Meet the Maker - Hema Bala Shankar; Biotechnologist,

Cosmetic Chemist, Aesthetician & Founder

I'm asked often, how I came to be an Ayurvedic Cosmetic Chemist. The answer is deeply personal to me.

The Journey of Vikarah began from the personal zeal for ancient traditions and wisdom of Ayurveda back during my teenage, inspired by my grandmother who was an Ayurvedic Practitioner herself. As I discovered this vast treasure trove of ancient knowledge, I understood that Ayurveda has plentiful solutions that are not easily accessible for everyday ritual needs. It requires Sanyoga (link mechanism) to mix ingredients in a formula to ensure synergy and a bountiful dose of patience to prepare the concoctions in line with the process. 

In an attempt to revive the original era of Ayurvedic skin care, I revisited the ancient recipes and methodologies to create products that keep their traditional benefits intact while making it possible for everyday ease of use, with an emphasis on effectiveness, sensorial experience & pleasure of usage. 

I began embracing the philosophy of Ayurveda in my daily routines. I'm a person who firmly believes that Ayurveda is the only science that does not need a laboratory to prove its values, every time a formula is chosen, Ayurveda proves itself! Beauty is distinctive, and honouring your beauty means simple acts of reverent self-care with pure & natural ingredients.

I educated myself, not only on skin and hair care rituals but also about a righteous diet and lifestyle philosophy. After profound enlightenment from Acharya (Teacher) in 2011, I had the honour of treating hundreds of fabulous faces across all ages and skin types through the years. I was moved by the meaningful self-care rituals that supported the results they craved. Encouraged, enlivened & aspired, I set off to develop an Ayurveda-based skincare & haircare brand on 13th July 2019 that would transform a mundane routine into a treasured ritual.

Vikarah Holistic Beauty Rituals is a profoundly traditional, holistic & mindful brand; with a synergistic blend of pure oils, butters & wild-harvested herbs, savouring the senses with natural fragrances, soft colours, silken textures & effervescent bubbles of botanical magic to unveil a new standard of Beauty!