Indian women entrepreneurs launch India’s first Halal products’ range

Samieh Baluchzehi, a mayor in Iran wearing make-up

Picture By: The Guardian

Cosmetics and beauty products are a vital part of every woman’s life. However, most of us have reservations regarding the ingredients. While some of us opposed animal testing, others detest the idea of using harmful chemicals on their faces. In India, very few people have ventured into this market. Two sisters from Ahmedabad, Mauli and Grishma Teli are amongst them.

Makers of Halal Cosmetics for Indian women; both sisters are vegetarian and hail from the Jain community, which forbids them from consuming a number of ingredients that are used in the making of most cosmetic items. In Arabic, the word ‘Halal’ stands for 'that which is lawful or permitted.' But the sisters insist that these products are not just for Muslim women and can be used by everyone who wants a natural alternative to the chemically made cosmetic products.

Economic Times reports that the halal category globally is a $4 trillion-strong market, where cosmetics account for almost $26 billion. Industry reports suggest the Rs 537 billion Indian cosmetics industry will grow to Rs 1,032 billion by 2018.

According to a report by Economic Times, before returning to India in 2009,  Mauli Teli was in the US, where she completed her Masters in Pharmaceutical Engineering from the University of Michigan and worked in the pharma and healthcare space. Grishma Teli, on the other hand, studied biotechnology and cosmetic formulation in the UK and is the Vice President of research & development and Managing Partner at Ecotrail, their company.

After research, the sisters started their company, Ecotrail Personal Care in 2012, with an investment of Rs 5 crore from family members and bank loans.  In September last year, they launched a range of 60 halal cosmetic products under the brand Iba. It is India's first halal brand in the organised cosmetic market segment and offers skin, body and hair care products, reported Economic Times.

The Halal Times>

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Economic Times