In this episode, we sit down with Sam Bedi, the Executive Director of Forest Essentials, to explore the incredible journey of transforming a small passion project into a global luxury Ayurveda brand.

Sam shares his insights on everything from navigating early challenges to building a distinctive brand identity and setting up their manufacturing facilities. He discusses the significance of maintaining uncompromised quality, the evolution of retail strategies, and the importance of thoughtful store expansion. With 175 stores and plans to expand further, Sam reveals how patience, focus, and hard work have been the cornerstones of their growth.

Tune in to hear about the company’s journey from its first store launch at Khan Market to its global aspirations, and learn valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a legacy brand.

Key topics covered:

• Building a Brand from Scratch: How a small project started in a garage without a business plan turned into an iconic luxury brand.
• Strategic Growth & Store Expansion: Why patience and strategic planning are essential in-store rollouts and how Forest Essentials scaled to 175 stores while maintaining quality and profitability.
• Challenges of a Luxury Ayurveda Brand: Overcoming price sensitivity through product and retail experience to establish a new category in the Indian beauty market.
• The Importance of Product Differentiation: Sticking to uncompromised quality and unique formulations is crucial in a crowded beauty space.
• Navigating Retail Trends: The evolution of retail strategies from high streets to malls and back, and insights into selecting the right locations for store openings.
• Global Vision & Long-term Goals: Sam’s vision of positioning Forest Essentials as a global brand, rivalling international names like L’Occitane and The Body Shop.
• Key Advice for Founders: Patience, focus, and the role of hard work in building a long-lasting, impactful brand.

You can also watch the full episode on the DSGCP website.

In this episode of Brick by Brick: Building Insurgent Brands, we're excited to host Andrew Kandolha, co-founder of SATURDAYS. Andrew shared his valuable experience and insights on the strategic importance of scaling retail stores for emerging brands like SATURDAYS.

In a conversation with Sameer Mehta, Andrew delves into how SATURDAYS has evolved from a fledgling start-up to a tech-enabled omnichannel brand with an app, website, and 51 stores in 19 cities across Indonesia in a matter of 2 years. Tune in to learn how strategic location selection, operational excellence, and a customer-centric approach propelled SATURDAYS to revolutionize the eyewear retail landscape in Indonesia.

You can also watch the full episode on the DSGCP website.

Welcome to the 15th episode of ‘BRICK by BRICK: Building Insurgent Brands'. Join us as we talk to the brightest minds across the world about building enduring consumer brands.

In this episode, we will hear insights from Viksita Singh Menon about the ever-evolving landscape of Beauty for Millennials and Gen Z in Southeast Asia.

Tune in as we discuss:

• The unique dynamics of young consumer needs and behaviors observed in Southeast Asia.
• Navigating the competitive landscape and strategies for beauty insurgent brands to thrive.
• Adapting to the post-COVID consumer, meeting demands for interactive online experiences and personalized shopping journeys.
• The power of online platforms, notably TikTok, for brand discovery and engagement, emphasizing the importance of a robust content strategy.
• Anticipated future trends in beauty, including the growing influence of AI and the increasing emphasis on sustainability in product offerings.

You can also watch the full episode on the DSGCP website.