19 Questions With Divya Gugnani
by The Candidly Team
This article is part of our series called "People We Like," in which we highlight interesting women, across all walks of life.
Leaders, great cooks, doctors, parents, writers; people who inspire us.
Today, we’re highlighting Divya Gugnani— Harvard Business grad-turned serial entrepreneur-turned Co-Founder of Wander Beauty, a brand making smart, thoughtful beauty products for women with approximately 2 minutes to spare to “do” their makeup. So basically, she’s the woman behind one of our favorite concealers of all time.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s your most compelling quality?
Generosity.
2. What’s your worst quality, according to your friends?
Giving unsolicited feedback.
3. What’s an overrated value you don’t buy into?
I used to think it was imperative to work really hard all the time. I pushed myself and worked hard. I used to wear “no sleep” as a badge of honor in the early days of my career in finance, but then I realized that you have to work hard and work smart at the same time.
You have to take time to take care of yourself. Resting, relaxing and doing things outside of work make me a better CEO, better mother, better wife.
4. How do you feel about cilantro?
Love it. Put it in Indian and Mexican food all the time!
5. Are essential oils anything?
They can be great for aromatherapy benefits, but in skincare, I try to use them sparingly since they can sensitize and irritate skin.
6. What's the most effective beauty trick you know?
I wear and reapply SPF daily because it truly is the best anti-aging tool.
7. How do you get your self-esteem?
By reminding myself that I don’t know everything, but I can learn what I don’t know and be confident about everything.
8. What meal can you make the hell out of?
Spaghetti bolognese.
9. What’s your favorite item of clothing you own?
Giapenta loungewear. I wear it to bed, to exercise, and during the day. It’s incredibly versatile and comfortable.
10. How do you handle conflict in your closest relationships?
By speaking the truth and getting everything out there and then working through it. If you sweep issues under the rug, they fester.
11. What’s something you’ve changed your mind about in the last year?
It’s okay to not cook dinner for my family EVERY weeknight. I used to do it as a sign of caring but sometimes I’m just too busy or exhausted to do it. I need to practice self care and know my limits.
12. What Insta account speaks to you deeply?
13. What quote or phrase has stayed with you?
If you get tired, learn to rest…not to quit.
14. What’s the most delicious bite of food you’ve ever had?
Pad Thai at a stall on the street in Bangkok.
15. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about yourself as a leader?
Put yourself in the position of the people you are leading and you will do the best job leading them. Understand their motivations and limitations and go from there.
16. What’s your single favorite wellness product that *actually* works:
17. Is social media ruining our brains?
I use it as a source of news and inspiration, but the second you start having FOMO and comparing yourself to others, you should turn off your phone!
18. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
Stretch.
Brush teeth.
Skincare routine: Wander Beauty’s Drift Away Cleanser, Mist Connection, Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate, Dive In Moisturizer.
Meditate for 20 min.
Read or just go to sleep.
Press Pause CBD if I need to calm down a bit more.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I loved them when I was growing up and haven’t had them since. Although technically now I might have curtain bangs as influenced by TikTok!
What is your single favorite:
Lip balm: Wander Beauty Lip Retreat Oil in Oasis.
Jeans brand: Citizens Of Humanity.
Mascara: Wander Beauty Mile High Club™ Volume and Length Mascara.
Leggings: Heroine Sport.
Effective “lady” product: Blume Meltdown Acne Oil for hormonal breakouts.
Last minute gift: Champagne.
Bra: LIVELY.
Shampoo: Wander Beauty All Inclusive Shampoo and Body Wash.
Comfortable shoes: Atoms Sneakers.
Splurge skincare: Nothing I can’t make myself!
Drugstore skincare: Peach & Lily Microdarts.
Everyday bag: Samara Tote.
Guilty-pleasure TV show: Fauda.
Drink: Skinny Margarita.
At The Candidly, we recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love. Sometimes, our friends recommend their favorite things, too. All details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
We have to eat.
