“LuxeBook is the compass for a modern connoisseur, navigating a world of luxury defined not by excess, but by authentic narratives.” Michelle Poonawalla is a rare blend of business leader, artist, and philanthropist. With creativity in her DNA— her grandfather Jehangir Vazifdar was a celebrated architect—she brings artistry to every venture, from immersive installations at the Saatchi Gallery to global initiatives on climate change and conservation. “Luxury is about unparalleled craftsmanship and authenticity,” she says. “True luxury is having the freedom to invest in something unique, whether it’s a timeless piece of art, a vintage car with a storied history, or a beautifully crafted design that speaks to your soul.” Beyond art, she drives the Poonawalla Group’s ventures in renewable energy, wellness beverages, and luxury real estate, while leading philanthropic initiatives in education, healthcare, and heritage preservation. Her most cherished heirlooms—a grandfather’s painting and a vintage family car—symbolise legacy and passion. Grounded yet visionary, she champions quiet luxury, embraces vision, resilience, and adaptability as hallmarks of successful entrepreneurship, and remains optimistic about breaking glass ceilings for women in leadership. London’s charm and energy make it a city she always returns to, and after a busy day, she often unwinds with her husband, Yohan, over a fine cigar. “A classic Champagne is a symbol of celebration and a reminder of the refined luxury I so deeply appreciate,” she adds. | 31 “LuxeBook is a thoughtful curator of the luxury world, spotlighting heritage, craft, and the visionaries shaping what it means to live well today.” Mira Kulkarni redefined Indian beauty when she founded Forest Essentials in 2000, pioneering ‘Luxury Ayurveda.’ At a time when the market offered only mass-produced Ayurvedic products, she envisioned formulations that were pure and pleasurable to use. Drawing on her deep knowledge of natural ingredients and time-tested formulas, she worked with Vedic scholars and local communities to create products from fresh herbs, cold-pressed oils, medicinal roots, and precious flowers. Today, Forest Essentials is India’s leading luxury beauty brand, with over 175 boutiques and international presence in London, Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while also supplying to iconic hotels. For Kulkarni, luxury transcends indulgence. “True luxury must always stand for quality, ethics, and purpose. It tells a story of where it comes from and honours the people and traditions behind it,” she says. It is the purity of ingredients, care in preparation, and the mindful ritual of use. Conscious luxury, she adds, is the trend here to stay: knowing where products come from, who makes them, and how. A clear sense of purpose, attention to detail, and learning from artisans, customers, and mistakes, she believes, sets entrepreneurs apart. She finds refinement in simplicity—a warm herbal tea—and draws inspiration from Uttarakhand, where her first unit was set up. Weeknights are for gentle massages, nourishing creams, a candle, and a good book. Her decade-old watch holds immense emotional value: “It has accompanied me through pivotal moments, building Forest Essentials, making challenging decisions, and moments of reflection.” | 30 Michelle Poonawalla Director, Poonawalla Group, Managing Director, Poonawalla Engineering Group, Interior & Architectural Designer, Artist, and Philanthropist Mira Kulkarni Chairperson, Forest Essentials
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcxNzM1