In conversation with Sargam Dhawan Bhayana - Director Tressmart & Planet Herbs Lifesciences

From filmmaking to founding a wellness brand, what inspired your transition into entrepreneurship, and specifically into the world of nutraceuticals?

My journey may seem unconventional, but storytelling and wellness have always been intertwined for me. Filmmaking taught me the power of narrative, how to communicate purpose, build connection, and create impact. That skill became invaluable as I transitioned into entrepreneurship, where brand storytelling is essential. The shift to nutraceuticals was more organic than planned. I grew up in a family immersed in Ayurveda, pharmaceuticals, and global trade. I was deeply influenced by my grandfather, who approached every herb and formulation with reverence and scientific precision. After working on Tressmart and witnessing the rise of conscious consumerism, I saw a gap. People wanted clean, effective wellness solutions, but without the jargon or inflated pricing. That's where the idea for a modern, science-backed, accessible wellness brand took root.

Planet Herbs Lifesciences has grown from an export-led business to a consumer-facing brand in India. What sparked that pivot, and how has the journey evolved since?

For over a decade, Planet Herbs was quietly building expertise through exports and contract manufacturing. But in 2024, I realized that our formulations, rooted in Ayurveda, backed by research, deserved to reach Indian consumers directly. The wellness conversation in India was shifting from curative to preventive, and we wanted to be part of that transition. The pivot was sparked by a desire to democratize wellness. We launched PHL's D2C platform in March 2024, and the response was overwhelming. A 2,463% jump in online sales in just one year validated that we were solving a real need. We've since evolved into a consumer-first brand with strong digital infrastructure, scalable operations, and a loyal customer base who value both efficacy and integrity.

You've often spoken about making wellness more accessible and evidence-led. What does "modern Ayurveda" mean to you, and how does Planet Herbs bring that vision to life?

To me, "modern Ayurveda" is about respecting the depth of ancient knowledge while aligning it with today's scientific standards and lifestyles. It's not about repackaging tradition, but reimagining it through rigorous research, clinical validation, and modern formats. At Planet Herbs, we combine time-tested herbs with nutraceutical innovation, bioavailable ingredients, clean formulations, and convenient delivery systems like capsules, tablets, oils, and syrups. We also focus heavily on education: transparent labelling and content that empowers people to understand why a product works, not just what it does.

Your hero product, Synotiz, has gained significant traction. What made it stand out and what can we expect next from your innovation pipeline?

Synotiz Pain Relief Oil is a great example of what we stand for science, sustainability, and real results. It's a proprietary formula designed for chronic and lifestyle-related pain, blending Ayurvedic oils with anti-inflammatory actives. What made it stand out is not just efficacy, but user experience: it's non-sticky and shows results quickly. Looking ahead, we're building out targeted wellness verticals - women's health, men's health, hair related concerns, and plant-based immunity. Each product we launch solves a specific problem, backed by data and rooted in integrative wellness.

As a young woman leading a legacy business into new-age wellness, what have been some of your biggest leadership learnings or challenges?

One of the biggest learnings has been embracing progress over perfection. As a third-generation entrepreneur, I inherited a strong foundation, but taking the brand into uncharted consumer territory required breaking some old moulds. That meant making fast decisions, sometimes failing publicly, and learning in real time. Another challenge has been navigating the expectations that come with both legacy and youth. But I've found power in staying authentic, leading with empathy, building diverse teams, and creating a culture where innovation isn't just encouraged, it's expected.

Planet Herbs has already entered international markets like the UAE and Sri Lanka. What are your global ambitions for the brand, and what's your expansion playbook?

We see massive potential in international markets that are increasingly looking for clean, plant-based, effective wellness solutions. Our current focus is on the Middle East, USA, and parts of Europe, regions where there's cultural resonance with Ayurveda but a need for more standardized, herbal formulations. Our playbook is threefold: strong product-market fit, strategic partnerships for distribution and retail, and achieving global certifications that reflect our manufacturing and formulation standards. The goal is to be a globally trusted name in integrative wellness, rooted in India, relevant to the world.

How do you ensure scientific credibility and consumer trust in a space often clouded by wellness fads and unverified claims?

Trust is non-negotiable, especially in wellness. We approach every product with three key pillars: R&D backing, ingredient transparency, and consumer education. Each formulation is developed with Ayurvedic doctors, pharmacologists, and food related authorities. We use clinically studied ingredients at effective dosages, not just trending actives. Our labels clearly state compositions, usage guidelines, and disclaimers, so consumers feel informed. We also invest heavily in post-purchase support, feedback loops, and community education. Fads fade, but when you build trust through truth, it compounds over time.

You've built a vertically integrated business in Dehradun. How has that shaped your ability to innovate, scale, and stay cost-conscious?

Vertical integration has been one of our greatest assets. Having our R&D lab, manufacturing unit, and supply chain under one umbrella in Dehradun gives us control over quality, speed, and cost-efficiency. It allows us to test ideas quickly, maintain high production standards, and innovate without dependency bottlenecks. It also aligns with our sustainability goals. Local sourcing, small-batch production, and reduced transit time help us lower our carbon footprint. Dehradun, with its access to herbs and clean air, is a beautiful and fitting backdrop to build something rooted in both nature and science.

What does success look like for you over the next three years, personally and for Planet Herbs?

For Planet Herbs, success means becoming India's most trusted wellness brand, not just in terms of market share, but in how we make people feel. We want to scale our preventive health offerings, enter 5+ new international markets, and launch at least 10 more validated products across health & wellness category. Personally, success means staying aligned with my purpose. I want to grow as a leader who builds not just profitable businesses, but conscious ecosystems. I hope to mentor more women entrepreneurs through The Vira Project, spend more time in nature, and keep creating from a place of calm conviction.

If you had to distill your philosophy as a wellness founder into one guiding principle, what would it be?

Lead with integrity, scale with purpose. That single principle guides every product we launch, every partnership we pursue, and every decision I make. Wellness, to me, is not a trend, it's a responsibility. And brands that truly serve people and planet will be the ones that endure.