In this episode of Jam With Sam, Sampath Iyengar dives into the inspiring journey of Saloni Malkani, Co-founder of the Food Bloggers Association of India (FBAI). Known for pioneering a platform that unites food bloggers, home chefs, and industry giants, Saloni discusses her humble beginnings, the creation and growth of FBAI, her passion for community-driven events, and the role of social media in food culture. Join us as we uncover her personal and professional path, key lessons, and vision for the future of India’s food ecosystem.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Rachana Gupta grew up in a nurturing family environment on the Karnataka-Goa border, shaped by the values of discipline and resilience instilled by her parents. While her siblings followed traditional career paths, Rachana charted her own course, starting in the burgeoning BPO sector in the early 2000s.
Her corporate career spanned over 16 years, leading large women-centric teams and excelling in operations, training, and quality management. Even during her corporate tenure, Rachana noticed how societal pressures made women feel guilty about prioritizing their health—a realization that planted the seeds for her entrepreneurial journey.
The Birth of Gynoveda: An Accidental Entrepreneur
In her 40s, Rachana experienced what she calls “midlife clarity,” prompting her and her husband Vishal Gupta to start Gynoveda. Inspired by Vishal’s recovery from psoriasis using Ayurvedic remedies, the couple envisioned leveraging Ayurveda to solve women’s menstrual and reproductive health challenges.
The name “Gynoveda” is a fusion of “Gyno,” representing women, and “Veda,” the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Their mission is to make Ayurveda accessible to women worldwide, addressing issues like PCOS, hormonal imbalances, and menstrual discomfort. Their flagship offering, an AI-powered “period test,” empowers women to assess their health in a discreet and non-intrusive way.
Overcoming Challenges: Funding and Pandemic Resilience
Rachana candidly discussed the hurdles of raising venture capital, facing over 50 rejections before finding a partner in Fireside Ventures. Their belief in Gynoveda’s vision marked a turning point, enabling them to launch their products and AI-driven services.
The pandemic posed another significant challenge, as Gynoveda launched just weeks before the nationwide lockdown in March 2020. Demonstrating remarkable grit, Rachana navigated regulatory hurdles to resume operations as an essential service. By focusing on digital advertising and leveraging the rising awareness of Ayurveda, Gynoveda not only survived but thrived during this period.
Making an Impact: Technology Meets Ayurveda
As a femtech pioneer, Gynoveda has effectively harnessed technology to democratize women’s health. Their AI algorithms, developed in collaboration with gynecologists and tech experts, analyze health data to provide personalized solutions. With their proprietary Ayurvedic formulations, the company caters to women across India, even reaching remote Tier-5 and Tier-6 towns.
Rachana highlights the importance of maintaining rigorous quality standards. Their FDA-approved products, manufactured across multiple states, undergo stringent testing to ensure safety and efficacy. To date, Gynoveda has served thousands of women, transforming their health and lives.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Rachana’s journey is not just about business success; it’s also about breaking barriers for women in entrepreneurship. While acknowledging the male-dominated nature of the ecosystem, she urges women to demand what they deserve and shed the fear of being perceived as overly ambitious. She emphasizes the importance of seeing entrepreneurship as a serious profession rather than a passion project.
Her advocacy extends beyond her business, inspiring countless women to believe in their capabilities and aim higher.
What’s Next for Gynoveda?
Rachana believes that success is measured not by revenue but by the lives transformed. Whether it’s helping women conceive despite health challenges or addressing menstrual discomfort, Gynoveda focuses on creating a meaningful impact. With a growing customer base and a strong digital presence, the company is on track to achieve significant milestones, including hitting ₹100 crore ARR.
About Rachana Gupta:
Rachana Gupta is the co-founder of Gynoveda, a revolutionary femtech brand that merges Ayurveda with technology to address women’s health issues. Her inspiring journey from a successful corporate career to building a purpose-driven business reflects her passion for empowering women. A proud mother and avid reader, Rachana is an advocate for living life with resilience, gratitude, and purpose.