Forest Essentials is a luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand known for blending traditional Indian wellness practices with modern quality standards. Operating in the beauty and personal care industry, the company offers a curated range of skincare, haircar...
"I loved the product knowledge training — it really helped me talk to customers with confidence," said a former store associate. Another staff member shared, "You will feel proud recommending products; the brand has loyal customers." A few corporate employees mention busy seasons are intense but rewarding. Testimonials are candid: people appreciate the craft and authenticity, though frontline roles can be demanding.
The company culture at Forest Essentials leans toward craftsmanship, tradition, and attention to detail. Teams tend to be passionate about natural ingredients and Ayurvedic principles. Collaboration is common within product and retail teams, and there is a visible push to maintain a premium customer experience. Overall, the environment favors people who value quality, heritage, and a boutique approach to beauty.
Work-life balance at Forest Essentials varies by role. You will find reasonable hours in many corporate functions with options for hybrid schedules some days. Retail staff and product launch teams often face longer shifts and weekend work during peak seasons. People who prioritize predictable schedules do well in corporate or supply-chain roles, while those on the shop floor should expect more variability.
Job security tends to be stable for core teams involved in product development, operations, and retail management. The luxury beauty segment is competitive but resilient, and key positions that support sales and supply continuity are prioritized. Contract and seasonal hires will experience the usual turnover typical of retail, so permanence is more likely in longer-tenured roles.
Leadership emphasizes brand heritage, product authenticity, and customer experience. Senior leaders generally set clear brand priorities and are involved in strategic product decisions. Communication from the top can be formal and businesslike. There is an expectation that managers will translate brand values into day-to-day actions across stores and corporate teams.
Managers are often described as detail-oriented and brand-focused. Many direct reports appreciate hands-on coaching and product training. Some employees note that managerial styles vary: some managers are very supportive and growth-minded, while others are more process-driven. Feedback tends to be practical, centered on improving customer interactions and product knowledge.
Learning and development are strengths, especially around product education and customer engagement. New hires receive training on ingredients, rituals, and selling techniques. Specialized workshops on Ayurvedic principles and product formulation are occasionally offered. Professional development beyond brand-specific skills may depend on role and budget, with growth more structured for managerial tracks.
Opportunities for promotions exist, particularly for high-performing retail staff, store managers, and mid-level corporate employees. Internal mobility is possible between retail, merchandising, and product teams if you demonstrate strong product knowledge and leadership. Promotion timelines are typical of mid-sized luxury brands — performance and readiness for broader responsibilities are key.
Salaries vary by function and location. Entry-level retail associates typically earn a modest base plus incentives; corporate entry roles offer market-competitive pay. Mid-level product or marketing professionals will see higher ranges reflecting sector norms. Senior leadership and specialized technical roles command premium compensation. Exact figures will depend on experience, location, and role.
Bonuses and incentives are tied to sales performance, especially for retail staff and store managers. Corporate roles may have performance-linked bonuses and annual appraisals. Seasonal incentives around launches and festivals are common, and top performers are often recognized with extra rewards or commissions.
The company provides standard group health insurance plans for full-time employees, which typically cover inpatient care and dependents. Maternity benefits and statutory leaves are observed as per local laws. Some roles also receive wellness allowances or reimbursement for preventive care. Benefits packages may improve with seniority and are generally in line with industry norms.
Employee engagement includes product launch events, in-store promotions, and occasional cultural gatherings. Teams celebrate festival seasons and new collections, creating an inclusive atmosphere during launches. Engagement activities are more visible in stores and marketing teams; corporate employees may have workshops and town halls for broader connection.
Remote work support is role-dependent. Corporate functions like marketing, finance, and design often have hybrid flexibility and support for remote days. Retail roles require on-site presence for customer service. The company generally provides the necessary tools for hybrid work when applicable, but full remote positions are limited.
Average working hours vary by function. Corporate employees usually work standard office hours with occasional extended days around launches. Retail staff follow shift patterns that include evenings and weekends; peak seasons may increase hours. Overall, employees should expect a mix of predictable corporate schedules and more variable retail shifts.
Attrition reflects the retail industry trend: higher turnover among entry-level store staff and more stability among specialized corporate teams. There have been periodic restructurings common to retail and luxury sectors, but there is no pervasive history of mass layoffs. Turnover hotspots are typically tied to operational cycles and seasonal hiring.
Overall, this is a company that will appeal to people passionate about artisanal beauty products, strong product storytelling, and customer service. You will find solid training, a heritage-driven culture, and reasonable benefits for full-time roles. If you value creativity tied to tradition and are comfortable with the realities of retail rhythms, working here can be rewarding. For those seeking strict nine-to-five predictability or fully remote roles, some parts of the company may not be the best fit.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Forest Essentials
Strong brand identity, very supportive leadership and lots of opportunities to own projects. I learned a lot about Ayurvedic product positioning and retail partnerships.
Decision cycles can be slow when multiple stakeholders are involved; analytics tools need improvement.
Beautiful product range, friendly customers.
Low commission structure and long shifts during festive weekends. Store staffing was inconsistent which made peak days stressful.
Good onboarding and training, clear SOPs, and a strong focus on quality control.
Sometimes understaffed during peak season and salary growth is slower than expected.
