SAMANTHA GILL
Samantha Gill, Founder of GutVantage and Certified in Holistic Nutrition, blends pharmaceutical expertise with holistic wellness in her practice. Originally from Campbell River, BC, Samantha began her journey as a pharmacy technician. However, her personal health challenges inspired her to explore holistic nutrition, leading her to earn a diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
Today, Samantha integrates her diverse background to offer clients a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the profound link between nutrition and wellbeing. Her consultations extend beyond diet advice, providing comprehensive support for the mind, body, and spirit. Outside of work, Samantha treasures family time, instilling values of kindness and gratitude in her children, while indulging in her love for cooking and music. Her passion and personal touch make her both a sought-after nutrition consultant and speaker in the holistic nutrition industry.
info@gutvantage.ca
https://www.facebook.com/
SERVICES:
Samantha offers online personalized, one-on-one sessions designed to boost energy levels, improve digestive health, enhance mental clarity, and overall well-being by optimizing gut health. She believes that a healthy gut is the key to both mental and physical health. Dedicated to guiding individuals on their wellness journey, Samantha uses her expertise to help clients find balance and vitality, emphasizing the important connection between gut health and overall well-being. Additionally, Samantha provides speaking services, sharing her passion and knowledge with larger audiences.
The following one-on-one monthly packages vary due to the level of support one is seeking:
ROYALTY PACKAGE
1 x 60 minute initial consult
1 x 30 minute wellness plan consult
2 x 15 minute phone call check-ins
1 x 30 minute follow-up appointment
This package includes TWO custom wellness reports with diet, lifestyle, supplement recommendations, and custom meal and snack ideas, PLUS unlimited support via text/WhatsApp/email.
CELEBRITY PACKAGE
$599 MONTH
1 x 60 minute initial consult 1 x 30 minute wellness plan consult 1 x 15 minute phone call check-in 1 x 30 minute follow-up appointment
$499 MONTH
This package includes TWO custom wellness reports with diet, lifestyle, supplement recommendations, and custom meal and snack ideas.
1 x 60 minute initial consult 1 x 30 minute wellness plan consult 1 x 15 minute phone call check-in
$299 MONTH
This package includes ONE custom wellness reports with diet, lifestyle, supplement recommendations, and custom meal and snack ideas.
For more details on the personalized packages, schedule a FREE 15-minute initial call with Samantha by texting her at 403.973.6760 or emailing info@gutvantage.ca. Please note that all consultations, aside from phone call check-ins, are conducted securely through an online virtual platform. For anyone looking for speaking services, they can reach out to Samantha directly for a quote.
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PUBLISHERS NOTE
Dear Readers,
Welcome to another issue of the BC South Asian Health Magazine. We are excited to share a wide variety of inspirational stories from the South Asian community. As our brand continues to grow across Canada, we are strengthening our network and connecting with more successful South Asians in health, wellness, beauty and fitness. This means, we have even more inspirational content coming your way!
Our feature cover story for this issue is on Kamal Sekhon-Dhillon, Owner of Kamal’s Day Spa. She is the epitome of a strong, successful South Asian business woman who went through the stereotypical trials and tribulations of living in a traditional culture while becoming an entrepreneur. Her spa has been a staple in the community for many years and her expertise in skincare comes from decades of providing high quality service to her clients.
We are also sharing a previous feature on Neelam Toprani, Founder & CEO of Sewanti Ayurvedic Series. Neelam created this brand to share her healing journey and to promote, educate and facilitate Ayurveda for the world. The practical wisdom of the ancient healing tradition, including Yoga, Ayurveda and Qi Gong helped Neelam improve her own health and inspired her to take the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and translate it into practical solutions to improve the quality of life of Canadians. She has created an extensive line of products through Sewanti that represent natural, organic, holistic health and wellness. Check out her story inside!
Sunny Rodhey is a Scientist & Founder of Health IS Wealth Group Inc and we are sharing an interesting feature on him in this issue. His company manufactures supplements to help support cognitive health, healthy aging and quality of life. His product line includes BrainMEND, GutMEND, SleepMEND and Lion’s Mane. These products are available online through his Shopify website at www.healthiswealthnaturals.com and can be purchased online at Amazon and Walmart as well. Check out his inspirational story inside!
Hope our audience enjoys the many inspirational stories we are sharing within the South Asian community across Canada - there are many more coming your way in future magazine issues! We also have a few exciting initiatives coming up within the next few months and will be making big announcements as well. Stay tuned.
