How Akshi Khandelwal is Reimagining Ayurveda for Modern India

An Exclusive Interview with Akshi Khandelwal, Founder & CEO, Butterfly Ayurveda & Café Swasthya

Akshi Khandelwal is the Founder of Butterfly Ayurveda and Butterfly Ayurveda Bakery, ventures she started to make Ayurvedic wellness relevant and accessible in modern lifestyles.

A Yale alumna with a Master’s in International Development Economics, she draws on her background in martial arts, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and classical dance to bring a holistic perspective to health.

Since establishing an in-house R&D unit in 2013, she has spearheaded the development of more than 50 Ayurvedic formulations – from teas and herbal powders to functional foods – and set up a GMP-certified manufacturing unit to ensure global quality standards.

Her work comes at a time when the Ayurveda market in India is expanding rapidly, projected to grow over 16% annually and triple in size by 2033, reflecting the surge in consumer demand for natural, clean-label, and preventive health solutions.

Selected for the Fortune Women’s Mentoring Partnership in 2019, Akshi continues to guide Butterfly Ayurveda’s growth with innovation, strategic collaborations, and a vision of holistic well-being rooted in tradition yet aligned with contemporary wellness trends.

Can you share your early journey and what led you to choose Ayurveda as the foundation for your entrepreneurial path?

Akshi Khandelwal: My journey with Ayurveda began as a very personal one. In 2013, I was dealing with severe digestive health issues that were directly linked to my everyday food and lifestyle choices.

Regular coffee and café treats had taken a toll on my health. I underwent Ayurvedic treatment and experienced firsthand how powerful and transformative this ancient science can be.

That experience stayed with me and became the seed for Butterfly Ayurveda, which I formally launched in 2014. I wanted to make Ayurveda accessible in a way that seamlessly fits into modern daily life.

That’s why I started with teas, cookies, and herbal formulations that people could easily integrate into their routines. Ayurveda, for me, is not just tradition – it’s a living science that can truly change the way we live and eat.

What was the “aha moment” that inspired the creation of Butterfly Ayurveda?

The turning point was when I realized that while Ayurveda had such deep wisdom to offer, it wasn’t being translated into products that suited our modern lifestyle. People wanted wellness, but there was a gap between awareness and availability.

That inspired me to build a strong R&D unit in 2013 and start developing formulations in-house. Over time, we created more than 50 unique products – from teas and cookies to medicines – all designed to be effective, safe, and easy to adopt.

The bakery vertical came later, in 2018, as an extension of this vision, offering baked goods that were both wholesome and rooted in Ayurvedic principles.

From starting a wellness brand to opening Café Swasthya, how has your vision for Ayurveda evolved over the years?

Akshi Khandelwal: When I first started, my focus was on building awareness and helping people bring Ayurveda into their daily lifestyle.

Over the years, my vision has expanded from products to experiences. Café Swasthya is a manifestation of that. It’s not just about what you consume, but the environment, the knowledge, and the awareness you carry with you.

The café gives people a chance to experience Ayurveda in a contemporary setting – whether it’s through our food, herbal teas, or even the Prakriti Quiz that helps you understand your body constitution.

My vision has evolved from products to creating an ecosystem that makes Ayurveda more relatable, enjoyable, and accessible.

Ayurveda is often seen as traditional, while today’s consumer is modern and fast-paced. How did you bridge this gap through your products and café?

Akshi Khandelwal: That has been at the heart of everything we do. At Butterfly Ayurveda, we spend a lot of time in research and development to make sure our products are not only authentic but also easy to integrate into a busy lifestyle.

For instance, our teas are formulated for specific health needs, yet they taste familiar and comforting. With Café Swasthya, we took the same approach – designing a menu that balances Ayurvedic principles with modern flavors.

You’ll find herbal teas, herb-infused lattes, unique coffees, fresh juices, and wholesome meals that are both delicious and nourishing.

It’s about bringing the science of Ayurveda into forms that today’s consumer can embrace without feeling like they have to compromise on taste or experience.

What were the toughest challenges you faced in the early years – funding, awareness, or consumer acceptance – and how did you overcome them?

Akshi Khandelwal: One major challenge for us was to train and recruit new staff who could truly align with the brand’s vision and the novel concept we were creating.

Ayurveda is not just about recipes or ingredients, it’s a philosophy that requires understanding of concepts like Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha, and how they translate into everyday choices.

Getting new staff to embrace this knowledge and apply it in their work was not easy. It took rigorous training sessions, menu trials, and continuous discussions to bring everyone on board. But once they connected with it, it had a transformative impact on both their professional skills and personal lives.

Alongside this, awareness and consumer acceptance were also hurdles. Many people associated Ayurveda only with medicines, not as a lifestyle choice.

