Mira Kulkarni has a radiance about her. The founder and CMD of Forest Essentials spoke to t2 about the latest launches, the brand turning 25, her leadership icons and what keeps her glowing.

Congratulations on the journey so far! How do you look back?

Thank you. It takes me back to the opening of our first store in Khan Market and realising the actual potential of the business. I think if I reflect on what could possibly be the biggest achievement is the fact that we created a completely new segment in the market. There were no high-quality premium Ayurvedic skincare products in 2000, and the perception was that the ones that were available, were mass-produced and of poor quality. Forest Essentials started the first luxury Ayurveda range of products in India.

Can you tell us how it all began?

Forest Essentials was inspired by a passion for Ayurveda to create products that are deeply entrenched in tradition while being enhanced by innovation, just the way Ayurveda was always intended to be. A first of its kind, Forest Essentials appeared as a trailblazer in 2000, merging traditional Ayurvedic practices with luxury aesthetics. The vision was to create a brand that not only celebrated India’s rich heritage of natural skincare but also delivered tangible, effective results. Forest Essentials exemplified innovation and creativity by transforming ancient principles into a modern, upscale experience.

What is the USP, you would say?

The USP of Forest Essentials really is its purity and authenticity. If you keep that as a cornerstone as you add to any range, it permeates through and sets you apart.

The brand follows the fundamental principle of pure, fresh, seasonal and sensorial. Each product adheres to the highest standards of purity, authenticity, and quality. From raw cane sugar to our steam-distilled pure oils, everything is made in the traditionally old-fashioned way, according to ancient tenets. We have been able to channel the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda into products that are practical, trusted and subsequently essential to the modern consumer.

What have been your star products?

We ensure for all our products to have some unique properties. However, some star products include the iconic Soundarya Radiance Cream and the Transformative Soundarya Night Cream that are infused with pure 24-carat gold, potent Ayurvedic ingredients and high-performance actives to firm, illuminate, and smoothen the skin. Our body massage oils and body polishers continue to be indulgent staples that consumers have been buying for years. And our Bhringraj Head Massage Oil is a cult favourite that acts as a wonderful elixir of potent Ayurvedic herbs, treating hair fall and regrowth while providing a multitude of benefits.

What can you tell us about your new launches?

The launch of both the Varuna Exceptional Repair Serum and Samsara Miraculous Glow Booster stems from our commitment to combining Ayurveda’s traditional formulas with the latest in skincare technology. Inspired by Ayurvedic principles with a futuristic approach, the two synergistic serums are designed to transform skincare routines from dusk to dawn. Both serums are meticulously crafted using a Fermented Age-Defying Blend (Fermented Vyasthapana Firming Complex) and a Fermented Hydration Blend (Fermented Twachya Hydrating Complex), enhanced by the innovative Nano Conjugation Technology that elevates the potency of traditional Ayurvedic preparations including the Shat Dhaut Ghrit process, utilising organic ghee and plant oil fats.

The Varuna Exceptional Repair Night Serum and Samsara Glow Boosting Day Serum deliver transformative skincare benefits for smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. The Night Serum smoothens the skin quickly, with noticeable results within 24 hours, while also reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It absorbs nanoparticles of these actives overnight to enhance skin elasticity and firmness. The Day Serum amplifies and plumps the nanoparticles in the skin for deep hydration and an instant glow by giving the skin a fuller, more supple appearance. By integrating scientifically advanced actives with potent Ayurvedic herbs, we have created a formulation that offers unparalleled efficacy while remaining grounded in ancient holistic beauty.

With so many skincare brands in the market now in the segment of nature-based brands, what is your take on competition?

Amidst a surge of beauty brands, Forest Essentials remains apart through a seamless blend of tradition, quality, and a holistic beauty ethos. Our difference remains in the fact that we have been the original luxury Ayurveda brand to bring in a revolutionary change in the marketplace. Our conceptualisation and execution of luxury Ayurveda have truly set us apart in the Ayurvedic beauty space. I think just maintaining the integrity of our products and not looking at so-called competition has been the best policy for us.

What is your personal wellness routine like?

My morning routine includes half an hour of yoga, and I try and fit in a massage a couple of times a week. One of my favourite self-care rituals is the Radiance Facial. I use our Tejasvi Ghee Cream to massage into the face and neck for as long as possible. Then steam the face using a hot towel and wipe off any residue. Finally, use an ice cube to ice the face — instant radiance! It’s not done as often as I would like but I’m trying to be more regular with it.

Cooking and trying out new recipes are also my greatest go-to for de-stressing and I am passionate about gardening and growing plants, which are everywhere inside and outside the house.

What has been your leadership mantra?

Good leaders create new leaders. Part of leadership is choosing the right people for the job and then helping those people develop their own skills. A great leader can recognise leadership traits even in the most junior members of the team. There are many traits that lend to being a good leader but if I had to narrow down three, I think integrity, empathy and decision-making would be priority for me.

Who are your favourite women leaders?

I have always admired Indra Nooyi for her ability to balance strategy with empathy and resilience. Mrs Estée Lauder, a visionary entrepreneur who challenged the status quo at that time and proved that anything was possible. Their journeys highlight the importance of staying true to your beliefs while navigating the complexities of the business world.

What are your plans for the 25th year of Forest Essentials?

One of the highlights is of course the recent launch of our High-Performance Night and Day Filler Serums, which represent our commitment to innovation, authenticity, and the seamless blending of time-honoured traditions with the advancements of modern skincare. We will also continue to expand our presence both in India and internationally, along with adding new products to our portfolio that cater to growing consumer preferences, while balancing tradition and modernity.