CHEERS TO GOOD HEALTH!
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Jas Hundal is a Registered Social Worker and the owner of Jasbir Hundal Counselling Services Ltd (JHCS). She has her Masters of Social Work from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Advanced Facilitation & Consultation from the Justice Institute of BC. In her career she has worked predominantly with South Asian men and woman, and provided essential services in the Punjabi language. Jas is also the president of the Fraser River Branch of the BC Association of Social Workers.
JHCS is a rapidly expanding clinical practice with a number of independent clinicians who utilize a strength-based and anti-oppressive lens. Jas also provides clinical supervision to students from Yorkville University and Sprott Shaw College who in turn provide free counselling to clients. She is trained in a range of treatment modalities (EMDR, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness) and has worked diligently in the field of mental health and addictions since 2006. Jas is also a certified Life Coach offering a variety of services.
“My vision is to guide clients, so they are empowered to make positive decisions in their life. I am committed to fostering a safe, confidential, and trusting therapeutic alliance with clients so they can start on their journey of healing. I strive to honor each client’s story and experience by providing counselling that is specific to individual needs”.
Jas Hundal, BSW, MSW
Life blessed me with precious gifts to transform others' life journey from fear to freedom
KAMAL SEKHON DHILLON
Kamal’s
DAY SPA
Nourish the Body, Soothe the Mind, and Elevate the Spirit
Can you tell us about the inspiration and vision behind starting this beauty spa?
I was inspired to get into the beauty and wellness industry by my family. My parents always encouraged me to make health and self-care an important aspect of my life. When I started in this industry over 3 decades ago, it wasn’t a well-respected profession for women as the mindset was very stereotypical back then. Women were expected to stay-at-home instead of having a job or running their own business. People around me felt it was shameful to do this kind of business in particular. I was able to persevere and succeed in this industry because my parents instilled strong values in me that I should follow my passions in life, do what feels right to me and put my whole being into it. Running my own businesses has been 100% fulfilling for me and I wouldn’t have changed anything about my journey along the way as it’s made me who I am today.
As a South Asian female entrepreneur, what are some of the hurdles you have overcome running your own business?
I dealt with many challenges over the years when running my businesses. When I first came to Canada, I was very much into health & fitness. Nutrition was also a very important aspect of my life. But when I got here, I felt like I ended up a few steps back because of the lack of knowledge and respect for these industries - it became very depressing for me. I noticed that people were not acknowledging or respecting their inner being and not focusing on skin health. Women wanted to get facials done but didn’t want to dig deeper to figure out what was causing their skin issues. I really had to put a lot of effort into justifying to women as to why they needed to take care of themselves from head to toe and inside out!
When
you
first opened your business, it wasn’t common for a South Asian woman to pursue a business endeavor vs. staying at home. How did you navigate around public perception in order to become the successful person you are today?
I grew up in a household with very supportive parents and 3 brothers, so I was the only daughter. I didn’t really experience or know about gender issues until I came to Canada. I faced challenges and perceptions that were not always favorable. In some cultures, there are some traditional expectations regarding a woman’s role, often centered around family and home life, which can sometimes overshadow individual needs.
I noticed that people were not acknowledging or respecting their inner being and not focusing on skin health.Women wanted to get facials done but didn’t want to dig deeper to figure out what was causing their skin issues
While I’ve adapted this mindset to some extent, I still emphasize the importance of self-care to my clients. Many people feel embarrassed or guilty about admitting they get services done as if they aren’t allowed to pamper themselves in any way. But as they say, you must first accept yourself as you are and be comfortable in your own skin regardless of gender. By promoting self-care and empowerment, I intend to create a space in which everyone feels entitled to self-care and comfort, regardless of gender.
What unique services or treatments do you offer that cater specifically to the South Asian community?
The devices I have at my spa are high end and are carefully selected to cater to various skin types and tones. Oftentimes, other spas may overlook the specific needs of different skin types and may use devices that are more suited for certain skin types. However, I ensure that my spa utilizes devices and products that are effective for all skin types, including ethnic skin. Through my experience and training, I have eveloped a solid understanding of what types of devices and products yield the best results for my clients’ skin, regardless of their skin type or tone.
Last Note from our Team: “We prioritize understanding our clients’ lifestyle, needs, budget, and time constraints, ensuring optimal service delivery. Our goal is to nurture both their beauty and wellness with science of nature.”
How do you stay updated on the latest beauty trends and techniques?
