Aromatherapy queen Dr Blossom Kochhar is just every bit natural as her products. Meet the quiet but incredible entrepreneur – a woman of mettle!

We think Blossom Kochar is a Femina Platinum Woman because:

She gave aromatherapy a face, name and status.

“Nazareth Convent, Ooty, where I studied, was full of essential oils. If one had a cough and cold, one would be treated with essential oils. Oils like lavender, lemon and verbena were so familiar to me. It was only natural for me to turn to them when I became a beautician. They not only helped the skin but also made the person feel better. That’s how it all started.”

She did not let failures disappoint her.

“It wasn’t easy when I started. I had to begin from scratch. It was all trial and error and a lot of research. In fact, when I opened my first centre, I called it the Aromatherapy Bar and I had all these men turning up! I had to remove the ‘bar’ immediately. I guess it was because people didn’t know about aromatherapy.”

She put India and aromatherapy on the world map.

“When I first started lecturing in the USA, it was dubbed folklore. Initially, there used to be barely 15 people in the lecture hall, now it is always packed. I tell the world about the scientific basis of aromatherapy and that it works on the mind and body. I tell them of its anti-ageing qualities and that actually, you don’t need a facelift if you use essential oils. It doesn’t stain your system; it uplifts your mood. You can even cure a hangover – all you’ve to do is dab on some rose oil! And it is not expensive. My aim has been to ensure that it is affordable to all.”       

She has given us some of the best names in the beauty business.        

“I believe that when you start something good, you must share it. We need lots of people in the beauty business and each one comes with her own luck and her own space. Competition is E important and so is happiness. It makes me feel very proud and happy that names like Ambika Pillai, Deepa Verma, and Vidya Tikari all trained with us. I feel like a mother to them.”        

She dreams big for the country.            

“I cannot understand why we need to import any ingredient for beauty products from other            

countries. We’ve got everything here. Can there be anything to rival our Himalayan flora or mud from Vrindavan or the Ganges? Apart from Pivot Point International, I’ve joined the Mondiale de Coiffure, which organises an international hair styling contest, something like the Olympics, every two years. We’re participating for the first time with a students’ team and a professional team. It is something very close to my heart and I am sure we’ll win soon.”            

She has always believed in the importance of a happy family.

“Family has always been very important to me. I’ve always consulted my husband and he has always stood by me. My daughter has always come first in my scheme of things. I believe a family is very important for your happiness and for your growth.”