Simone Tata, a pivotal figure in India’s beauty industry, played a significant role in transforming the country’s first beauty brand, Lakmé, into a household name. While Simone didn’t establish Lakmé, her contributions turned the brand into a Rs 200 crore empire.
The Birth of Lakmé
Lakmé was launched in 1952 as India’s first indigenous beauty brand. Initially operating out of a small rented space, it gradually expanded its reach. By 1960, the brand had outgrown its modest beginnings and moved into a larger facility. The introduction of Lakmé had a profound impact on the Indian beauty industry, drastically reducing the import of foreign beauty products into the country.
Simone Tata’s Journey to India
Simone Tata's story began far from India, in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was born in 1930. After completing her education at Geneva University, her life took a turn in 1953 when she moved to India. Two years later, she married Naval H. Tata, a prominent figure in the Tata family. This union marked her lifelong association with India. Simone became the mother of Noel Tata and stepmother to Ratan Tata, the iconic chairman of Tata Group.
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Lakmé's Rise Under Simone Tata
In 1961, Simone Tata took over as the Managing Director of Lakmé, setting the stage for its rapid growth. Under her leadership, the brand flourished. By 1980, Lakmé had opened its first branded beauty salon, and Simone continued as chairperson until 1982.
Simone was deeply involved in product development for Lakmé. She would source products from abroad and work tirelessly to create Indian alternatives of the same high quality. Her hands-on approach ensured that Lakmé products met international standards, making the brand a trusted name in the Indian market.
The Westside Venture
Simone Tata’s entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t confined to the beauty industry. She also founded the retail clothing store, Westside, further solidifying her impact on the Indian consumer landscape.
Lakmé and Hindustan Unilever
In 1993, Tata Group entered a 50:50 partnership with Hindustan Unilever (HUL) to manage Lakmé. Five years later, in 1998, Tata sold the remaining stake in Lakmé to HUL for Rs 200 crore, confident that the brand’s future was in capable hands.
Simone Tata’s legacy endures as the driving force behind the transformation of Lakmé from a fledgling brand to a beauty giant, shaping the Indian beauty and fashion industries.