Actor Samantha Prabhu- the newly minted co-founder of the holistic aromatherapy brand Secret Alchemist- has something significant to brew for the wellness sector. It not only comes with a substantial seed funding round worth half a million dollars led by Inflection Point Ventures or IPV but has been signed only a few months after the founding of this wellness startup. IPV is an angel investment firm based in Gurugram that believes that this brand has the potential to define personal care by breaking away from the conventional.
Samantha Prabhu’s Personal Journey Leads to New Role
A personal journey in disguise, Samantha Prabhu believes this venture is something she has been calling out for. When Samantha faced a tough time and sought treatment in an alien land, something unexpectedly relieved her: aromatherapy. “I realized how much healers in the West used the magic of essential oils for their well-being,” says Samantha. That’s when she searched for a trusted brand and found Secret Alchemist. It transformed her life so dramatically that she wanted to spread its goodness around to all others in the form of becoming a brand itself.
“I’m not just investing in a brand,” Samantha emphasized. “I believe in the power of natural remedies for true well-being, and I’m proud to be a part of this journey.”
Secret Alchemist: Rooted in Ayurvedic Practices
Founded by Sumi Thadani and led today by Ankita Thadani, Akash Valia, and Samantha, Secret Alchemist is stirring up the personal care landscape by fusing Ayurveda and aromatherapy. With their cruelty-free and sustainable product range, they promise relief from the stresses of modern life. From the concept of creams, mists, and shower gels, their portfolio grows more extensive, providing holistic solutions to lifestyle ailments, no matter how common.
Ankita Thadani, co-founder, said their vision was to make aromatherapy an everyday norm in wellness. “We aim to educate and inspire more people about the transformative healing properties of essential oils through purpose-driven personal care products,” she said.
Inflection Point Ventures backs the firm.
IPV-led funding of $500,000 will be used to expand a line extension product range, increase brand presence, and create a broader customer base. Vinay Bansal, Founder and CEO of IPV, points out how, during the 1990s, beauty saw a boom in India. Secret Alchemist was already writing a new story by creating affordable, mindful products highlighting wellness and relaxation.
“Bansal sees excellent potential in the team’s strong foundation and believes in sustaining the team’s growth.
The Indian beauty and personal care industry is currently at a valuation of $31.5 billion, with the D2C body care segment at $2.6 billion. With such growth at such an astronomical rate, the claim that aromatherapy-driven wellness solutions will lead Secret Alchemist continues. Its innovative products and focus on holistic healing ensure that there will undoubtedly be a lasting impact.
The team and their newly minted co-founder, Samantha Prabhu, will continue to explore uncharted territories within the personal care area while remaining engaged with brand-building product offerings, plus keeping faith in their mission: enhancing wellness through the strength of aromatherapy.