Firstly, I was educated in India under Shehnaz Hussein and I have a solid background in beauty, health and wellness, so I am fully qualified to guide women on how to be at their best inside out. To stay up-to-date over the years, I have done courses and training all over the world. Some of the places include L.A., N.Y.C, Thailand and India. I have learned from the best of the best! Everything from ayurvedic practice, medical, aesthetics, hair services etc. My clients are reassured that when they are receiving services from me at my spa, they are coming to a cert who is providing top of the line services to them. They are in good hands!
nice ambiance in my spa, so that my clients feel calm and relaxed while receiving their
celebrate every individual and yearn to create a sanctuary
sterilization are very important factors in running this kind of
Imakesurethereisalways aniceambianceinmy spa,sothatmyclientsfeel calm and relaxed while receivingtheirtreatments. Weempower,connect, collaborate and celebrate everyindividualandyearn tocreateasanctuary wheretheyfeelsafe, comfortable and serene.
I always make sure there is at least 20 minutes between appointments so that my staff and I can properly clean the devices, utensils and dispose of any items used for the treatments. I also take the time and make the effort to talk to my client’s and get to the root of the problem before recommending services and/or any of my product line.
By putting heart and soul into our work, we’ve grown from one cherished client to over thousands all across BC. On a deep level, we are aware beauty is deep within us. We exhibit our own beauty, confidence and experience thus allowing our guests to leave their hurries and worries behind and enhance to bring the best out of them. The calm state permits guests to connect with their deeper self.
What are your future plans?
On a personal level, I’m the proud mother of 2 grown boys who have good heads on their shoulders. I am happy they are following their own passions in life and feel I’ve done my job as their parent. Now I can focus on potentially expanding my business endeavors in the future. I’d like to open up my business in a farm area where my clients and I can give back to the earth when giving body treatments. I’d also like to grow the natural ingredients that go in my own product line.
"We prioritize understanding our clients' lifestyle, needs, budget, and time constraints, ensuring optimal service delivery. Our goal is to nurture and uphold both their beauty and wellness."
REFRESHMENT-AWAITS
Farming Karma is a family-owned and operated business. The name originally came from farmer, Karma Gill. Karma, along with his wife, Kuku, have been apple orchardists in the BC Interior for over 30 years. Their passion for agriculture has enabled them to produce some of the highest quality fruit in the Okanagan Valley.
Despite three decades spent as successful tree-fruit farmers, Karma and Kuku wanted to do more—they wanted to give back to the community and contribute to the agricultural industry in a different way. With a hope of sparking the interest of the next generation of agricultural pioneers, they began the creation of healthy, value-added fruit products.
Karma and Kuku employed the help of their children, Avi, Binny, and Sumeet to create an agri-tourism facility on their Orchard in Kelowna, BC. The facility serves as a hub for their production facility, where Farming Karma Sodas are created, and includes an RV park, cherry orchard, tasting room, media building, and more.
The family-run business has grown from strength to strength attracting visitors from all over Canada. Their ‘Do Good’ initiative expands on the original hopes Karma and Kuku had for Farming Karma—giving back to the community and making a significant impact for the future.
Avi Gill & Binny Boparai-Gill with their little one
BINNY BOPARAI
Our
mission is to offer delicious alternatives to high-sugar beverages, promoting wellbeing and enjoyment with every sip. We believe in the power of good karmawhat you give is what you get back
1 2
Can you tell us about the mission and values of your family business Farming Karma?
Farming Karma is dedicated to producing high-quality, healthy fruit sodas using only natural ingredients, sourced sustainably from local growers. Our mission is to offer delicious alternatives to high-sugar beverages, promoting well-being and enjoyment with every sip. We believe in the power of good karma—what you give is what you get back. This philosophy not only guides our product creation but also our community involvement. Through initiatives like “Do Good,” we actively give back to the community, recognizing and supporting those who make a positive impact. This commitment to quality, health, and community embodies the core values of Farming Karma.
What
inspired the creation of Farming Karma, and how has the journey been so far?
stemmed from a desire to innovate
contribute positively to community health. Founded by the Gill family, farming, they aimed to transform alternative. The journey has been eventful, marked by expansion into various fruit sodas and recognition for sustainability efforts. Farming Karma continues to grow, adding new products and initiatives that reinforce their commitment to community
4 5
What types of produce or products does Farming Karma specialize in?
