Falguni Nayar, founder and CEO of Nykaa, is a pioneering Indian entrepreneur who transformed the beauty and lifestyle retail industry through e-commerce innovation. From her career in investment banking to launching one of India’s fastest-growing beauty platforms, Nayar’s journey exemplifies vision, strategy, and leadership. This Falguni Nayar biography explores her rise, business milestones, and impact on Indian entrepreneurship.

Early Life & Education

Falguni Nayar was born in India and pursued her studies at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, followed by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). She began her career at Kotak Mahindra Bank, eventually becoming a managing director, where she gained extensive experience in finance, leadership, and strategic business management.

Founding Nykaa

In 2012, Falguni Nayar left her successful banking career to enter the beauty and e-commerce market. She launched Nykaa, an online platform offering a wide range of beauty, personal care, and wellness products. Nykaa’s unique combination of curated product selection, customer engagement, and education-driven marketing quickly set it apart in India’s competitive retail landscape.

Business Growth & Achievements

Under Nayar’s leadership, Nykaa achieved significant milestones:

• First Indian unicorn in beauty and lifestyle retail
• Nykaa IPO in 2021, making her one of India’s richest self-made female billionaires
• Expansion into brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce
• Strategic partnerships with global and local brands

Her approach emphasizes customer-centricity, innovation, and strong brand identity, positioning Nykaa as a leader in the beauty and lifestyle sector.

Global Recognition & Influence

Falguni Nayar has received widespread recognition for her entrepreneurship:

• Featured in Forbes India’s Most Powerful Women
• Recognized in Bloomberg’s 50 Most Influential People in Global Business
• Inspirational figure for women in business and leadership

Her work reflects a commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, promoting digital retail, and redefining business leadership in India.

Legacy & Vision for the Future

Today, Falguni Nayar continues to lead Nykaa with a focus on innovation, growth, and customer experience. Her story demonstrates how determination, vision, and leadership can disrupt traditional industries and create new benchmarks for entrepreneurial success.