Canvas of a dream with Sonal Haria

From a young girl with a big dream to a successful businesswoman, Sonal had one main goal: to build something lasting and leave her mark on the world. “I didn’t know exactly what it would be, but as I grew up and progressed in my career, I loved the idea of building a brand, making an impact and proving that a Kenyan brand could be sold internationally.”

Her path wasn’t a sudden jump but a careful, step-by-step process, much like putting on makeup. With a strong background in marketing, Sonal spent ten years helping brands grow through her agency, CB Consulting Group, which she started with Sanjeev Jandu.

It was during this time, while working with many beauty clients, that she noticed a big gap.

“Everything started with a great idea, a vision, a laptop and a little bit of boldness,” Sonal explains.

“Marketing is my background. Seven years ago, we had a lot of clients in the beauty industry and we realised that few independent brands provided shades for Kenyan women and women of colour at an affordable price.”

This observation led her to create Canvas Cosmetics, a brand that offers good-quality, affordable beauty products, especially for women of colour. For Sonal, who has loved makeup since she was young, this business was a natural extension of her journey of self-expression.

“My entire journey with make-up has been very gradual. I started to add different layers and routines as I grew into the woman I feel like I am still becoming. My make-up journey has always been paired with self-expression, confidence and embracing my unique traits and features.”

“It’s not just about selling make-up; it’s about creating a community of empowered women who have inspired us and brought us this far. Having the power to tell stories and inspire people is what keeps me inspired.”

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This collaborative spirit and the opportunity to work alongside women who share their personal narratives have been instrumental in the brand’s remarkable journey and success.

Yet, Sonal’s journey as a female entrepreneur hasn’t been without its trials.

“There is the pressure of being a mother, a wife and still going out there and being a breadwinner. You have to show up and manage your job or business despite all these responsibilities,” she says.

Another significant hurdle, common to many entrepreneurs, is the financial inconsistency that comes with running your own business.

“You have to be comfortable with inconsistencies,” she advises. “If something is not working, you have to pivot to new ideas. If you are persistent enough, you can achieve your goals.”

Beyond business demands, Sonal emphasises the delicate art of balancing work, personal life and family. She believes it boils down to effective time management.

“There is no balance like 50-50, but it dials down to time management. You have to put in time for your work to be successful and at the same time, allocate time for your spouse and family too.”

Sonal’s journey is a powerful reminder that anything is possible. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: start with what you have.

One of her mantras, “Be yourself because everyone else is taken,” perfectly captures her journey of self-embodiment and her mission to celebrate every woman’s unique beauty and strength.