Soulflower, India’s first farm-to-face personal care brand, has taken social media by storm with a heart-warming Instagram Reel showcasing its unique workplace culture. The Reel featuring Juno, a rescued cat casually strolling across the conference room table during a meeting, completely unfazed by the on-going discussion has gone viral with over 6.3 million views, 71,000+ likes and counting, sparking a flood of job inquiries and resumes from pet lovers who want to work in such an environment. The post has captured the internet’s attention, not just for its clinically backed hair growth solutions but for its pet-friendly, cruelty-free ethos. Captioned, “Every day is CAT day at SOULFLOWER. What’s the secret sauce in our Hair Growth solutions? Every high-powered meeting is attended by cats. Are your office meetings as CATASTIC?”
The Reel has struck a chord with audiences across social media, especially animal lovers and corporate employees longing for a more compassionate and stress-free workplace. The company’s Mumbai headquarters is home to over 20 rescued cats and dogs, while it also feeds and cares for over 500 stray animals daily. As a 100% cruelty-free and PETA-approved brand, Soulflower ensures none of its products or ingredients are tested on animals, making it one of India’s most trusted natural personal care brands.
“We started Soulflower with a simple mission of being the voice of things that can’t speak, which include your hair, skin and animals. Clean beauty and cruelty-free are more than just words; they’re our daily commitments. About Juno’s viral fame? That’s just a glimpse of the magic we create when kindness meets creativity. After all, if our meetings are ‘CATastic’, imagine how magical our products are!” says Ms. Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.
The Government of Sharjah, UAE, hosted exclusive B2B meetings in Mumbai on February 13 & 14, 2025, aimed at fostering trade and investment collaborations between businesses in India and Sharjah. The high-profile delegation from Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), interacted with more than 40 individual Mumbai based companies, offering them insights into lucrative business opportunities, tax incentives, and ease of doing business in Sharjah.
The event was organised in strategic partnership with Theistic Business Consultants and We Spark Start Up Association and provided Indian entrepreneurs, exporters, and SMEs with an opportunity to explore strategic partnerships and expand their presence in global markets through Sharjah’s business-friendly ecosystem. With Mumbai being the commercial hub, the event focused on sector-specific opportunities, incentives, and investment facilitation measures available in Sharjah. The discussions highlighted India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) benefits and how businesses in Mumbai can leverage the UAE’s strategic location as a gateway to global markets.
The UAE is a global business hub, offering a diversified economy, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies, including Free Trade Zones with 0% tax rates, 100% ownership, and preferential customs benefits. Delegates were enthusiastic about doing business in Sharjah through SAIF zone and learnt about investment opportunities in UAE & the Middle East, understood benefits & incentives for foreign companies in Free Zones, discovered how Indian businesses can expand into the Middle East, Africa & Europe.
Soulflower, India’s first farm-to-face brand, is making significant strides in the hair oil market. According to the latest report released by Blinkit for October 2024, Soulflower leads the premium hair oil segment with a commanding 33 per cent of the revenue share. Hamdard and Mamaearth follow with 20 per cent and 16 per cent shares, respectively. With the premium segment contributing 16 per cent to Blinkit’s overall revenue, Soulflower’s strong performance is noteworthy. Soulflower has carved out a niche for itself amongst global giants by gaining a significant share of sales in the small packs viz. upto 250 ml segment. Additionally, Soulflower’s strong organic visibility on Blinkit, second only to Parachute, highlights its brand recognition and customer trust.
“Soulflower has always been at the forefront of innovation and our partnership with Blinkit is a testament to that. As one of the first beauty brands to embrace e-commerce, we’ve become India’s New Tel (oil) for Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha. Thanks to Blinkit, we are able to reach a large segment of our customers in just ten minutes. It brought us closer to our consumers and, enabled us to solve their hair and skin problems at the soonest possible. It’s incredibly gratifying to see our premium hair oils leading the segment on Blinkit, outperforming both established and emerging brands,” says Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.
