What started as an experiment evolved into a quest to merge two different worlds. Rajshri Pathy, founder of India Design Forum and co-founder of Kama Ayurveda, entered the beauty business with her own venture, Qi Ayurveda. Bursting with life force, Qi is the universal energy that flows through our veins and connects the soul, body and mind. By fusing centuries-old rituals with cutting-edge Swiss technology, Qi Ayurveda aims to offer consumers the best of both worlds.
We spoke to Rajshri Pathy about all things Ayurveda and why she chose hair care in the first place.
ELLE: What inspired you to start your brand?
Rajshri Pathy (RP): The inspiration behind Qi Ayurveda comes from my upbringing in Coimbatore, where Ayurveda was not just a tradition but a way of life. Witnessing the transformative power of Ayurvedic rituals, I wanted to create a brand that blends ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Qi Ayurveda was born out of a deep respect for Ayurveda and a desire to bridge the gap between tradition and technology. I had always asked myself, how can we take Ayurveda to the next level, and this was the answer.
ELLE: What is the USP of your brand and what product are you most proud of?
RP: I’m very proud to combine two key elements of skin care: Ayurveda and active ingredients. By using only plant-based ingredients, I have combined the ancient practices of Ayurveda with innovative Swiss research. By going beyond borders, I have been able to harness the different benefits of different ingredients. The Nourish range is my favourite. The three products used together (hair oil, shampoo and conditioner) make your hair healthy from the inside out.
ELLE: What beauty products are always in your bag?
RP: Like most Indian women, I love kohl and always carry a black one in my bag.
ELLE: Why did you decide to launch just haircare?
RP: Focusing on hair care as a category has helped us reach a wider customer base. Currently, we have four lines – Restore, Wellness, Hydrate and Nourish. Each of these targets specific concerns like breakage, thinning hair and dryness. They are also formulated with different ingredients specific to these concerns. We use Ayurvedic thailams and formulations developed in Swiss labs to enhance the experience.
ELLE: What’s next for your brand? Can you tell us about any new product launches?
RP: We are a very young brand, having only launched a month ago, and in such a short time, the response has been extremely positive and we are overwhelmed by how many consumers are enjoying and using our products. We have already developed effective products across categories for the coming months.
