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Exhibition From IT Professional to Herbal Entrepreneur: How Ramya Built a Natural Skin, Hair & Body Care Brand
What happens when a software engineer, years of skin struggles, and ancient herbal wisdom come together?
You get a homegrown herbal venture rooted in trust, tradition, and quiet confidence.
• Chaitra Divate • Category: Udyoginis Stories/ Stories
• 6 min read • Mar 18, 2026
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Ramya was born and brought up in Nanganallur, Chennai, as the youngest of three children. She grew up in a family that valued education, discipline, and independence. She completed her schooling in Nanganallur and later pursued Computer Science and Engineering at Rajalakshmi Engineering College.
Her professional journey began in the IT sector, where she spent nearly ten years working in India and London. While the career offered stability and global exposure, her deeper interests were slowly taking shape elsewhere.
The Influence of Family and Personal Health
Entrepreneurship was not unfamiliar territory for Ramya. Her father became an entrepreneur later in life, running small-scale iron fabrication ventures. Watching him build something of his own planted an early seed.
At a personal level, Ramya had long struggled with skin issues and was dependent on allopathic medicines. Over time, this began affecting her overall health. Her gradual shift to herbal remedies and traditional Indian medicine systems such as Siddha and Ayurveda brought about a visible improvement.
That transformation became the emotional foundation of her entrepreneurial journey.
When Curiosity Turned into Clarity
In her late twenties, Ramya developed a strong interest in herbs, homemade formulations, and natural living. She also completed a short course in making herbal products with a well-known specialist in Chennai.
In her early thirties, she quit her IT job while accompanying her husband abroad. Frequent relocations and visa restrictions made starting a business overseas impractical. During this phase, she began making hair oils, bath powders, and hair packs for personal and family use.
By the end of 2019, Ramya had decided to settle permanently in India. The COVID period in 2020 became a turning point when she tried an herbal shikakai shampoo that delivered exceptional results. She began giving it to friends and family, who kept coming back for more.
That was when she decided to build a brand, starting with this single product — Narbhavi Herbals.
The First Steps into Entrepreneurship
Ramya kept her launch simple and intentional.
She discussed her plans openly with her family.
She used a family wedding in October 2022 as her first sales opportunity.
She relied entirely on word-of-mouth marketing, trusting the product more than promotions.
Her very first sale was to a woman relative whom she deeply respected. Ramya strongly believed that beginnings matter and chose to start with positive energy. That decision proved meaningful, as the same customer continues to recommend the products to this day.
Reimagining Traditional Herbal Products
Ramya’s offerings are rooted in traditional recipes but designed for modern convenience. Many people had stopped using herbal powders because they were time-consuming and inconvenient.
Her herbal shikakai shampoo, based on a recipe passed down by an elderly Tamil Siddhar, addressed this gap. It lathers well, is easy to use, and delivers results. Customers who had once abandoned herbal hair care found themselves returning to it.
Some products contain no preservatives, while others use safe, government-approved preservatives.
Early Challenges and Honest Learnings
Like most early-stage entrepreneurs, Ramya faced emotional and operational challenges.
Some customers who initially loved the products eventually stopped buying. This was difficult, especially when they were people she knew personally. Over time, she came to accept an important truth.
“Everybody’s venture is one’s own experience.”
She learned that bodies change, needs evolve, and what works once may not work forever. Packaging discussions with suppliers also required patience. Eventually, she chose to focus on product effectiveness over appearances.
Mentorship and the Role of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Through mentoring support, Ramya received guidance on pricing, planning, and business clarity. She also participated in a startup incubator program at MS Ramaiah University in Bengaluru, though practical limitations prevented her from completing it.
According to Ramya, being part of “WEN India” has been a truly enriching experience, as it uniquely supports women entrepreneurs through expert-led knowledge sessions, creates opportunities to showcase products and services, and consistently works toward helping members grow, gain visibility, and expand their reach. As an NGO, it also remains committed to giving back to society through meaningful social initiatives.
Her takeaway was realistic and grounded. Support systems are useful, but entrepreneurs must rely primarily on their own judgment and adaptability.
Growth So Far and Future Vision
What started with a single product has grown into a portfolio of 25-plus herbal products, many inspired by principles of Tamil Siddha medicine.
Ramya’s plans include:
- Corporate gifting and return gifting
- Men’s personal care variants
- Natural deodorants
- Digital marketing at the right stage
- Exploring exports
- Wholesale and reseller partnerships
Her larger goal is to make authentic Siddha-based personal care products accessible to more people.
Moments That Matter Most
One of Ramya’s proudest moments came when customers began ordering in bulk and promoting her products within their own networks without being asked.
“When a few of my customers started marketing my products in bulk and promised to help me grow, it spoke volumes of their trust.”
These customers became silent brand ambassadors, reinforcing her belief in organic growth.
Balancing Home, Motherhood, and Business
Running the business from home has allowed Ramya to maintain balance. She credits her support system, understanding family members, reliable household help, and careful planning.
Her approach is simple. Plan daily and monthly, and break tasks into manageable steps.
Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Ramya’s advice is refreshingly honest.
“Start something small in any form and never let anyone or the market dictate what you should do.”
She believes that if someone does not yet have a product of their own creativity, borrowing someone else’s idea and building with integrity is equally valid.
She does not rely on books or theories.
“Just feedback from happy customers and my strong gut feeling.”
Conclusion
A Journey Built on Trust, Tradition, and Quiet Confidence
Ramya’s entrepreneurial story is not about overnight success or aggressive scaling. It is about listening to one’s body, respecting tradition, starting small, and growing with integrity.
Her journey reminds us that meaningful businesses do not always begin with big plans. Sometimes, they begin with personal healing, honest intent, and the courage to trust one’s inner voice.