The Inspiring Journey Of Harini Sivakumar: From Motherhood To Entrepreneurship
It’s true that a mother’s love and concern have no bounds, especially when it comes to her child, as she can do anything to provide the best for them. This is why one blindly trusts what mothers offer. This unwavering commitment to a child’s welfare is evident in individuals like Harini Sivakumar, the founder of Earth Rhythm, a shining example of a” Mom on a Mission.”
Harini evolved from a dedicated mother into a visionary in the cosmetic industry, motivated by her child’s necessity for safe products. Her journey, inspired by her quest for natural items, mirrors every mother’s concern for their child’s wellbeing. So, let’s discover the inspiring story of Harini Sivakumar, whose commitment led to a brand trusted for children’s health and safety.
Motherhood And A Career Shift
Hailing from Chennai, Harini Sivakumar pursued an MBA in Retail Management, driven by her passion for entrepreneurship. She started her career working at Standard Chartered Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
At the young age of 22, Harini got married and soon became a mother. In 2010, life took an unforeseen turn when she discovered her five-year-old child had Down’s syndrome. She decided to take a step back from her career and served as a stay-at-home mother for her child’s care.
During this time, she struggled to find gentle products for her child, as she found most of the available products in the market were highly chemicals harmful to sensitive skin. This scarcity and dissatisfaction prompted her to strive for safe and high-quality products for her child, marking her entry into the business world and taking the first step towards her brand “Earth Rhythm.”
Soapworks India: From Concept To Startup
Initially, Harini began making small batches of chemical-free and natural soaps for personal use and gifting purposes. And later, she expanded into a startup, “Soapworks India,” launched in 2015. She joined small-scale exhibitions and set up stalls in societies to promote her offerings.
Not only this, she enhanced her skills and knowledge about natural cosmetics by studying further. She learned about skincare formulation from Formula Botanica and earned a Diploma in Advanced Cosmetic Science from the Institute of Personal Care Science.
Earth Rhythm: Relaunch and Expansion
In 2019, she relaunched the brand as “Earth Rhythm,” along with her dad, Sivakumar Vadaranjan, taking on roles as CEO and cosmetic chemist. Her brand is ECOCERT certified, which means the products contain 99% natural ingredients. Initially, her brand started with eight women and now has over 100 employees. “Earth Rhythm” presently offers over 160 products in hair care, skincare, and makeup lines through its website, catering to parents seeking chemical-free items for their kids.
Within two years, the firm experienced a remarkable 500-fold growth, expanding its customer base tenfold in 2022 alone, becoming one of the fastest-growing D2C brands in skincare and beauty. Also, in 2022, Nykaa acquired an 18.51% stake in “Earth Rhythm” for ₹41.65 crore, marking a significant achievement. In sharing this inspiring journey, Harini Sivakumar mentioned in one of her interviews that her brand has come a long way. She built a Rs 200 crore brand without prior business knowledge, relying solely on determination.
Thus, she believes if she can do it, anyone can.
