Created by Estée Lauder Companies’ New Incubation Ventures and launched in partnership with NYKAA, BEAUTY&YOU is fueling the dreams of emerging beauty entrepreneurs in India. Offering more than just funding, BEAUTY&YOU is all about creating a vibrant, innovative ecosystem.
In the fast-paced world of beauty, trends evolve and consumer demands shift rapidly. Hence, emerging entrepreneurs often find themselves in need of more than just financial backing. They require mentorship, resources, as well as a platform to amplify their voices. Hence, came to life: BEAUTY&YOU India by Estée Lauder Companies’ New Incubation Ventures launched in partnership with NYKAA. It’s an initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of Indian beauty entrepreneurs. As the initiative gears up for its third edition, Shana Randhava, Senior Vice President of New Incubation Ventures at The Estée Lauder Companies, shares insights into its evolution and impact with Priyanka Parshurami.
Reflecting on the original aspiration behind BEAUTY&YOU, Randhava says, “Our goal was to uplift the emerging beauty ecosystem in India. We knew that entrepreneurs needed more than just funding; they needed guidance, resources, and access to a broader network. We wanted to amplify new voices in India and connect them to the global beauty community. The support we offer goes beyond finances—it’s about helping these entrepreneurs supercharge their ambitions.”
Over the first two years, BEAUTY&YOU has seen remarkable growth and evolution. “In our first year, we focused on traditional beauty entrepreneurs,” Randhava further explains. “However, we delved deeper into the beauty landscape. We noticed the emergence of hyper-localized brands and a new generation of founders. These are not just beauty professionals; they include storytellers, content creators, photographers, cultural ambassadors, designers, gamers, and chemists. This evolution is exciting and shows the dynamic nature of beauty entrepreneurship in India.”
The impact of BEAUTY&YOU is evident in the success stories of its participants. “We have had the privilege of reaching over 100 million people with the help of our amazing partners and judges,” Randhava shares. “Our winners have made significant strides, whether finalizing concepts from the idea stage or gaining market recognition. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their growth and success, which also underscores the impact BEAUTY&YOU can have on the industry.”
Looking ahead to the third edition, Randhava is enthusiastic about the new direction the initiative is taking. “This year, we are taking things to the next level by hosting the final awards and speakers in Goa. We have an exciting program lined up, which we will announce in October. The energy and creativity this event brings are something to look forward to. We continue to support a wide range of innovative founders, and this edition promises to be even more impactful.”
The partnership with Nykaa has been instrumental in enhancing BEAUTY&YOU’s mission. “Estee Lauder and Falguni Nayar of Nykaa share a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of consumer needs,” says Randhava. “This partnership reflects our joint commitment to positively impact the beauty ecosystem. Together, we are helping fuel the growth of the Indian premium beauty segment. We’re doing so by delivering breakthrough, locally relevant products, experiences, and business models. It’s a partnership that drives innovation and supports the next generation of beauty founders in India.”
Randhava envisions a bright future for BEAUTY&YOU in India. She further adds, “The Estée Lauder Companies has a long-standing presence in India, from our early support of Forest Essentials to our current ventures. We believe BEAUTY&YOU will continue to be a vibrant platform for years to come, supporting education, new ventures, and breakthrough innovation in the beauty industry. Our aim is to keep empowering Indian entrepreneurs to fuel their passion and mission, contributing to the growth and dynamism of the beauty sector in India.”
Finally, BEAUTY&YOU is gearing up for its third edition. The initiative continues to break new ground in supporting as well as nurturing the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs in India. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and also community, BEAUTY&YOU is not just a competition. It’s a movement that celebrates the diversity and creativity within India’s beauty industry.