Latest news with #SimplyNam
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ETBWS 2025: Customer-centricity: The heart of Simply Nam
Addressing a room full of founders at the ETBrandEquity's Brand World Summit 2025 , a makeup artist and educator Namrata Soni , founder of Simply Nam , spoke about her brand's journey. Despite her 26 years in the beauty industry, the world of running a makeup brand, which she started four years ago, was entirely new territory. "I don't know anything about running a beauty brand or makeup brand," Soni stated, crediting fortunate partnerships for guiding her journey. The ethos: Beauty for every Indian skin tone Simply Nam was born from a clear vision: "Makeup for real women." It's about "finding the beauty in every single person out there," focusing on confidence and enhancement rather than camouflage. In a market flooded with thousands of new beauty brands, especially post-lockdown, Simply Nam stands out through its founder's direct engagement. "I get to work with real women every single day. I hear what they have to say, I hear what they are missing," Soni explained. While trends are enticing, Soni learned the practicalities of product development. "I used to be very naive initially when I realised that, I just have to make this product and put it out," she shared, highlighting the long lead times for packaging and brand representation. Simply Nam prides itself on being an aesthetically clean, vegan and cruelty-free brand. While not "100 per cent clean" in all aspects, they prioritise climate and country relevance. "This brand is for all the amazing people who live in this country and all the amazing people who have never managed to find the right color." A sustainable beginning: The makeup towel Simply Nam's journey began with an unexpected product: a makeup towel. "Everybody asked me, the first question they asked me was why?" Soni's answer stemmed from her years as a makeup artist, witnessing the waste of 20 to 30 cotton pads per client and the skin issues caused by many makeup removers. This led to the creation of a sustainable makeup removal cloth, usable for "1000 washes" over five years. The brand's color cosmetics line followed, with a focus on "stable products" for everyday use rather than fleeting trends. They aim to be the go-to product when consumers leave for work or a night out, from glosses to compacts. Their collaborations include a partnership for Kajal, noted for its "seven times more product" and innovative, standout packaging designed to encourage repeat purchases. Customer-centricity: Simply Nam's core Simply Nam primarily thrives on its own website, though it also sells on platforms like Amazon, Tira and Nykaa. Customer feedback is paramount. "Every single complaint that we get, every single Love and Light that we get, comments that we get, we take it seriously," Soni affirmed. They even host sessions where customers test and provide input on upcoming products, making them feel integral to the brand's evolution. Recently securing a round of funding has brought both excitement and pressure. "Somebody else's money is coming in, but at the same time faith that people believe in us and they want us to grow in this very cluttered, overcrowded market of makeup," she shared. For Simply Nam, standing out means prioritising consumer relationships and developing products that enhance natural beauty. Soni lamented the historical challenge of international brands failing to cater to diverse Indian skin tones, often requiring makeup artists to mix multiple shades for clients. Simply Nam aims to address this gap, despite currently having a smaller collection. Their products are also climate-sensitive, performing consistently across India's varied weather conditions. The brand prides itself on working closely with Indian vendors. Soni's approval process is famously rigorous, with products undergoing personal testing for weeks before approval. "If I'm not going to use it on myself, I cannot expect consumers to use it on them. Am I right?" she posed. Simply Nam is intentionally not a "celebrity-driven brand," but rather a "product-driven brand" focused on its ethos and what it communicates to the consumer. Soni finds immense satisfaction in direct customer validation. "Today, when I walked in, I had such a beautiful experience where so many women came up to me and said, "We love this blush, we love this lipstick, we love your culture, and honestly, when I'm stopped at airports and I'm told that it just brings biggest smile to my face, because it makes me believe that I'm doing something right," she concluded.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni suggests top makeup tips to ace your monsoon look
