At 67, Veena Malhotra has carved a niche for herself as a successful entrepreneur with her own Ayurvedic hair oil brand, loved by customers across India. But her inspiring journey began not in a boardroom, but in the most unexpected of circumstances—during a personal battle with relentless hair fall.
It all started after Veena recovered from chikungunya, only to find clumps of her hair falling out daily. Oils, remedies, and treatments failed to work their magic, leaving her frustrated and searching for answers. As if this wasn’t enough, a knee surgery soon after intensified her hair woes, pushing her to the brink of despair.
What began as a quest for a solution to her own problem would eventually lead Veena to discover a life-changing passion—and a brand born in her kitchen.
An avid believer in Ayurveda, Veena started experimenting with herbal infusions, blending ingredients like curry leaves, ashwagandha, shankhpushpi, fenugreek seeds, black sesame, and amla powder into oils like coconut, mustard, sesame, and olive. Over five years of trial and error, she developed a formula that nourished hair, promotes growth, and addresses issues like premature greying and dandruff.
In October 2021, Veena launched Veena Ji’s Hair Oil, a venture that started in her home kitchen in Gurugram with an investment of ₹10,000. Today, her business sells over 30 bottles monthly, with each 100 ml bottle priced at ₹220. Veena takes pride in ensuring her handcrafted oils remain 100% natural.
Veena’s journey wasn’t easy. Hair coloring had damaged her hair, leaving it dry and frizzy. When she stopped coloring, her new growth turned white, prompting her to focus on restoring her hair naturally. Her efforts led to a product praised by customers like Kanika Kush, who noted its nourishing qualities and effectiveness.
Encouraged by positive feedback, Veena’s daughter, Shefali, stepped in to promote the business online. Shefali, who once dismissed home remedies, now swears by the oil’s transformative impact on her hair.
Beyond its commercial success, Veena Ji’s Hair Oil embodies resilience. Having survived an abusive marriage, Veena rebuilt her life while raising her children to achieve professional success. Her story inspires many, including her community, where she has convinced several women to stop using chemical hair dyes, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Veena is committed to making a difference. She allocates 50% of her earnings to charitable causes like the Sar Shabd Mission, which runs free dispensaries and food donation camps.
At 67, Veena continues to learn and expand her business. Her message is clear: “If you feel like doing something, go ahead and do it.”
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