What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has revealed the winners of its Beauty & You India 2025 initiative, aimed at promoting early-stage beauty entrepreneurs in India's personal care market. The program, now in its fourth year, is conducted in partnership with Startup India and beauty retailer Nykaa. It provides winners with financial support, mentorship, and access to both local and global retail ecosystems. This year, the initiative attracted nearly 2,500 applications from over 150 cities across India, with a significant representation of female-founded and women-led businesses. The winners were selected by a panel of beauty and business leaders, including Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of ELC, Nivruti Rai, CEO of Invest India, and Anchit Nayar, executive director and CEO of Nykaa Beauty.
Why It's Important?
The Beauty & You India 2025 initiative is significant as it positions ELC at the forefront of India's rapidly evolving beauty landscape. By supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, ELC gains insights into consumer trends and innovation, while nurturing the next generation of beauty leaders. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs who will shape the future of Indian beauty both domestically and globally. Previous winners have secured venture funding, retail listings, and national media coverage, demonstrating the program's impact on the industry. The initiative also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion, with a strong focus on female-founded businesses.
What's Next?
The winners of the Beauty & You India 2025 initiative are expected to leverage the support provided to expand their businesses and innovate further in the beauty industry. As they gain access to mentorship and distribution channels, these entrepreneurs have the potential to influence consumer trends and drive growth in the personal care market. ELC and Nykaa's continued partnership may lead to more collaborative efforts to support emerging beauty brands in India. The initiative's success could inspire similar programs in other regions, fostering global innovation in the beauty sector.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative not only supports business growth but also emphasizes social impact, particularly through the Visionary Women's Award. This award celebrates female founders who are building businesses with social impact, such as Sohrai, which sources indigenous ingredients through local partnerships, creating opportunities for tribal communities and women. This focus on social responsibility highlights the ethical dimensions of the beauty industry and the potential for positive community engagement.
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