Soulflower has secured a notable presence in high-demand regions with Delhi NCR accounting for the lion’s share of the total category revenue, followed by Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. With its widespread reach and visibility on Blinkit, Soulflower has successfully positioned itself as a preferred choice for premium hair oil consumers.
“We’re thrilled to see Soulflower emerge as a leader in the premium hair oil segment. Our commitment to using farm-fresh ingredients like rosemary, amla, onion, jasmine, tea tree, olive, and castor has resonated with consumers. It’s a testament to our dedication to providing natural, effective solutions. As a co-founder, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our vision of natural beauty come to life,” adds Ms Tuli.
Established in 2001, Soulflower has been a pioneer in driving India’s beauty and wellness revolution. The brand witnessed the transformative power of e-commerce and now, the rapid rise of quick-commerce. By embracing new channels, Soulflower has not only adapted to the changing retail landscape but has also emerged as a leader in the natural and organic beauty space.
“Soulflower has solidified its position as India’s leading brand for hair and skincare. We’re proud to be the world’s largest seller of Rosemary Essential Oil and a pioneer in the organic Farm-to-Face landscape. With over 15 million products sold and a global presence spanning India, KSA, UAE, USA, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the UK, we’ve earned the trust of millions of customers. Our growth is driven by our core values of happiness, love, gratitude, and compassion,” concludes Ms Tuli.
About Soulflower: – For Soulflower hair growth is journey and we’re in it together with you. Soulflower is one of India’s leading ECOCERT Cosmos Organic Certified, ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) Compliant & Clean Beauty brand specializing in offering efficacious & effective solutions to dandruff, hair fall, slow regrowth, uneven, dark & dull skin. Soulflower believes its products should be accessible to all, without compromising on quality, ensuring only the best products reach you.
These products are handmade with ingredients sourced from Soulflower’s own farms in Rajasthan, making #CleanBeauty and #FarmToFace a reality for its customers. Soulflower believes in utilizing traditional knowledge of sustainable farming passed on generations of local Adivasis in Rajasthan to deliver clean & effective hair growth & skin glow solutions.
Cruelty-Free and PETA approved are more than certifications; they’re the brand’s daily commitment. Soulflower’s Mumbai headquarter is home to more than 20 cats & dogs and cares for over 500 stray animals daily. Soulflower is currently present PAN India across 650+ retail outlets and e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Nykaa, Tira, Flipkart & more. It is now also available on Quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, Instamart & more helping get hair growth & skin glow essentials in minutes. Internationally, the products are available across USA, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan & the UK. When it comes to finding out what’s best for your hair & skin, Soulflower is here for you.
Mr Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director of The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa has been elected the new President of The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI. The appointment took place during the 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on 21st September, 2024, where new Office Bearers for the 2024-25 term were also appointed. In his new role, Mr Shaw will continue to lead HRAWI’s efforts in spearheading various campaigns that cover critical facets of the hospitality industry, including food safety, regulatory advocacy, talent retention and development and sustainability.
A third-generation hotelier, Mr Shaw also serves as Director of Bona Sera Hotels Ltd and Shaw Hotels & Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd. In addition to his hospitality ventures, he is also the Managing Director of ShawMan Software Pvt Ltd. and Director at IDS NEXT Business Solutions Pvt Ltd. Known for his advocacy within the industry, Mr Shaw previously held the position of Honorary Secretary of HRAWI.
“HRAWI has made significant progress, crossing many important milestones in recent years. The past committee’s leadership worked tirelessly to address member concerns and engage with the Government, facilitating swift resolutions where necessary. The Association has been proactive in addressing key challenges, from simplifying GST compliance to tackling issues like cyber-bullying and talent shortages. My goal is to continue this legacy and work in the best interest of our members and the hospitality sector as a whole. I am grateful to the Executive Committee for placing their trust in me and electing me as President,” says Mr Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.
