Behind the Brand | Michelle Ranavat of RANAVAT Skincare

Image courtesy of RANAVAT. Photography by Grey & Elle.

Ranavat is a skincare line that is a modern interpretation of Ayurvedic principles. I caught up with founder Michelle Ranavat to hear how she went from the field of banking to running her own skincare business.

It’s great to meet you! How are you navigating this current time period both personally and professionally? 

It’s been an interesting adjustment but I’ve been enjoying spend more time at home and it feels easier to be creative and spend time on longer projects.  Personally, I’ve shifted from gym workouts to running and making sure I still keep in touch with my girlfriends, even if we not seeing each other in person.

I’d love to know what you were doing before you started your brand RANAVAT? 

I studied engineering and after college I went to work at Lehman Brothers, an investment bank. In 2008, during their bankruptcy I was laid off and ended up working at my father’s pharmaceutical company.  I loved learning about material sourcing and product development and that’s what led me to create RANAVAT.  I loved the idea of combining the technical side of sourcing with skincare, a passion of mine.

What inspired you to start the brand? 

As a first generation Indian, I wanted to find a way to connect with my culture, but also share it with others.  I loved using ingredients like saffron, turmeric and ashwagandha on my skin—but I didn’t see them in mainstream products.  I think there is so much value in Ayurveda (the Indian medicinal science) and wanted to create products so this science could be more accessible.

Did you have any non-negotiables about what it would be? 

I always want to build my business around honesty and authenticity.  Anything outside of that idea is something I stay away from.

The skincare is formulated with potent botanicals but also incorporates Ayurvedic principles. Can you explain a little bit more about that? 

RANAVAT is a modern interpretation of Ayurveda.  I meld the ingredients and traditions with familiar formats like serums and mists so they can fit into our modern lifestyle.

What is one ingredient that you incoporate that you were initially surprised to learn about its skincare benefits? 

Saffron is one of my favorite ingredients to formulate with. It’s luxurious, I love its natural fragrance and it’s amazingly effective for the skin.  It has really incredible brightening properties without the issues around oxidation and irritation that typical vitamin C formulations have.

What are some of the most popular products in the lineup?

Our Radiant Rani Saffron Brightening Serum, Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum and Luminous Ceremony Cream Cleanser are the three top sellers in the line along with the Kansa Wand, our Ayurvedic Facial Massage tool.

It’s so great that 2% of proceeds goes toward the DESAI Foundation. Can you share more about that and why is giving back to important to you?  

Supporting the communities where RANAVAT is from is an important part of our mission to “claim your crown.” We want to help boys and girls in rural villages dream beyond their circumstances and our work with The Desai Foundation is integral to that mission.

At ROSE & IVY we celebrate beauty in many forms. I’d love to know how you define beauty in a less tangible sense?  

Beauty is ability to rule your own destiny.

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