We recently connected with Rajendra Chirumamilla and have shared our conversation below.

Rajendra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I wanted to provide highly efficient products to my customers and wanted the brand to stand out. After searching for several names, and different languages and making sure there was no copy-right issue, I chose the ‘Monaesi ‘which means highly efficient in Latin.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a trained scientist with a PhD in biotechnology, I have spent my career working towards innovation, research, and development of products for various industries, including both medical and non-medical sectors. My passion for creating new and effective products has led me to take on leadership roles, such as my last job where I was presented with the opportunity to lead an R&D lab, responsible for creating private-label products for many high-profile brands.

Unfortunately, like many other companies, the one I was working for was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in massive layoffs. While this was a difficult time for me, the situation felt appropriate as my young children needed me at home. I decided to take this opportunity to pursue my dream of starting my own company and founded Monaesi Phytoceuticals a.k.a Monaesi Skincare.

Monaesi Skincare is the culmination of my passion for research and development, combined with my desire to create products that truly make a difference in people’s lives. Our focus is on developing skincare products that use the latest scientific advancements to provide real and lasting results for our customers. We understand that skincare is not just about vanity, but rather a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being.

At Monaesi Skincare, we pride ourselves on our commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients and ethical practices in all aspects of our business. Our products are plant-based, clean, and multifunctional. Each product is crafted to serve multiple functions at the cellular level, for skin to be optimally at its best from the inside out. This makes our products one-stop products and the skincare routine sustainable without having to spend hundreds of dollars.

we adhere to global compliance when it comes to safety and keeping our formulas clean. Our products do not contain any skin unkind or unsafe ingredients and are suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. As a person who has sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, I always had limited options and a sense of fear to try anything. That is one of the problems we are providing solutions for through our products. Finally, we are a cruelty-free and eco-friendly company and instill sustainability in our products. Our dedication to excellence has earned us a reputation as a trusted brand, and we are proud to have a loyal following of customers who trust us to provide them with the best possible skincare products.

In conclusion, as a scientist with a background in biotechnology, I have been fortunate to use my skills and knowledge to develop innovative products for various industries. Starting my own company, Monaesi Skincare has allowed me to continue this passion for research and development, while also fulfilling my desire to create a brand that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. I am excited to see what the future holds for Monaesi Skincare and am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams as a business owner

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

As a startup brand, we have chosen to develop and perform small-batch manufacturing of our products in-house. This decision was influenced by our background and expertise in R&D, which encompassed supporting various departments such as manufacturing, quality control (QC), sales, and marketing in previous companies. Consequently, we had firsthand experience with the transition of products from the lab to the manufacturing stage, including the development of manufacturing processes for scaled-up production with minor adjustments.

Given our collective understanding and experience in protocols, regulations, and industry-standard Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), we felt confident in taking on the responsibility of manufacturing our products internally. With my role in R&D and the support of my co-founder, who is a formulation scientist and possesses manufacturing experience, we were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish our own manufacturing capabilities.

By conducting small-batch manufacturing in-house, we have gained several advantages. Firstly, it allows us to maintain greater control over the production process, ensuring that our products meet our high-quality standards. We can closely monitor and implement quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, minimizing the risk of defects or inconsistencies.

Furthermore, in-house manufacturing offers us flexibility and agility. As a startup, we understand the importance of responding quickly to market demands, introducing new products, or making adjustments based on customer feedback. By having control over our manufacturing processes, we can swiftly adapt to changes and implement improvements as needed.

Although we manufacture our products in-house, we also recognize the importance of collaborating with external vendors for certain aspects of our supply chain. For example, we may engage with suppliers for raw materials or packaging components. In such cases, finding the right vendor involves thorough research, evaluating their capabilities, quality standards, reliability, and alignment with our brand values. We may rely on industry networks, referrals, or conduct a rigorous selection process to identify the most suitable partners that align with the core values of our company.

Throughout our journey of manufacturing a product, we have learned valuable lessons. Some key insights include:

Efficiency and Optimization: Continually improving the manufacturing process is vital for enhancing efficiency, minimizing waste, and maximizing productivity. Regular evaluation and optimization of the production line can lead to cost savings and improved overall operations.

Scalability: As we grow, it is crucial to consider scalability in our manufacturing processes. Ensuring that our production capacity can meet increased demand while maintaining quality standards is a constant focus.

Regulatory Compliance: Staying up to date with protocols, regulations, and GMP is imperative to ensure compliance and product safety. Regular audits and adherence to industry standards are essential in our manufacturing operations.

Inventory Management: Based on our startup experience, we have realized the importance of managing inventory carefully. Making a small inventory, whenever feasible, helps to reduce costs, minimize the risk of product obsolescence, and optimize cash flow.

Overall, our decision to perform small-batch manufacturing in-house stems from our understanding of protocols, regulations, and industry-standard GMP, coupled with our collective expertise in R&D and formulation science. It allows us to maintain control, flexibility, and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process, while also collaborating with external vendors for specific supply chain needs.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my co-founder while working at the same company, where he was one of my team member reporting to me. He is a formulation scientist and has been in the industry for very long time. During our discussions pertaining to goals and aspirations, he expressed his desire to pursue his own venture but not being able to do due to many reasons. Given my inclination to uplift and support others in their aspirations, when the idea to start Monaesi skincare began to take shape in my mind, I saw an opportunity to help him fulfill his dream. And he enthusiastically embraced the opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monaesiskincare.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/monaesi_skincare
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/monaesiskincare