While tales of male entrepreneurs building billion-dollar empires abound an unique narrative unfolds in the Himalayan foothills. This is the story of Mira Kulkarni a 45-year-old single mother from Uttarakhand who defied conventional paths to create a business empire worth billions. Through unwavering dedication and an intimate understanding of Ayurveda Mira nurtured her brand Forest Essentials into an 8500 crore skincare powerhouse proving that extraordinary success knows no gender or traditional boundaries. Here is everything you need to know about her journey to success. Educational qualifications of Mira Kulkarni Mira Kulkarni graduated in Fine Arts from Stella Maris College Chennai. Hailing from the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttaranchal known as the Ayurvedic hub of India Mira was exposed to the Ayurvedic way to life very early in her life. Moreover due to her varied interest in painting journalism water colours organic plants and herbal culture she became a successful entrepreneur. With a mere Rs 2 lakhs and a powerful vision Mira Kulkarni launched Forest Essentials from a small garage supported by just two employees About Forest Essentials Forest Essentials is a brand known for traditional luxury Ayurvedic skin care brand. It claims that its foundations is in the ancient science of Ayurveda. The company has also claimed on its website that it is the only Indian brand which is involved in the conception formulation manufacturing bottling and sale of the products in its own Company owned stores. Forest Essentials is also the leading supplier to the majority of the Luxury hotel chains in India including the iconic Taj Group of Hotels and The Oberoi Hotels. Operating under a ‘company owned and company operated’ model Forest Essentials has 155 stores across all major cities in India. Under the able leadership of Mira Kulkarni Forest Essentials experienced explosive growth securing partnerships with luxury hotel chains like Taj and Hyatt. This expansion propelled the brand to a nationwide presence boasting over 110 stores in more than 28 Indian cities and extending its reach into international markets.