Farming Karma specializes in producing a variety of fruit-based beverages, including non-alcoholic and alcoholic fruit sodas, as well as mocktails. They are also preparing to launch a new product called Farming Karma Hydr8 this summer, expanding their lineup with an innovative hydration drink.
Have you received any accolades and recognition for your product line thus far?
Farming Karma has received numerous accolades for its innovative and environmentally conscious products. The awards include the Circularity Award from the BC Food & Beverage Association, recognizing their efforts in sustainability and efficient use of resources. Additionally, the City of Kelowna has honored Farming Karma with the Champion of the Environment award for their significant contributions to environmental stewardship. The product line also received Silver for Product of the Year and was named Sobeys Innovative Product of the Year, further highlighting Farming Karma’s commitment to quality and innovation in the beverage industry.
How does Farming Karma contribute to local communities and the environment?
Farming Karma contributes to local communities and the environment through several initiatives that embody their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Key aspects of their contribution include:
1. Community Engagement through the ‘Do Good’ Initiative: Farming Karma actively gives back to the community through their ‘Do Good’ initiative, where they recognize
and reward local individuals who make positive contributions. This program includes acts of kindness and support, enhancing the well-being of community members.
2. Environmental Sustainability: In their operations, Farming Karma focuses on using sustainable practices, such as employing recyclable materials and minimizing waste. Their commitment to environmental stewardship was recognized with the Circularity Award, which highlights their efforts in implementing circular economy principles.
3. Supporting Local Agriculture: By sourcing ingredients from local growers and promoting agricultural sustainability, Farming Karma supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with long transportation distances.
4. Educational Outreach: The company engages in educational efforts, including hosting tours and presentations at their agri-tourism facility, to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and healthy living.
5. Innovation in Product Development: Farming Karma continues to innovate with products that are not only healthier alternatives to conventional beverages but also environmentally friendly, such as their fruit sodas that use natural ingredients without added sugars or artificial flavors.
These actions reflect Farming Karma’s dedication to both their local community and the environment, making a positive impact through business practices that go beyond profit.
How does Farming Karma engage with consumers and the local community?
Farming Karma engages with consumers and the local community through a variety of impactful and interactive methods:
2. Agri-Tourism and Educational Outreach: The company operates an agri-tourism facility that includes a production facility, tasting room, media building, and more. 6
1. ’Do Good’ Initiative: Farming Karma actively participates in community engagement through their ‘Do Good’ initiative. This program involves recognizing and rewarding community members who are making a positive impact. They execute this by surprising individuals with gifts, money, or acts of kindness, thereby fostering a spirit of community and generosity.
7
This site not only serves as a hub for their beverage production but also as a venue for educational tours and community events, promoting awareness about sustainable agriculture and healthy lifestyles.
3. Social Media and Online Engagement: Farming Karma maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, where they share updates, educational content, and engage directly with consumers. This online interaction helps to keep the community informed about new products, events, and the company’s sustainability efforts.
4. Local Sourcing and Support for Agriculture: By sourcing their ingredients locally, Farming Karma supports local farmers and the regional economy. This practice not only ensures the freshness and quality of their products but also reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation.
5. Participation in Local Events and Markets: Farming Karma is active in local farmers markets and community events, providing them with opportunities to interact directly with consumers, receive feedback, and promote their products in a community-focused setting.
These strategies highlight Farming Karma’s commitment to community involvement and consumer engagement, creating a strong bond with the local population while promoting sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices.
Can you share any success stories or positive impacts that Farming Karma has had on the community?
Farming Karma positively impacts the community through their “Do Good” initiative, recognizing and rewarding individuals who contribute significantly to the community. They support local agriculture by sourcing ingredients locally, enhancing the regional economy and promoting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, their commitment to environmental sustainability and educational outreach at their agritourism facility educates visitors about healthy and sustainable living. These efforts collectively foster a stronger community bond and promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
How does technology play a role in Farming Karma’s farming practices and business operations?
Farming Karma integrates technology across its farming practices and business operations to foster innovation and enhance sustainability. They utilize up-to-date equipment which allows for more efficient processing and less waste, aligning with their sustainability goals. This approach not only improves productivity but also supports their commitment to environmental stewardship by minimizing the ecological footprint of their operations. Through technology, Farming Karma is able to maintain high standards of quality and freshness, essential for their natural and health-focused products. This strategic use of modern technology is a cornerstone of their business, ensuring that they remain competitive and sustainable in the food and beverage industry.
Where can we purchase your products locally and across Canada?