Under Mr Jimmy Shaw’s leadership, HRAWI will continue engaging with the Government during the GST Council meetings and Union Budgets, collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and making legal interventions to address industry-wide concerns. The Association will be particularly focused on simplifying the process of obtaining licenses through its recommendations on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
“We will continue advocating the need to streamline and simplify licensing procedures to enhance the EoDB initiative and reduce administrative burdens. For the hospitality industry to thrive, a business-friendly environment with fewer complexities is essential. We will also continue to work with policymakers to bring about these much-needed reforms. Additionally, the Association will continue hosting its latest initiative – Empowering Hospitality Conclaves & Awards, which aims to bring together industry leaders, experts and stakeholders to discuss and address key issues facing the hospitality sector at regular intervals. Most importantly, going forward our focus will be on creating a greener, more eco-friendly future for our industry and our planet,” concludes Mr Shaw.
The newly appointed Office Bearers include Mr Nirav Gandhi as Senior Vice President, Mr Chetan Mehta as Vice President, Mr Pradeep Shetty as Honorary Secretary, Mr Sumit Suri as Joint Honorary Secretary and Mr Gurbir Singh Bedi as Honorary Treasurer.
Emerges As One Of India’s Largest Farm To Face Brands
This year, Soulflower achieved a record-breaking monthly production of 300,000 units using core ingredients sourced directly from organic farms, propelling the brand to become one of the largest Farm to Face beauty brands in India. The brand expects to cross the production of half million units per month by November 2024 and six million units in a year.
“Our Farm to Face concept came into being in 2021 by establishing a 9-hectare farm in Banswara, Rajasthan. Here we grow and nurture more than 1,200 trees to cultivate over 100 kilograms of herbs organically. This initiative not only supports the production of all-natural hair growth, skin care and personal care essentials but also trains and empowers local tribal women and youth about modern sustainable farming methods,” says Ms. Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.
Soulflower prides itself on transparency, ensuring that all ingredients are clearly listed on its product labels—no hidden or confusing names. As a PETA-approved brand, Soulflower is committed to cruelty-free practices, using no animal-derived ingredients and never testing on animals. The brand also prioritizes sustainability by incorporating innovative methods to use recyclable and eco-friendly materials throughout its production and packaging processes.
“This is a remarkable achievement considering that our cultivation is almost entirely driven by local farmers and ingredients are harvested in small batches to ensure maximum potency and efficacy in each of our product,” adds Ms. Tuli.
Recognized as India’s first Farm to Face beauty brand, Soulflower has revolutionized the concept of clean beauty by ensuring that the journey of its products, from raw ingredients to finished goods, is entirely transparent and sustainable. The brand’s commitment to cruelty-free and high-efficacy solutions aligns with the growing global consciousness towards ethical consumerism.
“We integrate environmental sustainability into the brand’s ethos, ensuring that Soulflower’s footprint is as gentle on the earth as it is effective on hair and skin,” concludes Ms. Tuli.
About Soulflower: – Soulflower is one of India’s leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand specializing in high-efficacy, 100% natural and certified organic, preservative-free, cruelty-free skin and hair care solutions. Since 2001, the brand has been helping people grow and glow for over 23 years. Soulflower offers a wide range of products, including hair oils, serums, masks, handmade soaps, bath salts, and essential oils. These products are handmade with ingredients sourced from Soulflower’s own farms in Rajasthan, making #CleanBeauty and #FarmToFace a reality for its customers. The brand believes in drawing inspiration from traditional and environmentally sustainable farming methods of tribal communities and transforming them into effective and result driven solutions. It provides vocational training, skill upgrading and employment opportunities to women, artisans and craftsmen, enabling them to achieve financial independence.
