An exclusive interview with Rupali Sharma, Founder and CEO, Aegte Lifescience

 

An exclusive interview with Rupali Sharma, Founder and CEO, Aegte Lifescience

Rupali Sharma is the Founder and CEO of Aegte Lifescience, having a successful inning in her career in the HR sector, she established Aegte, in 2018, with the concept of bringing highly valuable natural formulations, providing Luxurious Skin and Hair Care catering to people at large. 

She has always been a nature lover and has been surrounded by nature and herbal alternatives since childhood. Her grandmother used to ground and crush natural alternatives for acne treatment, skin tan, hair fall, rough hair, which made Rupali believe and trust nature more than readymade market products. This raised a thought in her mind to shape Natural and Herbal ingredients into Skin & amp; Hair Care Brand and made her start Aegte. 

Today Aegte boasts more than 50 products in a span of 5 years in Skincare, Haircare, Makeup and personal care range with an evaluation worth ₹300 Cr. The company further plans to expand its portfolio and innovate in the Makeup category as well, to gain new audiences, while continuing to launch effective and unique products catering to all skin and hair problems. The company is targeting 500% growth this fiscal year and aims to expand its market in South & East India.

1. How do you get an idea to start this venture?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte : “I embarked on this venture inspired by a personal journey and a profound belief in the power of Mother Nature. Struggling with hair loss after the birth of my second child, I found relief with a homemade Onion Oil. Its remarkable effectiveness, in contrast to high-end branded products that failed to deliver, illuminated the true potential of natural ingredients. This revelation ignited my mission to share the benefits of these ingredients with a broader audience, leading to the launch of our first product Premium Onion Hair Oil in 2018.”

She continues, “With an initial investment of ₹5 Lakhs from my husband & Co-founder of Aegte, Dhiren Sharma, we set out to create ‘Aegte’, a Premium Cosmetics Brand, formed with the amalgamation of nature and science using 100% Natural, Vegan and Results-oriented ingredients. Our mission at Aegte is to develop multi-purposeful solutions that address multiple concerns with a single product, eliminating the need for layering various products on the skin. Our makeup line is crafted with skincare benefits, ensuring that it is free from harsh chemicals and suitable for all skin types. We are committed to offering our customers a harmonious blend of beauty and care, embodying the essence of natural luxury.”

2. Is the company funded?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “I’m proud to share that our company has been self-funded from the beginning. We started with an initial investment of ₹5 Lakhs, generously provided by my husband & Co-founder of Aegte, Dhiren Sharma, and have since grown through our own efforts and resources. This self-reliance has allowed us to maintain complete control over our brand's direction, mission and values, ensuring that our commitment to 100% natural, vegan, and multi-functional high-quality beauty products remains unwavering. We have chosen this path to stay true to our mission of creating Luxury Makeup with Skincare benefit products accessible for all, catering to the consumer needs, without compromising on quality or integrity.”

3. Briefly explain about the business?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “Aegte is a 100% Premium Vegan and Natural Beauty Brand dedicated to creating Results-oriented Multi-purposeful products. We focus on combining the benefits of skincare and makeup in our offerings, ensuring that each product has a Unique Selling Proposition (USP), multi-functional formula and free from harsh chemicals. Our mission is to provide luxurious, nature-inspired beauty staples that address several concerns with a single product, promoting a simplified yet effective beauty regimen. We believe in the power of natural ingredients and strive to deliver high-quality products that enhance both confidence and skin health.”

4. What is the future Plan?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “Our future plan at Aegte includes expanding our presence into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across South and East India. With over 50+ products in our portfolio, we are targeting a 600% brand growth, driven by innovation and increased accessibility. We will continue to develop multifunctional solutions using natural and vegan ingredients while enhancing our sustainability practices through eco-friendly packaging. Strategic partnerships and global distribution will further our reach, allowing us to make our premium, toxic chemical-free beauty products available to a wider audience. Our goal is to remain at the cutting edge of beauty and skincare trends, delivering effective solutions that cater to diverse needs and preferences.”