Farming Karma’s products are widely available across Canada in several major retail stores. You can find their fruit sodas and other beverages at Save On Foods, Superstore, Farmboy, Healthy Planet, Thrifty Foods, Safeway, and Calgary Coop. These retailers provide convenient access to Farming Karma’s range of healthy, natural beverage options throughout various locations, making it easy for customers across the country to enjoy their products.
Are there any future plans or projects that Farming Karma is excited to pursue?
Farming Karma is actively working on exciting future projects that include a state-of-the-art expansion of their soda beverage line and apple sorting line. This expansion is part of their commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that every apple they grow is utilized effectively. By improving their production capabilities, Farming Karma aims to enhance both the quality and availability of their products, meeting consumer demand more efficiently and supporting local agriculture by making sure that all their apples find a home. These initiatives underscore their ongoing commitment to growth and sustainability within the beverage industry.
Can you share your journey and experience in the field of natural products and wellness that led you to establish Sewanti Ayurvedic Series?
Our brand journey is a testament to the transformative power of Ayurveda and the deep-rooted passion that drives us to share its wisdom with the world.
Sewanti is the fulfillment of my desire to share what I have learned on my healing journey. Our focus is to promote, educate, and facilitate Ayurveda.Product sales are complement to our focus. Our vision is to integrate Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation into the lifestyle of humankind.
What inspired the creation of Sewanti Ayurvedic Series and what values or principles guide the company?
The practical wisdom of the ancient healing tradition, including Yoga, Ayurveda and Qi Gong helped me improve my own health and inspired me to take the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and translate it into practical solutions to improve the quality of life of Canadians.
Sewanti, derived from the word “sewa,” meaning service, encapsulates our unwavering commitment to serving humanity through Ayurveda. We pride ourselves on designing the world’s cleanest and highest quality Ayurvedic remedies and massage oils. From the very beginning, we have upheld the values of authenticity, purity, and integrity, ensuring that our products align with the ancient principles of Ayurveda.
How do you ensure the authenticity and quality of the natural products offered by Sewanti Ayurvedic Series? Tell us about your product line.
We currently have 12 products in classical and organic remedies in capsules format, 34 organic remedies in powders (churna) format , 16 classical Ayurvedic massage oils (tailam) and 9 products for Ayurvedic lifestyle.
We pride ourselves on
All products are free from additives, binders, preservatives, or excipients and registered with Natural Health Product number with Health Canada. They are produced in a GMP facility in Burnaby, B.C., and tested by third-party labs for purity, potency, and quality with Certificates of Analysis at raw material as well as finished product stage.
The company’s flagship product Triphala Plus is an effective remedy to correct constipation, support
Holy Basil plus is a respiratory health formula that provides immunity, stamina, and boosts energy, and relieves sinus congestions and seasonal allergies.
Joint Flex is a traditional remedy to treat the root cause of all inflammatory joint diseases. It relieves joint pain, swelling, and prevents cartilage degeneration.
There are numerous testimonials from medical doctors and other health practitioners in the US and Canada on the effectiveness of products.
What challenges have you faced in promoting and establishing a brand focused on natural and organic products in the market?
Being a pioneering company that introduced Ayurvedic products to natural health food retailers, the journey has consistently posed challenges. The limited acceptance of Ayurveda, largely attributed to concerns about heavy metals in Ayurvedic medicine, was one hurdle. Additionally, a lack of general knowledge about Ayurveda among the public presented another obstacle. Despite these challenges, I remained
undeterred in my commitment to promoting Ayurveda. I took proactive measures to address these issues by engaging in grassroots education efforts. This included conducting Ayurveda training in communities and organizing public store events to impart the wisdom of Ayurveda through cooking demonstrations and offering free mini consultations.
My dedication extended beyond local boundaries, as I ventured from Vancouver Island in the West to major cities in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec in the East, spreading awareness and knowledge of Ayurveda. Crossing international borders, I also visited stores and communities in Washington and Oregon states in the USA. Through these endeavors, I aimed to overcome misconceptions and foster a deeper understanding of Ayurveda, paving the way for its acceptance and integration into the broader health and wellness landscape.
Can you highlight some of the key ingredients or formulations that set Sewanti Ayurvedic
Series apart in the natural wellness industry?
The products under the Sewanti Classical series are science and research based traditional Ayurveda botanicals made with wild crafted herbs. Authenticity, purity, and potency are the guiding principles for all our formulations. The vege capsules are free from soy, gluten or allergens and suitable for vegans. They are high potency water extracts made without the use of chemical solvents. They are based on the imbalances and disorders and do not require the knowledge of Ayurveda.
