Startup Table with AJ Ep 08 | In Conversation with Beauty & Personal Care Startup Founders
Startup Table with AJ: Redefining Beauty and Personal Care Startups in India
From research and development to manufacturing and pricing, the founders reveal the complexities of creating high-quality products that resonate with consumers
The beauty and personal care industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by innovative startups that are rewriting the rules of the game. In Episode 8 of Startup Table with AJ Season 1, Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, brings together six visionary founders from this dynamic sector to explore the challenges, opportunities, and motivations shaping their entrepreneurial journeys.
This episode offers a rare glimpse into the minds behind some of India’s most promising beauty and personal care startups. From redefining skincare with global influences to revolutionizing oral care, the founders share their stories, strategies, and insights on navigating a highly competitive market.
About Startup Table with AJ
Startup Table with AJ is more than just a conversation series—it’s a platform that amplifies the voices of early-stage founders. Archana Jahagirdar launched this initiative to shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by entrepreneurs in their formative years. By fostering candid discussions, the series aims to inspire and empower founders to overcome obstacles and create meaningful impact in their industries.
Meet the Founders
This episode features a diverse lineup of founders who are transforming the beauty and personal care landscape:
- Sagar Raj, Founder of Wild Oak Naturals
- Anirudh Kastia, Founder of Put Simply
- Riddham Baahri, Founder of Viah Beauty
- Arjun Goel, Founder of Polr Care
- Reshbha Munjal, Founder of KorinMi
- Ananya Kapur, Founder of Type Beauty
Each founder brings a unique perspective and value proposition to the table, offering innovative solutions tailored to their target audiences.
Key Highlights from Episode 8
- The Founders’ Vision
The episode begins with each founder introducing their brand:
- Wild Oak Naturals (Sagar Raj): A wellness brand inspired by Ayurveda, Korean, and European skincare secrets, offering sustainable products in aluminum packaging.
- Put Simply (Anirudh Kastia): A skincare brand delivering Korean-inspired solutions for Indian skin.
- KorinMi (Reshbha Munjal): India’s first professional Korean beauty clinic offering personalized treatments using advanced technologies like Xylift and Luminex.
- Type Beauty (Ananya Kapur): A personalized skincare-infused makeup brand addressing specific skin concerns like acne and pigmentation.
- Polr Care (Arjun Goel): An oral care startup introducing innovative products like the Polr Smartbrush and Jasmine toothpaste.
- Viah Beauty (Riddham Baahri): A luxury skincare brand designed for Indian skin, tackling issues like pollution, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
- Breaking Barriers: Men in Beauty
Archana probes male founders about their motivations for entering an industry predominantly associated with women entrepreneurs. Anirudh shares that his personal struggles with skin problems sparked his interest in creating effective skincare solutions. Sagar highlights his global travels, which revealed gaps in both Indian and international skincare markets that he aims to bridge. Arjun discusses his mission to innovate oral care, an area that has seen little transformation in decades. Riddham echoes Sagar’s sentiment about addressing unmet needs in the skincare segment.
- Navigating a Competitive Landscape
The founders collectively acknowledge that while the beauty and personal care industry has low barriers to entry, it remains ripe with untapped opportunities for differentiation through innovation and personalization.
- Challenges in Product Development
From research and development to manufacturing and pricing, the founders reveal the complexities of creating high-quality products that resonate with consumers while maintaining affordability and sustainability. Reshbha emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology for customized skincare solutions tailored to Indian skin tones and conditions.
Why This Episode Matters
Episode 8 of Startup Table with AJ provides an inspiring look at how these founders are breaking new ground in one of India’s most competitive industries. Their stories highlight not only their resilience but also their commitment to addressing unmet consumer needs through innovation and creativity.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the evolving beauty landscape, this episode offers actionable insights into building scalable businesses while navigating challenges like competition, funding, and consumer expectations.