Simply Nam: Revolutionising beauty with practical and affordable solutions tailored for Indian skintones and climate

In 2020, when she was gearing to launch her own brand, Namrata Soni—one of Bollywood’s most sought-after make-up artists in the last 25 years—knew one thing for certain: it's always quality over quantity.

Enter Bozzil Group, led by Hanna Strömgren Khan and Jesper Karlsson, which has a keen focus on redefining India's premium brands industry. They achieve this through innovation and strategic collaborations with influencers and educators. Bozzil Group partnered with Soni to create Simply Nam, a premium make-up brand designed to enhance and celebrate the natural beauty of the modern Indian woman.

Soni, on her dynamic collaboration with Bozzil Group, expressed, “I chose to partner with Bozzil because they were perfectly aligned with my vision. As an artist amid a sea of make-up brands, quality remained my utmost priority. And with Bozzil, that is always a guarantee.”

With a strong focus on excellence in design and quality across its portfolio, Bozzil has not only ventured into creating premium brands, but has also revolutionised the D2C space, especially with Simply Nam. 

For the brand, Soni used her years of expertise as a celebrity make-up artist to craft high-quality beauty products at affordable prices. It is not merely a brand; Simply Nam is a movement that resonates with the unique wants and needs of the diverse Indian population.

To gain insight into the brand's vision and its strategy for success in the competitive Indian beauty industry, Harper’s Bazaar’s India interviewed Bozzil CEO, Hanna Strömgren Khan and Namrata Soni, co-founder of Simply Nam. Excerpts from the tête-à-tête: 

Harper’s Bazaar India: What inspired the collaboration between both of you to create Simply Nam? How does it represent a unique offering in the beauty industry?

Namrata Soni: The inspiration behind our collaboration to create Simply Nam was rooted in a profound aspiration to support and uplift the remarkable women not only within India but across the globe. Every ingredient, every formulation in Simply Namrata is thoughtfully crafted with precision and care. Recognising the gap in the market, we set out to create colors tailored to suit our diverse skin tones and climate, ensuring that everyone finds their perfect match. Simply Nam represents a departure from the status quo in the beauty industry. It's not just about selling products; it's about empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Each lipstick, each lip butter is named after strong and powerful women, embodying the spirit of empowerment and inclusivity that lies at the heart of Simply Nam.

Hanna Strömgren Khan: When I got married back in 2019, Namrata did my hair and make-up. As she worked her magic, I couldn't help but wonder why she hadn’t considered launching her own brand. After all, there are numerous renowned celebrity make-up artists with successful brands globally, from Charlotte Tilbury to Pat McGrath. When I asked Namrata about it, she confided in me that she had indeed been contemplating launching her own brand but lacked the team and resources to do so. She had even ventured to Italy in search of products! A few months later, after I had launched Bozzil India, Namrata was the first person I called. We met in the lobby of Soho House, where I pitched the idea to her. I will always be grateful to Namrata for believing in my ability to honor her work and reputation. With Simply Nam, our vision is to create a brand that prioritises both quality and affordability. We are proudly Indian, and we have meticulously created formulations and shades tailored specifically for the diverse range of Indian skin tones. Whenever possible, we manufacture locally, supporting our community and economy. Additionally, education is a key driver for us, drawing on Namrata’s 20-25 years of experience as a celebrity makeup artist. Together, we're excited to embark on this journey of beauty and empowerment.

HB: On the brand's website, it is mentioned that you do rigorous research on the unique needs of the Indian woman when it comes to beauty. Can you elaborate on this?

NS: For me, the journey has always been about more than just make-up—it's about understanding the real needs of the women in our country. With 23 years of experience as a make-up artist, I've gained valuable insights into what people truly seek in their daily beauty routines, often distinct from what's readily available in the market. This inspired us to create something accessible, practical, and suitable for everyday use. Our entire product range at Simply Nam reflects this ethos—it's designed to be effortlessly wearable, perfect for any occasion. Yet, we've infused each product with a touch of glamor, ensuring that it's versatile enough to elevate any look. Behind the scenes, we're dedicated to meticulous research, ensuring that every ingredient we use is not only skin-friendly but also sustainable. We prioritise the well-being of our customers and the planet, striving to create products that align with both beauty and ethical standards.

HSK: With over two decades of experience, Namrata possesses an exceptional understanding of Indian skin tones and types. She intuitively grasps what works, what doesn't, and which products Indian consumers desire but are currently unavailable. Once we finalise a new product, we distribute samples to a community of budding make-up artists. Their feedback serves as invaluable insights for us, enabling us to refine our formulations before finalising them for launch. Additionally, we conduct extensive focus groups involving both current and prospective customers. This helps us gain deeper insights into their preferences and needs, allowing us to better cater to and understand our audience. 

