This is the story of how Dr. Mangala Vadivu, a Chennai-based academic with a PhD in media studies and head of a visual communications department, turned her quest for safe skincare for her newborn daughter into Thaarinya a brand blending safety, tradition, and personal care into a blossoming startup.
The Birth Of Thaariniya
Dr. Mangala Vadivu from Chennai, wears a variety of hats. By day, she’s a significant academician with a PhD in media studies and the head of the visual communication department at an esteemed college. When she gets time away, she is the dedicated founder of her very own skincare line, which was born out of pure passion and a desire to create a range of products using natural ingredients, suitable for all skin types and ages.
As someone who struggled with skin issues herself all through her teens with no cure within reach, Mangala knew there was a need for a solution. And when she her daughter she was further inspired by the need to safeguard her newborn’s delicate skin as well as her health. Through repeated trial and error she was able to formulate natural remedies for her skin issues which she improved upon to use on her child. When she received requests from her network of friends and family she realized this could be scaled into a business.
From Kitchen Lab to Full-Fledged Skincare Line
As an academician, she meticulously examined the ingredients used in different skincare products. Through this process, she discovered that many so-called “natural” products weren’t that “natural” after all and were filled with harmful chemicals. “While the label in front says ‘Natural’ and things to that effect when you turn the bottle and look at the ingredients, you’ll see that they’re not completely safe,” says Mangala. This motivated her to create something suitable for all ages and skin types, using natural ingredients like gram flour and turmeric, the staples in traditional Indian skincare.
What initially started as a passion for DIY home remedies eventually evolved into an extensive skincare line. She created chemical-free products by sourcing oils from local stores and used traditional Indian methods for authenticity. Her kitchen became her lab, and friends and family were the first to try her products. Encouraged by the overwhelming feedback, Mangala was motivated to officially launch Thaariniya skincare in September 2023. The brand’s core principle is as straightforward as it can get: if it’s safe enough to eat, it’s safe enough to be applied to your skin. “I wanted to make sure that even if a baby accidentally ingested the product, it would cause no harm,” she says.
A Diverse Product Range For All Ages
Thaariniya skincare is known for its range that caters to all ages, from babies to adults. From their bath powders that are used as a substitute for traditional soaps to face packs and loose powders that provide natural alternatives, each product is crafted with care and commitment to safety. One of their star products is the baby powder, which is made entirely of edible and natural ingredients that include aavaram poo, kasthuri manjal, neem leaves and rose petals. Another favourite among customers is their kajal, which is made using castor oil and other beneficial ingredients. The kajal can be used across age groups and is made using traditional techniques.
When asked about how good her online sales is so far, Mangala explains, “Although online sales were slow at first, taking part in activities such as pop ups and attending events was a game changer. I didn’t want immediate sales. I wanted to build a foundation for a brand that people could trust.” She encouraged prospects to not only take a look but to feel and smell the products, leading to greater trust and increased purchases by repeat customers. Through the brand’s grass-roots strategy, the company has evolved over the past few months and has gained a loyal customer base.
Overcoming Challenges -The Research Behind Thaariniya
One of the major struggles faced by Mangala was sourcing premium, organic ingredients that aligned with her brand’s needs. Through her research, Mangala discovered that most of commercial products, including even some of the most well-known brands in the market, had harmful ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, propylene glycol, parabens and dioxin. These ingredients cause grave health issues like cancer, skin allergies, birth defects, among others. Her academic background played a significant role in this process of research and product development. “My research abilities helped me carefully consider each component of my product and its effect on the skin,” says Mangala.
Love, Inspiration and Teamwork Fuel Thaariniya
The name “Thaariniya” holds special significance for both Mangala and her husband, as it was inspired by their daughter, Thaarini. The name Thaarini means “the goodness of earth,” which perfectly aligns with the brand’s mission of utilizing ingredients sourced from Mother Earth. “Thaariniya” as a whole symbolizes the essence of what we stand for: organic, earth-delivered, and nurturing, says Mangala. Having a full-time academic career along with family responsibilities, it wasn’t an easy task to launch a skincare brand for Mangala. However, her husband, Mr. Ponthangadurai, who is the head of business development at a private company based in Chennai, assists her. While Mangala handles product design and research, he supports her in other areas of business. When it comes to the overall design of the brand, all elements are personally crafted by her. As a visual communication professor who teaches skillsets and knowledge in terms of design to other students, she also incorporates the same abilities to design for her own brand.
Expanding Horizons with a Commitment to Quality and Safety
Moving forward with her brand, Mangala plans on expanding Thaariniya skincare’s product range and clientele while maintaining her basic principles of quality and safety throughout. She hopes to educate consumers on the benefits of organic skincare and plans to uphold the brand’s core commitment to using only the best, safest and finest ingredients in her products.
To know more,explore:https://www.instagram.com/thaariniya
