We were lucky to catch up with Vasudha Nagar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vasudha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business, Shreeta Salon & Spa, came from my upbringing in India, where I was surrounded by the wisdom of Ayurveda and herbal remedies. My parents, especially my father, who studied Ayurveda, taught me the incredible power of natural healing. When I moved to the U.S., I saw how the beauty industry heavily relied on chemicals, often causing long-term harm. This inspired me to create a space where people could embrace safe, herbal alternatives.

With no business background and uncertainty about how people would welcome herbal solutions, starting Shreeta was a leap of faith. Losing my mother in 2021 deepened my resolve to honor her values of living in harmony with nature. By crafting our own herbal products and offering personalized care, Shreeta became more than a business—it’s a way to help people reconnect with the healing power of nature and embrace a healthier, more holistic lifestyle.

Vasudha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Vasudha, the founder of Shreeta Salon & Spa, a place where beauty meets nature. My journey into this industry is deeply personal and inspired by my roots. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, thanks to my father, who studied natural medicine, and my mother, who embodied a simple, natural lifestyle. Their influence instilled in me a love for herbal remedies and a belief in the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate.

After joining the beauty industry as a cosmetologist, I noticed how heavily the industry relied on synthetic products, which often came with side effects. This realization planted the seed for Shreeta Salon & Spa—a place where people could find safe, herbal alternatives to traditional beauty treatments. We specialize in chemical-free services, including facials, herbal back facials, hair spas, hot oil massages infused with 25+ herbs, and more. What sets us apart is that we craft many of our herbal products ourselves, combining ancient knowledge with a modern touch to create treatments that are both effective and nourishing.

Our mission is to solve a critical problem in the beauty industry: the overuse of harsh chemicals. By offering natural, herbal-based solutions, we not only help our clients look and feel their best but also promote long-term health and wellness. Whether it’s helping someone manage acne, soothe dry skin, or rejuvenate their hair, our approach is always personalized and rooted in holistic care.

What I’m most proud of is the trust and love we’ve received from our community. As someone with no business background, starting this journey was a leap of faith, but the positive feedback from our clients reassures me that we’re on the right path. Losing my mother in 2021 further strengthened my resolve to honor her legacy by living in harmony with nature and helping others do the same.

At Shreeta Salon & Spa, we want people to know that beauty doesn’t have to come at the cost of health. Our work is about more than services; it’s about creating a space where people can reconnect with themselves and embrace a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our journey—your support means everything to us!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A significant pivot in my life occurred when I transitioned from a secure career in journalism to the beauty and wellness industry. My journey into the world of beauty was unplanned, but it was driven by a deep connection to my roots and a passion for natural remedies. Growing up in a family steeped in the traditions of Ayurveda, I developed a strong belief in the healing power of herbs and their ability to enhance beauty and wellness naturally.

This change didn’t come easy. I had no prior experience in running a business, especially in a foreign country. But what fueled my determination was a desire to offer something unique—a space where people could embrace chemical-free, herbal alternatives for their skincare and haircare needs. Training as a cosmetologist was the first step in this journey, and it opened doors to a completely new path.

The pivot wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about stepping out of my comfort zone and trusting my instincts. I wanted to create a business that aligned with my values and offered solutions that people could trust. Looking back, it was a leap of faith that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of pursuing a vision that truly matters.

This shift allowed me to combine my love for natural remedies with a newfound passion for beauty and wellness, creating a fulfilling path I hadn’t envisioned before. It’s been a journey of learning, growth, and making a difference, one client at a time.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, my side hustle gradually turned into my full-time business after I realized how deeply I wanted to share the healing power of natural herbs with others. It all started when I noticed many of my clients struggling with persistent skin and hair issues, despite investing in expensive treatments and products. These treatments often came with harsh side effects and failed to provide lasting results, which frustrated my clients. This inspired me to create a space where people could find natural, effective solutions that nurtured their overall well-being.

Growing up in a family where Ayurveda and natural medicine were highly valued, I had always believed in the healing power of nature. With a background in Accountancy and Journalism, I made the leap to running a salon focused on herbal, chemical-free beauty treatments. What started as a small idea offering facials and haircuts slowly evolved into a full-fledged business. In the beginning, I did everything myself, with the help of my family, especially my husband, who supported me throughout the process. We worked together to set up the salon, and I spent time learning all I could about the beauty industry.

One of the key milestones was when I was featured in Voyage Michigan Magazine. This recognition helped me connect with more people who shared my vision and deepened my belief that I wasn’t just offering a service but creating a movement toward a more natural and sustainable approach to beauty.

Scaling up has been challenging, particularly with marketing and reaching a larger audience, but with each milestone, I’ve grown more confident. Today, Shreeta Salon & Spa is not just a business—it’s a dream I’ve nurtured with passion and hard work, and while I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I know there’s still much more to achieve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shreetabeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreeta.salonspa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shreeta.salonspa/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShreetaSalonSpa
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/d5ny5VWwCyMC9MZquYdy5w/

Image Credits

Photographer Angel Pearce