Anju Rupal is the founder of ABHATI Suisse, a cosmetic brand known as a 'beauty rebel with a cause'. Born and raised in London by Punjabi parents, her grandmother would massage all sorts of self-made oils and powders into her hair and face, instilling in her a dedication to natural beauty that she carried with her throughout her life. Together with her daughter, Shirin Dörig, she is now building ABHATI, a purpose-driven company that blends Swiss technology and Indian tradition. Their philosophy? Giving back to the world and the people is at the core of everything they do.
We talked to the mother-and-daughter duo about their visionary approach to beauty and how their all-natural cosmetic range is making an impact on the lives of hundreds of girls in India.
Anju, what drove your passion for beauty and led you to found your own beauty line?
A visit to the Himalayas in India, where I observed the radiant skin and hair of the local tribal farmers, was a pivotal moment. This experience highlighted the potential of using natural, locally sourced ingredients, leading to the development of products that honor both ancient practices and modern science like bio-tech. Drawing on my grandmother’s legacy of creating skincare products from oils and herbs, we aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
Later I noticed that these beautiful oils and botanicas were too heavy for my daughters’ hair and skin, given their half Swiss/Indian heritage. By juxtaposing Indian rituals with our proprietary Swiss Abhati Complex™ carrier system, we have managed to create a product that caters to everyone, regardless of their skin and hair type.
Why did you choose the name ABHATI Suisse?
The name "ABHATI Suisse" combines "Abhati," which means "to shine" in ancient Sanskrit, with "Suisse," reflecting the brand's Swiss Indian heritage. Our focus is on "Mountain Botanicals", from the Swiss Alps and the Indian Himalayas, potent ingredients from high-altitude regions (1500 meters).
You are cooperating with the non-profit organization Educate Girls in India. Could you share some insights into your collaboration and why it is important to you?
Educate Girls supports education opportunities for girls in rural areas in India. This partnership holds personal significance for us due to my background in social work and my strong belief in empowering girls towards financial independence through education. I firmly believe that educating girls carries a big positive impact, not only for their individual futures but also for the entire community. It empowers girls to break cycles of poverty, strengthens families, and fosters sustainable development. Through our collaboration with Educate Girls, we aim to contribute to these positive changes.
What are the top three skills you believe are critical to be a successful female entrepreneur?
Resilience, endurance, thinking out of the box and not taking no for an answer, are critical for entrepreneurs. It’s a roller coaster of many emotions.
What is the best advice you have ever received from each other?
Anju: It’s not advice but more an observation, on how Shirin seamlessly navigates running a business and following her other passion music, where she DJ’s internationally. I find this really cool.
Shirin: It’s having my mum as a role model daily. She's been a shining example of a woman thriving in business for as long as I can remember. This wasn't something extraordinary to me because it's what I've always known — women can excel in business, stand their ground, and be independent. My mum's relentless hustle mentality and never taking no for an answer are qualities I deeply admire and am profoundly grateful to have inherited from her.
ABHATI Suisse stands for Future Forward Beauty. Can you explain what that concept is all about?
This concept is all about blending the wisdom of tradition with the advancements of cutting-edge science. Our international team of experts from diverse fields, including Ayurveda, biotechnology, and longevity research, collaborates to create innovative formulations. Therefore, we can offer holistic and forward-thinking beauty solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
Beauty is all about well-being. What are your personal favorites to recharge?
Our headquarters are nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps in a Kanton called Appenzell. Here, we often recharge by hiking and spending time in nature. Another cherished tradition passed down through generations of women in our family is the "Champi," an Indian head massage with oil that we practice weekly. This ritual not only promotes healthy hair growth and strengthens hair but also serves as a meditative practice, offering a moment of calm and relaxation.
Shirin, what made you decide to join ABHATI Suisse?
Mum has always been a huge inspiration for me. I grew up watching her whip up homemade hair and skin treatments in our kitchen and teach my sister and me all about traditional Indian beauty secrets. I then started a YouTube channel at the age of 10, sharing beauty tips, DIY masks, and product reviews. Later I gained work experience in different sectors and traveled a lot, but I always loved being involved in decision-making at ABHATI Suisse. I admire how my mum built the brand from scratch with her vision and values. At ABAHTI Suisse I can pursue my passion for beauty and have a platform to share this, but I also get to team up with mum to take this company to new heights.
As a mother-daughter business, what challenges have you encountered, and how do you maintain balance between your professional endeavors and family life?
We've surely faced some challenges navigating our distinct roles within the company. I (Anju) bring a visionary, creative approach, while Shirin provides the structured side with her keen eye for detail. Balancing our professional endeavors with family life is an important element. While work and personal time often blend into one, we clearly communicate when we need a break of work or when we’re with our other family members, so the dynamics remain intact. Through open communication and trust, we harmonize our roles as business partners and family members.
What does purpose mean to you?
To us, purpose means having a clear sense of meaning and intention behind what we do. It's about aligning our actions and decisions with values that resonate deeply. ABHATI Suisse represents a harmonious blend of traditional wisdom, scientific innovation, and social responsibility. It sets a new standard for beauty businesses driven by purpose, where every product and initiative are crafted with intention to benefit not only customers but also communities and the environment. We’re a proud member of B Corp and one of the first Swiss Companies to be recognized and certified by them.