That’s where our focus on R&D helped us – by creating safe, effective, and research-backed products, we were able to slowly build trust. Funding was family-driven, which gave us stability but required disciplined growth.

Over time, as both our team and our customers resonated with the authenticity of our approach, acceptance and confidence began to grow.

As an entrepreneur in the wellness and F&B space, what unique opportunities and challenges do women founders face?

Akshi Khandelwal: Being a woman founder in wellness and F&B comes with both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, there is often a natural alignment between women and the themes of care, healing, and nourishment. This helps in building trust with consumers.

On the other hand, the entrepreneurial journey is demanding and requires one to constantly prove their seriousness in a competitive space.

For me, staying rooted in the purpose of what I’m building has helped me navigate these challenges. I also believe that women bring a unique perspective to wellness businesses – one that blends empathy with innovation.

Café Swasthya blends food, hospitality, and Ayurveda. How do you curate experiences that are both authentic and appealing to modern diners?

Akshi Khandelwal: We designed Café Swasthya as an immersive experience. The authenticity comes from our menu – every dish is crafted with natural ingredients, no artificial additives, and recipes that are designed to balance the tridosha. But authenticity alone is not enough.

It has to be inviting and enjoyable for modern diners. That’s why we pay equal attention to taste, presentation, and ambiance. The interiors reflect Indian heritage with bamboo, teak, and mud walls, yet they feel cozy and contemporary.

The Prakriti Quiz adds a fun and educational element, empowering diners to learn about themselves while they enjoy their meal. For us, it’s about creating a balance between tradition and modernity.

What role do you see Ayurveda-inspired foods playing in addressing lifestyle disorders like diabetes, stress, and digestion issues in India?

Akshi Khandelwal: Lifestyle disorders are one of the biggest health challenges in India today. Ayurveda has always emphasized prevention and balance, which makes it incredibly relevant for issues like diabetes, stress, and digestion problems.

Foods inspired by Ayurveda can play a vital role by not just managing symptoms but also addressing root causes.

At Butterfly Ayurveda and Café Swasthya, we design recipes and products with this in mind – whether it’s a tea that supports digestion, or a wholesome meal that balances doshas.

I believe Ayurveda-inspired foods and beverages can become a bridge between preventive healthcare and everyday wellness.

Building a brand in a competitive wellness market requires persistence. What has been your biggest learning as a founder?

Akshi Khandelwal: My biggest learning has been that persistence and purpose go hand in hand. There will always be challenges – consumer awareness, funding, competition – but if your purpose is strong, it keeps you grounded and gives you clarity.

Another big learning is the importance of research and development. Innovation is what keeps you relevant, and R&D has been at the heart of Butterfly Ayurveda from the very beginning. It allows us to stay authentic to Ayurveda while also adapting to modern consumer needs.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for scaling Butterfly Ayurveda and Café Swasthya over the next 5 years?

Akshi Khandelwal: Over the next five years, my vision is to strengthen Butterfly Ayurveda’s portfolio through more research-driven product innovations, expand our distribution network, and grow Café Swasthya into multiple locations through franchise expansion.

The café is not just a business model but a concept that I believe can change how people experience Ayurveda in their daily lives.

We want to make Ayurveda-inspired living mainstream, not niche. That means scaling thoughtfully, while maintaining authenticity and quality.

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your entrepreneurial journey?

Akshi Khandelwal: I’ve been fortunate to draw inspiration from many different people along my journey. My martial arts and dance teachers taught me discipline, focus, and how to hold on to my vision even in difficult times.

My father instilled in me a deep respect for time and money, and the importance of valuing both. My team has been a constant source of learning, pushing me to grow as a leader every single day.

And the consultants who worked with Butterfly Ayurveda brought in fresh perspectives that helped me see possibilities I might have missed on my own.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build purpose-driven brands?

Akshi Khandelwal: My advice would be to stay deeply connected to your purpose. Building a business is hard, and there will be many ups and downs. If you are rooted in why you started, it becomes much easier to navigate the challenges.

At the same time, invest in research and innovation – it’s what will keep your brand authentic and relevant in the long run.

And finally, be patient. Purpose-driven businesses take time, but the impact they create is worth the effort.

Finally, what message would you like to leave for the readers who are navigating their own professional or entrepreneurial journeys?

Akshi Khandelwal: I would say trust your journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every setback teaches you something valuable.

Believe in yourself, nurture your vision with persistence, and don’t be afraid to take the unconventional path if it aligns with your purpose. For me, Ayurveda has been both my anchor and my inspiration. Whatever your anchor is, stay true to it – and let it guide you forward.

In conclusion, the interview with Akshi Khandelwal highlights her inspiring vision, dedication to Ayurveda, and entrepreneurial spirit. Through Butterfly Ayurveda and Café Swasthya, she continues to blend tradition with innovation, promoting holistic wellness and mindful living in today’s fast-paced world.