The perks of growing up in the social sector are many. Disha Ranjan can list them all out for you, beginning with the kind of exposure it provides. From travelling with parents, who were active in the sector, to helping her mother file a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) for witch-hunting - Disha has indeed done a lot. While pursuing her Master's in Development Studies from NIT, Rourkela, she even interned with UNICEF to work on maternal and child health issues. "For me, all this is not about uplifting someone. It is about capacitating and enabling each other," says the 28-year-old boldly. But in 2015, when she was working with Youth Citizen Service by Voluntary Services Overseas India and Development Alternatives on the issue of menstrual hygiene in Bundelkhand, she broke her leg.
And for those who know Disha and her bubbly, energetic and restless demeanour, being confined to a bed is more than just bad news for her. But if you truly know her, then you would also know that no setback, however big, could bog her down. In 2010, she had started Pulpy Creations through which she used to sell greeting cards and after the accident, she decided to take it up again with full gusto and this time, make skincare products. And she still managed to keep her roots in the social sector. Wondering how? She sources organic oils and other raw materials from the many contacts she had made in that sector over the years.
Coming to her products, Disha makes it clear that she is not in it for the money. With no intention to scale up and yet keep innovating, this is more like therapy for her. She focuses on facial oils and soaps, all made from the best-quality organic raw materials sourced directly from those who grow them. "I learnt how to make my own products though it took a lot of experimentation. I referred to books and the internet and, to this day, any product I put out has a year of trial and research behind it," says the Baripada-born. None of her products come with false claims but what they do come with is the guarantee that once you apply them, you will feel relaxed. Take the facial serum for example, which is made from different non-greasy oils. "You will feel a lovely tingling sensation as soon as you apply it and regular usage will leave your skin looking and feeling moisturised and healthy," she asserts.
Then there is the handmade lemongrass soap made with the goodness of goat milk, hemp seed oil and a hint of aloe vera, honey and activated charcoal. All the ingredients are sourced from the tribal belt of Odisha. Eager to buy something already? But be warned, she makes everything in small batches because, "if I make it commercial and start making big batches, it might take the fun out of it for me," says the Bhubaneswar-based entrepreneur. Next up, she plans to make some aromatherapy jewellery and maybe even furniture.
Two best-selling products:
- Blueberry and peppermint lip balm: Apart from being completely organic, it will glide smoothly over your lips and keep them moisturised
- Superman and Batman soaps: Very popular with the men, these soaps have activated charcoal in them
Pictures of her products
To find out more about them, check out instagram.com/pulpycreations