Ghazal Alagh - The Progress Catalyst
The sustainability and safety champion
Ghazal Alagh has emerged as a transformative figure in the personal care industry by advocating for sustainability, safety, and transparency.
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.
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, championing inclusivity
Ghazal Alagh's influence extends beyond the personal care industry, encouraging entrepreneurs from all fields to integrate sustainability into their business models. As a role model and thought leader, Ghazal continues to demonstrate how businesses can be a force for good, fostering a legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and responsibility.
Impact Maker Ghazal Alagh
Through Mamaearth, Ghazal has not only pioneered the concept of toxin-free, environmentally responsible personal care products but has also challenged the status quo of conventional skincare products laden with synthetic chemicals. Her brand promotes the philosophy of using natural ingredients that are not only gentle on the skin but also eco-friendly.
Mamaearth’s innovative initiatives, such as planting a tree for every order placed, have resonated deeply with environmentally conscious consumers. This approach has made her a champion for sustainability, inspiring individuals to make mindful consumer choices that contribute to a healthier planet. Her efforts to align business success with environmental responsibility have been widely recognised, further establishing her as a trailblazer in the sector.
Change Maker Ghazal Alagh
Beyond her role as an entrepreneur, Ghazal Alagh has leveraged her platform to become a vocal advocate for women in business. As one of the judges on Shark Tank India, she has mentored and supported numerous aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom face unique challenges in establishing their ventures. Her presence on the show has not only highlighted her business acumen but has also inspired a generation of young professionals, especially women, to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.
Ghazal frequently emphasises the importance of innovation and resilience in entrepreneurship. By sharing her own journey, which involved addressing gaps in the market and navigating the challenges of a start-up, she has empowered others to tackle obstacles with creativity and determination. Her advocacy for inclusive growth, where women have equitable opportunities to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries, has set her apart as a beacon of hope and progress.
Progress Catalyst Ghazal Alagh
Under Ghazal Alagh’s leadership, Mamaearth has become a symbol of sustainable innovation. By prioritising ethical business practices and integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations, Mamaearth has set a new benchmark for start-ups in India. The brand’s PETA cruelty-free certification and MadeSafe approval reflect Ghazal’s commitment to ensuring that her products are both kind to consumers and to the environment.
She has also been a catalyst for environmental and social change through her dedication to sustainability initiatives such as recyclable packaging and eco-conscious marketing strategies. These efforts have positioned Mamaearth as a leader in the movement for green consumerism in India. Ghazal’s vision has inspired other start-ups to adopt sustainable practices, proving that businesses can achieve profitability while maintaining a positive social and environmental impact.
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
