This week for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month, we interviewed Shweta Jain of Earth Radiance! Shweta is a participant of the MWBC Shop Local retail incubator program.
Earth Radiance Holistic, founded in 2018 by passionate esthetician Shweta Jain, advocates integrity and transparency in the beauty and wellness industry. Our mission is straightforward: to revolutionize conventional beauty practices by integrating Ayurvedic principles, providing holistic experiences to nurture the mind-skin connection.
As a boutique enterprise led by women, we consciously select ingredients renowned for their bioavailability and purity. We prioritize the essence of “Prana,” delivering enriching active nutrition to enhance the skin’s metabolic function. Our commitment to all-natural, toxic-free formulations aims to replenish vitality and promote overall skin health.
Our handcrafted USA-made Ayurvedic skincare line embodies our philosophy, of promoting sustainable living with eco-friendly packaging. Earth Radiance also offers an authentic service menu, featuring organic facials and bodywork treatments, designed for grounding and rejuvenation.
At Earth Radiance Holistic, we embrace Phyto-radiance from the inside out, guided by Ayurvedic wisdom and a dedication to holistic wellness.
We are proud to be all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and organic.
What is your ethnic background?
Coming from a country rich in diversity, culture, and traditions, where yoga and holistic wellness are paramount—India. Here, skincare remedies take center stage, utilizing all-natural ingredients readily available from the gardens of your home to the depths of your kitchen.
How does your cultural background influence your business values and practices?
My Indian heritage deeply influences my business values and practices. After graduating from esthetic school and working with conventional skincare lines, I realized the importance of holistic practices. It was alarming to see products promoting exfoliation from face cleansers to anti-aging moisturizers explain the importance of “cell turnover” or labeling certain products unsafe for pregnant women or women of color. The concept of clean skincare, ingrained in me from childhood, was missing. After extensive research and studies, Earth Radiance emerged with its renowned products, following a holistic path.
What are some hardships you have overcome as a woman-/minority-owned business?
As a woman-/minority-owned business, overcoming various challenges has been part of the journey:
- Limited access to funding and capital.
- Reaching institutions for help with not much response in return.
- Building professional networks to find mentors who understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses.
- Balancing multiple roles to meet the business needs -gets overwhelming.
- Dealing with feelings of self-doubt, poor strategic planning, or overthinking.
- Challenged to establish a presence in the competitive market with resources and support.
These challenges, resilience, and determination continue to train me to overcome obstacles and drive success as a woman-/minority-owned business.
How long have you been working with MWBC?
I joined the program in 2024 of January through their recruitment process. I’ve currently been enrolled in the program for the past three months and have another three months to go before I graduate from the program.
How has MWBC helped you in your business journey?
MWBC’s short-term program certainly helps small women-owned businesses to dream big to achieve their goals and set them for success. The program gives you a real-time experience of owning the store. Help with business plans is important for long-term sustainability with better financial planning, operations, and management. I’m still in the process of learning and I’m sure every step here at MWBC will be valuable to my business growth.
What advice would you give to other Asian American aspiring entrepreneurs?
My advice is to stay steadfast on your path, find joy in your craft, and trust yourself. Challenge your goals and relentlessly strive for them. Embrace your unique perspectives and experiences and let them guide you toward success. Believe in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Stay resilient, stay focused, and keep pushing forward.
We asked Martha Jimenez, Shweta’s MWBC business counselor, what Shweta has accomplished that makes her stand out.
Shweta has stood out to me for a few reasons. First and foremost, her unrelenting commitment to her goals is admirable. Despite confronting problems in her sector, she continuously exhibits perseverance and determination, both of which are necessary for an entrepreneur to succeed. She listens intently, and offers support and insight to her peers, creating a supportive community within our retail business incubator. Overall, Shweta’s remarkable work ethic, ingenuity, and empathy set her apart.
Learn more about Earth Radiance at www.earthradiance.com
MWBC Shop Local is a retail incubator program of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC). Learn more about the program at www.mwbcshoplocal.com
Happy Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month! At the Maryland Women’s Business Center, we take pride in leveling the playing field for women and minorities. We are here to support Asian-owned businesses every month of the year.