Ghazal Alagh - The Progress Catalyst
Ghazal Alagh, the sustainability and safety champion
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: September 2, 1988 (age 35 as of 2023)
Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Parents: Kailash Sahni, Sunita Sahni
Spouse: Varun Alagh
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, Panjab University
Intensive courses in Modern Art, Design, and Applied Arts, New York Academy of Art
Employment History:
Ghazal Alagh is an Indian entrepreneur and the co-founder of Mamaearth, a leading personal care brand known for offering toxin-free, eco-friendly, and sustainable products. She also holds the position of Chief Innovation Officer at the company, overseeing product development and innovation.
Her entrepreneurial journey began when she struggled to find safe and natural skincare products for her son, Agastya, who had skin sensitivities. This gap in the market inspired her and her husband, Varun Alagh, to launch Mamaearth in 2016. The brand introduced India’s first toxin-free, MadeSafe-certified products, rapidly gaining trust among consumers. Mamaearth is a prominent player in the Indian personal care sector, with a wide range of products, including skincare, haircare, baby care, and more.
Before her entrepreneurial career, Ghazal worked as a corporate trainer at NIIT, training professionals in software applications. This experience helped her develop leadership skills and a passion for problem-solving, which became instrumental in her success as a businesswoman.
Ghazal is also a talented artist, known for her modern and abstract artworks. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions across India and internationally, cementing her reputation as a multifaceted individual.
Ghazal Alagh, an Impact Maker
The Progress Catalyst
Impact Maker Ghazal Alagh has redefined the personal care industry in India by championing sustainability and safety. Through Mamaearth, she has not only created a range of toxin-free products but has also raised awareness about the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals in skincare. Her vision of promoting safe and eco-friendly alternatives has significantly influenced consumer choices in India.
Change Maker Ghazal’s work goes beyond business; she has become an advocate for women entrepreneurs in India. As a judge on Shark Tank India, she has inspired many aspiring business owners by providing mentorship and guidance. Her journey exemplifies resilience and innovation, empowering others to break barriers in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Progress Catalyst Through Mamaearth, Ghazal has set new benchmarks for Indian startups, demonstrating how businesses can thrive while prioritising sustainability. Her leadership has helped Mamaearth achieve certifications like PETA cruelty-free status and MadeSafe. She continues to innovate, bringing environmentally conscious and consumer-focused solutions to the market.
Achievements
Co-Founded Mamaearth (2016): Established India’s first toxin-free, eco-friendly personal care brand, now one of the fastest-growing companies in the beauty and wellness sector.
Shark Tank India Judge (2021): Featured as a judge on the Indian adaptation of the globally renowned business reality show, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.
Artistic Recognition: Recognised as one of India’s top 10 modern artists, with her work exhibited both domestically and internationally.
Awards and Honours: Named among youngest and most influential women entrepreneurs in India by several media outlets including Business World 40 under 40, Business Today's 'Most Powerful Women in Business' event, and Forbes 2022 Asia’s Power Businesswomen. Her brand Mamaearth received the Economic Times Startup Awards in 2022 for its rapid growth and innovative approach.
Environmental Advocate: Played a key role in Mamaearth’s initiatives, such as its tree-planting program, under which the company plants a tree for every order placed.
Media References
Ghazal Alagh’s life and achievements - StarsUnfolded
Ghazal’s entrepreneurial journey - YourStory
Mamaearth’s eco-conscious initiatives - Economic Times
Ghazal and Varun Alagh’s journey with Mamaearth - Forbes India
How Mamaearth disrupted the beauty business in India - The Week
An artist to a successful entrepreneur - Hindustan Times
Know about Ghazal Alagh - Tring
Image Sources