This month is Diwali, a worldwide festival celebrating the bravery of the South Asian deity King Rama for defeating the evil Ravana. This festival sparked in us curiosity about what it means to be brave. Bravery in its most obvious form is dramatic and outward, like fighting in a war or speaking truth to power. But there are subtler, more nuanced forms of modern bravery that are just as inspiring and instructive.

Nikita Charuza embodies modern bravery. She left a comfortable and influential role as a fashion and beauty editor to start her own company, Squigs Beauty, which is trailblazing in the beauty industry for being the first and only South Asian-inspired brand chosen for Ulta Beauty's MUSE Accelerator Program. Nikita started her business all while becoming a first time mother to a sweet little girl.  Her daughter celebrated her first Diwali last year and reveled in the magic of a home full of diyas and the melodies of uplifting poojas.

Array’s very reason for existence is to applaud the accomplishments – the big, the small, the personal – of women everywhere. So, we’re thrilled to be interviewing Nikita for this month’s Reveler’s series.  Nikita is not only navigating her role as new mother and first-time founder but also doing it with optimism and gratitude.

Read more about Nikita.

What does revelry mean to you?

Gratitude and happiness. I'm grateful for my loved ones constantly supporting me even as I started my own journey leaving my position as an editor and entering the world of entrepreneurship as the founder of Squigs Beauty.

What’s an accomplishment – big, small, or personal – that you reveled in recently?

This is a two parter. For my personal life - it was such an accomplishment when my daughter recently turned one year old. Being a new mom and starting a business at the same time is no easy feat and seeing my little girl with a big smile surrounded by loved ones on her birthday made my heart soar.  Professionally - I'm so proud that Squigs Beauty was chosen as the first and only South Asian-inspired brand for Ulta Beauty's MUSE Accelerator Program. It was an absolute dream come true to have been chosen for this incredible opportunity, especially six months after launch. Getting that email saying we had been accepted was a moment I'll truly never forget and made all of those late nights and years of work feel like they paid off.

Who or what inspires you to revel?

Being surrounded by the ones I love, especially my husband.  His unwavering support has gotten me through the tough growing pains of building a brand.  He has continuously pushed me to follow my dreams no matter how outlandish they may seem and that has fueled me to keep going and even enjoy my journey – every win and moment has been even more memorable and impactful because he’s by my side, cheering me on.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women on how to live with meaning and in revelry?

It's cliche as heck but follow your dreams. That little idea you've been thinking about for years could lead you down a wonderful path of happiness because you are finally doing what YOU love. It's so scary to follow your dreams and start something new - especially because its never the right time - but once you take that leap, it's so worth it. Also, don't forget to be kind to yourself and give yourself the space to grow and learn from your mistakes. It's so important to give yourself the leniency of just being.

How does Array help you revel in your greatest moments?

Wearing a piece of jewelry that I love always sparks joy.

What is your favorite Array piece?

Diamond Flower Studs

To learn more about Nikita, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn at @nikitacharuza.

Discover Nikita’s brand Squigs Beauty at www.squigsbeauty.com and @squiqsbeauty on all socials.