Image Source: Entrepreneur
Simran Lal, the creative force behind design label Nicobar and CEO of luxury lifestyle brand Good Earth, draws unending inspiration from India’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. Nine years after founding Nicobar with her husband Raul Rai, Simran continues to infuse every product and store with an ethos that pays homage to the Indian landscape—its textures, colors, rituals—and the soulfulness found in slow, intentional living.
Key Highlights: Nature as Design Muse
Nicobar’s collections consistently draw inspiration from the Indian Ocean, the lush greenery of the subcontinent, and the historic Spice Route, mirroring the ever-evolving palette and rhythms of nature.
Simran’s travels throughout India, from coastal islands to bustling cities, shape the brand’s ready-to-wear clothing, homeware, and accessories. Neutral tones, organic shapes, and handcrafted details echo the landscapes and artisanal history encountered on these journeys.
The interior design of Nicobar stores, spread across 10 cities, features minimalist layouts: abundant natural light, white-blue walls, and verdant plants suggest a seamless flow between the outdoors and curated interiors.
Rooted in Indian Identity
For Simran Lal, India is more than geography—it’s a continual source of layered inspiration, blending ancient traditions with contemporary sensibilities.
Good Earth, the design house she took over from her mother Anita Lal, epitomizes this philosophy through story-rich collections, hand-painted ceramics, eco-positive textiles, and locally sourced fragrances that celebrate Indian craftsmanship.
Nicobar extends this vision into a modern, global context by offering products that are both distinctly Indian and universally appealing—encouraging customers to embrace mindful rituals and meaningful objects in their daily lives.
A Culture of Mindfulness and Sustainability
Nicobar’s ethos champions conscious consumption—buying less but better, seeking joy in everyday routines, and honoring the wisdom of India’s spiritual heritage.
Sustainability is central: the brand avoids fast fashion trends, focusing instead on quality materials, ethical sourcing, and timeless design in everything from linen kurtas to travel-ready home accessories.
Simran’s personal practice of meditation and deep belief in intuition shape the business culture, fostering an atmosphere of balance, quiet resilience, and respect for nature’s cycles.
Challenges and Achievements
Simran Lal overcame skepticism about family legacy, earning respect through her own vision, consistency, and commitment to values. Scaling Good Earth and launching Nicobar meant proving that design-led living and soulful entrepreneurship could flourish in India’s competitive market.
Competing with international fashion brands, Simran built Nicobar’s identity around authenticity, staying true to Indian roots while appealing to a digital-first, style-savvy generation.
Both brands have earned industry accolade: Good Earth is recognized for its design-forward, conscious luxury approach, while Nicobar’s zero-celebrity, product-led philosophy has made it a leader in modern Indian lifestyle retail.
Looking Ahead
Simran Lal’s journey is a testament to the power of listening to one’s inner voice and drawing inspiration from what is close to home—be it the Indian monsoon or the changing tide of contemporary culture.
Through her work, she encourages women entrepreneurs to build businesses with peace, clarity, and consistency, redefining success as harmony between ambition and inner truth.
As Nicobar and Good Earth expand, the promise remains the same: to offer products and experiences that are as layered and textured as India itself, nourished by the inexhaustible creativity of nature.
Sources: Mint, StrictlyHer, Good Earth Inner Spaces
Advertisement
Advertisement
