Biography of Vibha Harish: Founder & CEO of Cosmix Wellness- Entrepreneur
Biography of Vibha Harish:
Journey Begins
Vibha Harish, a herbalist by profession, co-founded Cosmix
Wellness, a plant-based nutrition company that has made a significant mark in
the wellness industry. Her journey into the world of health and wellness began
with her personal health struggles, particularly her diagnosis of PCOS
(Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) at the age of 16. Struggling with her health, Vibha
immersed herself in learning about nutrition and holistic healing, which laid
the foundation for her entrepreneurial venture. This personal experience led
her to realize the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and a holistic
approach to health, which she wanted to share with the world.
The Birth of Cosmix
Cosmix Wellness was founded in December 2019, with a mission
to challenge the conventional approach to personal care. The market was flooded
with beauty and wellness products focusing only on external attributes, but
Cosmix aimed to address health and beauty from the inside out. Vibha’s passion
for using natural ingredients and plant-based solutions drove her to create a
range of herbal supplements made from high-grade plant proteins and superfoods.
The company’s products target holistic health, combining ancient herbal
remedies with modern nutritional needs.
Creating a Unique Brand
What set Cosmix apart from other brands in the wellness
space was its focus on education and providing plant-based supplements that go
beyond just beauty. Cosmix was committed to helping people improve their health
from within using adaptogens and superfoods. The company’s product range
included seven different adaptogenic mixes aimed at improving overall health.
Vibha wanted to make sure the products were not only effective but also
formulated with the utmost care. The supplements were crafted using in-house
formulations to ensure that quality and ingredients met the highest standards.
The Social Impact Mission
In addition to its commitment to consumer health, Cosmix
also had a socially driven mission. Vibha and her co-founder, Soorya Jagdish,
wanted to extend their impact to communities in need. They focused on providing
access to the same superfoods to children in rural areas of Karnataka to help
combat malnutrition and promote cognitive development. Through their
partnership with government-led anganwadis (rural childcare centers), Cosmix
aimed to improve the intake of essential micro-nutrients in children’s diets.
This initiative underscored their dedication not only to individual health but
also to broader social responsibility.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Cosmix made its way to Shark Tank India in Season 3, with
the founders seeking an investment of ₹1 crore for a 1% equity stake in their
business, at a valuation of ₹100 crore. The Sharks were introduced to the idea
behind Cosmix through an interesting analogy – comparing the revival of a dying
plant by providing the right nutrients to the way the body needs proper care to
function at its best. The founders explained how their herbal supplements could
provide that holistic care to people’s bodies. This innovative approach grabbed
the attention of the Sharks.
Biography of Vibha Harish: Founder & CEO of Cosmix Wellness- Entrepreneur/plant-based nutrition and holistic health/age/net worth/investor/startup/
The Sharks’ Questions
As the pitch progressed, the Sharks asked several insightful
questions about the business. Peyush Bansal was particularly curious about what
set Cosmix apart from other brands in the crowded market of plant-based
supplements. Namita Thapar asked about the product range and the company’s
scaling process, while Anupam Mittal appreciated the branding and packaging,
but wanted to know more about the product formulations. Amit Jain asked if
Cosmix had any unique formulations that competitors could not replicate. These
questions reflected the Sharks’ focus on the potential for growth, uniqueness,
and long-term sustainability in a competitive market.
The Offer from Namita Thapar
After a tense round of negotiations, the founders received
multiple offers from the Sharks. The final deal came from Namita Thapar, CEO of
a multinational pharmaceutical company. She offered ₹1 crore for a 1% equity
stake in Cosmix, with an additional condition of a 1% royalty until the ₹1
crore investment was recouped. Vibha and Soorya chose Namita’s offer due to her
extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry and her ability to scale
the business to a global level. The deal valued Cosmix at ₹100 crore, marking a
significant milestone for the startup.
A Growing Brand
Since its appearance on Shark Tank India, Cosmix has
continued to expand. The brand has grown rapidly, reaching over 2 lakh
customers. The company's products are now available online through its website,
major online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, and in offline retail
stores such as cafes and gyms. The founders’ decision to diversify their sales
channels has helped them gain a strong foothold in the wellness market.
Profitability and Expansion
Cosmix is not just surviving; it’s thriving. Even in its
early stages, the company was profitable, with an EBITDA of 11% on a revenue of
₹27 crore. The brand’s ability to balance quality, education, and customer
satisfaction has played a crucial role in its success. With a growing customer
base and solid revenue, Cosmix is poised for further growth. The company plans
to expand its product range, including new plant-powered solutions, and scale
its operations globally.
A Personal Transformation
For Vibha, starting Cosmix was not just a business decision;
it was a personal journey. Her health challenges were the catalyst that pushed
her toward a career in herbalism and holistic wellness. She has spent years
studying and formulating products that align with her belief in natural
healing. Vibha emphasizes that holistic health is not just about treating
symptoms but addressing the root cause of health issues, which is a core
philosophy at Cosmix.
The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Building a successful brand came with its challenges. For
Vibha and Soorya, navigating the hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic and
establishing the right team were significant obstacles. Learning the ropes of
entrepreneurship, managing emotions, and adapting to the rapidly changing
market landscape were all part of the journey. However, despite these
challenges, the founders found the process to be immensely rewarding.
The Power of Family
Family has played an integral role in Vibha’s journey. Her
father, Harish Clospet, has been a source of inspiration for her when it comes
to healthy living. Not only did he teach her the value of cooking healthy
meals, but he also participated in the company’s journey by making lunchboxes
for her family. Vibha and her father share a passion for healthy food and enjoy
cooking together, reinforcing the family values that have shaped Cosmix.
The Future of Cosmix
Looking ahead, Cosmix aims to expand its reach and product
offerings. The brand has already gained a loyal customer base and received
significant investor backing. With Namita Thapar’s mentorship and resources,
Cosmix is well-positioned for global expansion. The plant-based wellness market
is on the rise, and Cosmix is ready to take on the challenge of providing
high-quality, plant-powered products to customers around the world.
Conclusion: A Holistic Vision
Vibha Harish and Soorya Jagdish’s venture into the world of
plant-based wellness through Cosmix represents a broader shift in the health
industry, where consumers are increasingly turning to natural, sustainable, and
holistic solutions. Their commitment to high-quality products, social
responsibility, and educating consumers about the benefits of adaptogens and
superfoods has helped them build a strong brand. With continued innovation and
a solid foundation, Cosmix is set to become a leader in the plant-based
supplement market, transforming lives and promoting holistic health.
A timeline for the story of Vibha Harish and Cosmix
Wellness:
2002: Vibha diagnosed with PCOS at 16, sparking her interest
in nutrition and holistic health.
2019 (Dec): Cosmix Wellness founded, focusing on plant-based
nutrition and holistic health.
2020: Cosmix creates a range of adaptogenic mixes with
herbal supplements targeting internal health.
2023: Cosmix partners with anganwadis in rural Karnataka to
combat child malnutrition.
2024: Cosmix appears on Shark Tank India, securing ₹1 crore
investment for 1% equity.
2024: Cosmix expands, reaching 2 lakh customers, with
products available online and in retail.
2024: Cosmix becomes profitable with ₹27 crore in revenue
and 11% EBITDA.
Future Plans: Expanding globally, increasing product range,
and continuing to educate consumers about holistic wellness.
