‘Ayurveda’, is an ancient science and wisdom of using natural substances, food ingredients for curing diseases and staying healthy. And even today in modern times, Ayurveda is practiced by not just Indians but people across the world.

Considering the same notion, Swati Sutaria Vakharia – a 35 year old Vadodara (Gujarat) entrepreneur and a mother; launched an Ayurveda product ‘Nabhi Sutra’ in September 2019. Nabhi Sutra has formulated products which are basically belly button oils for various health issues – acne, hair care, skincare, menstrual pain relief, brain development and joint pain relief.

Born in the beautiful city of Vadodara, Swati completed her MBA with specialisation in Finance. Swati is the brain child behind the very successfully run women oriented platform – Women planet. Right from her childhood days, she was in opposition to the hypocrisy and duplicity of the Indian society towards women. In the year 2012 the gruesome case of Delhi Gang rape was the tipping point for her. That incident instigated within Swati an urge to try and bring a change in the dreadful situation of women in India.

Swati has always been a firm believer of Ayurveda and was introduced to various Ayurveda oil formulae by her cousin who is also a doctor; to cure her of post-pregnancy hair fall.

Speaking on her role of a founder of this unique concept, Swati says, “During my phase of motherhood and breastfeeding, I too faced a few health issues and the major one being of hair fall. While I was in the process of treating my hair fall, I was introduced to the concept of Ayurvedic treatment. Since I have always been a believer in home remedies and opt for natural products over other products, I was amazed to see the benefits of Ayurveda. To my surprise, it was quite interesting and magical.”

The product gave her more confidence when she personally used the oil for 21 days and saw the benefits. She inculcated a regular habit of applying 2-3 drops of Nabhi Sutra oil in her belly button before going to bed and massaged it in a circular clockwise motion to allow the oil to penetrate the navel. The effect of belly button oils comes from Ayurvedic principle that – Nabhi has the resilience to strengthen and generate the inner body power to heal and recover the internal balance which is lost due to toxins accumulated in the body.

Swati’s entrepreneurial journey is really inspiring. She faced several initial challenges such as procuring high-quality raw material from the market, deciding the business model, limited investment resources, market positioning of the product. But she was successful in her efforts and today Nabhi Sutra has more than 15,000 customers in India so far with an average sell of 100-120 bottles a day. Products are actively available on all successful e-commerce portals such as Amazon, Flipkart, Seniority, 1MG, Snapdeal, Etsy, and Limeroad.

Apart from her business, Swati also runs a charitable trust, “Women Planet Foundation” whose campaign ‘Muskaan Ek Pahel’, is specifically designed for women in rural areas and imparting menstrual health and hygiene education. Considering her future goals, she seems to be a visionary and expects the products to be launched in international market and turnover of her business to hit around Rs. 2-3 crore in the coming year. She is also planning to launch 10 or so more products under new brand named “Nuskha” – products made from Granny’s Diary also colloquily called Dadi maa ke nuskhe. Hence, she is an inspiration to several housewives who desire to dream and have potential to fulfil those dreams.