Falguni Nayar: The Face Of Nykaa

For Nykaa founder Falguni Nayar, entrepreneurship has always been a natural calling. She may have founded the premier online beauty and wellness destination in 2012, but having spent a bulk of her career (about 18 years) at Kotak Mahindra Capital where she was the managing director and head of institutional equities business, she has seen several businesses survive and die.

"I have always been an entrepreneur first," she was quoted saying in an earlier media interview. Today, Nykaa has emerged as the largest beauty destination in India with half a million customers depending on it not just for their favourite brands but also for advice, updates, expert tips and videos on how to look and feel gorgeous always. At an investment banker, Nayar took care of mergers and acquisitions in Kotak Mahindra Capital. She also established its international operations in London and New York, which were almost 'close to entrepreneurial experience'. Prior to Kotak Mahindra Capital, Nayar worked as a consultant with A. F. Ferguson & Co. 

Beauty is a business here to stay. As per report published by KPMG, the beauty industry is expected to touch a market value of 80,000 crore by 2017-2018. The report further stated that the industry is expected to grow at 15%-20% which is more than that of the US or European markets growth rates.

Nykaa has around 850 curated, well priced and genuine brands with over 1 lakh products. It offers a comprehensive selection of makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrances, bath and body, luxury and wellness products for women and men. "We aim to please, going to the farthest corners of the country to reach you," says its website. In 2015, Nykaa moved from being a pure play online venture to establishing an offline presence, with the opening of five Nykaa Luxe stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. It has also a physical store in New Delhi's international airport.

Nayar was born and raised in Mumbai. After graduating from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Nayar acquired a Master's degree in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Paramita Chatterjee

BW Reporters Over 14 years in journalism, I cover corporate sectors and write on M&A, private equity, venture capital and healthcare. I also play the role of an editorial lead for proprietary events like BW Healthcare Awards and BW Young Entrepreneur Awards. I am also a guest faculty at The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Dhenkenal). Prior to BW Businessworld, I have had stints with Forbes India, The Economic Times, India Today and The Indian Express. When not working, I love travelling and discovering new places - soaking in new culture, food and people. I also like to spend time with my fawn Labrador.