At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Surbhi Pathak for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say it further, Surbhi is an Entrepreneur, Yoga Coach and Co-Founder at Giovell Health Care India Private Limited. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Surbhi:
Your journey into Ayurveda and wellness began as a personal pursuit. What inspired you to transform that experience into a business?
I have always been an athlete, and combined with twelve years in the corporate world, I genuinely believed I had health figured out. But over time, I began asking myself a simple question: why are so many people still struggling with their health despite exercising regularly and having access to modern medicine?
The answer repeatedly pointed to lifestyle.
When I started making deliberate changes to my diet, sleep, and daily habits and explored how Ayurveda and natural remedies could address common health concerns, the results were remarkable.
As a certified yoga professional, acro yogi, and callisthenics athlete, I gained a deeper understanding of how the body communicates. I realised that many everyday issues didn’t require complicated interventions; often, the right habits and natural support were enough.
The real turning point came when I noticed that almost everyone around me was facing similar challenges: bloating, fatigue, low energy, stress, and poor digestion, without realising that simple, effective solutions existed. Bridging that gap became the inspiration behind Giovell. It wasn’t originally a business idea; it felt like a responsibility.
Giovell focuses on addressing root causes rather than offering quick fixes. How challenging is it to educate consumers about this mindset?
It’s one of the most challenging and most important parts of what we do.
For decades, people have been conditioned to expect instant relief. The moment a symptom appears, the natural response is to look for something that makes it disappear quickly. What we advocate is fundamentally different: understanding why the issue exists and working toward lasting balance.
That shift requires patience and education. Fortunately, results speak louder than explanations. When someone improves their digestion and notices that the problem doesn’t keep returning, or when they experience better sleep and stress management through natural support, they begin to understand the difference between symptom management and genuine wellness.
We invest heavily in consumer education through content, conversations, and community engagement. Encouragingly, more people today are seeking sustainable solutions rather than temporary relief.
The herbal wellness market is crowded. What makes Giovell a credible and trustworthy brand?
Credibility begins with the people behind the brand.
My father, Mr. Suresh Pathak, brings over five decades of pharmaceutical experience and has played a key role in building several well-known healthcare brands. Our scientific advisor, Dr. Chandra Kant Katiyar, brings extensive expertise in Ayurvedic research, formulation development, and quality standards.
At Giovell, every formulation is developed with intention. We combine traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific validation, ensuring that our products are natural, effective, and consistent in quality.
We maintain stringent manufacturing and quality standards, conduct extensive testing, and remain committed to transparency. For us, credibility isn’t a marketing claim; it’s a responsibility.
How do you balance ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific validation?
I believe Ayurveda and science are not opposing forces; they complement each other beautifully.
Traditional Ayurvedic formulations were developed through centuries of observation and practical application. Modern science allows us to validate those insights by identifying active compounds, standardising ingredients, and ensuring consistency across every batch.
At Giovell, Ayurveda tells us what works and why, while science helps us measure, verify, and refine those benefits. This approach allows consumers to experience the wisdom of traditional healing with the assurance of modern quality standards.
How has your family’s pharmaceutical legacy influenced your approach as a founder?
It has shaped my thinking profoundly.
Growing up around healthcare professionals gave me firsthand insight into both the strengths and limitations of modern medicine. While conventional medicine plays an essential role, many chronic lifestyle-related concerns require a broader approach focused on prevention, balance, and long-term wellness.
That realisation reinforced my belief in Ayurveda as a complementary system that can address many everyday health concerns naturally.
At the same time, my father’s experience instilled a deep respect for quality, research, and consumer trust. Combined with my own corporate background in business and marketing, it has helped us build Giovell as both a mission-driven brand and a sustainable business.
What leadership belief did you have to unlearn when transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship?
I had to unlearn the idea that responsibilities have clear boundaries.
In a corporate environment, your role is defined. You have specific targets, teams, and responsibilities. Entrepreneurship changes that entirely.
As a founder, every aspect of the business becomes your responsibility, from strategic decisions and product development to operations, hiring, and even the smallest administrative details. There is no switch-off button.
However, this level of ownership also creates a much deeper sense of purpose. When you’re building something you genuinely believe can improve people’s lives, the challenges become meaningful rather than burdensome.
Consumer scepticism around supplements and wellness products is growing. How do you build trust in such an environment?
The scepticism is completely justified.
Consumers have seen too many exaggerated claims and misleading promises. Trust today must be earned through transparency, consistency, and evidence.
We focus on solving clearly defined health concerns rather than making broad, unrealistic promises. We openly communicate our scientific and professional credentials, maintain rigorous quality standards, and let product performance speak for itself.
Ultimately, trust is built one customer at a time through real results and honest communication.
What has contributed most to Giovell’s growth so far: product innovation, storytelling, or community?
Brand storytelling has been the strongest driver so far.
The reason it resonates is that our story is authentic. I am building products for challenges I personally experienced and solutions I genuinely believe in.
That said, storytelling only works when the products deliver on their promise. People may discover us because of the story, but they stay because the products create meaningful results. The combination of authenticity and effectiveness has been instrumental in building customer loyalty.
What does “making wellness accessible” mean in a country as diverse as India?
Accessibility goes far beyond affordability.
For us, it means creating solutions that are relevant to everyday health concerns faced by ordinary people across different age groups, regions, and lifestyles.
Issues such as digestive discomfort, stress, fatigue, liver health, and hormonal balance affect millions of Indians. Our goal is to make trusted, science-backed Ayurvedic solutions available in a format that is practical, convenient, and affordable.
In many ways, we’re taking the wisdom that traditionally existed in Indian households and presenting it in a standardised, reliable form that fits modern lifestyles.
Where do you see Ayurveda and holistic wellness heading over the next decade, and how is Giovell preparing for that future?
We are witnessing a major shift in how people think about health.
The pandemic accelerated awareness around preventive care, immunity, and overall well-being. Increasingly, consumers are looking beyond symptom management and seeking holistic approaches that support long-term health.
I believe Ayurveda is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. As research and scientific validation continue to grow, Ayurveda will gain even greater global recognition as a credible and effective wellness system.
At Giovell, we’re preparing for that future by investing in both formulation science and consumer education. Our vision extends beyond products; we aim to help build a lifestyle-first approach to wellness that combines nature, science, and sustainable habits.
The future of healthcare will not be about choosing between traditional wisdom and modern science. It will be about bringing them together in a way that genuinely improves people’s lives.
At BrilliantRead, we don’t just share startup stories; we bring you journeys that challenge perspectives, spark ideas, and fuel ambition. Every story we feature is carefully chosen to add real value, inspire action, and ignite possibility within our growing community of entrepreneurs and dreamers.
If you have a powerful story, one that can inspire, educate, or create impact we want to hear from you.