5. What’s the revenue growth of the company?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “Aegte has achieved an annual revenue of ₹24 Crores and is setting ambitious goals for the future. The company is targeting a revenue of ₹50 Crores in the next fiscal year. This significant growth target reflects the brand's strong market position, innovative product offerings, and strategic plans to expand its reach and impact in the beauty and skincare industry. By focusing on quality, customer satisfaction, and continued innovation, Aegte aims to capitalize on the growing demand for vegan and natural beauty products, driving substantial growth in the coming year.”

6. How fast is the brand growing?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “We’re experiencing rapid growth, driven by strategic collaborations with renowned makeup artists, celebrities, influencers, and beauty & makeup content creators. This approach has helped amplify the brand's reach and credibility in the industry. The brand is known for its innovative products, such as the 2-in-1 BB+CC Skin Corrector DD Cream, 3-in-1 Pore Blur Primer + Sunscreen with SPF 55++, and many more, each offering unique formulations that cater to diverse consumer needs. Aegte is setting trends with its 100% vegan and natural makeup, distinguishing itself with unique selling points for each product. The company also maintains a robust online presence, being available on major platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra. Recognized as a 'Femina Power Brand’, 'Most Trusted Brand of India’, and 'Best D2C Brand of the Year', Aegte continues to lead and inspire within the makeup and skincare market.”

7. What skills you need to start the business?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “Most importantly, it is crucial to have an innovative idea that can set your business apart from the competition. Once you have a compelling concept, the necessary resources and funding will often follow as investors and partners are drawn to your vision. Equally important is maintaining a balance between personal and professional life, as this harmony is essential for sustained success and long-term results. To be a successful entrepreneur, one should possess strong leadership skills to effectively manage and inspire their team, have financial acumen to oversee budgeting and investment, and strategic thinking to navigate market trends and challenges. Networking abilities are key to building valuable relationships with stakeholders, while resilience and adaptability will help you overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities. Cultivating a deep understanding of your industry and continuously innovating will keep your business competitive and poised for growth.”

8. Who’s on your leadership team and what’s their background?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “Our team at Aegte comprises dedicated professionals with diverse expertise, ensuring the smooth operation and growth of our company. Dhiren Sharma, Co-founder of Aegte, oversees the company's operations, ensuring that all processes are efficient and aligned with our goals. As the CEO & Founder, I focus on marketing and brand strategy, driving our vision and outreach efforts. The customer support team is committed to providing exceptional service and addressing customer needs promptly. Our warehouse team ensures efficient inventory management and timely distribution of products. The marketing team spearheads brand strategy and development, while the graphic design team creates compelling visuals that capture our brand's essence. Additionally, our marketing team develops and executes strategies and campaigns with influencers and celebrities to enhance our market presence and engage with our audience effectively. Together, all of us, as a team, drive Aegte’s continued success and innovation in the beauty industry.”

9. What’s unique about your leadership team?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “What sets our team apart at Aegte is our commitment to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment. We believe in giving every team member the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Our philosophy is to nurture long-term relationships with our employees, helping them stay updated with industry trends and advancements. This approach not only enhances individual capabilities but also strengthens our bond with the team. As a result, our employees proactively participate in strategies, sharing their ideas and contributing to the company's growth. By offering continuous learning opportunities and encouraging active involvement, we have created a motivated and engaged team that drives innovation and success within the company.”

10. Who are your main competitors? How are you different from the competition?

-> Rupali Sharma, CEO & Founder of Aegte: “Our main competitors include RENÉE Cosmetics and Earth Rhythm, but Aegte stands out with its exceptional approach to makeup and skincare. We pride ourselves on creating innovative, multi-functional products, like 3-in-1 Strobe Glow Spray with SPF 60++ that works as a Highlighter, Sunscreen & Makeup Fixer, Lab-tested & Kids-safe 3-in-1 Beetroot Lip & Cheek Tint with multiple uses as a Blusher, Lip Balm & Eyeshadow, offering multiple benefits in each formulation. Our commitment to being 100% vegan, natural and organic means our products are free from parabens, sulfates, and harsh chemicals, ensuring both safety and quality. We don’t just follow trends; we set them, continually leading the industry with groundbreaking beauty solutions that others aspire to emulate. Our dedication to sustainability, cutting-edge formulations, and results-oriented ingredients allows us to provide luxury high-quality makeup and skincare products that meet our customers' diverse needs in a truly distinctive way.”