As an Ivy League graduate, international fashion model, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Prakti Beauty, and a global ambassador for Operation Smile, Pritika Swarup has made many incredible accomplishments at just 27 years old. In November of last year, she fittingly received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Harvard University, and this year received Operation Smile’s 2024 Changemaker Award.
Swarup and Operation Smile
Operation Smile is the world’s largest volunteer charity providing surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. Swarup first became involved with the organization as a student volunteer in middle school, but the group’s mission stuck with her. Six years ago, she became an Operation Smile ambassador, representing the organization at international conferences and raising awareness. For her support, generosity, and dedication, Swarup was awarded the 2024 Changemaker Award.
The 2024 Changemaker Award
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive the Changemaker Award from an organization that means so much to me, Operation Smile,” Swarup told the James Lane Post. “I was engaged from the start—volunteering at local events, organizing bake sales, and packing supplies for mission trips… I’ve been on missions in Peru, South Africa, India, Mozambique, and Brazil. It’s been a humbling and rewarding experience.”
Having seen the impact of the surgeries provided by Operation Smile firsthand, Swarup could only express her gratitude to have a platform that can advocate for awareness and create positive change.
“Witnessing how surgery transforms a child’s life is powerful,” Swarup explained. “It is difficult to explain the change afterward in a child’s personality, self-confidence, and overall renewed optimism for their future. I get so emotional about it because I have experienced this process with many children and their families… To see someone regain their smile and the ability to speak, drink, and eat comfortably—things many of us often take for granted—is a testament to the life-altering impact of this work.”
The Inspiration Behind Founding Prakti Beauty
Beyond her work as a global ambassador, Swarup is also the founder and CEO of Prakti Beauty. From a young age, she has held a deep passion for beauty, with some of her earliest memories of crafting homemade remedies or practicing self-care with her mother. Prakti Beauty was born from a desire to bring these holistic, natural beauty remedies from India’s traditional wellness system to an industry that needed them.
“After spending five years in the fashion industry, I still couldn’t find clinically effective products that balance skin health and bring these sensorial, nurturing moments of self-care,” Swarup said. “I also realized this powerful combination wasn’t accessible for all to benefit, and self-care was viewed by my peers as a tedious task rather than the enjoyable experience I knew it to be—I wanted to change that.”
Prakti and the Hamptons
Now, Prakti Beauty products are sold at Goop and other beauty retailers, and Swarup is always happy when she gets to visit the Hamptons to say hello to their team and others. She told the James Lane Post how she liked to visit the area during the summer, starting with a walk on the beach and ending at the Crow’s Nest restaurant with a sunset view.
Prioritizing Clean Beauty
Overall, Swarup’s beauty products are intended to be on the edge of scientific innovation while prioritizing a life-changing wellness experience. It’s clean beauty, through and through.
“I’ve always prioritized clean beauty,” Swarup said, “all the way back to when I was making homemade skincare recipes with my mom using natural, trusted ingredients. This early experience taught me the importance of being mindful of what we put on our skin… For me, clean beauty isn’t just a trend.”
Creating Positive Change
In her many roles, from global ambassador to CEO, Swarup serves as a genuine changemaker. Her awards and achievements stand as a reflection of her character and contributions to those around her.