Cruelty-Free and PETA approved are more than certifications; they’re the brand’s daily commitment. Soulflower’s Mumbai headquarter is home to more than 20 animals and cares for over 500 stray animals daily. Soulflower is currently present PAN India across 650+ retail outlets and e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Nykaa, Tira, Purplle, FirstCry. It is now also available on Quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket which helps Soulflower reach its customers in no time. Internationally, the products are available across USA, Australia, Singapore, UAE, Japan & the UK. Join Soulflower on a journey to healthy, happy hair and skin.
Soulflower, India’s leading skin and hair care brand, recently achieved a significant milestone by serving over 5 million customers. This achievement coincided with the brand selling more than one lac pieces every month on Amazon and expanding its presence to more than 650 retail points across the country. Additionally, Soulflower has extended its market reach to over 20 online markets and seven international markets, including India.
“We were the first beauty brand to be onboarded by Amazon in India over a decade ago. Since then, the landscape has evolved significantly. The shift from physical retail outlets to e-commerce and quick-service commerce has been substantial, along with a massive transformation in customer preferences. It’s a new era, and Soulflower has not only adapted to these changes but has also taken a leading position. Today, we are not just one of the largest-selling brands; we have also emerged as one of the most trusted brands,” says Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.
“Due to rising hair and skin concerns around the world, there has been a spate of ‘me too’ brands entering the market with bold claims, inadequate efficacy, and Proof of Concept. This has created an atmosphere of cynicism and distrust. To address this, Soulflower recently launched the concept of Farm To Face Clean Beauty, where key ingredients are sourced from owned farms. It is also working on blockchain traceability that will allow customers to know exactly what they apply on themselves and have access to information like when and where the ingredients were cultivated. Soulflower is the only skin and hair brand in the country to have its own farm,” discloses Ms. Tuli.
Since its launch in 2001, Soulflower has become India’s preferred brand in the hair and skin care segment. It is the world’s largest seller of Rosemary Essential Oil and leader in the organic Farm To Face space. It has sold over 15 million products and is present in KSA, UAE, USA, Japan, Singapore, Australia and UK besides India. “Our key resources include In-house R&D and Design Capabilities; Controlled Farming & Energy efficient manufacturing; and, Compliance & Intellectual Property. But our growth is fuelled by our values that will always be focussed on happiness, love, gratitude and compassion,” concludes Ms. Natasha Tuli.
Kashish Thakur Pundir, the celebrated winner of Roadies 13, has officially launched MEC PRIMO, a premium menswear brand set to redefine the Indian fashion scene. MEC PRIMO aims to go beyond conventional menswear, offering a curated collection that embodies sophistication, style, and elegance. Kashish Thakur Pundir partnered with movie producer Priyank V Jain, renowned designer Mohit Jain (founder of Madya Pradesh’s acclaimed MEC M boutique).
At the heart of MEC PRIMO’s offerings are their first collection of designer linen cordsets, perfect for effortless summer style. These cordsets are designed with the modern man in mind, providing comfort without compromising on elegance. Made from high-quality linen, they are ideal for the warm Indian climate, allowing for both breathability and style.
For those seeking a touch of refinement, MEC PRIMO’s collection of designer men’s suits and kurtas is a testament to timeless sophistication. Each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect fit, using premium fabrics and intricate detailing. Whether for a formal event or a traditional celebration, these suits and kurtas make a statement of understated luxury.
But MEC PRIMO’s vision doesn’t stop at clothing. The brand is poised to become a comprehensive lifestyle choice for the discerning gentleman. In an exciting expansion, MEC PRIMO is set to launch a line of designer perfumes. This upcoming collection promises to offer fragrances that complement their stylish apparel, allowing customers to experience a complete premium lifestyle.
Kashish Thakur Pundir, the creative force behind MEC PRIMO, expressed his excitement about the brand’s future. “MEC PRIMO is about more than just fashion; it’s about making a statement. Our goal is to provide men with the best in style and sophistication, whether through our elegant suits or our upcoming line of perfumes.”
