
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