In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Dr. Sumanlatha Guntupalli, a formulation scientist and founder of Meechu, takes us through her inspiration and journey of starting baby-friendly products for your babies’ sensitive skin.
Rashmi Bhumireddy
New mothers, particularly those who have given birth to their first child, are eager to learn about the best items for their newborn. However, due to the varied range of baby care items and the seemingly limitless amount of information, there needs to be more understanding among new mothers, leading to misguided decisions.
To tackle this issue, Dr. Sumanlatha Guntupalli, who has pursued a doctorate in pharmaceuticals, set up a startup called Meechu, which exclusively offers baby care products that are perfect for their skin without the use of any harsh chemicals or ingredients.
Speaking to The Pioneer, sharing the inspiration behind starting the baby care brand, she begins on a brighter note: “It is rooted with the primary concern of mothers about their baby’s safety and personal care. Many mothers rely on advice from their parents, friends, and neighbours, when selecting these products for their babies. However, the reality is that they don’t have clarity on what they want exactly or which of the products is suitable for their baby’s skin. Blindly trusting advertisements and international brands, including a well-known brand that promotes the notion that using their soap can lighten a baby’s complexion, reveals a widespread tendency. Despite my attraction to such brands, I discovered that the soap promoted is unsuitable for delicate baby skin—it’s merely a toilet soap. Many individuals are drawn to premium international brands, only to cease usage when issues arise with the ingredients.”
It is an escape from these myths. As a formulation scientist, she too fell prey to these misconceptions during her first child’s upbringing. However, upon entering her second pregnancy, she embarked on thorough research to ensure she provided babies with properly formulated, safe products.
She says they are not organic or ayurvedic; instead, they are meticulously scientifically formulated and rigorously tested to ensure they are suitable for baby skin and maintain the natural built-in texture without adverse effects. “Each product features a pH-5.5-adjusted formulation, matching the pH of our skin for optimal compatibility. Behind each product formulation lies proven scientific research, demonstrating evidence of their harmlessness and absence of adverse reactions, ensuring they are entirely safe for delicate, tender skin. We also prioritise safety by offering FDA-approved and scientifically tested products,” she shares, adding, “When we introduced baby wipes and diapers at a renowned nationwide chain of children’s specialty hospitals, we began receiving inquiries from parents just two weeks after the launch.”
Like many startups, she too encountered common challenges such as managing manpower, addressing customer suggestions, and navigating financial constraints. However, in their case, “Additional hurdles arose in the form of transportation and space constraints, which significantly impacted our profit margins. Finally, after tackling various challenges, we have successfully launched a comprehensive baby care range comprising nearly 55 SKUs, including soaps, lotions, and creams.”
WE Hub, which has been an aid to many budding entrepreneurs, was so for her too. And sharing her experience, she says, “The Launch Pad program at WE-Hub has been immensely valuable. Whenever I have faced branding challenges or needed to connect with industrialists, they have consistently offered exceptional solutions. Additionally, being a part of Nenu Super Women through WE-Hub has been a game-changer. Not only has it garnered positive publicity for my venture, but it has also opened doors to potential investments.”
On the concluding note, she shares, “My vision is to establish a nationwide presence across every market in India by 2026, ensuring that our products are easily accessible to all parents. Our mission is to provide the best and safest products for babies, prioritising their health and well-being above all else. We aim to become the go-to brand for baby care essentials in every corner of the country.”
