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India is a rapidly expanding market, offering growing demand across multiple sectors. Building on the success of our March 2025 trade mission, ONB is expanding its efforts to help more New Brunswick businesses make meaningful connections in India. Ahead of our upcoming India trade missions, we spoke to attendees of our earlier trips for their India insights.
Inca Glow is a beauty brand specializing in natural, plant-based hair smoothing products that eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and restore hair health. Unlike products that use harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, Inca Glow’s formulas rely on amino acids. It distributes its products globally through salons and distributors and offers branded salon franchise opportunities.
Co-Founder Angele Miller tells us more about her team’s India experience earlier this year, and what they expect from the upcoming 2026 trip.
What were your hopes for ONB’s March 2025 trade mission? What were your top takeaways?
The mission was exciting, and the in-person aspect was vital. We sent one of our top educators with the goal of making strong, direct connections, which is hard to do remotely. Meeting people face-to-face made a big difference. When we showed before-and-after photos, many initially doubted the results would hold up on Indian hair or in the country’s humid climate. Seeing the Inca Glow product work firsthand changed their perspective and built real credibility.
Since that mission, what progress have you made in India?
We have made great progress. One of the people we met is a GM of a salon chain who’s also a consultant and connected with big distributors and investors. He’s now moving forward with us. That all came from being there and connecting face-to-face. Going in person showed we’re serious about the market. In India, relationships mean everything, and showing up made the difference. Now we’re working with a group of L’Oréal distributors who are excited to take our brand under their wing and pioneer it in India.
You’ll be returning to India with ONB in December. What are your top priorities this time?
The group we’re working with now wants to organize a launch event, bring in top salons, and really get things moving. So, our top priority is to be there, once again in person, to support that momentum.
How has ONB’s support helped Inca Glow in expanding its reach in India?
ONB’s support has been incredible. You connected us with top salon owners and trusted distributors, relationships that would have taken us years to forge on our own. ONB’s groundwork allowed us to focus on building real, meaningful connections. I also love how personal the approach is. There’s genuine care about matching us with the right people. Your team asks thoughtful questions about our market and clients, which makes all the difference. ONB has certainly helped us grow faster and more strategically in India than we ever could have done alone.
What advice would you give other New Brunswick teams interested in exploring opportunities in India?
Take the time to understand the Indian market and make sure it’s the right fit for your product. The opportunity there is massive, given the population and demand, but you need a strategy that speaks to that market specifically.
I truly think India is an under-tapped market for Canadian businesses. They like working with Canadians, and there’s so much potential once you dig in. Learn about the market, start building relationships, and if you can, join one of these ONB trade missions, their help has been tremendous.
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ONB is returning to India in February 2026, express your interest by filling out the form at this link.
