Meet woman, who started company by investing Rs 20000, today runs Rs 4500 crore business of skincare, wellness, she is..

Self-belief is often seen as the most crucial stepping stone for success. However much the world may not believe in you, still nothing can bring you down, especially when it comes to undying self-belief. The inspiring journey of Vandana Luthra defines this very principle. Now having a net worth of ₹1,300 crores, Vandana started with investing ₹20,000 only in her dream. That modest investment laid the foundation for a company that would later sell for ₹2,500 crores, with Vandana still retaining a stake in it. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination—one that every aspiring entrepreneur should know.

Vandana was inspired by her mother, who was the head of an Ayurvedic charitable organization called Amar Jyoti, helping the poor. Seeing all this work that was doing such a positive impact in people's lives, Vandana wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives as well. Seeing the dearth of awareness of nutrition and cosmetology in India, she chose to continue her higher studies in both fields in Germany.

After her graduation, Vandana returned to India and started a venture with an investment of ₹20,000. She introduced Vandana Luthra Curls and Curves (VLCC) in 1989 with its first center in Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi. Unlike the glam-centric wellness industry then, Vandana focused on science-backed clinical programs of weight management through diet and exercise.

It was not easy to start a business as a woman in the 1990s. There was societal opposition and skepticism about her business model. Even medical professionals were not keen on collaborating. Still, she did not give up, driven by an unwavering belief in her vision.

VLCC started getting momentum in the 2000s, and its revenue crossed ₹50 crores. Although competitors used to charge ₹12,000 for wellness packages, VLCC's registration fee was ₹20,000—yet it was still in demand. The biggest milestone came in 2005 when VLCC gave a makeover to the lead character in the television show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, which immensely enhanced the recognition of the brand.

By 2009, VLCC's valuation has been reached at ₹125 crores after it received funding worth ₹14.4 crores from Shine. Today, by 2010, the company has 100 centers and is training women to become beauty entrepreneurs. Vandana also expanded her operations internationally into the Middle East, South-East Asia, and Africa. 

By 2023, VLCC had 311 centers, 100 training institutes, and operations in 144 cities. It was an enterprise started on a small scale of just ₹20,000; Carlyle Group acquired this company for ₹2,500 crores. Today, the company has a gross annual revenue of ₹986.8 crores. The company has a valuation of ₹4,500 crores. Every year, the company trains 10,000 women, with a 70% representation of women. Vandana has become an icon of hope and empowerment.

She has received various prestigious awards for her relentless efforts. She was awarded Enterprise Asia Women Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2010, Padma Shri in 2013, and Forbes Asia's 50 Power Businesswomen in 2016. She has also been selected continuously to Fortune India's 50 Most Powerful Women's list between 2011-2017 and ranked among Forbes Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World in 2018. Between the years of 2015-2019, VLCC has been celebrated as a most trusted wellness brand.

From humble beginnings to creating an internationally recognized wellness empire, Vandana Luthra's story is one that epitomizes the importance of perseverance, innovation, and believing in oneself.