Pooja Kaul’s journey from a TISS classroom project to founding Organiko, a sustainable skincare startup, is a testament to innovation with a purpose. By transforming donkey milk—a nutrient-rich ingredient—into organic skincare products, she has not only created a thriving business but also uplifted over 150 families from the Lashkar community in Solapur. Here’s how her vision is changing lives and redefining beauty.
A Spark of Inspiration in Solapur
In 2016, while pursuing her postgraduate degree at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Pooja Kaul was traveling through Solapur, Maharashtra, on a crowded government bus. Amid the pressure of a pivotal college project, a herd of donkeys caught her eye. Curious, she stopped to learn about the Lashkar community—migrant laborers reliant on donkeys for work in brick kilns and construction sites. Earning just Rs 300–400 daily, these families struggled to sustain themselves and their animals, especially during the monsoon when work was scarce.
Determined to create a sustainable solution, Pooja saw potential in donkey milk, known for its vitamins and fatty acids that deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, resembling human breast milk. She spent six months building trust with the community, addressing their concerns about animal welfare, and laying the foundation for Organiko—a social enterprise that turns donkey milk into handmade, eco-friendly skincare products.
Turning a Vision into Reality
With Rs 26,000 saved for a Goa trip and an additional Rs 34,000 raised through crowdfunding, Pooja produced her first batch of 250 soaps. Returning to Delhi, she showcased her products at city exhibitions, earning overwhelming validation that turned her project into a full-fledged business. Despite initial resistance from the Lashkar community, who feared milking might harm their donkeys, Pooja ensured ethical practices—milking only 200 ml every alternate day to prioritize the animals’ and their foals’ well-being.
Empowering Communities, Redefining Beauty
Organiko’s impact goes beyond skincare. By paying Rs 1,300–2,000 per liter for donkey milk, Pooja has provided a stable income for over 150 families, reducing their need to migrate and enabling better education for their children. The donkeys, once neglected, are now cared for with dignity, housed in proper shelters.
Today, Organiko offers a range of products, from soaps to face packs, with plans to expand into sunscreens, creams, and serums. Pooja’s commitment to sustainability and social good has earned her accolades like Forbes 30 Under 30 (Asia) and The Diana Award 2020.
A Bright Future Ahead
Pooja Kaul’s Organiko is more than a skincare brand—it’s a movement that blends compassion, innovation, and sustainability. By empowering the Lashkar community and challenging taboos around donkey milk, she’s proving that small ideas can create big change. As Organiko grows, it continues to beautify lives—both for its customers and the families it supports.