Meet woman who faced personal tragedy, quit high-paying job, started working from home, now runs Rs...

Harini Shivkumar, a former banker from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has become a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey from a homemaker to the founder and CEO of Earth Rhythm, a flourishing brand in sustainable skincare, is nothing short of inspiring.

Harini's career began in banking, but her life took a turn when she married at 22 and subsequently became a devoted mother. However, in 2010, her life changed dramatically when she learned that her child was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Determined to provide the best care, she made the difficult decision to leave her job and focus on her family.

During this time, Harini faced a challenge in finding safe skincare products for her child amidst a market flooded with chemical-laden alternatives. Unsatisfied with the options available, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

In 2015, Harini embarked on a journey to create safe skincare formulations. Utilizing her spare time as her son began schooling, she started developing products and began showcasing them at local exhibitions and community gatherings. The initial venture, Soapworks India, started humbly from a small room in her house in Delhi in 2017, where she managed everything from production to packaging and delivery single-handedly.

The turning point came in 2018 when Harini's father, Mr Shivkumar, joined her in the business, marking a pivotal moment in the company's evolution. Together, they rebranded as Earth Rhythm, emphasizing sustainability and natural ingredients. Despite starting with a modest team of eight women in a small office, Earth Rhythm rapidly expanded, experiencing a significant increase in its customer base within just two years.

Earth Rhythm currently offers 160 products, including their popular shampoo bar—a plastic-free alternative promoting sustainability. The company strictly adheres to a zero-waste policy, using only natural ingredients. While Harini manages manufacturing, her father oversees finance and sales operations.

Reflecting on her journey, Harini emphasizes that her success is attainable by anyone willing to pursue their dreams. In a recent interview, she credited her success to starting small and working diligently. From her initial home-based operations, Earth Rhythm now boasts its manufacturing unit and has achieved a valuation of Rs 200 crore.