Startups

How These Founders Turned ₹18 Lakhs into ₹8 Crore in Revenue – The Océglōw Success Story

• ByStartupStory     |    December 5, 2024

In the heart of Ludhiana, the Oswal family has long been synonymous with a legacy of textile craftsmanship. Yet for Akshay Oswal, the pull of entrepreneurship beckoned him to carve a distinct path beyond the family business. This journey led him to the world of skincare, where his passion for science, innovation, and a love for travel would intersect to create something truly groundbreaking: Océglōw.

Akshay’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured early on, but it was his education that laid the foundation for what would eventually become his entrepreneurial leap. After pursuing a master’s degree in biotechnology in the US, Akshay was inspired by the innovation in science and the potential it held for solving real-world problems. His travels to over 40 countries deepened his understanding of various cultures and industries, but it was the intersection of his scientific background and global exposure that set the stage for Océglōw.

“The idea of combining my background in biotechnology with the insights I gathered from my travels, especially my exposure to Korean skincare, was the spark that ignited the creation of Océglōw,” Akshay recalls. “We saw an opportunity to bring world-class, science-backed skincare solutions tailored specifically for Indian skin types.”

The journey of Océglōw truly began when Akshay and his wife, Aarushi Oswal, a renowned makeup artist with over 15 years of experience, began researching the Indian skincare market. Aarushi had often encountered clients seeking long-term skincare solutions—ones that went beyond makeup and addressed underlying issues like dehydration, dullness, and early signs of aging. Akshay and Aarushi realized that there was a clear gap in the market for products that combined cutting-edge science with the rich, rejuvenating power of nature, specifically marine-based ingredients that have long been staples in Korean skincare.

In their travels to South Korea, they immersed themselves in the world of marine-based skincare, learning about the extraordinary anti-aging and hydrating properties of ingredients like algae extracts and marine collagen. “When we started researching, we were inspired by how Korean skincare had revolutionized beauty around the world. However, we saw that there were very few options for Indian skin, which is why we created a brand that would bridge that gap,” explains Akshay.

Thus, Océglōw was born—a luxury skincare brand with a mission to bring the science of Korean skincare to India, while tailoring it specifically for Indian skin. The focus was clear: to create products that hydrate, rejuvenate, and address long-term skincare needs with the help of high-quality, marine-based ingredients.

The couple embarked on an extensive two-year journey of research and development. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted many businesses, forced them to rethink their approach, but also gave them the opportunity to refine their formulations and strategies. Akshay reflects on this challenging period: “While the pandemic delayed our plans, it gave us the time we needed to perfect our products. We saw the silver lining in every challenge, and it strengthened our resolve to make Océglōw not just a skincare brand, but a holistic beauty experience.”

Officially launched in February 2020, Océglōw quickly gained traction, especially through Aarushi’s established social media presence and her reputation as a makeup artist. The brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity resonated with a growing audience, with Akshay and Aarushi’s unwavering dedication to excellence at its core.

“We didn’t start Océglōw as just a business; it’s our passion project. Every product we create is designed to meet the needs of our customers, to ensure they feel confident and radiant in their skin,” says Aarushi. With their vast expertise in the beauty industry, the couple ensures that every product is more than just skincare—it’s a luxurious experience that delivers visible results.

What truly sets Océglōw apart from competitors like Laneige, D’you, and COSRX, is its commitment to creating products that are specifically formulated for Indian skin types. While many skincare brands cater to a global audience, Océglōw’s unique advantage lies in its ability to combine the benefits of Korean skincare with an in-depth understanding of local skincare needs. Their products are priced between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000, making them accessible to a discerning mid-to-high-end audience looking for premium skincare solutions.

“Océglōw is more than just a brand; it’s a partner in our customers’ skincare journey. We focus on providing not just effective products but an experience that’s tailored to their unique needs,” says Akshay.

Building Océglōw into the brand it is today wouldn’t have been possible without the team they’ve built. From e-commerce specialists to creative designers, every team member plays a crucial role in shaping the brand’s success. “Our culture is built on values of innovation, collaboration, and trust,” Akshay explains. “We encourage open communication, creativity, and growth—ensuring every team member feels empowered to contribute their best.”

As Océglōw looks to the future, Akshay and Aarushi have ambitious goals. They plan to expand their product range beyond skincare to include makeup products crafted with the same dedication to quality. Additionally, they are exploring partnerships with offline retail channels, blending their online and offline strategies to offer customers a seamless shopping experience. Long-term, the couple also envisions expanding Océglōw’s reach to global markets.

“We’ve only just scratched the surface of what we can do,” says Aarushi. “Our journey is one of continuous learning, growth, and innovation, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”

Through their shared vision, Akshay and Aarushi Oswal have created a skincare brand that is not just about beauty—it’s about empowering individuals to feel confident in their skin with products that are as luxurious as they are effective.

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