Unforgotten Brands: Forest Essentials
𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬
Mira Kulkarni’s story is a testament to the idea that strength often emerges from life’s most significant challenges.
Married at 20, Mira soon found herself in a failing relationship marred by alcoholism. With resilience and hope, she made the difficult choice to separate, returning to her parental home with her two young children. But by the age of 28, she faced a double tragedy, losing both her parents. Alone and with limited financial resources, she rented out part of her home and sought ways to support her family.
It was during a summer holiday in 1999 that inspiration struck unexpectedly. At 45, with her children growing independent, when the power repeatedly failed, Mira and her family began melting and remoulding candles in the garage. What started as a survival tactic evolved into a passion—and that passion eventually gave rise to Forest Essentials.
✅The Foundation
A deep belief in Ayurveda, rooted in her upbringing, guided her search for pure ingredients and authentic formulations.
She sought the help of Ayurvedic vaids and experts from Rishikesh, sourcing cold-pressed oils, ghee, and herbs from the Tehri Garhwal region.
Building a brand rooted in Ayurveda at a time when it was not yet associated with luxury required Kulkarni to break new ground. She faced scepticism from suppliers who doubted the viability of her products in a market dominated by synthetic and chemical-based cosmetics.
However, Kulkarni’s belief in the potential of her products never wavered. “If I were to buy it, I think there would be many people who would do the same,” she confidently asserted.
The early years of Forest Essentials were a labour of love. The process of sourcing and creating high-quality ingredients was both time-consuming and labour-intensive.
Kulkarni credits the success of her brand to the inclusive culture she fostered, where every member of the team, from employees to suppliers, felt a sense of ownership. The collective effort that propelled the brand forward.
In 2000, with just Rs. 2 lakhs and two employees, Mira launched Forest Essentials. Her first product—a handmade Ayurvedic soap—was a reflection of purity and elegance. She believed, “If you cannot eat it, do not put it on your skin.”
✅The Naming
The name Forest Essentials itself has an interesting origin. It was suggested by Kiran Nadar, a friend of Kulkarni’s, who came across the term in the United States. The name perfectly encapsulated the essence of the brand—a blend of nature’s finest offerings, crafted into products that are as luxurious as they are effective.
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