Falguni Nayar - The Progress Catalyst
Revolutionising beauty retail in India
Falguni Sanjay Nayar is an Indian entrepreneur and business leader, best known as the founder and CEO of Nykaa, a pioneering e-commerce platform specialising in beauty, wellness, and personal care products. A former investment banker turned entrepreneur at 50, Falguni has become a symbol of resilience, innovation, and women’s empowerment in business world.

Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 19 February 1963
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Spouse: Sanjay Nayar (CEO of KKR India)
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai
MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
Employment History: Falguni began her professional journey at A.F. Ferguson & Co
Founder and CEO of Nykaa (2012-present)
Former Managing Director and Head of Institutional Equities at Kotak Mahindra Capital
Falguni Nayar’s transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship underscores her commitment to challenging conventions and redefining possibilities for women in business.
Falguni Nayar, empowering women through beauty
In 2012, Falguni Nayar founded Nykaa, inspired by her vision to bring globally recognised beauty and personal care brands to Indian consumers through a technology-driven e-commerce platform. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Nayaka,” meaning “one in the spotlight,” Nykaa has transformed how Indians shop for beauty products by offering a curated, authentic, and accessible range of cosmetics, skincare, and wellness items.
Nykaa started as an online retailer but has since expanded to a multi-channel business model, including more than 135 physical stores across India. The platform partners with over 4,000 brands, ranging from luxury names like Charlotte Tilbury and Dior to homegrown favourites.
In 2021, Nykaa made its debut on the Indian stock market, becoming one of the few profitable e-commerce companies in India to launch an IPO. Valued at over ₹1 trillion (approximately $13 billion), it made Falguni one of the richest self-made women in India.
Impact Maker Falguni Nayar

Falguni Nayar’s leadership at Nykaa goes beyond commerce. She has focused on creating a platform that celebrates inclusivity and diversity, offering products that cater to a wide range of skin tones, hair types, and personal preferences. Nykaa’s dedicated focus on education and awareness through tutorials, blogs, and expert advice has empowered millions of customers to make informed choices about their beauty and wellness routines.
Falguni has also been instrumental in promoting Indian beauty brands by providing them with a global platform, helping smaller businesses scale and thrive in a competitive market. Her contributions to the beauty industry have earned her widespread recognition as a trailblazer in e-commerce and retail.
Change Maker Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar began her career in investment banking at Kotak Mahindra Capital, where she rose to the position of Managing Director and Head of Institutional Equities. With over 19 years at Kotak, she was instrumental in advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs.
In 2012, at the age of 50, Falguni decided to leave her high-profile corporate career to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. Despite having no prior experience in retail or technology, she built Nykaa from the ground up, demonstrating her ability to adapt, learn, and excel in a new industry. Her journey is an inspiration for professionals considering a career pivot later in life.
Progress Catalyst Falguni Sanjay Nayar
Under Falguni Nayar’s leadership, Nykaa continues to expand its product offerings and business verticals. In addition to beauty and wellness, Nykaa has ventured into categories such as fashion with Nykaa Fashion and men’s grooming through Nykaa Man.
The company is also leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences, including AI-driven recommendations, virtual try-ons, and personalised shopping journeys. Falguni envisions Nykaa as a global leader in beauty and lifestyle retail, further expanding into international markets and strengthening its position as an omni-channel retailer.
Beyond her role at Nykaa, Falguni is actively involved in promoting entrepreneurship and gender diversity, encouraging women to take leadership roles and pursue their ambitions.
Achievements

Founding Nykaa (2012): Built India’s leading beauty and wellness platform, serving millions of customers.
IPO Launch (2021): Successfully took Nykaa public, achieving a valuation of over ₹1 trillion.
Multi-Channel Retail Expansion: Grew Nykaa into an omni-channel business with 135+ physical stores and partnerships with 4,000+ brands.
Promoting Indian Beauty Brands: Supported the growth of local beauty and wellness businesses.
Technology-Driven Innovation: Introduced AI-based tools and personalised experiences for customers.
Awards & Recognitions
Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women in Business (2021): For her contributions to the e-commerce and beauty industries.
EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2022): Recognised for building one of India’s most successful start-ups.
Forbes India Rich List (2022): Featured as one of the richest self-made women in India.
Business Today Most Powerful Women Award (2021): Honoured for her leadership and entrepreneurial achievements.
IIM Ahmedabad Distinguished Alumni Award: For her outstanding contributions to business and society.
FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) award for top woman achiever in the field of Banking and Business Today award recognising her as top 25 women in Business
Media References
Wikipedia - Falguni Nayar profile
Chegg India - Nykaa success story
Forbes Profile - Falguni Nayar
Dabur India - Board of Directors
Financial Express - Falguni Nayar lifestyle and career
Sovrenn - Falguni Nayar, a visionary founder
Finowings - Falguni Nayar: Nykaa CEO
Businesses visited this article while also looking for
Falguni Nayar Nykaa founder story
Nykaa IPO success story
Women entrepreneurs in e-commerce
Falguni Nayar career transition from banking to entrepreneurship
Inclusivity in Indian beauty industry
Omni-channel strategy by Nykaa
Richest self-made women in India