With a commitment to quality and a keen eye for design, MEC PRIMO is set to become a prominent name in the Indian fashion industry. Keep an eye out for their upcoming launches and be part of a brand that epitomizes elegance and style.
In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer goods, the contract manufacturing industry stands as a cornerstone, facilitating the seamless production of a myriad of products across various sectors. From cosmetics, beauty, personal care to food and beverages, contract manufacturers play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demands of consumers while ensuring efficiency and quality in production processes.
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, in particular, has witnessed a significant surge in demand over the years, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, urbanization, and the rise of e-commerce. This surge has presented lucrative opportunities for players in the contract manufacturing space, who serve as the backbone of FMCG companies by providing scalable production capabilities and specialized expertise.
Amidst this backdrop of burgeoning opportunities, industry events such as the Contract Manufacturing & Private Label Expo – being held from 15 – 17 May 2024 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India – emerge as crucial platforms for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in contract manufacturing. CMPL Expo, recognized as the premier gathering for the contract manufacturing industry, provides a credible platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to showcase their capabilities, forge partnerships, and explore business opportunities.
CMPL has played a huge role in in giving credibility to the Indian FMCG contract manufacturing industry and is India’s only platform that connects Retailers, D2C Brands, Contract Manufacturers, FMCG Brand Owners, Specialty Retailers, Pharmacy Chains, Packaging Suppliers and other industry players, and has today successfully created an ecosystem for the industry to connect and drive business opportunities for all stakeholders under one roof.
Anurag Kedia Co-Founder, Pilgrim says “CMPL is a platform to enable the entire brand-manufacturer-supplier ecosystem to come together. It not only helps forge new partnerships but also celebrates existing ones. It helps brands grow through deepening partnerships throughout the manufacturing ecosystem. We look forward to participating.”
One of the key advantages of CMPL Expo lies in its ability to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders under one roof, fostering meaningful interactions and facilitating knowledge exchange. From industry giants to emerging startups, participants at CMPL Expo represent the entire spectrum of the contract manufacturing ecosystem, creating a dynamic and vibrant environment for networking and collaboration.
Ms Naiyya Saggi, Group Co-Founder – The Good Glamm Group states “I am excited to be speaking at CMPL, Asia’s largest platform for sourcing in contract manufacturing & private label. As an Advisory Board member, it is heartening to observe firsthand the impact this Expo has on helping manufacturers reach out to a global audience. The scale at which this is done annually is also special to experience in India. This is a must-visit expo for brands to get a complete solution on finding the right partners for their end to end requirements.”
Moreover, CMPL Expo goes beyond being a mere trade show, offering a comprehensive program of seminars, workshops, and panel discussions addressing the most pressing issues and trends shaping the industry. By providing valuable insights and thought leadership, CMPL Expo empowers attendees to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the evolving demands of the market.
As per Arjun Vaidya, Co-Founder – V3 Ventures – “It’s a pleasure to be a part of an event like this bringing all stakeholders in one place. Manufacturers, marketers, brands and investors all under one roof. Can’t wait for it!”
“The CMPL event is a testament to our commitment to promoting contract manufacturing and private label businesses in India. This event brings together industry leaders, contract manufacturers, and entrepreneurs, offering them a platform to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and drive innovation. We are thrilled to welcome industry professionals from around the world to CMPL Expo,” said Vicky Menezes, Founder of CMPL Expo.
In addition to fostering business opportunities, CMPL Expo plays a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability within the contract manufacturing industry. With increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing, CMPL Expo serves as a platform for companies to showcase their commitment to sustainability initiatives and explore innovative solutions to reduce their environmental footprint.
As the contract manufacturing industry continues to evolve and expand, events like CMPL Expo will remain instrumental in driving growth, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of the industry. By providing a conducive environment for networking, learning, and business development, CMPL Expo reaffirms its position as the premier destination for stakeholders in the contract manufacturing ecosystem.
