Success Story: From Soap to Face Packs… Turning Donkey Milk into a Million-Rupee Business

Success in business often requires more than just money—it demands a unique vision. Pooja Kaul, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, is a perfect example of this principle. She saw potential in donkey milk and launched a skincare startup that has now grown into a profitable venture, all starting with just ₹26,000—the money she had saved for a trip to Goa. Today, Pooja earns lakhs of rupees annually from her business.

The Beginning
In 2016, Pooja was pursuing her postgraduate studies at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). While traveling in a government bus in Solapur, Maharashtra, she noticed a herd of donkeys carrying migrant workers who relied on the animals for work at brick kilns and construction sites. Despite their hard work, these families earned only ₹300–400 per day, barely enough to feed large families.

This encounter sparked an idea in Pooja’s mind: to work with these communities and explore the untapped economic potential of donkey milk. Known for its nutritional properties and similarity to human breast milk, donkey milk was largely overlooked in India. Initially met with skepticism, Pooja eventually gained the trust of donkey owners and founded Organiko, a social enterprise that converts donkey milk into sustainable, handmade skincare products.

The Treasure in Donkey Milk
Donkey milk is rich in nutrients and valued worldwide for its health benefits. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments, while in modern skincare, it is recognized for healing properties and anti-aging benefits. Pooja’s idea was to transform donkey milk into skincare products, rather than sell it as a beverage, creating a niche market and reducing social hesitation around its consumption.

Starting with Handmade Soap
Pooja had a passion for making soap, a skill learned from her mother and grandmother. Using donkey milk and Ayurvedic oils, she began creating chemical-free, handmade soaps that nourish and soften the skin. Her initiative has helped change perceptions about the use of donkey milk in India.

Current Success and Earnings
Organiko now offers a diverse range of products—from handmade soaps to face packs—with plans to expand into sunscreens, creams, and serums. Pooja sells over 500 products each month, priced between ₹350 and ₹1,400, generating annual revenues in lakhs. Beyond profits, her enterprise also provides employment to donkey owners and their families, creating a socially impactful business model.