Mira Kulkarni is the founder and the managing director of Forest Essentials, an ayurvedic cosmetic brand. Forest Essentials is considered the first Indian skincare brand to enter the international luxury market.Mira was interested in painting and journalism during her college days.In 2000, Mira visited a Mormon expo in upstate New York, where she saw how they make soap. After she returned to India, Mira participated in a cooperative movement that focused on handmade products. Miras interest in Ayurveda and herbal products led her to establish an ayurvedic wellness hub and pharmacy that would produce and sell homemade skincare products.Mira recognized a need in the market for ayurvedic products that would be user-friendly. Miras passion for Ayurveda led her to create a range of products that retain the inherent properties of Ayurveda. With an investment of Rs. 2 Lakh Kulkarni started her company named Forest Essentials.Mira began by making soaps and candles that were made with the help of the cold press ayurvedic methods by the modern biochemists and Vaids. It almost took two years for the team of Forest Essentials to release their first product. In 2002, Hyatt Regency became the first customer of Forest Essentials by ordering soaps for their rooms.The first store of Forest Essentials was established in 2003 at Khan Market, Delhi. Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estee Lauder, picked up a 20% stake in Forest Essentials as its first investment in India. The expansion of business led to the opening of almost 80 stores in India and the export of its products to over 120 countries.Recalling the starting days of Forest Essentials, Mira, in an interview, said that she would often give the products of Forest Essentials to her friends and relatives for free.Mira enjoys gardening and cooking different cuisines during her leisure time.According to Mira, she considers herself a selective social person.Mira has a considerable collection of sarees. She prefers wearing cotton, linen, Khadi, and pure silk sarees.