1. Vision and Mission

To rid our Mother Earth of the toxic chemicals, which are released into her bosom in unimaginably large quantities, owing to all the body care and home-cleaning products we use daily, is the primary aim of having started this home enterprise. This can only be achieved by going back to our roots, by delving into the knowledge of nature’s bounties which our ancestors possessed, and utilised judiciously, in turn keeping our Earth’s health intact.

The emphasis laid on the convenience factor which emerged out of today’s fast-paced life, has caused us to ignore our planet’s health. The deleterious effects of all the synthetically prepared ingredients that are ubiquitously used in all the body care & home-cleaning products are seen all across our entire planet in the form of pollution of all the five elements, thereby causing havoc in the lives of living creatures. Hence, we see that there is an urgent need to save the Earth and ourselves as well, from this kind of poisoning.

Plant-derived products have long been found to be highly effective and safe by and large, in comparison to the synthetic chemicals used for the same purposes; and this knowledge was harnessed in full measure by our ancestors who, consequently, had much healthier lives & greater longevity with a high quality of life. They were healthier and happier because they were completely in synchrony with nature.

I envision a similar kind of scenario for today’s generations, so that tomorrow’s citizens can be assured of a happy and healthy life by cleansing our planet of all the toxic substances it is burdened with in the form of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, growth hormones (in relation to farming and animal husbandry); fragrances, preservatives, gelling and foaming agents, flavouring agents, surfactants, emulsifiers, and so many more (in relation to food and cosmetics industries); the list goes on.

Especially in the cosmetics industry, these chemicals directly penetrate our bodies through the pores of the skin - we must remember that the skin is the largest organ of the human body - and create chaos within our organs. As we have been observing, incidences of diseases like skin cancer and other tumours, several other skin disorders, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract diseases, allergies - are all on the rise. Therefore, it is wise to use natural substances for all our purposes.

Some people might argue that even plant products are chemicals. Of course, it is very much true. But then, so are we – you & me – a combination of chemicals! The only difference is in the fact, that natural chemicals are harmless if used in the right measure, because they metabolise into environmentally safe substances; while on the other hand, synthetics are unsafe all round - keeping in mind not only their metabolic effects, but also their synthesis in facilities which release toxic waste into their surroundings.

Therefore, I give a clarion call to all of you to join me in this effort, so that our children and their future generations can see a safer world than we are in now.

2. How “Prakruthi Soundarya” was born?

I have been in love with Nature since my childhood, and as an organic gardener, have derived great pleasure and benefit. As an individual with a degree in science, I learnt that modern science is not just limited in its scope to enhance lives, on the contrary, it is quite harmful in several ways. I realised that our ancient rishis were the true scientists - they had complete knowledge of everything but knew what to use and what not to, based on dangers to society in general. Also, during my occupation in the medical and pharmaceutical industry as a translator, I was convinced that modern medicine simply believes in maintaining disease in society to give a boost to the pharmaceutical industry, not to cure them at all. Even if the main disease is cured, the adverse effects caused by the medications again need to be treated (or may even be fatal). This vicious circle continuous. I have myself been a victim of gastrointestinal adverse effects caused by pain killers.

Therefore, I started relying more on alternative forms of medicine which use plant-derived medications and have no side-effects. I especially fell in love with essential oils and did an in-depth study of how and when to use them. Instead of throwing away money on conventional allopathic medications & treatment, owing to which I had suffered much, I started buying essential oils - expensive though they were. However, quite soon, as I realised that a little went a long way, and their effects were magical - I was even more enamoured of them. I had always been a fan of herbal powders & extracts - I had been using them since childhood - the knowledge of which I gained from my grandmother. I had always made my own hair oil from these powders and carrier oils for more than a decade, with great results.

Recently, when my daughter’s red sandal soap, which she had been recommended to use for her troublesome skin, was not available anywhere, it suddenly flashed into my mind that I could make it, as I had most of the ingredients at home. So, I bought a very mild soap base and a mould, and made my first red sandal soap with the herbal extracts and essential oils. It was a success, and a few people suggested that I should start selling them, as it would help other people.

Although initially, I was not serious, I gradually did consider the fact that if more people would get to use these natural daily-use products, our planet would be healthier, as the synthetic junk being used by a majority of the population would be replaced.

I am therefore, making a foray into this domain with the manufacture of personal and home-care products, which contain all-natural ingredients, as my small contribution to making our Mother Earth a better place.

3. So why are our products special?

• They are prepared with utmost care and love at home, resulting in products that are long-lasting and effective in improving all round skin & body health, and give users relief from nagging skin ailments.

• They are enriched with organic, cold-pressed oils such as coconut, castor, almond, sesame, neem, etc; as well as organic herbal powders and extracts which are highly beneficial for the skin.

• They are replete with the goodness of essential oils instead of cheap synthetic fragrances. These essential oils serve three purposes - one, as preservatives; two, as skin-friendly fragrances; and three, as therapeutic agents for several skin disorders.

• Absolutely no artificially synthesised substances have been used in these products. Completely natural colourants have been used and all the products are completely free of benzene-based or complex synthetic preservatives.

• Simple and fuss-free eco-friendly packaging minus plastic.

• Long shelf life, provided they are stored in the right manner. The products must be stored in a cool & dry place, particularly the soaps. It is recommended to use a sachet of our natural dehumidifier or of silica gel along with them, as natural soaps have the tendency to attract atmospheric moisture owing to the presence of humectant substances such as glycerine, honey or aloe vera gel.

• Very reasonably-priced, given the market conditions, as it is my endeavour to keep my products affordable, so that they are pocket-friendly for more people.