The global beauty industry has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of Korean skincare, known for its scientific formulations, advanced treatments, and focus on skin health. In India, this trend has been growing rapidly, yet professional Korean skincare services have remained largely inaccessible to consumers.
Addressing this gap, Reshbha Munjal, Founder of KorinMi, launched what she describes as India’s first Korean skin clinic – Featured in Shark Tank India S5. In this conversation with Indian Startup Times, Reshbha shares insights about her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind KorinMi, and how the company is bringing authentic Korean skincare solutions tailored specifically for Indian skin.
From Global Corporates to Entrepreneurship
Reshbha Munjal’s professional journey began with leading global brands, where she gained extensive experience in sales, marketing, and strategic roles.
Born in Delhi and raised partly in Malaysia, Reshbha later pursued her education in India and went on to work with multinational companies including Airtel and Mars. Her career exposed her to global business practices and consumer markets, shaping her understanding of brand building and customer behavior.
In 2020, she joined her family’s ingredients business and simultaneously began exploring the startup ecosystem as an angel investor. Over time, she invested in more than 40 startups and mentored several early-stage founders.
However, the idea of building something of her own eventually led her toward entrepreneurship.
“Being part of the startup ecosystem as an investor gave me a deep understanding of how businesses scale and what investors look for,” Reshbha shares.
In 2024, she launched KorinMi alongside her partner Jenovia, who brings over 15 years of experience working in Korea’s skincare industry.
Identifying the Gap in the Indian Skincare Market
While Korean beauty products had already gained popularity in India, Reshbha noticed that the professional Korean skincare experience was missing from the market.
“There were products inspired by Korean beauty, but there wasn’t a brand that offered authentic Korean skincare treatments and clinical expertise in India,” she explains.
KorinMi was created to bridge that gap by bringing together advanced Korean treatments and Professionally formulated Skincare for Indian skin inspired by Korean skincare techniques but adapted for Indian skin types and climate conditions.
The Story Behind KorinMi
The name “KorinMi” itself carries a meaningful identity. In Korean, the term represents beauty, symbolizing the brand’s mission of bringing Korean beauty expertise to India.
Rather than simply importing Korean products, the company focuses on adapting treatments through research and scientific understanding of Indian skin conditions.
One of the brand’s innovations is a heat-stable sunscreen, specifically designed for India’s hot and humid climate. Unlike traditional formulations that can lose effectiveness in high temperatures, this sunscreen maintains its stability and performance.
“Scientific research and adaptation are critical. What works in Korea may not necessarily work in India without modifications,” Reshbha explains.
Building Customer Trust Through Science and Personalization
KorinMi’s approach centers on scientific skincare and personalization. The clinic uses advanced 3D skin analysis technology to evaluate an individual’s skin condition before recommending treatments.
This data-driven approach enables the brand to design personalized skincare routines tailored to each customer’s needs.
“Every person’s skin is different, so treatments must be personalized. Our technology helps us create solutions that are specific to each customer rather than offering generic treatments,” Reshbha says.
This focus on personalization has helped the brand build credibility and trust among early customers.
Shark Tank Experience and Market Response
KorinMi gained wider visibility after appearing on Shark Tank India, where the brand received strong interest and attention from audiences.
According to Reshbha, the experience was both intense and rewarding.
“The Shark Tank process is extremely rigorous, but it also provides incredible exposure,” she says.
Following the episode, the company witnessed a surge in traction across its website and social media platforms, particularly on Instagram, highlighting the growing consumer interest in specialized skincare solutions.
Funding and Expansion Plans
KorinMi has raised ₹3 crore in pre-seed funding, which the company plans to utilize for expanding both its physical presence and product offerings.
Currently operating its first clinic in Gurgaon, the startup plans to open 20 clinics over the next three years across major cities in India.
Alongside clinic expansion, KorinMi is also preparing to scale its product line and strengthen its presence on national marketplaces such as Amazon.
“Our vision is to make professional Korean skincare accessible across India while maintaining high standards of personalization and scientific treatment,” Reshbha explains.
Insights from Global Brand Experience
Reshbha credits her time working with global corporations for shaping her entrepreneurial mindset.
From Mars and other multinational companies, she learned the importance of adapting global business models to local markets. Her experience also reinforced the value of consumer-centric thinking and continuous innovation.
“Understanding the customer and adapting solutions to their needs is one of the most important lessons I’ve carried into entrepreneurship,” she notes.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Having worked across corporates, investments, and startups, Reshbha encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on identifying unique gaps in the market.
“Build something that truly solves a problem and stands out from existing solutions,” she advises.
She also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying close to customer feedback while building a company.
Looking Ahead
While KorinMi’s immediate focus remains on expanding within India, the company is also exploring opportunities for international growth.
Reshbha mentions that markets in the Middle East could become potential expansion destinations in the coming years.
For now, however, the priority is to strengthen KorinMi’s presence in India and build it into a trusted brand for professional skincare solutions.
Final Thoughts
As skincare awareness continues to rise in India, consumers are increasingly seeking treatments that combine science, safety, and personalization. With its focus on authentic Korean expertise adapted for Indian conditions, KorinMi aims to lead this emerging category.
Through innovation, research, and a customer-centric approach, Reshbha Munjal is working to redefine how skincare treatments are delivered in India.
Interview Conducted by : Arushi Agarwal
