Meet Mira Kulkarni, founder of Forest Essentials – Know about her journey, Rs 1,290 crore net worth, and struggles

Apr 25, 2024 Anita Santosh

[{"selector":"#anim-79a9822f-48fd-459c-8ebc-a34e7aafdb05 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Mira Kulkarni, the visionary founder and CMD of Forest Essentials, a renowned natural cosmetics brand in India, specializing in Ayurvedic formulations.

[{"selector":"#anim-a8ad6f8c-5f46-4d33-a581-244da94cd80e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Mira’s saga of resilience began amidst turbulent circumstances. Married at the tender age of 20, she soon found herself navigating the challenges of a failing marriage overshadowed by alcoholism.

[{"selector":"#anim-9644fae0-16e0-4e42-ab53-dfa5aa70f272 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] At the age of 45, with her daughter married and independent, Mira found solace and purpose in crafting candles and handmade soaps.

[{"selector":"#anim-568a59a0-0dca-404f-aba1-4d23d47933a0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] This newfound passion ignited the spark of entrepreneurship within her, leading her to lay the foundation for Forest Essentials in the year 2000.

[{"selector":"#anim-27670c33-4cce-4945-9218-0a088952ab32 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Today, Forest Essentials stands as a testament to Mira’s unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial prowess. With over 110 stores spanning 28 cities in India and select international locations, her brand has garnered widespread acclaim and patronage.

[{"selector":"#anim-52b55882-852b-4823-82d2-af0558d557c5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Catering to a discerning clientele that includes prestigious hotel chains such as Taj and Hyatt, as well as luxury spas worldwide, Forest Essentials has achieved commendable financial success, boasting revenues of Rs 253 crores in FY20 and Rs 210 crores in FY21. Learn more