Rippan Sandhu: Empowering Women Through Ayurveda & Holistic Wellness

Women leaders in New Zealand have been instrumental in shaping the nation's progressive landscape, excelling across diverse fields such as politics, business, arts, and social impact. The country’s proud history of electing women to leadership roles, such as being the first to grant women the right to vote in 1893 reflects a commitment to equality and empowerment. Women leaders in New Zealand continue to inspire by breaking barriers and redefining possibilities, blending resilience and innovation with a steadfast focus on building inclusive communities. Their journeys often reflect a deep-seated commitment to hard work, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, drawing from rich personal experiences and cultural values.

Rippan Sandhu, Co-Founder of Ayurda, brings forth the spirit of New Zealand’s dynamic women leaders. Raised in a household where resilience and responsibility were non-negotiable values, she found inspiration in her mother’s unwavering strength and high standards. These formative experiences instilled in her a determination to face challenges head-on and never lose sight of her goals. Influenced by the wisdom of the strong women around her, including her teachers, Rippan embraced every opportunity to grow and learn. Even as a teenager, she carried significant responsibilities, a foundation that shaped her into the adaptable and confident leader she is today. Through Ayurda, Rippan channels her passion for wellness and empowerment, creating a brand that reflects her values of perseverance and growth. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership and the importance of staying true to one’s vision. Let’s hear more from Rippan in this one on one interaction.

Tell us about your professional journey as a business leader. What have been some of the most crucial junctures in your career?

My professional journey began in education, where I served as a lecturer for a fashion program in India. Tasked with reviving a declining department, I successfully transformed it within two years, raising the pass rate from 30 percent to 90 percent and increasing the class size from seven to thirty students. This early leadership experience highlighted the importance of dedication, innovation, and fostering a sense of community, shaping my approach to future endeavors.

After moving to New Zealand, I co-founded my first wellness center with my husband, Dr Ajit, marking the beginning of our journey into Ayurveda and entrepreneurship. This venture fuelled my passion for holistic wellness as I laid the foundation for Ayurda. Managing a solo business for over a decade, I mastered various aspects of business management, from HR and cash flow to digital marketing and customer retention. The path wasn’t without challenges, however with resilience and commitment towards learning transformed obstacles into valuable lessons, I have managed to pave the way for success as a business leader.

What inspired you to co-found Ayurda? Tell us about the idea behind the venture and its core expertise.

Ayurda was inspired by a vision to make Ayurveda accessible and relevant to modern women. Growing up, Ayurveda was a seamless part of my daily life, though I didn’t recognize it as such it was simply the way my mother incorporated natural remedies into our routine, often with ingredients straight from the kitchen. This simplicity and practicality became the foundation of Ayurda.

"Ayurda Was Inspired By A Vision To Make Ayurveda Accessible & Relevant To Modern Women"

Launched in 2000 as a small skincare line for clients at their wellness center, Ayurda quickly gained popularity for its natural and effective approach. The brand grew organically, focusing on harnessing wild-crafted, natural ingredients deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. Ayurda’s expertise lies in creating products that cater to the needs of modern women, combining the essence of Ayurveda with convenience and accessibility, allowing women to embrace self-care even amidst their busy lives.

As the company’s co-founder, what are your primary roles and responsibilities at Ayurda? What is your vision for the company moving forward?

As co-founder, I oversee a wide range of responsibilities, from product development to brand strategy and customer engagement. I have been deeply involved in building Ayurda from the ground up, learning and adapting every step of the way. My vision for Ayurda is to expand it globally, establishing the brand as a trusted name synonymous with Ayurveda. I aim for Ayurda to empower women everywhere by offering simple, effective, and natural wellness solutions, making it the go-to brand for those seeking authentic Ayurvedic care and holistic wellness.

In your opinion, what have been the biggest 'wins' in your professional journey? What is your 'success mantra' as a leader?

One of the greatest achievements has been witnessing Ayurda's growth from a small skincare line to a trusted Ayurvedic brand. Winning awards like the ‘Best Ayurvedic Spa in Oceania’ for three consecutive years and receiving heartfelt client feedback are truly memorable milestones. However, the real success for me comes when a customer shares how our products or consultations have positively impacted their lives. My success mantra is to remain authentic, treat challenges as opportunities for growth, and stay focused on the core mission, empowering women to feel beautiful and cared for, just as they care for others.

How do you foresee the wellness landscape evolving in New Zealand in 2025? What trends do you see emerging in the field?

I envision the wellness landscape in New Zealand continuing to embrace holistic and natural health approaches. There is a growing demand for wellness solutions that are authentic and rooted in tradition, with Ayurveda playing an increasingly significant role. I anticipate a shift towards more personalized, natural, and sustainable wellness options, with consumers gravitating towards brands they trust, those that emphasize quality, transparency, and authenticity. Ayurda is committed to leading this movement, offering products that are not only effective but also reflect the core values of self-care and well-being.

Message/Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders:

Trust your instincts, embrace learning, and don't fear mistakes. Resilience, passion, and self-investment will drive success. Prioritize self-care, as it’s essential for strength and leadership, even amidst challenges and responsibilities.

Rippan Sandhu, Co-Founder, Ayurda

Rippan Sandhu is the co-founder of Ayurda, a wellness brand rooted in Ayurveda. With a background in education and a passion for holistic health, she has transformed Ayurda from a small skincare line into a trusted global brand, empowering women with natural, effective, and personalized wellness solutions.