Sometimes, the simplest observations lead to the biggest ideas. Pooja Kaul, a young entrepreneur and postgraduate student at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), transformed a chance encounter during a bus journey into a thriving business. Starting with just Rs 26,000, she created a unique skincare brand that is earning lakhs every year while providing employment to marginalized communities.

From a College Project to a Life-Changing Idea

In 2016, Pooja was traveling in a government bus while working on a college project. Gazing out the window, she noticed a herd of donkeys and the migrant laborers who depended on them for daily work at brick kilns and construction sites. Many of these families struggled to make ends meet, earning just Rs 300–400 a day.

This sight sparked an idea. Pooja realized that these donkeys represented a neglected resource with untapped potential: donkey milk. Known worldwide for its nutritional value and similarity to human breast milk, donkey milk could be used to create high-quality, natural skincare products. Instead of selling it as a raw food product, which carried social stigma in India, Pooja decided to craft a niche market with sustainable, handmade products.

Turning Donkey Milk Into Skincare Gold

With determination, Pooja approached donkey owners, gaining their trust and starting her venture, Organiko. She combined donkey milk with Ayurvedic oils and traditional soap-making techniques she had learned from her grandmother and mother. This led to the creation of chemical-free, handmade soaps that nourish the skin, keep it soft, and support overall skin health.

Her innovation didn’t stop there. Organiko now produces face packs and is expanding into sunscreens, creams, and serums. Each product is carefully crafted to highlight the unique benefits of donkey milk while promoting sustainable and ethical practices.

Creating a Business With Social Impact

Organiko is not just a skincare brand; it is a social enterprise. By providing employment to donkey keepers, Pooja ensures that her business benefits the very communities that inspired it. Her venture demonstrates how entrepreneurship can combine profit with purpose, helping underserved populations while creating something innovative for the market.

With over 500 products sold every month, priced between Rs 350 and Rs 1,400, Pooja now earns lakhs annually. Beyond the numbers, her story is changing perceptions in India about donkey milk and proving that even overlooked resources can create opportunities when combined with vision and creativity.

Lessons From Pooja Kaul’s Journey

Pooja Kaul’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her success highlights the importance of observation, identifying untapped opportunities, and blending innovation with social responsibility. Starting with just Rs 26,000, she turned a small idea into a thriving enterprise by focusing on quality, sustainability, and community empowerment.

For anyone dreaming of building a business with limited resources, Pooja’s story shows that determination, creativity, and the willingness to challenge norms can create not just wealth, but meaningful impact.