In a world where success stories often come with privilege, Mira Kulkarni's journey stands out as a tale of resilience, reinvention, and self-made triumph. As the founder and Chairperson of Forest Essentials, a leading luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand in India, Mira carved a path that inspires not just women but anyone dreaming of creating something meaningful against all odds.
Mira’s early life was marked by personal challenges. Married at the young age of 20, she found herself in a difficult relationship plagued by alcoholism. Choosing her peace and her children’s future, she made the courageous decision to separate from her husband and return to her parents’ home. However, life dealt her another blow — she lost both her parents by the time she was 28. Left to raise her two children as a single mother, Mira’s early adulthood was anything but easy.
For years, she focused entirely on her family. But when her daughter got married and her son became independent, Mira decided it was time to focus on herself. At the age of 45, she started experimenting with handcrafting candles and soaps at home. What began as a personal hobby soon sparked the beginning of something much bigger.
Back in 2000, with just ₹2 lakhs and a vision rooted in ancient wisdom, Mira set out on an ambitious journey. Alongside a small team of two, she transformed a humble garage into the birthplace of Forest Essentials. Blending her deep passion for Ayurveda with an unwavering focus on authenticity and premium quality, she laid the foundation for what would become one of India’s most iconic luxury skincare brands. She began sourcing fresh, natural ingredients from the Tehri Garhwal region in Uttarakhand and focused on blending traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with a modern luxury experience.
Forest Essentials quickly stood out in a crowded market. The brand emphasized purity, handmade processes, and the ancient science of Ayurveda, presented in premium packaging that appealed to modern consumers. Mira’s clear vision and high standards attracted a niche, loyal customer base.
Today, Forest Essentials has grown into a luxury skincare empire. The brand operates over 110 stores across 28 cities in India, and it has made its presence felt in international markets too. Its products are used in top hospitality chains like The Taj and Hyatt, and also feature in luxury wellness spas around the world. Forest Essentials has shown steady financial growth over the years. In FY2020, the company earned ₹253 crore in revenue, followed by ₹210 crore in FY2021—proving its resilience even during tough times.
Mira Kulkarni, the founder, has become a prominent name among Indian women entrepreneurs. She was featured on the Kotak Wealth Hurun – Leading Wealthy Women 2020 list, with an estimated net worth of ₹1,290 crore. Her impact on the business world has also been highlighted by Fortune Magazine, which has named her one of India’s Most Powerful Women in Business multiple times. Despite her success, Mira stays true to the values behind her brand—authenticity, high quality, and a deep respect for Indian heritage.
What sets Mira apart is not just her business acumen, but her story — proof that age, personal setbacks, or limited capital need not hold back ambition. Starting a business at 45, without any formal background in cosmetics or entrepreneurship, she built a globally respected brand through sheer determination and belief in her vision.
"Mira Kulkarni’s journey goes beyond building a successful business — it’s a powerful testament to the fact that it’s never too late to chase your aspirations. Her story shows how challenges can often lay the groundwork for the greatest achievements."