Meet Sai Menon | Founder of Anoma

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sai Menon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sai, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I hail from India but was raised in Oman. This question has always left me in a state of contemplation, as my roots are deeply embedded in India, and I experienced a predominantly Indian upbringing, yet I spent my formative years in Oman. It was during my pursuit of higher education in the United States that I began to question my true identity and sense of origin.

My upbringing was marked by a strong sense of support and encouragement. I had the privilege of growing up with an older sister who is autistic, and at a very young age, I witnessed the cruelty and judgment that people can exhibit. This early exposure shaped my perspective and instilled in me a profound sense of empathy. I could perceive the stark differences in how life unfolded for my sister and me, which contributed to my awareness of the advantages I enjoyed.
Thanks to my parents, I was shielded from gender bias until I entered college. It was there that I became aware of the disparities that exist in the world. Their egalitarian outlook helped me understand that one’s gender should never be a hindrance to their capabilities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Anoma was born out of my frustration with the difficulty of finding the right skincare and makeup products that suited my needs without an extensive and often frustrating search, as well as the trial-and-error process. Despite the abundance of brands in the beauty industry, products are frequently not categorized by skin type and tone, which, in my opinion, lies at the root of various issues in the industry, such as inclusivity and wastage. At Anoma, we’ve taken a different approach by meticulously curating every product category to cater to diverse user bases. This approach simplifies the shopping experience for consumers and allows minimalists to build their ideal capsule collection.

While we are just starting, we anticipate substantial growth and the formation of valuable partnerships in the upcoming year. Building a business is far from easy; I’ve encountered numerous setbacks, and as a solo founder, personal life factors in significantly. Through it all, persistence and unwavering determination have been the differentiating factors that separate those who give up from those who push through.
One major lesson I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding oneself with positive, like-minded individuals who offer support and encouragement, helping you move forward. Anoma is more than just a brand; it’s a supportive community that seeks to reshape how the beauty industry perceives beauty and beauty standards. Our mission is to make beauty product shopping accessible and hassle-free for everyone. We invite you to support us, follow our journey, and reach out with any beauty-related concerns you may have. We’re here to help and make a difference in the beauty industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Morning: Begin your day with a short hike to the Hollywood Hills summit, either via the Griffith Park Hollywood Sign Trail or the Mount Hollywood Trail.

Brunch: Enjoy a delightful brunch at Perch LA, one of my go-to spots for relaxation and great food.

Afternoon: Head over to The Grove for some shopping and a leisurely hangout.

Coffee Break: For a cozy and productive coffee break, Verve Coffee Roasters on Melrose Avenue is a personal favorite. It’s a fantastic place to work, read, and unwind.

Evening: Conclude your day with a visit to Catch LA, a popular spot for a memorable evening.

If you’re looking for more activities, consider a visit to Bitter Root Pottery, a charming place worth exploring. Outdoor movie screenings can be a fantastic choice, and don’t forget to check out the nearby beaches. Malibu is my personal favorite, but it depends on your preferred vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. My parents gave me the strength, resilience, and confidence to be unapologetically who I am, and my husband who supported my every choice and stood by me through all the ups and downs.

Website: https://anomabeauty.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anomaskin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sai-menon/

Image Credits
All the images are mine and there won’t be any issues.