Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | Shesha Ayurveda was founded in 2017 by Renji Anooj and her husband, Anooj Sreedharan with the vision of bringing authentic Kerala Ayurveda into modern personal care. The idea behind the company was deeply connected to Renji’s upbringing in a family associated with Ayurvedic healing and naturopathy in Kerala. Although both founders had professional careers before entrepreneurship, they eventually decided to build a brand that combined traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern consumer needs. Their goal was not simply to sell beauty products, but to revive trusted herbal formulations that had been used in Indian households for generations.
The company began its journey with cold-processed virgin coconut oil and gradually expanded into Ayurvedic haircare, skincare, herbal oils, and natural beauty products. Unlike many commercial cosmetic brands, Shesha Ayurveda focused heavily on natural ingredients and traditional preparation methods. The founders emphasized that their formulations avoided harsh chemicals, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances. Manufacturing was carried out through licensed Ayurvedic facilities in Kerala, helping the company maintain authenticity while also building trust among customers looking for natural wellness alternatives.
One of the biggest turning points for the brand came with the launch of Nilini Ayurvedic Hair Colour, which gained attention as a bleach free Ayurvedic hair coloring solution. At a time when consumers were becoming increasingly cautious about chemical based hair dyes, the product quickly attracted a loyal customer base. The company promoted Nilini as a safer herbal alternative made with Ayurvedic ingredients while still delivering effective color results. Alongside this, products such as Neeli Bringadi Hair Oil and Red Sandalwood Skin Brightening Cream also became popular among consumers who preferred traditional herbal beauty care over synthetic cosmetics.
As demand increased, Shesha Ayurveda successfully positioned itself as a modern direct-to-consumer Ayurvedic beauty brand. The company combined Kerala’s traditional wellness heritage with digital marketing and contemporary packaging, helping it appeal to younger urban buyers while still retaining authenticity. Social media played an important role in the brand’s growth, as customer testimonials and product reviews helped expand its reach across India. Within a few years, the company transformed from a small startup into a rapidly growing Ayurvedic personal care business with a strong online presence.
The brand received nationwide recognition after Renji Anooj and Anooj Sreedharan appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5. During the pitch, the founders asked for Rs. 1 crore in exchange for 1.5 percent equity, valuing the company at around Rs. 66.67 crore. The valuation led to intense discussions among the sharks, but the founders confidently defended the business by highlighting its strong sales growth and growing consumer demand in the Ayurvedic beauty category. Their clarity about the market and product positioning impressed several investors on the panel.
After negotiations, the founders secured a deal with Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar. The final agreement closed at Rs. 2 crore for 8 percent equity along with a 1 percent royalty until the investment amount was recovered. The episode brought significant visibility to the company and helped strengthen its reputation in India’s rapidly growing Ayurvedic beauty segment.
As of 2026, Shesha Ayurveda is operational and continues to sell its range of Ayurvedic skincare, herbal haircare, natural oils, and beauty products through online platforms and its official channels. The company remains focused on blending traditional Kerala Ayurveda with modern beauty and wellness needs, which continues to define the identity and success of the brand.
