In a world where beauty brands are born in boardrooms and built on buzzwords, one woman decided to do things differently. She didn’t just launch a makeup line; she launched a movement. Meet Aashka Goradia, former TV star turned beauty mogul, who co-founded RENÉE Cosmetics, a brand that’s now worth over ₹1,200 crore and redefining glam for the modern Indian woman.
And yes, she did it with lipstick, eyeliner, and a whole lot of guts.
From Soap Operas to Startup Stardom
Before she was mixing pigments and pitching products, Aashka was a household name on Indian television. Her acting career kicked off in 2002 with Achanak 37 Saal Baad, but it was Kkusum that made her a star. From Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to Naagin, she played every role from sweet daughter-in-law to supernatural diva.
Reality TV? She crushed that too. Bigg Boss 6, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye, Khatron Ke Khiladi, she did it all. But in 2021, after nearly two decades in the spotlight, she dropped the mic and walked away from acting.
Why? Because she had a new role to play: entrepreneur.
The Birth of RENÉE: Makeup with Meaning
Aashka didn’t just want to sell lipstick. She wanted to sell confidence. Inspired by her years in front of the camera and the transformative power of makeup, she launched RENÉE Cosmetics in 2018, alongside co-founders Priyank Shah and Ashutosh Valani (the brains behind Beardo).
The name RENÉE means “reborn,” and it’s also the name of Aashka’s mother-in-law. So yes, it’s personal.
Their first product? The FAB 5 Lipstick, five shades in one stick. It was bold, innovative, and perfect for women who don’t have time to dig through their purse mid-commute.
From there, the brand exploded.
What Makes RENÉE So Iconic?
RENÉE isn’t just another beauty brand. It’s a cruelty-free, FDA-approved, vegan-friendly powerhouse that’s built on innovation and inclusivity.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Multi-functional products like Fab Face (eyes, cheeks, lips in one)
- Bold shades that suit every skin tone and mood
- Clean ingredients with no parabens or harsh chemicals
- Affordable luxury that speaks to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities alike
And yes, they’ve got everything from lip glosses and eyeliners to perfumes and skincare. Even a pre-teen line called Princess by RENÉE, because glam starts early.
The Business Glow-Up: From ₹50 Lakh to ₹1,200 Crore
RENÉE started with a modest ₹50 lakh investment. Fast forward to 2024, and the brand is valued between ₹1,200 and ₹1,400 crore. That’s not just growth, it’s a glow-up.
In just two years, RENÉE crossed ₹100 crore in revenue. Today, it’s available on Nykaa, Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, along with over 650 offline stores across India.
They’ve raised ₹100 crore in funding and are eyeing another ₹200 crore round. They’re not just playing in the beauty space; they’re dominating it.
The Team Behind the Glam
While Aashka brings the vision and marketing magic, her co-founders bring serious business muscle.
- Priyank Shah: Co-founder of Beardo, expert in scaling D2C brands
- Ashutosh Valani: Beardo’s former CEO, now steering RENÉE’s growth
- Aashka Goradia: The face, the force, and the fire behind the brand
Together, they’ve built a team that’s obsessed with innovation, customer feedback, and making beauty accessible.
Innovations That Work
RENÉE isn’t just about pretty packaging. Their products are backed by research, tested by dermatologists, and designed for real life.
Fan favorites include:
- Madness pH Lipstick: Looks black, turns pink based on your skin’s pH
- Stay Forever Matte Liquid Lipsticks: Waterproof, smudge-proof, and packed with pigment
- Lumi Glow Cream: Hydrates, highlights, and makes you look like you slept 8 hours (even if you didn’t)
And yes, they’re constantly dropping new collections, because beauty never stands still.
Recognition and Realness
RENÉE has been featured in Femina Power Brands and CNBC’s Most Trusted Brands. But more importantly, they’ve earned the trust of millions of women who want makeup that works, feels good, and makes them feel powerful.
What’s Next?
RENÉE is just getting started. Their roadmap includes:
- Global expansion
- New product categories
- More offline stores
- Sustainability initiatives
And with Aashka at the helm, you can bet it’ll be bold, beautiful, and binge-worthy.
Final Thoughts: From Naagin to CEO
Aashka Goradia didn’t just pivot, she pirouetted. She went from playing dramatic roles on screen to playing a leading role in India’s beauty revolution.
RENÉE Cosmetics isn’t just a brand. It’s a rebirth. A reminder that beauty is power, and power looks different on everyone.
So the next time you swipe on a RENÉE lipstick, remember: you’re not just wearing makeup. You’re wearing a story.
And it’s fabulous.
