Ayurvedic Solutions for Modern Skincare: An Insightful Interview with Deepti Gujar Kulkarni, founder of Kass

An interview with Deepti Gujar Kulkarni, Founder & CEO of Kass, a skincare brand

In this interview, we sit down with Deepti Gujar Kulkarni, the visionary Founder & CEO of Kass, a skincare brand that blends the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern science.

Deepti shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from addressing her own skincare challenges to building a brand focused on solution-driven, holistic beauty products. Her insights offer a deep dive into the values, mission, and future of Kass.

Can you share a bit about your background and how your journey led you to entrepreneurship?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: I hold a management degree with a specialization in Marketing from the prestigious Symbiosis Institute of International Business. My professional journey began in my family business, where I immersed myself in retail operations, manufacturing, and strategic brand-building.

I was instrumental in establishing Opal as a premium wall clock brand and collaborated closely with iconic names like Titan, managing roles as both a retailer and distributor.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with L’Oréal during the launch of their in-salon professional range, Matrix, gaining valuable insights into the beauty and personal care industry.

Entrepreneurship runs in my veins as my family has a rich legacy in retail and brand development, while my in-laws bring expertise in manufacturing, exports, and real estate, further shaping my diverse professional perspective.

How did your personal skincare challenges spark your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you transition from that experience to creating a skincare brand?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: My entrepreneurial journey began as a deeply personal quest to address my own skincare challenges. This experience fueled my passion and led me to pursue formal education in skin aesthetics at a leading U.S. university, along with a diploma in organic skincare formulations from Formula Botanica, London.

What started as a personal mission to create effective skincare solutions has now blossomed into a thriving skincare brand that empowers others to feel confident in their skin.

Could you describe the products you offer at Kass and what makes them unique in the skincare industry?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Our brand offers a comprehensive range of skincare and face care products tailored to address specific concerns such as anti-ageing, acne, dullness, and enlarged pores. Our face care line includes face washes, serums, creams, night creams, scrubs, and masks.

We also extend our expertise to body care with a luxurious selection of shower gels, lotions, hand creams, and handmade cold-processed soaps, ensuring holistic skincare solutions for every need.

What sets Kass apart from other skincare brands, and how do you blend Ayurveda with modern scientific innovations?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: The uniqueness of Kass lies in its commitment to solution-driven formulations. Each product is meticulously crafted to address distinct skin concerns rooted in Ayurvedic principles.

Unlike many brands, we eliminate unnecessary fillers and ensure every ingredient serves a purposeful, functional role.

Our formulations blend the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda with cutting-edge, bio-modified natural actives for superior efficacy. This fusion of tradition and modern science sets Kass apart, delivering products that offer both authenticity and advanced skincare benefits.

What initially drew you into the skincare business, and did you always envision yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: The business became a part of my journey rather than a deliberate choice. I initially created skincare products to address my own issues. As friends and family began using them and saw impressive results, demand naturally grew.

Eventually, I found myself sending out 25 products a week based on word of mouth. That was when I recognized the potential to scale these solutions and make them accessible to a wider audience.

When you first started Kass, what was your mission, and how has your vision evolved over time?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Our mission was to deliver high-quality, solution-oriented skincare products inspired by Ayurvedic principles to cater to discerning Indian customers.

We envisioned building Kass into a globally recognized brand that reflects India’s rich heritage and expertise in skincare.

How big is your team at Kass, and do you have any plans for expansion in the near future?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Currently, the organization operates with a team of six dedicated members. We are planning for rapid growth, with a target to expand to a team of 15 by the end of the financial year.

What are some of the key goals for Kass in the short and long term?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Our goal is to create a skincare brand rooted in the “Make in India” initiative, adhering to international standards and achieving a significant presence on the global stage.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and how do you hope to impact others, especially women?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: The products I created became my primary inspiration. They proved to be life-changing for me, and I wanted others to experience the same benefits.

Personally, I wanted to show my daughters that women have immense potential to thrive as both homemakers and entrepreneurs, paving the way for an empowered future.

What challenges or failures have you encountered in your entrepreneurial journey, and what valuable lessons have you learned from them?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Scaling production from a small lab setup to mass manufacturing without compromising quality has been a significant challenge. While progress has been made, it remains a continuous effort.

Besides, communicating the brand’s core ethos effectively to the audience has been another area of struggle. To overcome this, investments are being made in marketing and public relations to create a stronger narrative and presence in the coming months.

For those considering starting a business, what key things should they keep in mind before taking the leap?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Entrepreneurs should familiarize themselves with every aspect of their business, from product development to marketing and operations.

Building a strong team from the start is essential. Thinking long-term while remaining flexible to address immediate challenges can also pave the way for sustained success.

What mistakes have you made along the way, and how did you overcome them to continue building your brand?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: In the early stages, the importance of scalable packaging and branding was underestimated. As the business expanded, it became clear that the initial designs no longer aligned with the brand’s evolving identity.

Addressing this issue has now become a priority, with ongoing efforts to ensure that Kass’s quality and integrity are reflected in its visual and brand communications.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their entrepreneurial journey, what would it be?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: Start with a growth mindset and have faith in your venture’s potential. Every decision should align with this vision of growth, as retrofitting processes later can be costly and time-intensive.

What success tips do you have for young and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the business world?

Deepti Gujar Kulkarni: It is crucial to understand the business from the ground up by gaining hands-on experience across different areas. Consistently working on self-improvement by enhancing skills also keeps entrepreneurs competitive.

Remember, success comes to those who remain adaptable, so continuously embrace learning to stay ahead in a dynamic market.

Deepti’s passion for skincare and entrepreneurship shines through as she continues to build Kass into a global brand.

Her commitment to quality, innovation, and empowering others, especially women, sets a powerful example for aspiring entrepreneurs. With her unique blend of tradition and modernity, Kass is poised to leave a lasting impact on the skincare industry.

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