Mehaik Bhasin. A strong independent boss babe, curious reader, travel fanatic, and a source of endless inspiration to empower women to be comfortable in their own skin. “Don’t dull your sparkle to fit in. Go out there, own your art and your voice,” she says. Today on Sidewalks, she shares the best beauty she ever received and the best career advice for women.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from running a successful restaurant?

The quality of food is more important than the presentation… for the long run. A restaurant is only good as its team. Not a single role is less important. If the dishes aren’t clean, we can’t serve our customers. 

 What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?

Evenings and weekends socializing as that are the busiest time. I’ve missed family weddings or functions. I have to prioritize socializing and really ask myself, is it that important for me to attend every gathering, or can I skip some? Lots of sleepless nights, as creative ideas generally come to my mind at 3 AM, so I quickly take out my journal or laptop, so I don’t forget it the next day. 

What’s the biggest learning experience in your career? 

It’s best to learn and adapt to every role in the business to be truly helpful to your team. If someone is not feeling well – help them out and learn what they do in case you need to do it yourself. 

 When are you the most inspired?

I’m inspired by authenticity, individuality and a person being themself!

What makes you feel the most like yourself?

I love and enjoy wearing Indian ethnic wear. I feel my best self in a suit or a lehenga.

 What’s the best career advice you’d share for women?

Don’t dull your sparkle to “fit in.” Go out there, own your art and your voice. There is only one of you. And you are irreplaceable! 

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

I love to travel. I’ve booked a flight to Paris within a 24 hr window from when the flight took off – all because you only have one life to live! We work hard (whether that’s at home or in the office – it’s important to treat ourselves too =)

What’s your current favourite piece of clothing that you own?

My light blue ripped jeans! They are comfy, and it’s been a summer staple for me. 

What’s the one thing you wish you knew at age 19?

Take life one day at a time. Don’t stress out about where you’ll be in 5 years. Just do your best with the day ahead of you. Everything will fall into place. 

 Besides your phone or wallet, what are some of your must-have purse items?

I carry the Black Opium Purse-sized perfume spray, Revlon’s Ultra HD Vinyl lip gloss, Tampon, Advil and Gum!

Favourite piece of clothing you own?

All my Indian clothing! 

Must-have clothing item everyone should have?

A white dress for women. And a crisp ironed white dress shirt for men.

 How do you like to start your mornings?

Pray & say thank you to God, Read a page from the “daily meditations” Language of letting go by Melanie Beatle and make myself a cup of coffee (Coffee’s got to have hazelnut flavour with Oat milk) =) 

What’s your go-to bed ritual?

Drink Vanilla flavoured sleepy-time tea, write 3-5 things I am grateful for and listen to Jason Stephenson’s guided meditation to unwind and slowly drift off. 

What do you do to relax?

Play calming spa music at home & put on a face mask if I am at home. Or I’ll go soak in a hot tub at my gym. 

How do you define beauty?

How you behave when no one’s watching. It’s what on the inside that really matters.

 Best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Do what makes YOU feel confident and beautiful. Everyone has their own perceptions of beauty. Ignore the noise and just do you! 

 What did your mom teach you about beauty?

Don’t compare yourself to anyone around you. Everyone has their own style!

Let’s talk makeup. What’s your everyday makeup routine?

I usually wear the Mac foundation as the base. Then, I blush my cheeks with Glow Play Blush from Mac with Revlon’s liquid eyeliner in the colour black on my top eyelid and finish it off with L’oreal’s Blackest Black Mascara. On the odd day that I’m feeling lazy – I’ll wear only tinted moisturizer from Nars and some blush.

What about lips? Do you prefer lipstick or lip gloss?

Matte Lipsticks for the camera & lip gloss for off-camera.

What’s your favourite lipstick?

I love Velvet Teddy from Mac. 

What about lipliner? 

My go-to is Spice from Mac. 

Vintage or new?

Vintage, no questions asked!

 Style-icon?

Esha Gupta – Bollywood

Blake Lively – Hollywood

What’s your daily skin-care routine?

I cleanse my face once in the morning using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser. After cleansing, I moisturize my skin with the Garnier Active moisture rescue. I cleanse twice in the nighttime (just to make sure my makeup is completely off) and moisturize. Most importantly – reminding myself to drink tons of water! (I’m still working on that).

How do you care for your hair?

I use Pantene’s Rosemary sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. And I apply coconut oil once a week (usually Sundays). 

Lastly, what’s your best advice for women?

Learn to embrace change, don’t live in a victim mindset and say “I don’t know” when you don’t know.

Thank you, Mehaik!!!

P.S.

More Beauty Cocktails, including a pastry chef, a travel fanatic, and a fashion stylist.