Saloni Anand’s passion for health and wellness started early, growing up learning from her mother, a gynecologist, and her father, who works in a pharmaceutical company. They instilled in her the transformative impact of care and the importance of efficient systems to promote public health.
Anand’s first step into the professional world was working in brand marketing, where he developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior. But it was her personal experience that led her to entrepreneurship.
Her husband and Traya co-founder Altaf Saiyed suffers from hair loss, and this issue resonated deeply with them. The couple decided to find a solution beyond the products available on the market and instead explored the intersection of Ayurveda, allopathy and nutrition.
They assembled a team of doctors to begin developing treatments for chronic problems such as hypothyroidism, PCOD, and infertility, exploring how Ayurveda, allopathy, and nutrition can work together at the molecular level. To find out, we assembled a team of doctors to dig deep into the science behind the symptoms. Treat these problems.
While conducting research and gathering consumer insights, they realized that hair loss was a common problem.
“Hair loss wasn’t just a cosmetic issue; it was deeply personal and affected self-esteem and mental health, especially when it was a visible problem and one that people faced every day. Because it’s a problem,” Anand tells HerStory.
“People thought hair regrowth was impossible. We decided to change that perception,” she added.
Stories you love” contenteditable=”false” data-new-ui=”true” data-explore-now-btn-text=”Explore now” data-group-icon=”https://images.yourstory.com/ assets/images/ alsoReadGroupIcon.png” data-pageurl=”https://yourstory.com/herstory/2024/10/how-saloni-anand-is-treating-hair-loss-with-passion-and-science” data -clickurl=”https://yourstory.com/herstory/2024/10/100-emerging-women-leaders-mindfuel-healthcare-apeksha-sharma” data-headline=”Most Loved Stories” data-position=” 1″ data- Sectiontype=”Also read” data-emailid=”saranya@yourstory.com”>
The drive behind Traya
In the early stages, the couple worked with a small group of 55 people, not friends or family, but people who responded to an online call to try the experimental treatment.
These people followed customized regimens that incorporated Ayurveda, allopathy, and dietary plans. Anand and Saeed personally followed up with each participant and guided them through the process.
By the end of 2019, Anand said, the results were solid, with 35 participants experiencing significant hair growth. It was a turning point for her. “We have something that the big players in the hair care industry don’t have,” says Anand.
The foundation of Traya was the principle that customization is key. “The causes of hair loss vary from person to person. We realized that our solution is not a quick fix, but a long-term commitment that takes five to six months to see visible results.” says Anand.
By 2020, the company was ready to scale, and the timing coincided with the pandemic, which was a boon for Traya. “That gave us time to refine our approach and move completely online,” Anand says. The pandemic also made virtual consultations the norm, making it easier for Traya to connect with clients without the need for physical interaction.
This change has helped the brand reach more people and Traya now has its largest customer base, including people from small towns in Uttar Pradesh.
Challenges along the way
However, Toraya’s early years were not without challenges. The company’s journey from zero to Rs 1 billion in monthly revenue was slow and difficult.
“We were telling people that we were doing something different and that they couldn’t just buy something off the shelf,” Anand says. “They had to take a lengthy test, upload a photo and trust us to customize the kit.”
In the early stages, Anand and Saiyed often had to personally explain the process to each customer, which made scaling difficult. However, as word of mouth spread and the effects became clearer, growth accelerated. Within just nine months, Traya’s revenue soared from Rs 1 million to Rs 20 million per month.
Currently, Traya has a revenue of over Rs 300 crore and more than 1 million people are using its products. “Some clients say that hair loss has ruined their lives, affecting their self-esteem, social lives and even their marriages,” says Anand. “But once they see the results, everything changes.”
message to women
Anand’s advice to women aspiring to enter this field is clear. “Don’t start a business just to be an entrepreneur. Do it because you have a passion for solving real problems. There are turning points and there are challenges, but you need passion.” That’s what keeps you going,” says Anand.
She also shares her philosophy on health as an indicator of growth in this field. “I view hair loss as a health issue, not a beauty issue,” she says. “The day people understand that hair loss is not just a lack of good shampoo, but has to do with gut health, stress, and overall well-being, we will have won the battle.”
