The Interview: Ranavat's founder on entering UK and why Ayurvedic beauty belongs on international stage
Michelle Ranavat didn’t set out to start a beauty empire - she set out to fix her skincare shelf. Armed with an engineering degree, a background in finance, and a lifetime of Indian beauty rituals passed down through her mother and grandmother, she created Ranavat - the brand that proves luxury can have roots as deep as its glow.
Now, fresh from her US success and after testing the UK waters with Harrods and Sephora, Ranavat has landed on Space NK’s shelves - a milestone that cements Ayurvedic beauty’s place in the global conversation. TheIndustry.beauty sat down with Michelle Ranavat to talk saffron serums, expanding the brand's UK presence and how she’s bottling ancient rituals for a new generation of skincare devotees.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to create Ranavat?
I started my career in engineering and later moved into finance, but I always felt a deep connection to my Indian heritage, especially the beauty rituals I grew up watching my mother and grandmother practice. After years of using luxury skincare that didn’t feel reflective of my culture, I realised there was an opportunity to bring Ayurveda and Indian ingredients into a modern, luxurious context. Ranavat was born out of that desire to marry my heritage with innovation and craftsmanship.
Congratulations on landing at Space NK! What does this milestone mean for you?
It’s such an incredible moment for us. Space NK is known for curating the world’s most respected beauty brands, so to be included in that roster validates our mission. It signals that Ayurvedic beauty isn’t niche - it belongs on an international stage and resonates with a wide audience.
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Ranavat is rooted in Ayurvedic traditions and Indian rituals. How do you translate that rich heritage into products that resonate with a global audience?
We focus on efficacy first, while staying true to tradition. Our formulations use time-honoured Ayurvedic ingredients like saffron, ashwagandha, and manjistha, but they’re delivered in luxurious, sensorial textures that today’s global consumer expects. It’s not about modernising Ayurveda - it’s about honouring it and presenting it in a way that feels elevated, inclusive, and timeless.
There’s a slowly but surely growing Ayurvedic beauty market. What makes Ranavat stand out?
Our differentiation is in luxury and authenticity. While many brands reference Ayurveda, we take the craftsmanship and rituals seriously, sourcing the highest-grade ingredients directly from India and focusing on performance-driven results. We’ve also pioneered innovations like saffron milk technology, which represents our fusion of heritage and cutting-edge science.
Can you tell me about the hero products you’re most excited to introduce to UK shoppers?
The Brightening Saffron Serum is our crown jewel; it’s powered by saffron and has become a cult favourite for brightening and radiance. I’m also excited about the Restoring Moonseed Treatment and our Fortifying Hair Serum, which highlight the versatility of Ayurvedic ingredients in both skincare and haircare.
Space NK is known for curating brands with a real point of difference. Why do you think they wanted Ranavat on their shelves and why now?
Consumers are craving both authenticity and efficacy. Ranavat brings an Ayurvedic perspective that is deeply rooted in tradition but also delivers the luxurious experience Space NK customers expect. With wellness and cultural storytelling becoming more important than ever, the timing felt perfect for Ranavat to expand in the UK.
The brand’s expansion story is impressive - from your own kitchen experiments to international retailers. What was the moment you thought, "ah, we’ve made it"?
For me, it wasn’t one single moment but a series of affirmations — from seeing our first Sephora US launch to customers writing to say how much our products changed their routines. But Space NK feels like a very special "we’ve made it" milestone, because it’s our first major UK expansion.
Are you looking to expand into more UK retailers? If so, which?
Yes, we see huge potential in the UK market. Our goal is to expand through deepening our relationships with Space NK and Harrods and grow as they expand into new and exciting markets.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Ranavat? More international expansion, activations, new categories, or something unexpected?
All of the above! International expansion is key, but we’re also innovating in new product categories, particularly around saffron and Ayurvedic ingredients. Activations and immersive experiences are also on the horizon — we want to bring the ritualistic, sensorial element of Ayurveda to life for our community.
Where do you see the brand in five years?
In five years, I envision Ranavat as the leading global Ayurvedic luxury beauty brand — anchored in authenticity, known for our craftsmanship, and beloved by customers around the world. We’ll have expanded across categories and geographies, while staying true to our roots.
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