A Natural Transition: Namrata Agarwal’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Namrata Agarwal’s story is a classic example of turning a personal challenge into a business opportunity. Born in Calcutta and raised in Jamshedpur, Namrata pursued a Bachelor of Commerce from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, and later became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA. She began her career as an accountant at Deloitte, where she enjoyed the work and its perks but felt a deeper calling was going unfulfilled.
The turning point in her career came from an unexpected personal challenge. While working in Hyderabad, Namrata developed a skin rash caused by the extreme temperature differences between the hot outdoor environment and her air-conditioned office. This issue led her to explore alternative skincare solutions, steering her towards natural ingredients. Experimentation with coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils not only alleviated her skin problems but also sparked an idea. Encouraged by the effectiveness of her homemade remedies and positive feedback from friends and family, Namrata decided to explore the natural skincare market.
She spent over a year researching, testing, and securing the necessary certifications to launch her own brand, “Vishisht”. In May 2018, her efforts came to fruition with the launch of her skincare line, which focused on natural, eco-friendly products. The initial phase of her business was thrilling; she was involved in every aspect, from product development to marketing. However, she soon encountered the challenge of educating the market on the benefits of natural skincare. At the time, awareness about eco-friendly products was limited, and it was difficult to convince consumers as many were reluctant to pay a premium for products they were unfamiliar with.
Despite these obstacles, Namrata persisted. She utilized multiple sales channels, including her own online platform, various marketplaces, and local stores, to distribute her products. Eventually, Namrata’s dedication to her vision paid off as more people began to appreciate the quality and benefits of Vishisht products.
Vishisht’s range includes items such as hair serum, lip scrub, dry shampoo, night cream, and lip balm, all made from 100% natural ingredients like cold-pressed pure coconut oil, shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, and pure essential oils. The brand quickly gained popularity, with products like dry shampoo becoming bestsellers and frequently selling out.
Manufacturing was outsourced to a partner who produced the items according to Vishisht’s custom formulations. This partnership allowed Namrata to maintain quality control while focusing on expanding her product line and scaling the business. Her partnership with Pracol expanded her reach, which was another significant step that helped her tap into a broader market and gain valuable exposure.
Today, Namrata looks back on her journey with pride. The positive feedback from customers, who often tell her how much her products have helped them, reaffirms her belief in her business model and mission. This customer satisfaction drives her passion and motivates her to continue innovating and expanding her product line.
Namrata plans to introduce new products such as soaps, shampoos, face masks, and scrubs. She is also exploring opportunities to enter international markets, hoping to bring her natural skincare solutions to a global audience. These expansion plans reflect her ambition not only to grow her business but also to promote natural skincare worldwide.
Namrata’s team, though small, plays a crucial role in her operations. She employs a few women who assist with packing and operations, reflecting her commitment to empowering women in the workforce. Looking ahead, keeping a dedicated and efficient team remains a priority.
As she stands in her small workshop, surrounded by the natural scents of her ingredients, Namrata knows she made the right choice. From feeling out of place in the cold corporate environment to thriving in a green, fragrant world of her own making, she has crafted a life that feels profoundly hers. Her story is about following one’s passion and transforming personal challenges into opportunities. Her commitment to natural, eco-friendly skincare continues to drive her business forward, aiming to make a significant impact in the beauty industry.
To check out her products, please visit: https://pracol.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Vishisht
-Staff Reporter
