Women leaders are transforming India’s fashion retail landscape with strategic vision, innovation, and a keen pulse on the evolving consumer. From luxury to D2C, they’re driving growth, sustainability, and inclusivity—while redefining brand storytelling and digital strategy. This feature celebrates the women reshaping the fashion retail industry, breaking barriers, and elevating India’s global fashion presence.
In this edition, we spotlight Niharika Jhunjhunwala, Founder & CEO, ClayCo, whose visionary leadership is redefining beauty retail in India by blending global rituals with homegrown innovation, consumer insight, and a strong purpose-driven brand ethos
Niharika Jhunjhunwala’s global travels post-COVID to Japan, Korea, Morocco, China, and Israel inspired her to bring diverse beauty rituals to India, marking the inception of ClayCo. Recognising the evolving skincare preferences of Indian consumers, she introduced the ‘Rituals of Japan’ skincare range, which has garnered immense appreciation. In just two years, ClayCo has served over 3,00,000 customers, with its Rice and Sake Sleep Mask becoming a bestselling night cream on Amazon, Nykaa, and Tira, selling over 100,000 units.
In October 2024, Unilever Ventures invested $2M in ClayCo’s Series A funding round, fueling expansion and innovation.
Roles & Responsibilities
An London School of Economics and Political Science and Lady Shri Ram College alumna, Niharika spearheads product development, branding, marketing, and sales, driving ClayCo’s vision to redefine skincare in India.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
As a woman entrepreneur, Niharika faced initial skepticism, with many perceiving her venture as a mere side hustle due to societal norms. However, she proved her long-term vision, overcoming self-limitation—a challenge many women face. She believes success is self-defined, and with confidence and persistence, the right support follows naturally.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Market understanding; Creating right products; Focused
- Area of Improvement: Empowering teams to elevate vision
Game-Changing Decisions for Brand
Niharika prioritised product innovation, ensuring each formulation is infused with clinically tested, high-performance ingredients for a transformative skincare experience. She focused on refining a core range of products that effectively meet consumer needs, doubling down on successful SKUs to strengthen ClayCo’s market position rather than diversifying too soon.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
Niharika Jhunjhunwala’s vision is to make ClayCo a household name both in India and globally, for consumers’ self-care needs, including skincare, body care, hair care, and more.
Essential Skills for Success
- Channelised focus
- Perseverance
- Confidence
- Self-belief
3 Career Learnings
- Focus on building a brand rather than just a commodity
- Consistency
- Work hard and allow your brand to speak for itself
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Don’t limit yourself. Be courageous and recognise that you are also meant to lead. The only limits that exist are the ones you impose on yourself.
Vision for the Future
The future of Indian beauty retail lies in a seamless blend of consumer aspirations and sustainability. As awareness grows, brands must prioritise both skincare efficacy and environmental responsibility, creating products that nurture the skin while contributing positively to the planet.
Life Mantra
‘The limit is always only in your head.’
