Journey of Sharon Sabina: Founder & CEO of Natarajan and Astrea Skincare- Entrepreneur
Journey of Sharon Sabina:
Sharon Sabina Natarajan, a problem solver at heart, has
spent over 21 years building organizations and providing solutions across
various industries. In 2017, she decided to channel her extensive experience
into a venture that combined her passion for natural wellness with her
entrepreneurial spirit. This marked the beginning of Astrea Skincare, a brand
dedicated to crafting 100% natural skincare products.
Personal Struggles Inspire Innovation
Sharon’s journey into the skincare world was deeply
personal. After suffering from skin allergies and being frustrated by the lack
of chemical-free products available in the Indian market, she realized there
was a significant gap. This prompted her to explore natural solutions and ultimately
led to the creation of Astrea. The brand was born out of her need for products
that were both effective and free from harsh chemicals.
The Birth of Astrea
Astrea, named after the Greek goddess of innocence and
purity, symbolizes Sharon’s commitment to providing pure and natural skincare
solutions. She believes that every woman embodies a goddess who deserves to
feel beautiful inside and out. With this ethos, Sharon and her team set out to
develop a product line based on plant botanicals, supported by strong
scientific research.
Expanding the Product Range
Since its inception, Astrea has grown significantly, now
offering over 40 products tailored to various skin concerns. Each product is
handcrafted with care and formulated using the finest natural ingredients.
Sharon emphasizes the importance of using only ingredients that are safe enough
to eat, reflecting her commitment to health and wellness.
A Sustainable Approach
Sharon’s vision extends beyond just skincare; it encompasses
a commitment to sustainability. Astrea products are packaged in reusable glass
containers to minimize environmental impact. The brand strives to reduce waste
and uses natural preservatives, giving their products a shelf life of six
months while ensuring they remain chemical-free.
Journey of Sharon Sabina: Founder & CEO of Natarajan and Astrea Skincare-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/Astrea Skincare/Natarajan
A Cultural Connection: Siddha Tradition
Astrea is rooted in Siddha, an ancient Indian medical system
that emphasizes a vegan and hypoallergenic lifestyle. Unlike Ayurveda, which
often incorporates animal products, Siddha relies solely on plant-based ingredients.
Sharon’s collaboration with a Siddha doctor was instrumental in developing the
brand’s formulations, allowing her to tap into this rich heritage while
promoting its benefits to a broader audience.
Educating Consumers
Recognizing that effective skincare requires a holistic
approach, Sharon aims to educate consumers on how to use Astrea products
effectively. Instead of offering standalone items, she markets her products as
collections or kits, promoting a comprehensive skincare routine. This educational
aspect ensures customers understand the benefits of combining different
products for optimal results.
Bridging Online and Offline Experiences
To reach more customers, Sharon adopted a direct-to-consumer
(D2C) model, enabling her to connect with customers directly. However, she also
understood the importance of providing tangible experiences. This led to the
creation of the “Beauty Bar,” an experiential kiosk where customers can engage
with the products, receive personalized guidance, and try before they buy.
Building a Community
Astrea's Beauty Bar concept was a success, with the first
kiosk opening in Chennai’s Express Avenue Mall. The positive response
encouraged Sharon to expand to other locations, helping to cultivate a
community of skincare enthusiasts who value natural products. These
interactions have fostered a loyal customer base that appreciates the brand’s
dedication to quality and education.
Overcoming Challenges in Brand Awareness
While Ayurveda enjoys a significant presence in the wellness
market, Siddha remains relatively unknown. Sharon is determined to change this
perception by positioning Astrea as the first cosmetic brand representing
Siddha principles. Her goal is to elevate the Siddha tradition, giving it the
global recognition it deserves and helping more people discover its benefits.
A Commitment to Quality
Astrea’s dedication to quality and efficacy is reflected in
its rigorous product development process. Sharon emphasizes the importance of
scientific research and careful formulation, ensuring that every product meets
high standards. This commitment to excellence resonates with consumers looking
for safe and effective skincare solutions.
The Future of Astrea
Sharon Sabina Natarajan’s vision for Astrea goes beyond
creating skincare products; she aims to inspire a movement toward natural and
sustainable living. As she continues to innovate and expand her offerings, her
mission remains clear: to empower individuals to embrace their beauty through
the purity of nature. Through Astrea, Sharon is not just building a brand; she
is nurturing a community that celebrates the goddess within every woman.