Rainy days may wash away your blues, but don't let those raindrops wash away your glam! As the clouds roll in and humidity rises, your regular makeup routine needs a monsoon makeover. From smudge-proof kajals to dewy-not-greasy skin hacks, it's time to rainproof your beauty game. Monsoon Makeup tips by celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni(Pexels) 'Before applying makeup, always begin with a clean face to ensure there's no residual makeup', says celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni. Namrata Soni has around 25 years of experience and celebrities like Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Rani Mukherjee, Isha Ambani, former Miss World, Manushi Chillar, and Twinkle Khanna have served as blank canvases for her makeup. Namrata, who is also the co-founder of the Simply Nam makeup range, tells HT Lifestyle her top tips for a perfect monsoon makeup. Use a hydrating sheet mask to prepare your skin for makeup Namrata insists on applying a hydrating sheet mask after cleaning your face, as it creates the perfect base for long-lasting makeup. She adds further that after removing the sheet mask, it's advisable to gently blot away any excess serum using the makeup removing towels. Namrata relies on a great deal on the makeup removal towels to cleaning out your face for any makeup or dust residues. Moisturiser is the key to a hydrating skin Simply Nam co-founder states, 'Next, prep your skin according to your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a gel-based or serum-based moisturiser. For dry skin, choose something more hydrating. Once that's absorbed, apply a hydrating eye cream and finish with a lip balm.' Primers helps in sweat-proofing your makeup Rain and humid weather comes hand in hand, resulting in sweating! Thus, Namrata swears by a primer in humid weather and states that primers must be applied on to cheeks, forehead, or chin. For extremely dry skin, she recommends using a hydrating primer on the dry patches. However, people with oily skin should apply an oil-control primer on their T-zone. Soni also recommends letting the primer sit in before applying the base for a better grip. Water-resistant makeup products are a no-brainer In order to prevent your makeup from melting in the rain, she advises reaching for water-resistant products that perform beautifully without feeling heavy or harsh on the skin. She says, 'Always use a water-resistant kajal. Her go-to is applying it on the waterline and setting the lower lash line with a matching matte eyeshadow. It locks in the pigment beautifully.' Lightweight foundation for humid weather 'Look for lightweight and water-resistant formulas. A satin-matte or soft matte finish works beautifully as it won't feel heavy and lasts longer in this humidity,' says Namrata. Quick fixes if your makeup starts melting Namrata also shares her quick fixes to makeup melting, 'If your makeup starts to melt, gently blot away excess oil with a tissue or blotting paper, then lightly dab on some pressed powder to mattify and freshen up your base without layering on too much product'. She further adds that a spritz of setting spray can also instantly refresh your look and keep everything in place for the rest of the day. Some basic makeup products that should be kept for touch-ups Namrata shares that keeping a mini beauty kit is a must, but do keep it minimal. A good mascara, a hydrating tinted lip balm, pressed powder, kajal, lipstick, and a small beauty blender or powder puff is all you need for quick touch-ups. At the end, while monsoon is all about enjoying savoury with your favourite beverages, these tips are sure to help you keep up with your makeup game. Similar articles for you: Malaika Arora reveals her pre-makeup skincare ritual; Know 6 skin prep steps she swears by How to choose your hairbrush for your hair type: Celebrity hair designer Darshan Yewalekar shares Don't use a sunscreen stick or else you will get obsessed with it! Our take on everything you need to know Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Fashion Network
30-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Beauty brand Simply Nam raises funding from Bhaane Group
Beauty brand Simply Nam has secured a strategic funding from the Bhaane Group to fuel its growth in the country cosmetics market. The company will utilise the funds to broaden its product portfolio, scale operations, and strengthen its omnichannel presence throughout India. With this it expects to more than double its monthly recurring revenue (MRR) within the next year. Simply Nam currently boasts an average MRR of Rs 2 crore. Commenting on the funding, Hanna Strömgren Khan, CEO co-founder of Simply Nam in a statement said, 'This fundraise marks a pivotal and deeply meaningful milestone for us. 'With Bhaane Group, we've found that rare alignment. This strategic investment is a launchpad for what comes next. It will empower us to introduce even more thoughtful, high-performance products, scale our educational content, and expand our omnichannel footprint across the country.' Anand S Ahuja, co-founder & CEO of Bhaane Group added, 'At Bhaane, we believe in empowering homegrown excellence and backing founders who are building for the future. Simply Nam represents the next chapter in clean, inclusive beauty for India, and we're incredibly proud to support their journey as they scale new heights.' Founded in 2020, Simply Nam co-founded by makeup artist Namrata Soni and entrepreneur Hanna Strömgren Khan retails through digital and quick-commerce platforms such as Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Tira Beauty, Zepto, and Blinkit.
