Jessica Chopra Launches Botanical Skin Care Brand Mudita Earth

Mudita Earth
Headquarters: Pleasanton, CA
Founded: 2021
Key Staff: Jessica Chopra and Pooja Chopra

What is the story behind Mudita Earth’s launch? As I aged, I realized my skin lost its elasticity and developed fine lines. What I was surprised to learn was that aging is not only due to the chronological passing of time but also because of climatic changes. With the ozone layer thinning, our skin is exposed to toxins, which causes premature aging, fine lines, dry skin and wrinkles. Hoping to find a solution to restore my skin’s appearance, I used the long quarantine period during covid to find a solution and allow for healthy aging. Knowing many others experienced the same stressors, I decided to use my background to study ingredients and develop products that would help restore the skin’s vibrancy and resilience. My research led me to a select group of botanicals with special restorative properties—among them nettle, rosemary, blueberry, papaya and pomegranate oils. Today, these and other pristine natural ingredients are at the core of Mudita Earth.

What was your previous work/job before taking on this project? How did it help you prepare for running Mudita Earth? I have been a scientist not just by profession but by passion. In the past 20 years, I have built various successful businesses from the ground up. As a serial entrepreneur, I have over 20 years of experience in understanding customers’ requirements and developing effective solutions. My extreme desire to learn new technologies even encouraged me to go back to school in my late 50s. Therefore, I would say that my passion for research and eagerness to learn repeatedly motivated me to come up with the solutions and that gave me valuable experience.

If you could do one thing over, what would it be and how would you do it differently?  Relationships are at the core of a successful business. Identifying a synergetic partnership is key to making sure your business can run smoothly. The process of finding the right manufacturer took some time and delayed the product launch into the market. In hindsight, I would have worked beforehand to make sure that expectations were clear from both parties and that there was a mutual understanding and excitement for my product launch. 

Do you have a favorite product in the line? Why do you love it? The Blueberry and Papaya rejuvenating face serum is my favorite product because it immediately hydrates my dry skin and gives it a very smooth look. I could feel that my skin has rejuvenated and fine lines start to disappear. Since it is bi-phase, I can use it as face oil, serum or moisturizing serum.  I don’t need multiple products to hydrate and moisturize my skin.

What is the best part of being a beauty entrepreneur? Being a beauty entrepreneur means creating a product that you can unequivocally say will help someone feel comfortable in their skin. But the best part is to create a product that represents not only your skill but also your values. Being able to create a product that is all-natural, clean, sustainable and made to be used by people of color has been a rewarding process.

What can we expect from your brand in 2022 and beyond? In the next phase, Mudita Earth is launching a hair mask and hair serum. By the end of the year, we are launching body butter and body gel.