An interview with Saahil Nayar, Managing Director and Co-founder of Mila Beauté, India’s homegrown cosmetic brand
In this interview, Saahil Nayar, Managing Director and Co-founder of Mila Beauté, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the driving force behind the brand’s success.
From redefining beauty standards to focusing on sustainability, Saahil discusses how Mila Beauté is carving a unique space in the industry and the challenges faced along the way.
Tell us a little about yourself
Saahil Nayar: I am an alumnus of Pearl Academy, and over the years, I have had the privilege of working with some amazing brands in the beauty and personal care industry.
I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my work, including the Indian Achievers Award for Excellence in Beauty & Personal Care and being named an Economic Times Global Indian Leader in 2022.
In my professional journey, I’ve held leadership roles that have shaped my career. Before Mila Beauté, I was the CEO of Swiss Beauty, where I focused on driving revenue growth and positioning the brand as a leader in the colour cosmetics space.
Prior to that, as the Co-Founder and COO at Idam House of Brands, I managed key areas like brand marketing and eCommerce sales. I also launched men’s grooming and makeup brands.
At The Moms Co., where I served as Vice President of business, I played a key role in helping the brand triple its revenue in just 18 months, crossing ₹150 crore and leading to a landmark acquisition by The Good Glamm Group.
I’ve also had the opportunity to lead digital commerce for Revlon India and contribute to Kama Ayurveda’s eCommerce strategy.
Please tell us a little about your entrepreneurial journey
Saahil Nayar: With over 15 years of experience in the beauty and lifestyle industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with leading brands like The Moms Co, Kama Ayurveda, Revlon, and Idam Natural Wellness.
Throughout this journey, I’ve worked closely with these brands to solidify their presence in the market. These experiences have given me valuable insights into understanding customers and building successful strategies.
With Mila Beauté, my focus is on creating makeup that is truly made for Indian skin and promoting Indian manufacturing in the beauty industry. For too long, we’ve relied on imports, especially from countries like China.
Inspired by how the Indian fashion industry embraced local production, I want to create high-quality beauty products that are proudly made in India. Our goal is to reduce dependency on imports and support local innovation, sustainability, and talent.
By doing this, we’re not just building a brand but also contributing to the growth of Indian manufacturing and creating a more self-reliant beauty industry.
What service(s) or product(s) do you offer?
Saahil Nayar: We offer a wide range of high-quality makeup products for the face, lips, eyes, and nails. All our products are designed to offer elevated beauty without harmful chemicals.
With a commitment to high quality, accessibility and safety, our products deliver exceptional quality at affordable prices for the Indian beauty.
What is unique about your label brand?
Saahil Nayar: Mila Beauté stands out by offering high-quality makeup specifically designed for Indian skin tones, ensuring a perfect match and flawless finish. What sets us apart is our commitment to purity and safety.
All our products are free from harmful chemicals. Also, we maintain complete transparency by manufacturing everything in-house with stringent quality standards. It’s beauty you can trust.
What made you choose this type of business?
Saahil Nayar: There’s a noticeable gap in the market for an Indian makeup brand genuinely crafted for Indian skin tones and tier-2 audiences.
I wanted to offer premium quality products free of harmful chemicals, with complete transparency, and at accessible price points. My aim is to empower individuals with makeup that caters to their unique needs without compromising on quality or affordability.
What was your mission and vision at the outset?
Saahil Nayar: Our vision is to make elevated beauty accessible at everyday prices for everyone. Whether catering to a beginner exploring beauty or a passionate makeup lover, we aim to celebrate individuality and foster a community that is both inclusive and aspirational.
Our focus has always been on infusing global beauty standards into products designed specifically for India, ensuring they resonate with the diverse preferences and needs of Indian consumers.
The mission is to create high-quality beauty products that are proudly made in India. By bridging global beauty trends with local sensibilities, we are working to help Indian beauty lovers make better choices and elevate beauty standards for all.
How many employees in your organization?
Saahil Nayar: We have a team of 500, including the retail and manufacturing verticals.
What are your company’s goals?
Saahil Nayar: Our goal is to create superior quality beauty products proudly made in India, tailored to the diverse needs of Indian consumers.
We prioritize complete transparency in our processes and aim to make global beauty trends and standards accessible to every Indian beauty enthusiast at affordable prices. By blending innovation and inclusivity, we strive to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty confidently.
What was the inspiration behind turning an entrepreneur?
Saahil Nayar: After spending over 15 years in the industry and working with various brands, I realized there was a big gap in the market.
Indian consumers didn’t have a beauty brand that truly catered to their skin, suited our weather, and avoided harmful chemicals. I wanted to create high-quality, effective products that were simple, honest, and affordable.
What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Saahil Nayar: I believe in the saying “Fail fast, fix fast.” Failures are a part of the journey and I consider them as essential for growth. Each one taught me to step back, analyze what went wrong, and consider how things could have been done differently.
Failures aren’t the end. They’re opportunities to learn, adapt, and move forward stronger. These moments have shaped my resilience and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Key things to consider before starting a startup
Saahil Nayar: Before starting a startup, consider if you’re ready to risk everything for your vision. Validate your product or service’s market fit and ensure a genuine market need. Assess whether you have the resilience to walk the journey alone, if required.
Also, evaluate if your idea can thrive without immediate funding. These factors determine the sustainability of your startup and your capacity to navigate challenges effectively.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Saahil Nayar: One of my biggest mistakes is not starting Mila Beauté earlier. Beyond that, I believe that everyone makes mistakes.
They’re important for learning and finding the best solutions to problems. Each misstep has taught me valuable lessons, shaping my journey and decisions. Without them, true progress and innovation wouldn’t be possible.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Saahil Nayar: If you are determined to achieve something, don’t second-guess your decisions. Always have faith in your idea and your people.
Your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs
Saahil Nayar: Keep learning from everyone around you as it broadens perspectives. Collaborate actively with teams. Research deeply, as if your life depends on it.
When challenges arise and the journey seems tough, pause, reflect on your progress, and realign your focus before moving forward. Resilience, curiosity, and teamwork are your greatest allies on the entrepreneurial journey.
Saahil Nayar’s vision for Mila Beauté continues to inspire innovation in the beauty world, with a clear focus on quality, sustainability, and inclusivity. His leadership sets a remarkable example for future entrepreneurs.
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