The beauty products we reach for each morning often feel effortless. A serum becomes part of a routine, a moisturiser earns a permanent place on the bathroom shelf, and a new formula quietly finds its way into everyday life. Behind each launch, however, sits years of development, collaboration and careful decision-making long before it ever reaches the consumer.
Few people understand that process better than Mayan El Menshawy. Working at the intersection of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, she has built a career helping brands transform ideas into products, balancing scientific precision with an instinct for what people genuinely want from beauty. As she prepares to launch a brand of her own, that perspective has become more personal than ever.
As part of our Step Into My Office series, ELLE sits down with El Menshawy to discuss confidence, business, and why respect remains the one principle she refuses to compromise on.
WHO IS MAYAN EL MENSHAWY?
As Business Development at Manapharma, El Menshawy works closely with local brands and manufacturers, overseeing everything from product development and formulation to bringing new skincare and haircare launches to market.
The role places her at the centre of an industry where science, innovation and creativity intersect, giving her a front-row seat to the evolving beauty landscape in Egypt.
Now, she’s preparing for a new chapter of her own, with the launch of My.Routine later this year.
Growing up within a family business gave El Menshawy an early understanding of what it takes to build something that lasts. Rather than relying solely on legacy, however, she chose to forge her own path before returning with a broader perspective, an experience that would ultimately shape both her leadership style and entrepreneurial ambitions – inspiring her to create a brand of her own.
WHAT DOES DRESSING POWERFULLY MEAN TO YOU?
For El Menshawy, confidence begins long before the outfit.
“My father always tells me that clothes don’t make the person; it’s the person wearing them who gives them meaning,” she says. It’s a philosophy that has stayed with her throughout her career.
Rather than dressing for trends or expectations, she believes “dressing powerfully is about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.” Whether she’s in a business meeting, visiting a factory or working on her own brand, authenticity is what ultimately leaves the strongest impression.
FOUNDATIONS BEFORE GROWTH
Ask El Menshawy what creates a successful business, and her answer has little to do with rapid growth or financial milestones.
“Beyond strategy and financial success, I learned that strong businesses are built on values,” she explains. Integrity, resilience, consistency and treating people with respect have shaped her family’s business for decades, principles that continue to guide her today.
“Markets change, industries evolve, and challenges are inevitable, but when your foundation is built on trust and strong values, you can navigate almost anything.”
WHAT’S A CALL THAT YOU MADE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING?
One of the defining decisions of El Menshawy’s career was choosing to work outside the family business before eventually returning.
“Working independently gave me the opportunity to develop my own perspective, gain valuable experience, and build confidence in my abilities outside the family legacy,” she says. Returning with that experience gave her a renewed appreciation for what had already been built, while simultaneously introducing her to an unexpected passion.
Through her work in the personal care industry, she became increasingly fascinated by the science, creativity and innovation behind beauty products. “What began as professional exposure gradually evolved into a personal passion,” she says, eventually inspiring her to launch My.Routine.
Looking back, the experience reinforced one lesson above all else: “Sometimes stepping away is what allows you to come back with a fresh perspective.”
WHAT’S YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLE IN BUSINESS?
If there’s one value that underpins every business relationship, it’s respect. “No matter the situation, I believe every successful relationship, whether with employees, customers, suppliers, or partners, starts with mutual respect,” El Menshawy says.
Business can be challenging and negotiations are rarely straightforward, but “treating people with fairness, professionalism, and empathy is something I will never compromise on.” For her, lasting businesses are ultimately built on lasting relationships.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ENTERING THE CORPORATE WORLD?
El Menshawy’s advice balances confidence with curiosity.
“Be confident enough to pursue your goals, but humble enough to accept feedback, adapt, and keep improving,” she says. She encourages young professionals not to wait until they feel completely ready, believing that growth comes from asking questions and understanding how things really work. At the same time, she reminds them not to lose sight of their own potential. “Don’t let anyone dim your light or make you doubt your potential.”
Her outlook is also grounded in patience. “What’s meant for you will find its way to you at the right time,” she says. “Trust the process, keep doing the work, and have faith that things often fall into place when you’re ready for them.”
WHAT PART OF YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE THE MOST?
Away from meetings and product launches, El Menshawy’s favourite creative outlet isn’t found inside a laboratory or a boardroom.
“Probably how much I enjoy cooking,” she laughs when asked what would surprise people most about her day-to-day life. What she enjoys even more is cooking for her husband and watching his reaction as he tries something new.
“Whether he’s genuinely impressed or simply being supportive is still up for debate,” she jokes, “but I’ll happily take the compliment either way.”
