New Delhi, July 24: Shahnaz Husain, a herbal cosmetics and beauty salon entrepreneur, is keen to enter the US, Canada and Australia to cash in on the increased demand for organic cosmetics.

"We are expanding our footprints across the globe. We will take Ayurveda and brand India to more countries within a year," Husain said. A pioneer of organic beauty care, the Shahnaz Husain group aims to grow 60-70 per cent in the next three years.

The changing lifestyle of consumers, higher disposable income and rising awareness have led to a growing need for chemical-free products. The global organic cosmetics market is projected to grow 10 per cent annually to reach around $16 billion by 2021.

Husain is investing heavily in training and certifying under-privileged women in Bengal to help them gain a strong foothold in the Rs 75,000-crore beauty and personal care market.

"This a self-employment programme to teach under-privileged women how to grow their confidence and start earning on their own. On an average, over 70 per cent of the students earn up to Rs 10,000 per month," Husain told The Telegraph.

The programme is part of a state government initiative and implemented by Indus Group of Bengal, a skill development partner. "We (Shahnaz Husain International Beauty Academy) have already trained and certified nearly 40,000 beneficiaries in beauty and wellness regimes in around 20 districts," Husain said.

With a focus on the different niches in the organic cosmetics segment, the Shahnaz Husain-group has launched a Yoga Veda range and will soon introduce a luxury range of products. "It comprises the most extravagant advancements in skin science, with the accent on providing a luxurious and totally natural route towards enhancing beauty."

Husain is undeterred by other indigenous skincare brands such as Forest Essentials and Nature's Essence that have entered global markets with the backing of international partners. "With the popularity of Ayurvedic beauty care and holistic systems, the competition is bound to increase. The beauty business is booming and there is room for more players," the Padma Shri awardee said.

"With the popularity of Ayurvedic beauty care and holistic systems, the competition is bound to increase. The beauty business is booming and there is room for more players," said the Padma Shri awardee.