Introducing today's #ForteFemale the talented and innovative founder of Fable & Mane an ayurvedic-inspired haircare brand, Nikita Mehta. She is an investor and board member of Jean Patou and LVMH and is currently writing a book of fables on her experience with building fragrances. Nikita co-executive-produced the Netflix documentary film, ‘Game Changers’ and today is supporting her passion for animal welfare after launching the BC Mehta Trust in memory of her grandfather. From building mobile education units and animal hospitals for stray dogs to solar-panelled water wells for wildlife, this enterprise illustrates Nikita’s genuine and enduring passion for supporting a sustainable planet.
What have you been doing differently in this lockdown?
This lockdown I have had a surge of creative inspiration. I am much more focused, vision boarding, creating and happy. I am deepening my meditation practices and self-care rituals which allows me to be more present and accept our current situation, so on the whole I feel much stronger than earlier this year and investing in healing and moving my body.
Which place would you travel to now, if you could?
Namibia, the wild to visit the Cheetahs, which may be a reality very soon :)
What's the first restaurant you're going to go to after the quarantine?
The Home Marylebone a new wellness cafe and I have booked Japanese at the new Nobu Hotel to celebrate my mother’s birthday in December.
What is your favourite spa or wellness space?
Ananda in the Himalayas, Chiva Som Thailand and Schloss Elmau heated pool and sauna. I love nature and especially find mountains very healing.
What is the first treatment you're going to do after lockdown?
A haircut at Paul Edmonds London with an Indian head massage.
What are you doing/using to stay physically active and mentally well at the moment?
I am journaling every night, I recommend The Untethered Soul Journal by Michael Singer on the importance of letting go. I bought a copper pyramid which I am finding really deepens my meditation practice and physically a lot of shaking - there is so much grace through release! Yoga and Pilates are improving my Tired Zoom Eyes and tech posture! All devices go on flight mode post 9pm and away from my bed.
What helps you get to sleep if you are wired but tired?
I take Ashwagandha and tulsi supplement before bed with water charged from The Fable & Mane copper bottle (no more plastic), a great adaptogen that helps the body build resilience to stress, and I read or listen to a spiritual discourse. I find sensorial experiences help calm the mind, so I burn some palo santo or incense and keep a Himalayan salt lamp next to beside.
What is your skincare regime during the lock-down (morning and evening)?
In the morning, I use a cream-based cleanser with a muslin cloth followed by Maracuja Oil and Aloe Vera Gel on my face, I also enjoy using the Irene Forte Aloe Vera Face Cream. It’s super nourishing, soothing and brightens my dry skin.
At night, I spray Rose de Mai water on my face and scalp and gua-sha around my jaw to release tension. I use a saffron-based moisturiser from India which softens and hydrates.
Do you have one evening or more a week where you spend time masking/pampering? What do you do?
Every Saturday night, I oil my hair using the Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil with a head massage before sleeping. It’s my hair self-care and moment of relaxation. I leave it in overnight, with braided hair and sleep on a bamboo silk pillow and then in the morning give it a good rinse before shampooing with the Fable & Mane HoliRoots Shampoo. Sunday morning is for face masks - I make my own Ubtan which is an ayurvedic recipe to give a healthy skin glow, mixing turmeric, chickpea flower, saffron and almond milk or yoghurt. It works wonders!
What is the best beauty/skin advice you've ever been given?
Less is more! My grandma said a smile is your best accessory, drink water, eat well and be happy and your skin will reflect your glow from within! Beauty is not a label, it is a state of being.
What's your favourite?
Book:
Documentary:
The Gamechangers on Netflix
Skincare product:
Anything with rose, I love the Irene Forte Rose Face Oil
