From brewing beer with surplus bread to crafting cosmetics from fruit peels, this Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree is on a mission to save the planet—creatively, consciously, and fearlessly.
In a world teeming with excess, Anushka Purohit is finding beauty in what others discard. At just 23, she has already become a force to be reckoned with in the global sustainability scene—pioneering innovations that not only reduce waste but redefine how industries function altogether. Her journey is not just inspiring—it’s a blueprint for purposeful entrepreneurship led by passion, intellect, and unwavering courage.
Anushka’s story began with Breer, a Hong Kong-based food upcycling startup that turned heads for all the right reasons. As CEO and Co-Founder, she introduced a game-changing idea: brewing craft beer from surplus bread collected from local bakeries and supermarkets. In an industry driven by overconsumption, Breer was a breath of fresh air—fusing environmental consciousness with product creativity. But beyond the bold concept was a young woman breaking barriers: the youngest in her field, making boardroom decisions while still mastering her degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering.
Her vision didn’t stop there. Recognizing a growing demand for hyperlocal escapes during the pandemic, Anushka co-founded StayK, a staycation platform, taking on the role of CTO. Her tech background allowed her to scale the app with remarkable speed and precision—culminating in its acquisition by a larger organization. While many would stop to revel in that success, Anushka saw another opportunity waiting.
Enter Ssome Cosmetics—a unique venture that collects discarded fruit peels, flowers, and natural materials from temples, churches, bakeries, and more, repurposing them into skincare products that are as luxurious as they are sustainable. From lavender footsoaks and orange peel scrubs to beer-infused stouts and soaps, her brand is a living example of how waste can be transformed into wonder.
Collectively, her ventures have saved over 50,000 kilograms of waste from ending up in landfills—a tangible reminder of her impact and a testament to her commitment.
Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023, Anushka Purohit has earned accolades across the globe, but her mission has always remained the same: to protect the planet through innovation. What sets her apart isn’t just her ideas, but her execution—armed with a relentless work ethic, multi-lingual charm, and the kind of creativity that shifts paradigms.
Whether it’s in a lab, a brewery, or a boardroom, Anushka stands tall as a trailblazer for young entrepreneurs worldwide. She didn’t plan to be a founder—but perhaps that’s what makes her journey so powerful. She stumbled into purpose, and in doing so, is leaving a legacy.
Remember her name. She’s making sure the world never forgets it.