We feel responsible to promote evidence-based traditional Ayurveda products for modern health challenges. We invested in hospital-led, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trials to quantify the impact of our classical remedies -Diarid, Joint Flex and Stressnil products.
Sewanti Organic Series are popular Ayurveda herbs in the combination of extract and full spectrum whole plant powder. The potent herbal extract contains bioactive phytochemicals to support faster assimilation of the therapeutic qualities of the herbs. The whole herb provides synergy and the ratio is determined by the traditional Ayurvedic knowledge.
Sewanti Organic Series are popular Ayurveda herbs in the combination of extract and full spectrum whole plant powder
Notable poly-herbal formulations are Curcumin Classic made with organic curcumin extract -95% Curcuminoids fortified by classical Ayurvedic formula Trikatu (black pepper, long pepper and ginger).
Sewanti is a pioneer company to bring a wide range of organic Ayurveda single herbs and traditional formulations in powders, which are approved by NNHPD with NPN#. Notable examples are Hingwastak, Dashamula, Sitopaladi and Trikatu.
How does Sewanti Ayurvedic Series contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly practices in its product development and manufacturing processes?
Sewanti has established a vertically integrated and holistic process to ensure traceability from farm to the finished supplements to achieve pure, clean and safe products. Our partner farms are all Certified Organic and non-GMO. Our ingredients are ethically sourced with smallest impact on the environment. Our bottles and caps are made from recyclable plastic and orders are shipped in recycled cardboard boxes.
In the ever-evolving wellness industry, how does your company stay innovative and adapt to changing consumer preferences?
We are passionate about promoting Ayurveda in the world. We believe everyone deserves to benefit from what Ayurveda has to offer to humanity. That’s why we are committed to providing customers with honest, convenient, and affordable Ayurvedic supplements backed by cutting edge science and research. We are easily accessible on all digital touch points like social media and have an e-commerce site.
What
avenues you adopt to promote Ayurveda in the community?
I am the founding director on the Board of the Ayurveda Association of Canada and held the position of secretary to the executive council of AAPNA (Association of Ayurveda Professionals of North America).
I have been appointed Peaceful Ambassador for Western Canada by Heartfulness Institute, a notfor- profit organization that teaches heartfulness meditation programs free of charge in Canada for last 49 years.
I was appointed Research Associate of the World Institute for Scientific Exploration (WISE) Harvard Branch in April 2014 and have been actively involved in reviewing several papers including “Contemporary challenges in Ayurveda: An ancient medical technology” by Suresh Kumar, Neelam Toprani and Shanmugamurthy Lakshmanan.
The global market for Ayurveda products is growing with the increasing demand for natural, organic and holistic health and wellness products for the treatment of chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and hypertension. This growth is expected at compound annual growth of more than 16% between 2021-2025 reaching a market size of over USD 14 billion by 2025.
The pandemic has also highlighted the limitations of conventional medicine and sparked renewed interest in traditional healing practices like Ayurveda in boosting the immune system and protecting against infection.
Sewanti products are sold in Canada coast to coast into major health food stores and natural pharmacies like Whole Foods, Country Grocers, The Big Carrot, Les Marches Tau, Rachelle Berry, Maison Jacynthe etc. We have preferred vendor status with Amazon in Canada and European Union countries with their Vendor Central program.
In the USA Sewanti products are sold to naturopathic and Integrative medicine clinics and Amazon.com
Sewanti products are also sold in the European market through distributors in Poland and Czech Republic. Our company, Padmashri Naturals inc. is a prominent Life Sciences company with Agriculture Canada and BC trade & invest and is invited as a trade delegate to various international conferences.
We have promising traditional formulations undergoing NNHPD licensing and our scientific and research team continues to develop more remedies to meet the growing customer demand.
NEELAM TOPRANI President & CEO Padmashri
Naturals Inc.
SUNNY RODHEY
Scientist and founder of Health IS Wealth Group Inc.
1) Tell us about your upbringing and childhood. My parents moved from Punjab, India to Canada in 1976 and I was born and raised in Quesnel, BC. Growing up, my parents were always supportive and there for me. This had a big impact and I grew up believing I could do anything. During the summers, I worked with my father in the sawmill, experiencing tough, physical work. I think this helped establish a solid work ethic and I learned to respect diverse types of industry. My father was an educated man who was also an author - he had a passion for writing and he played a variety of musical instruments and sports. I believe observing him pursue his interests ignited the spark in me to set high goals for myself.