With an anticipated attendance of over 18,000 trade professionals, the 2024 CMPL edition will be held from 15-17 May at Jio, BKC and will feature over 400 exhibitors spanning the food, beauty, cosmetics, personal care, hygiene, cleaning, packaging, and other FMCG sectors. With an unparalleled lineup of exhibitors, buyers, and speakers, this year’s expo promises to be an unforgettable event. If you’re a brand owner looking to build your brand in the FMCG industry, then CMPL Expo is the place to be! Register at cmplexpo.com.
VisaBoard, the leading innovator in visa assistance solutions, has proudly announced the launch of its groundbreaking B2B portal, ushering in a new era of efficiency and effectiveness for visa consultants, overseas education providers, and travel agents worldwide. The portal was inaugurated by esteemed personalities including Sharman Joshi, Anees Bazmee, Rajat Bedi, alongside Founder Hiren Thakkar and Co-Founder Pranav Desai.
VisaBoard’s B2B platform offers SaaS / Internet based solution tailored exclusively for visa consultants, overseas education advisors, and travel agents. With a comprehensive suite of features, VisaBoard simplifies and accelerates the visa application and submission process, empowering businesses to serve their clients with unparalleled efficiency.
Founder Hiren Thakkar expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, “VisaBoard represents a paradigm shift in the visa assistance industry. Our B2B portal is designed to empower visa consultants, overseas education providers, and travel agents with the tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic market.”
Co-Founder Pranav Desai added, “With VisaBoard, we aim to redefine the standards of efficiency and customer satisfaction in visa assistance services. Our platform is built on a foundation of innovation, reliability, and unparalleled user experience.”
VisaBoard’s B2B portal promises to revolutionize the way visa-related services are delivered, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.
India’s biggest and longest-running trade exhibition on furniture, interiors and design, “Index Trade Fairs” will be held from the 26th to 28th of May 2023 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. Here, international and Indian companies display hi-tech and state-of-the-art offerings in furniture, interiors, materials and design.
Since its inception in 1989, the organization has facilitated companies to engage in impactful joint ventures, B2B deals, and long-term business alliances. With a focus on the furniture segment for homes, offices, and hotels, Index prides itself on a substantial display of interior products and materials, lighting products, kitchen appliances, furnishings, and sleep products, art & artifacts, hardware, and fittings.
The Indian furniture market is one of the most promising markets in the world currently valued at approximately USD 23 billion and grows at over 14 percent annually. It is estimated to reach USD 40 billion by 2027 due to the central government’s emphasis on rapid infrastructure development and progressive policies in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors. Index is a key facilitator of business in this growing sector.
Index expects 300+ exhibitors from across India and overseas, displaying the best Indian and international creativity, showing more than 700 brands over 200,000 sq. ft. of area. It features a Design Pavilion, New Products Demonstrations and Launches, Pre-Fixed B2B Meetings, Knowledge-sharing and Networking Seminars, Conferences, and Award functions.
This year its design at its best with what Index is known for, stunning design initiatives, in the index Design Boulevard, showcasing the creativity of top architects and designers, at REIMAGINE the Indian Swing Seat. Apart from this there are art installations and gallery displays across the halls. But the showstoppers are always the suppliers with great products for home, office and hospitality and other uses.
The 3-day expo is expected to attract more than 40,000 buyers from across India and the surrounding nations comprising traders, dealers, distributors, wholesalers, architects, designers, hospitality managers, builders, procurement teams, and bulk buyers.
Mr. L A Khan, MD, UMG Trade Fairs P Ltd says, “The fair pioneers not simply in interiors with a leading trade fair, but is a frontrunner providing knowledge-sharing and powerful networking platforms for the trade and the sectoral communities to explore business partnerships”.
Entry to the trade show is set at Rs 500 but is absolutely free for industry professionals. For further information or visitor registration log onto https://www.indexfairs.com/ or contact UMG Index Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd on +91 (022) 26879085 or at marketing@ueindia.com.
