Meet The #HauteSquad: Zahra Khan

Meet The #HauteSquad: Zahra Khan

So we’ve turned 1 *yay*! And now, FINALLY, we’ve decided to introduce the geniuses behind Hauterfly… ok, we’ve decided to introduce you to the #HauteSquad! So here’s your inside track into who brings you your favourite stories and the madness that goes on at Hauterfly HQ.

*Drumroll* And finally, we introduce you to the brain and brawn behind Hauterfly. The one who germinated the seed, watered it, raised it like her own baby, and made it what it is today. In short, if not for her, there would be no Hauterfly *gasp*. Ladies and gentleman, we introduce you to the craziest, funnest, coolest member (and boss!) of our team, CEO & Editor-In-Chief, Zahra Khan.

So what exactly is it that you do?
I’m the resident Boss Lady of both Hauterfly and our soon-to-be (re)launched men’s website AskMen — look out for it on December 1st! Till a few months ago, I was looking at everything from editing all copies, to ideating on content and design, overseeing social media, doing the daily emailer, and also overseeing marketing. But now that I have a fantastic team that’s super young, enthusiastic, and proactive — I’m considering permanently staying home to #NetflixAndChill!

What were you doing before this?
I’ve been a journalist for a little over 14 years, having written about everything from crime and AIDS research (don’t ask!), to slowly shifting my focus to fashion, luxury, and lifestyle in the past decade. I was part of various publications in the Times Group — from Pune Times and Bombay Times, to HELLO! magazine, and was also part of the team that launched Times Now. Then I moved out of editorial for a bit and was part of the team that launched the luxury brands Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Bottega Veneta in India, but missed writing terribly, so I moved back to writing and creating cool content for the e-commerce startup Stylista.com.

How did you get started at Hauterfly?
I’d been wanting to start a fashion- and beauty-focussed website for many years, but never took the leap of faith because I was terrified of the non-content aspects of running a new business. It was while I was at Stylista that Samar Varma, the CEO of Fork Media, finally agreed to incubate my pet project and provide the necessary support of tech, marketing, and sales, and that’s how Hauterfly was born!

What’s your favourite part about the job?
I’m a bonafide beauty junkie, so I love trying and testing all the new products that land on our desks each week. Discovering cool new indie fashion brands, or FOMO-inducing things to shop on a daily basis are things I LOVE. What really, really motivates me to come to work everyday though is the sharp, sassy, and chic AF team that surrounds me. Hanging with them, discussing stories, ideas, eating lunch, or evening bhel puri breaks are the best parts of my day.

And the least favourite?
I HATE taking pictures. Like, really, really hate it. If I never have to be part of another #HauteSquad shoot, I’ll be ridiculously happy (sorry, B!).

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Tina Fey. She’s the coolest, wittiest, multi-hyphenate woman I’ve ever come across.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who wants a job like yours?
Read, read, read, and then read some more. Be permanently curious, ask a lot of questions, make connections, find a mentor, and always be open to learning new things. The day you think you know enough will be the death of you.

Tell us something weird about you.
I have a habit of talking to myself, especially when I’m trying to work something out in my head. My mum thinks I’m certifiably cray.

Hauterfly Staff

Your insider guide to the best in fashion, beauty and lifestyle in India. Hauterfly is shopping, simplified!

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