In the fast-paced world of fashion and beauty, few names stand out as boldly as Mina Salman. At 41, Mina is not just the founder of Bagallery, one of Pakistan’s leading e-commerce platforms, but a visionary who has redefined how fashion and beauty are perceived in the digital age. Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering belief in her vision. In this exclusive interview, Mina shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, the philosophy behind her brand, and her thoughts on beauty, self-care, and success.
Q: What’s the story behind Bagallery’s name, and what does it represent?
Mina Salman: Bagallery started with the simple idea of selling bags, which inspired the name. As we grew, we expanded into makeup, fashion, beauty products, and more. The name resonated with our audience, so we kept it. It represents our journey from a niche to a versatile lifestyle brand.
Q: What’s the most significant risk you’ve taken as an entrepreneur, and was it worth it?
Mina Salman: The biggest risk I took was bootstrapping Bagallery, pouring all my life savings into the business to ensure it operated smoothly. It was a leap of faith, but I believed in my vision. Looking back, it was absolutely worth it. Sometimes you have to take bold risks to achieve great things.
Q: Can you share a personal experience where you faced a significant challenge, and how did you overcome it?
Mina Salman: Every day brings its own set of challenges, and being an entrepreneur means constantly navigating them. I’ve learned to face each obstacle head-on, staying resilient and focusing on the bigger picture, which helps me overcome even the toughest days.
Q: What’s your philosophy on beauty, and how does Bagallery embody that?
Mina Salman: I believe in embracing individuality and creating a personalized routine that celebrates your unique beauty. At Bagallery, we help women discover products that suit their needs, empowering them to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Mina Salman: The most important lesson is to never give up on your dreams. Success isn’t instant it requires relentless hard work and perseverance. If you stay committed and keep pushing forward, the results will eventually follow.
Q: How do you prioritize self-care and wellness as a busy entrepreneur?
Mina Salman: Self-care is a priority for me. I believe in maintaining a balance between work and personal well-being. I’m passionate about skincare and fitness, working out six days a week to stay energized and focused. It’s essential to take care of yourself to keep everything else from falling apart.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self when you first started Bagallery?
Mina Salman: I’d tell my younger self to be fearless and confident. Don’t be afraid to take risks or pursue your passion. Strength and determination are key trust yourself and go after what you want.
Q: If you could create a limited-edition product line inspired by your favorite travel destination, where would it be, and what would be the star product?
Mina Salman: We’ve already launched a limited-edition line called “Vibe” under Bagallery fashion, but if I had to choose a travel-inspired collection, it would be based on Greece, my favorite destination. The star product would likely be something that captures the essence of Greek beauty and style.
Q: How does Bagallery’s Pakistani heritage influence its fashion and beauty offerings?
Mina Salman: Bagallery is deeply rooted in Pakistani culture, and we’re proud to support local brands and beauty entrepreneurs. We collaborate with Pakistani influencers and offer traditional products like kurtas, blending our rich heritage with contemporary fashion.