We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nirali Maru. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nirali below.
Nirali, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Absolutely. One of the most defining moments in my career came when I decided to merge my expertise in occupational therapy (healthcare) with my passion for holistic health and wellness through microgreens. While working closely with children, I observed the positive impact sensory-embedded programs had on children in schools. Many kiddos with sensory needs had sensitivities and limited food choices, I realized how closely health, nutrition, and sensory well-being are interconnected, not just for children but for everyone.
This realization led me to create Leafy Veda with my co-founder Vraj Patel, where we could promote health and wellness through fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens. Entrepreneurship was a leap of faith, but it allowed me to impact lives on a broader scale. It wasn’t just about growing microgreens—it was about growing a vision of holistic health, inspired by ancient Vedic principles, while embracing modern needs.
The lesson I learned from this pivotal moment is the power of alignment—when your purpose and passions come together, they create opportunities far beyond what you could imagine. Taking risks to follow that alignment, even when it feels uncertain, can lead to growth, fulfillment, and the ability to make a difference in ways you never expected.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
It’s a pleasure to share my story! I am an experienced occupational therapist with over 10 years of dedication to empowering children with spearheaded initiatives that focus on sensory regulation, purposeful play, and bridging the gap between special and general education. My work extends beyond therapy sessions—I advocate for equitable practices, empower educators through training, and develop innovative solutions that create meaningful change for children and families. As a leader in the Occupational Therapy field, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Regional Director for OTAC (Occupational Therapy Association of California) to serve, promote, and support the profession of occupational therapy and its practitioners.
My journey as an occupational therapist deeply influenced the creation of Leafy Veda, a microgreens farm that merges my passion for health, wellness, and community. Working with children has shown me how integral nutrition is to overall well-being—whether it’s supporting sensory regulation or boosting energy and focus. This insight inspired me to take action, and alongside my co-founder, Vraj Patel, we built Leafy Veda to provide fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens grown with care and sustainability. Vraj is an IT professional with deep family roots in farming, spanning six generations. His love for nature and sustainable agriculture perfectly complements my background in healthcare and dedication to holistic well-being. Together, we embarked on a journey to cultivate health and wellness, sharing a vision to inspire proactive, healthy lifestyles rooted in Vedic principles of living with modern wellness.
At Leafy Veda, we provide more than just microgreens—we offer a gateway to holistic health and wellness. Our diverse product range includes fresh, sustainably grown all natural microgreens including sunflower shoots, fenugreek microgreens, wasabi mustard microgreens, micro arugula, micro beet, micro kale, culinary cilantro, cantaloupe, and gourmet basil. Our most loved offerings are the curated microgreen mixes that blend ancient vedic wisdom and health benefits of the crops to support client goals. Our offerings are perfect for busy individuals looking to add a boost of nutrition to their meals.
One of our most unique offerings is the Journey of Growth Kit—a thoughtfully designed wellness kit. This kit nurtures not only your body but also the mind and soul. It includes Smriti Cards with daily mindfulness prompts and activities, therapeutic strategies, and all the tools you need to grow nutrient-packed microgreens. The kit inspired mindfulness and inner self-growth through a one-of-a-kind transformative experience curated for individuals seeking self-reflection & healing, for families to bond and create shared goals, children to learn growing microgreens & connect with nature and couples cultivating connection.
What truly sets Leafy Veda apart is our mission to inspire and educate. We don’t just sell products; we cultivate a community that values mindful living, sustainability, and the health benefits of nutrient-dense foods. By blending ancient Vedic principles with modern wellness practices, we create opportunities for our customers to grow—not just their greens, but also their health and connections with loved ones.
I’m most proud of how Leafy Veda has become a platform for positive change. Whether it’s helping people discover the joys of eating fresh microgreens, empowering families through interactive activities like the Journey of Growth Kit, or promoting an inclusive and sustainability community at farmers markets, our work is rooted in authenticity, care, and a vision for a healthier world.
To our clients, followers, and fans, Leafy Veda is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. We invite you to explore our products and join us in nurturing health, mindfulness, and community with every microgreen you grow or consume.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a reputation within the market has been a journey rooted in authenticity, passion, and a relentless commitment to quality. What truly helped us establish trust and recognition was staying consistent in both our vision and values. At Leafy Veda, we prioritize not just delivering fresh, nutrient-rich microgreens but also educating our customers about the profound impact of nutrition and mindfulness on their overall health.
Our reputation in the market is built on three pillars: expertise, connection, and innovation. My background as an occupational therapist gave me a unique perspective on health and wellness, which resonated with customers who were seeking more than just a product—they wanted solutions for healthier, more balanced lifestyles. By integrating my healthcare experience into Leafy Veda’s offerings, we were able to create a brand that goes beyond selling microgreens to offering holistic wellness through products like the Journey of Growth Kit.
Connection has been another cornerstone. Whether it’s through engaging with customers at farmers markets, collaborating with chefs and nutritionists, or sharing stories and tips on social media, we have prioritized building genuine relationships. Listening to feedback and celebrating milestones with our community, like our weekly giveaways or interactive events, has helped foster loyalty and trust.
Lastly, innovation has set us apart. From introducing thoughtfully curated products like microgreens mixes based on their health benefits to creating interactive, educational experiences such as the Journey of Growth Kit, we have focused on staying ahead of trends while keeping our offerings deeply personal and meaningful. Our ability to merge ancient Vedic principles with modern health practices has resonated with a wide audience and solidified Leafy Veda’s place as a brand that is not only authentic but also forward-thinking.
What I’m most proud of is that Leafy Veda’s reputation isn’t just about the products we sell; it’s about the values we uphold—authenticity, sustainability, and the belief that every small step toward wellness can make a significant impact. By staying true to these principles, we’ve not just built a reputation but a community that shares in our vision of nurturing health, mindfulness, and growth.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, inspired, and aligned with a shared purpose. At Leafy Veda, our approach is centered on three key principles: relationships, empowerment, and celebration.
Relationships are the foundation of any successful team. We make it a priority to build strong bonds with my Bandhus (as we lovingly call our team members, meaning “friends” or “companions”). This starts with clear communication—ensuring everyone understands their role, feels heard, and knows how their work contributes to our larger mission of promoting health and wellness. Team-building events like “Leafy Veda Onward: Growing Together” provide opportunities to strengthen these bonds and foster a sense of community.
Empowerment comes from providing the tools, knowledge, and autonomy that enable team members to excel. At Leafy Veda, we ensure every Bandhu is well-trained and confident in their role, whether they’re sharing microgreens’ health benefits with customers or managing farmers market operations. By trusting their expertise and supporting their growth, I create a culture where people take pride in their contributions.
Finally, celebration is key to maintaining high morale. Recognizing achievements, both big and small, reinforces positivity and motivation. Whether it’s through our Bandhu of the Month program or a simple acknowledgment of hard work during a busy week, showing gratitude keeps the team energized and appreciated.
Above all, I believe in leading by example. When your team sees you working with passion, resilience, and authenticity, it inspires them to do the same. High morale isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you act and the culture you cultivate. When everyone feels like a valued part of something meaningful, that’s when a team truly thrives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leafyveda.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leafyveda/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561217215465&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Leafy Veda