Entrepreneur
28-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Bhaane Group Invests in Simply Nam's Beauty Vision
The funding will be deployed to expand Simply Nam's product portfolio, scale operations, and double its monthly recurring revenue (MRR) over the next year, solidifying its position in the country's fast-growing beauty sector. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Beauty brand Simply Nam has secured a strategic investment led by the Bhaane Group, co-founded by Anand S Ahuja and Sonam Kapoor. The funding will be deployed to expand Simply Nam's product portfolio, scale operations, and double its monthly recurring revenue (MRR) over the next year, solidifying its position in the country's fast-growing beauty sector. Founded in 2020 by celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni and serial entrepreneur Hanna Strömgren Khan, Simply Nam was born from over two decades of Namrata's industry expertise and a deep understanding of Indian beauty needs. Simply Nam's offerings include vegan, cruelty-free, skincare-forward makeup products specially formulated for Indian skin tones and climates. Bestsellers like the Ultimate Kajal, Satin Soft Lip Cremes, Magic Tinted Lip Oil, and the Dawn To Dusk Eyeshadow Palette are known for their innovation, performance, and aesthetic appeal. The brand has also made waves with the Sweet Kisses Lip Balm, which went viral among A-list influencers. "This brand is more than just makeup—it's a reflection of my life's work," said Namrata Soni, Co-founder of Simply Nam. "Having worked with Sonam for 17 years, it's incredibly meaningful to now build this brand alongside her and Anand. Their trust and belief in our journey are deeply empowering." The brand claims to have already achieved a strong foothold in the market, with an INR 2 crore MRR and an impressive 40% returning customer rate. Its presence spans leading platforms such as Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Tira Beauty, Zepto, and Blinkit. Hanna Strömgren Khan, CEO and Co-founder, added, "With Bhaane Group, we've found a partner who shares our belief in Indian excellence. This strategic investment is not just capital—it's the fuel to take Simply Nam to the next level of product innovation, consumer education, and omnichannel reach." Anand S Ahuja, CEO of Bhaane Group, commented, "Simply Nam is shaping the future of clean, inclusive beauty in India. We're proud to support a brand rooted in purpose and performance." With a shared commitment to Made-in-India excellence, Simply Nam and Bhaane Group are poised to redefine beauty standards by delivering world-class, thoughtful products for the modern Indian consumer.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Beauty brand Simply Nam raises funding from Sonam Kapoor's Bhaane Group
Bengaluru: Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni 's beauty brand Simply Nam has raised a strategic round of funding from the Bhaane Group . The company plans to use the funding to scale its operations, expand product portfolio, and deepen its omnichannel footprint across India. Founded in 2020 by Soni and Hanna Stromgren Khan, Simply Nam claims to have doubled its customer base over the past year with a 40 per cent returning customer rate and a monthly recurring revenue of Rs 2 crore. Simply Nam said it is scaling rapidly across digital and quick-commerce platforms, including Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Tira Beauty, Zepto and Blinkit. 'This strategic investment is a launchpad for what comes next. It will empower us to introduce even more thoughtful, high-performance products, scale our educational content, and expand our omnichannel footprint across the country,' said Hanna Stromgren Khan, co-founder and CEO of Simply Nam. The company did not disclose the funding amount of the funding. 'At Bhaane, we believe in empowering homegrown excellence and backing founders who are building for the future. Simply Nam represents the next chapter in clean, inclusive beauty for India, and we're incredibly proud to support their journey as they scale new heights,' said Ahuja, co-founder and CEO of Bhaane Group. Bhaane Group, founded by Anand S Ahuja and Bollywood Actress Sonam Kapoor , is a subsidiary of apparel manufacturer Shahi Exports. Bhane Group partners with global brands like Nike and Converse.