HB: What make-up products from your extensive portfolio do you take the most pride in, and what makes them particularly noteworthy to you?

NS: I genuinely love every product from Simply Nam. Each item fills me with immense pride because they've been made with utmost care—from our make-up towels to our sheet masks. Speaking of our sheet masks, if you haven't experienced them yet, you're in for a treat. Regardless of your skin type or concerns, whether it's dehydration, acne, or any other issue, our masks work wonders. They leave your skin radiant, glowing, and incredibly soothed. Then there's our collection of blushes and lip butters, which are incredibly hydrating. Our product range is extensive, and there is truly something for everyone. And let's not forget about our latest launch—the fabulous, Ultimate Kajal. It's quickly become one of my personal favourites. But perhaps what excites me the most are our cluster lashes. Whether you are a make-up artist or just love applying make-up, our cluster lashes are unbelievably easy to apply, incredibly comfortable, and lightweight.

HSK: In general, I am immensely proud of all our products. We hold ourselves to high standards, and we never launch something unless we are absolutely certain of its quality. The journey of building our brand has been incredibly rewarding, and we take pride in every step we've taken so far. If I had to choose one product that stands out, it would have to be the makeup remover towel. It holds a special place in our hearts as it was our very first product. Despite starting with limited resources—no employees, minimal funds, and makeshift tools like Canva and Shopify—we took a leap of faith and launched it with determination. The success of the towel, even to this day, astounds us. It remains one of our top-selling products, and the feedback from customers is always overwhelming. It's truly gratifying to hear how it has become a game-changer for so many. Reflecting on it now, I realise that launching a cosmetics brand with a make-up remover was quite a bold move. However, it's a decision I wouldn't change for anything. It's a testament to our willingness to think outside the box and innovate in the beauty industry.

HB: What is your vision for Simply Nam, and could you share some of the challenges you faced during your journey?

NS: It's been quite a journey. I initially envisioned starting this brand back in 2015, but it wasn't until 2020 that I finally took the plunge. Along the way, I encountered numerous challenges in finding the right partners who shared my vision and allowed me the freedom to bring it to life without compromise. Thankfully, I found incredible collaborators who embraced my vision wholeheartedly. Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic presented its own set of hurdles. We had to source manufacturers within our own country, which ultimately led us to meet some amazing individuals to work with. Despite the challenges, we persevered. Each product went through a meticulous process, taking nearly a year to 15 months from inception to being available on our website for our wonderful clients. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. As an artist, the delays and setbacks were frustrating, knowing the potential impact our products could have. However, COVID-19 served as a profound eye-opener for us. Despite starting amidst a global crisis, we've been incredibly blessed and fortunate to see our brand thrive.

HSK: Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant hurdles. We faced the challenge of finding local manufacturers, but this led us to discover amazing partners. Despite the obstacles, we remained determined and pushed through. At Simply Nam, our vision is to pioneer India’s inaugural celebrity makeup artist brand, delivering premium cosmetics that are both high in quality and accessible in price, catering to all Indian skin tones and types. We aim to instill a sense of desirability and pride in locally-produced cosmetic goods, offering meticulously crafted formulations and top-notch packaging. Our ambition extends beyond merely selling products; we aspire to establish a brand that serves as an educational resource in the realm of cosmetics, revolutionising the online shopping experience to provide an offline feel. With the Gen Z generation's innate curiosity and eagerness to explore, we seize this opportunity with Simply Nam, leveraging Namrata’s expertise to empower our customers with the knowledge to experiment and embrace new beauty trends. 

HB: Looking ahead, what future innovations and initiatives can consumers anticipate from Simply Nam and the Bozzil Group, and how do you plan to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive beauty landscape?

NS: I'm truly grateful to be part of a culture and era driven by innovation, constantly pushing us to stay ahead of our competition. Our goal is to continually evolve and become the best versions of ourselves, crafting products that inspire loyalty and repeat purchases, rather than one-time use items. At Simply Nam, we take immense pride in our commitment to creating beautiful color cosmetics and skincare. We invest significant effort in ensuring each product is meticulously tailored to the needs of our clients, taking into account diverse skin tones and climates. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we're eagerly anticipating the future of our brand. As we look ahead, we're excited about the journey and welcome the competition and the opportunities it brings. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional products that resonate with our customers and contribute to the beauty landscape ahead.

HSK: It can be daunting and stressful when the industry suddenly experiences a surge from a handful of brands to hundreds, as witnessed in India over the last two to three years. As founders, we had to take a step back and identify areas where we could innovate and surpass what's currently available in the market. The innovation had to be genuine. With Namrata leading the product development, we ensure top-notch quality. Our formulations are crafted from scratch, resulting in multipurpose products that offer excellent value for money. We guide our customers towards the real benefits, and our products speak for themselves.