Leading with Empathy, Living with Joy
Founder & CEO
Skin Centrick
I n an industry where 70% of leadership positions are still held by men, Chithra Kannan, Founder & CEO, Skin Centrick, stands out as a visionary leader redefining the rules of beauty and entrepreneurship. With a background in business analytics, she made a bold leap into the skincare world, founding Skin Centrick—a brand now celebrated for its natural, sustainable products and innovative use of AI for personalized skincare. Her ability to blend data with creativity is the secret behind her rapid success. By analyzing market gaps and consumer needs, she developed skincare products that are winning over a generation that values both authenticity and sustainability. TradeFlock interviewed Kannan to delve deeper into her journey— exploring how she leveraged data to predict trends, empowered her team through diversity, and crafted a leadership style that embraces empathy and continuous evolution. Her story is one of bold transformation, proving that success is as much about heart and adaptability as it is about strategy.
Entering the beauty industry felt like “diving into a kaleidoscope of trends” — exciting but overwhelming. My biggest challenge was predicting future trends to position Skin Centrick as a forward-thinking brand. With so many products hitting the market, staying ahead was critical. Leveraging analytics became my game-changer. I dove into customer feedback, social media trends, and sales data to identify unmet needs. A key insight was the growing demand for skincare that delivers both immediate results and longterm benefits. This led us to develop products combining innovative ingredients with proven efficacy.
“Inclusion starts where representation leaves off.” In the beauty industry, it’s not enough to have diverse faces—we need to ensure every voice is heard and valued. I focus on intersectionality, recognizing that people carry multiple identities that shape their experiences. This helps us create products and campaigns that truly connect with our audience. For me, diversity isn’t just a checkbox; it’s woven into everything we do—from hiring to product development. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to show up authentically. When people bring their whole selves to the table, that’s when real innovation happens.
My entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by the incredible people in my life—my mom, dad, mother-in-law, sister, brother, grandmother, and daughter— each teaching me resilience, compassion, and perseverance. Leaders like Mother Teresa have also inspired me to lead with empathy and purpose, reminding me that even small actions can create meaningful impact. Every woman I’ve met along the way has contributed to my growth, offering lessons to embrace or avoid. I see myself as a work in progress, evolving each day, grateful for the journey and committed to inspiring others through leadership and example.
This became my mantra during COVID-19. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I stayed positive and approached each challenge like a puzzle to solve. This mindset kept me grounded and inspired my team to push forward. Prioritizing was essential—we trimmed the non-essentials and doubled down on what truly mattered. Also I believe that small wins came from breaking big tasks into manageable steps so we kept the momentum alive even when the road ahead was foggy.We also leaned into technology, turning disruption into opportunity. Going digital didn’t just help us survive—it set us up to thrive in a changing world. These strategies weren’t just for the crisis; they’re now my blueprint for navigating the unexpected.
I will say that Culture isn’t just something you inherit—it’s a lens through which you lead. Growing up in a multicultural environment shaped my approach to business by teaching me the value of authenticity and empathy. I believe real connection happens when you engage deeply with diverse communities, not just acknowledge them. This mindset has helped me create a brand that resonates across cultures by embracing different perspectives. It’s also made me a more adaptive leader— open to new ideas and committed to fostering an inclusive team where every voice matters. Because when diverse minds come together, that’s where innovation truly thrives.
