Women-Led Agapi Skincare Debuts in Bhutan with Kelly Dorji

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 19 June 2026

Setting its footprint in the Himalayan region, Agapi a Sikkim based skin care company has made its debut in the market of Bhutan via an alliance with Kelly Dorji, a well-known Bhutanese-born supermodel, actor, entrepreneur, and cultural icon.

The women-owned beauty brand has made its presence felt in Bhutan through a grand inauguration ceremony held on June 14. According to the founder of the company Rinzing Choden Bhutia, Agapi has positioned itself as a luxurious skin care brand known for its handcrafted products inspired by the rich biodiversity and traditional healing culture of Sikkim.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished assembly comprising Queen Mother Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, key business personalities, and diplomats, marking the importance of Agapi entering Bhutan.

While celebrating the introduction of another skin care line in the market, the ceremony reflected the growing relationship between the neighbouring Himalayan regions of Sikkim and Bhutan.

Key Highlights:

• Agapi enters Bhutan through strategic partnership with Kelly Dorji
• Women-led skincare brand expands Himalayan market presence
• Launch reinforces sustainability, women’s empowerment, and growth

Sustainable growth, ethical sourcing of ingredients, and support for female entrepreneurship are at the center of the business model of Agapi. Creating an ecosystem wherein working together with the local communities and incorporating indigenous knowledge, the company has managed to create skin care products, which combines ancient wisdom with the sustainable and modern science knowledge.

Talking about the launch of Agapi in Bhutan, Rinzing said that the expansion means much to her since both Himalayan countries have many similarities culturally and ecologically.

Rinzing also explained that the collaboration between Agapi and Kelly stems from the common idea of promoting the vibrancy of the Himalayan culture through authentic, sustainable, and socially responsible products.

Kelly’s reputation as a successful entrepreneur advocating sustainable initiatives makes his collaboration significant for the company. His contribution is seen as a boost for the company’s growth strategy in Bhutan. He enjoys a slow living, is an active participant in philanthropy and the arts.

“My serendipitous discovery of Agapi has brought a meaningful shift in perspective. I deeply resonate with the ethos of the brand and its founder. As I deepen my involvement, I look forward to contributing to a movement that champions sustainability, quality, and the enduring spirit of the Himalayas,” Kelly noted.

Agapi's launch event served as an insightful presentation of its concept of conscious beauty, sustainability, and impactful communities. Participants learned about the philosophy of the brand in relation to developing products that combine consumer well-being and sustainability and social value creation.

Established in 2019, Agapi has turned out to be one of the prominent models of sustainable entrepreneurship through the use of available natural resources to manufacture skincare products. The approach to expansion of the firm is based on responsible sourcing and eco-friendly operations of the firm. While expanding commercially, Agapi still focuses on women’s empowerment through job creation and entrepreneurship development.

Through time, Agapi has become one of the best-known local businesses in Sikkim, celebrated for fostering sustainable business practices, enabling women economic empowerment, and promoting natural resources of the region in unique skin care solutions.