2) What do you think are some of the drawbacks and benefits of growing up in a small community?
In a small community, everyone knows each other and gossip travels at the speed of light. You cannot go anywhere without running into someone you know, so I learned to stay on my best behavior when in public. Small towns may mean everyone knows your business, but it also means they will be there to support you through your successes and failures. One thing you learn in a small town is how to be a good neighbor, and in a small town, everyone is your neighbor! It can feel like your whole town is your family. Everybody helps one another and learning to be compassionate as a kid stays with you for a lifetime. In addition, when your town does not have much in the way of entertainment, you learn how to make your own fun and find your people, such as like-minded friends who really understand you. While these things may seem insignificant during childhood, they can actually play a significant role in shaping how we see the world as adults. Some of the values instilled in me growing up in Quesnel include humility, accountability, hard work, confidence and resilience.
3) Tell us about your background as a Scientist and what intrigued you about health sciences.
In high school, I did not like math or physics and I was not interested in the arts. I found biology and chemistry to be my most intriguing classes. I was interested in the molecular basis for changes occurring in cells and the chemistry of living organisms. Therefore, I chose to play to my strengths and decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UBC. A few years later, I completed a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry / Toxicology from Pace University in New York. I had the opportunity to work in various labs in different cities and travel throughout the USA for almost 4 years. I have 16 years of experience as a laboratory Scientist.
4) What inspired you to start Health IS Wealth Group Inc.?
In 2004, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the young age of 62. This was shocking and life altering news for the whole family. Seeing my father decline over many years was one of the hardest things that I have gone through. The doctors prescribed him a few different prescription medicines but all had harsh side effects and were minimally effective. As a Scientist, I noted that there were not many decent options of natural health solutions on the market to address early memory issues and cognitive health. Therefore, in 2017, I founded Health IS Wealth Group Inc. (operating as Health IS Wealth) – a natural health and wellness company focused on manufacturing supplements to help support cognitive health, healthy aging and quality of life. The name of the brand “Health IS Wealth” – was chosen as a result of our personal family story. It is a resonating statement and important reminder that there is no greater wealth than health.
5) What does your product line consist of and what are the benefits of each product?
In 2017, I launched my first product – BrainMEND®, to help support cognitive health and brain function. This product quickly became popular on Amazon and therefore, four additional natural health products (NHPs) were gradually launched after the initial success with BrainMEND®.
These include:
GutMEND®, a probiotic-free digestive health powder to help relieve gut inflammation and promote digestion
SleepMEND®, a melatonin-free herbal sleep aid to help relieve restlessness and to promote sleep
Lion’s Mane, an organic mushroom extract to boost immune and brain health and,
Hydrolyzed bovine collagen type 1 and 3 powder, to help support the health of skin, nails, hair and reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
6)What makes your product line different from other supplements in the market?
The Health IS Wealth brand was founded on the basis of tragedy and passion. We specialize in creating innovative and synergistic NHPs based on the latest breakthroughs in science. Our formulations specifically contain combinations of multiple nutrients from both Western and Eastern traditional systems of medicine. The ingredients and doses are extensively researched and carefully chosen based on beneficial results reported in clinical studies. These are the key differentiators that set us apart from the competition. There are many probiotics for gut health and melatonin products for sleep health on the market. However, these products have some disadvantages and do not work for everyone. Our GutMEND® and SleepMEND® products are great alternatives to probiotics
and melatonin. Our proprietary MEND series products are based on scientific literature and principles where the 3 products – BrainMEND®, GutMEND® and SleepMEND® can be taken in unison to provide the greatest potential for improving cognitive health, overall wellness and quality of life. This is because a poor diet can lead to chronic low grade inflammation and brain fog, a leaky gut negatively affects brain health and bad sleeping habits or poor sleep are all modifiable factors that can increase the risk of dementia.k of dementia.
7)What are some of the common health issues the South Asian community is dealing with and which products do you recommend?
In my opinion, most South Asians seem to be affected by the usual culprits – high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. As
the world population of the baby boomer generation ages, the cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s in every community are also rising significantly. Therefore, my top 3 recommendations are BrainMEND®, Lion’s Mane, and GutMEND® for supporting brain and gut health because they are so closely intertwined. For those experiencing sleep issues, I would also recommend SleepMEND®, to help get sufficient quality sleep. Health IS Wealth products contain herbal ingredients that can provide additional health benefits beyond brain, gut and sleep health such as naturally lowering blood pressure and blood sugar. If you are taking prescription blood pressure or diabetes medications, it is always good to speak with your healthcare provider prior to taking natural health supplements to avoid interactions that can cause blood pressure or blood sugar to decrease to low levels.
