Q: Can you share the inspiration behind starting Mamaearth?
Ghazal Alagh: The idea for Mamaearth came from a personal need. When my husband Varun and I were expecting our first child, we struggled to find toxin-free, safe baby care products in India. That’s when we realized that many parents faced the same challenge. This led us to create Mamaearth—India’s first brand with Made Safe-certified products, ensuring safety and effectiveness for both babies and parents.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges in starting and scaling Mamaearth?
Ghazal Alagh: One of the biggest challenges was building consumer trust in a new brand. The personal care industry in India is dominated by well-established players, so we had to educate customers on why toxin-free, natural products were better. Additionally, as a digital-first brand, scaling through e-commerce required us to focus heavily on product quality, customer engagement, and marketing. Thankfully, our strong community of parents helped spread the word, and the trust they placed in us enabled our rapid growth.
Q: How do you differentiate Mamaearth from other skincare and personal care brands?
Ghazal Alagh: Mamaearth is built on three pillars—safe, natural, and sustainable. Our products are dermatologically tested, toxin-free, and Made Safe-certified, which sets us apart. Additionally, we have a “Plant Goodness” initiative, where we plant a tree for every order placed. Our customer-first approach, transparency in ingredient sourcing, and commitment to sustainability make us unique in the market.
Q: As a female entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced in your journey?
Ghazal Alagh: While the startup ecosystem is evolving, challenges for women entrepreneurs still exist, whether it’s balancing work and family or breaking stereotypes in the business world. Initially, people questioned whether I could lead a company while being a mother, but I turned that into my strength. My advice to women entrepreneurs is to believe in themselves, be persistent, and surround themselves with the right support system.
Q: Mamaearth started as a baby care brand but has expanded into skincare, haircare, and beauty. What’s next for the company?
Ghazal Alagh: Our goal has always been to provide toxin-free and safe personal care products for the entire family. We’ve successfully expanded into skincare, haircare, and beauty, and we plan to continue launching innovative, natural products. We’re also focused on expanding offline retail presence and reaching more consumers across different cities and towns in India.
Q: How important is digital marketing and social media in Mamaearth’s success?
Ghazal Alagh: Digital marketing and social media have played a crucial role in Mamaearth’s growth. As a digital-first brand, we leveraged influencer marketing, social media engagement, and performance marketing to create brand awareness and build trust. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even WhatsApp marketing have helped us connect directly with consumers and address their needs in real time.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who want to start their own business?
Ghazal Alagh: My biggest advice is to start! There will always be doubts, challenges, and reasons to delay, but the sooner you take action, the faster you’ll learn and grow. Surround yourself with the right people, focus on solving a real problem, and be resilient. For women, don’t let societal norms or stereotypes define your potential—your passion and hard work will speak for itself.
Q: What role does innovation play at Mamaearth?
Ghazal Alagh: Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s formulating toxin-free products, introducing sustainable packaging, or implementing AI-driven customer insights, we constantly strive to improve. We listen to our consumers and develop products based on their needs, ensuring that every product is safe, effective, and aligned with current trends.
Q: Mamaearth is known for being a sustainable brand. What are some of the sustainability initiatives you’re most proud of?
Ghazal Alagh: One of our proudest initiatives is our “Plant Goodness” program, where we plant a tree for every order placed. We have already planted over 3 lakh trees as part of this initiative. We are also focused on plastic neutrality, meaning we recycle more plastic than we consume. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a responsibility we take seriously.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?
Ghazal Alagh: The most rewarding part is seeing how Mamaearth has impacted people’s lives. Whether it’s a mother feeling confident about using our products on her child or a customer finding a skincare solution that truly works, these stories keep us motivated. Building a brand that people trust and love is the greatest fulfillment for me.
