As a holistic healing system, Ayurveda has witnessed a pivoting evolution in the form of novel products and services in recent years. The coronavirus pandemic has reminded the world of the importance of good health and resilient immune systems. Ayurveda has been accepted as an integral part of life in India and it is gaining momentum abroad also. Rising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, increasing preference of using chemical-free natural products, and favourable government focus are important drivers of the expansion of the Ayurveda market in India. When it concerns Ayurveda products, getting natural and chemical free products to avoid any side effects has been one of the most critical parameters that a manufacturer has to consider. Second, the quality should be such that a permanent or long term solution to health issues should be guaranteed. And also, Ayurveda can help to cure health issues for which the modern medicine system does not have any sure shot answer yet.
With an aim to take traditional Ayurvedic practices to every home, Rekha Arunsingh Songara and Aanchal Kunwar co-founded Songara All Ayurvedic Private Limited in July 2019. Songara All Ayurvedic is a women-led DPIIT recognized startup based out of Ahmedabad with 11 other outlets in India. The company has been exporting to Europe, US and Gulf countries. Songara’s facilities are certified with GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, FSSAI and IEC.
Songara has more than 25 Ayurvedic doctors associated who keep extending support for new and quality product development and services. They offer a wide range of products and related services; for the personal care range, they have products into oral care, skin care, make-up, hair care and fragrances, whereas, for the healthcare range, the products are segmented into ayurvedic nutraceuticals, ayurvedic medicines and dietary supplements. Adding to it, they have been offering consulting services through their associated Ayurvedacharyas.
“Our team of talented and highly qualified personnel is engaged in improving and optimizing production at every stage of the process. Our experts are constantly working to improve existing products and innovating new concepts in this field of herbal products. Our company is a visionary holistic luxury brand in health and wellness offering completely natural and Ayurvedic products with unique herbal formulations for skincare, personal care, nutrition and nutraceuticals that serve to protect health, stimulate healing, uplift energy, balance emotions, offer anti-ageing nourishment, detox and curb stress: empowering lives with health and wholesomeness,” says Rekha, Co-Founder & Director of the company.
Setting the Benchmark
The startup has made a substantial impact in the market when it concerns Ayurveda and Herbal products / services. It has been in operation since mid 2019 and has gained a considerable base of eminent customers. It has been able to serve a very niche market by creating benchmarks for the quality products deliverability, wherein, the customers know them for products that signify quality, superior customer services and high impact results. For instance, the company has some very effective and unique products that not only include Ayurvedic hair oil and shampoo for new hair growth, but also products that address old and adamant joint pain including arthritis.
“We believe that when it comes to self-care, creating daily rituals to honor and love the mind, body and skin can cultivate optimal wellbeing. Our products are intended to connect people to become a part of the self-care process. From empowering people to have the option to create their ideal skincare ritual to connecting our product's users to the plants and minerals in which they are made from, to encouraging each other to make space in our days for the necessary ritual of self-care. By creating awareness around how we take care of ourselves and how we relate to the elements of the world, we rediscover our interconnection with the natural world and its rhythmic cycle,” highlights Aanchal, Co-Founder & Director of the company.
Creating Healthy Solutions
The technically-adept team, quality-driven products and continuous customer engagement has given Songara a needed edge over its competitors in the market. Rekha personally interviews every team member before they come onboard. They are trained thoroughly before they assume their roles. Aanchal ensures that every on boarded member is able to get aligned with the philosophy of the company. Delivering quality products has been the forte of the company for which it has always had repeated orders from the customer. Their R&D team works consistently to stay relevant with the changing trends while ensuring that the highest quality ingredients are utilized. Moreover, Songara has always been abreast of the technological advancements to bring in the needed innovation in the industry. They have been leveraging the latest software for data collection & interpretation, and advanced machines to make the best of the product and create outstanding experience.
Aanchal Kanwar,Founder And Director
“Even if it is expensive, we do not compromise because it is about the health of our customers. Various players in the market use inferior quality ingredients sometimes to reduce the cost and to increase the profit margin on a product. However, they don’t realize that Ayurveda only works when raw material is in its purest form and obtained from natural sources only. This is strictly kept in mind while bringing any products to life. Also, continuous customer engagement is the final methodology of the company to stay ahead of competition. It includes serving our customers not only when they buy from us but even after that. Taking continuous feedback from them on products and services and making the best suiting outcome for them,” explains Rekha about the approach towards delivering the solution.
Products that Make a Difference
Though the entire product line of Songara has made a visible impact in reaching customer’s homes, Herbal beautification is the most loved segment out of all others. Ayurveda advocates the importance of the holistic approach to beauty, that's why it requires meticulous research and every product is made so as to create a harmonizing effect on the human body by being completely in synchronization with its energy zones. The products in this segment are positioned into premium, luxurious herbal cosmetics and it has gained huge momentum. Their Ayurvedic Hair Oil and Shampoo for controlling hair fall was an outcome of years of research of our Vedacharya. In initial testing, its result was commendable. Customers reported that it was not only controlling hair fall, but also growing new hair. The company had started with making 1000 units initially, and within 45 days of its launch, the momentum became so high, they were not able to fulfill the demand. Ultimately, they had to look for a larger facility to start formulation. The company has also been recently recognized under top 10 best Gujarat startups 2021 by swiftnlift magazine.
We believe that when it comes to self-care, creating daily rituals to honor and love the mind, body and skin can cultivate optimal well being. Our products are intended to connect people to become a part of the self-care process
Every individual in Songara All Ayurvedic has been leading the way for the company in their own area of expertise. Director Rekha brings in rich experience of professional management of workplace, business and vendors, whereas Aanchal with her high empathetic nature connects with the team for carving out outstanding customer services, and managing operations and technology. Going forward, the company will be continuously striving towards improving customer experience, lifting product quality and increasing product range in a focused segment. The startup also has plans to set up its new manufacturing facility in Mandsaur District and Ahmedabad by end of next year.