In an exclusive interview with Indian Startup Times, we had the privilege of speaking with Nitin Jain, the founder of La Pink. This skincare brand is reshaping the industry with its commitment to innovation and sustainability. La Pink’s story is not just about skincare; it’s about a vision to provide Indian consumers with high-quality, microplastic-free products. Nitin Jain shared his insights on La Pink’s journey, unique approach, and plans for the future.
Q: Tell us about your background and what inspired you to start La Pink.
A: I was born and raised in a village in Haryana but moved to the NCR region about 15 years ago for better opportunities. After completing my studies in the UK, I returned to Delhi NCR with a vision to start a new business. The idea for La Pink came to me during a trip to Europe in 2018-19 when I discovered the concept of 100% microplastic-free skincare formulations, which were not yet available in the Indian market. This gap in the market and the importance of providing such products to Indian consumers inspired me to start La Pink.
Q: How does La Pink differentiate itself from competitors in the market?
A: La Pink stands out by offering 100% microplastic-free formulation-based products, a unique proposition not currently offered by any other company in the Indian market. Our focus on providing products that are not only natural and organic but also free from harmful microplastics sets us apart from the competition.
Q: Who is your target audience, and how do you ensure your products are affordable?
A: Our target audience includes anyone in India, especially those aged 20 to 35, looking for natural or organic skincare products. While our formulations may be slightly more expensive due to the high-quality ingredients we import from France and America, we strive to keep our prices competitive to ensure affordability for our customers.
Q: How has customer feedback helped improve your products, and how do you reach your target audience?
A: Customer feedback has been invaluable in helping us understand the needs and preferences of our target audience. We use various marketing channels, both online and offline, including our website and significant marketplaces like Nykaa and Amazon, to reach our customers. Additionally, we have a strong presence in the B2B market, selling through beauty stores and other retail outlets.
Q: What challenges did you face during your journey with La Pink?
A: One of the biggest challenges we faced was developing the formulations for our products, as this required working with scientists and formulators in France to understand the technology. Additionally, educating Indian consumers about the importance of microplastic-free formulations was challenging, as this concept was new to many people.
Q: Is your company self-funded, or have you received external funding?
A: Currently, we are 100% self-funded, and it’s a bootstrap.
Q: How has your revenue been in the last year?
A: In our first year of operations, we achieved a turnover of approximately 9 to 10 crore rupees, which is good for us. However, we aim to triple or quadruple this figure in the next financial year.
Q: Have you been able to achieve break-even yet?
A: Not yet. Considering our efforts over the last two years, we anticipate reaching break-even in the coming year.
Q: What are your plans and initiatives for La Pink?
A: Our primary focus is to expand our product range to include more SKUs and to reach new markets in South and East India. We also aim to educate consumers about the benefits of microplastic-free formulations and continue to develop new products with the same high standards.
Q: Do you have any advice for budding entrepreneurs?
A: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to prioritize quality and provide the correct information to customers. It’s essential to focus on developing products that genuinely solve a problem or meet a need for your target audience rather than just selling any product for the sake of it.
Nitin Jain’s journey with La Pink is not just about creating a successful business; it’s about challenging norms and positively impacting the skincare industry. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, La Pink is poised to revolutionize how Indians think about skincare.