8) Tell us about the customer feedback on your product line.
We have thousands of loyal customers for our Health IS Wealth brand and high customer satisfaction ratings across our retail stores and e-commerce platforms. We believe in formulating and manufacturing high quality products and providing exceptional customer service. Our natural health supplements are unique, safe and effective and our product line has received demand from the USA and outside of North America.
9) In your opinion, what is the greatest factor to determine good health beyond supplements?
This may sound cliché, but a healthy diet and regular exercise are two important factors for healthy aging. Research shows that being socially connected and sharing moments of fun and laughter with family and friends is very important for mental and physical health.
10) Where can our audience buy your products?
Our products are available online through our Shopify website at www.healthiswealthnaturals.com and can be purchased online at Amazon and Walmart. We are currently in 27 retail store locations in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. Our locations include Thrifty Foods, Nutrition House, and independent natural health food stores and pharmacies. If there is a particular retail location where you would like to see our products, please email us at info@ healthiswealthnaturals.com
businesses like ours may not be able to afford to navigate increasingly complex regulations – a cost our industry and Canadians cannot bear during these inflationary times. For more information and to support the SOS campaign, visit www.saveoursupplements.ca
11) What are your thoughts on the SOS (Save Our Supplements) movement?
This is a very crucial campaign for all businesses in the NHPs industry. The changes that Health Canada is forcing on NHPs will require this class of products to bear an unnecessary amount of regulation. Specifically, new labelling requirements and new user fees for regulatory activities are set to come into effect in 2025 Health Canada’s proposed changes will financially decimate many Canadian businesses, will increase prices for consumers, and limit the amount of product choice you see on store shelves. New, innovative products will not launch on the market because the regulatory burden will be too severe. Small, local
12) What are your future plans/goals for your business and product line?
Our company continues to explore the latest scientific research and developments in the “anti-aging” (healthy aging) space. We are currently creating preliminary formulations for supplements that support liver health, mitochondrial health and those that target certain enzymes and proteins to help delay the aging process and increase human longevity. We would like to see these additional, innovative natural health products launch on the Canadian market if our business can endure the proposed changes by Health Canada. We are also looking to scale our business and launch into as many vitamins & supplements stores across Canada. We would love to hear from brokers, retail stores and distributors that are interested in carrying our products!
Pioneers in creating Soulful spaces for Thriving Life & Career
Customized design solutions for growth, transformation and wellbeing! We not only create aesthetically beautiful and practical spaces, But also, lucky and auspicious in all areas of your Life!
DEEPAK JAYAKAR
Founder - DJDE
Never before Feng Shui Mastery and Design expertise has been fused into one. He not only design spaces aesthetically beautiful and functional but also auspicious and lucky in all other aspects of your life. With over 25 years of experience –Deepak’s master’s expertise in Feng Shui, in addition to his experience as a Design and Construction Industry professional, has gained him international prestige. Deepak studied Feng Shui under several Masters and Grand Masters of Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and notably among them are Yap Chang Hai, Lillian Too and Adelina Pang before venturing out on his own – additionally, he learnt deep ancient techniques of Feng Shui from secret Masters of Tibet. Apart from practicing Architecture, Interior Design and Feng Shui professionally, Deepak conducts training classes, seminars and talks on Feng Shui. He often customizes his lectures and workshops as per the preference of his audience, and touches upon relevant and valuable industry-specific information.
Having risen in popularity, Deepak’s Feng Shui services have become an integral thread in the design tapestry of the Pacific Northwest’s real estate market. His expertise in the field of FENG paired with Interior Design has become so indisputable that his clients refer to him as the “DESIGN EINSTEIN”
Cell: 604 760 4858
Email: info@djdesigneinstein.com
Suite 900 - 2025 Willingdon Avenue Burnaby BC
He believes:
“Energy is our most precious gift from the Cosmos. Good energy people and good energy homes manifest happiness, harmony and abundance. when your Life, Home, and Career are aligned with cosmic energies, you will enjoy all that Universe has to offer. Whether it is love, business or well-being, Feng Shui is the key to unlock whatever blocks your path”
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Feng Shui for Wealth and Abundance
OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DESIGNING
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