Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Business
- Marta Macialek
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Founder Sunita Passi created Tri-Dosha to provide holistic training and supply Ayurvedic-inspired skincare solutions to bridge the gap between the ancient and the modern.
Funded by First Enterprise
£26,000 boost towards:
Recruitment
Stock acquisition
Enhancing operational efficiency
Region: Nottingham
What does your business do? And how is it different from competitors?
Tri-Dosha is not just a skincare brand – it’s a complete system. We provide premium Ayurvedic skincare, hands-on practitioner training, and a direct sales opportunity for those who want to build a wellness business.
Unlike many brands that focus solely on retail, we focus on empowering wellness professionals, helping them to increase their skills, confidence, and financial independence.
What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration came from my grandfather, an Ayurvedic Doctor in India, who introduced me to the healing power of natural ingredients and holistic therapies.
After a career in journalism, I felt called to return to my roots and share Ayurveda’s wisdom with the world. I trained extensively in Ayurvedic therapies and saw a gap in the market for authentic, high-performance natural skincare and professional training.
What prompted you to get a loan, and how did you feel about it?
To scale the business, I needed investment in product development, training programs, and business growth.
The idea of taking a loan was initially daunting but I saw it as an investment in my vision. First Enterprise made the process seamless and supportive, allowing me to expand with confidence.
How did your business look at the start, and what challenges did you face?
Like many startups, Tri-Dosha started small. I was formulating products, running training sessions, and knocking on the doors of spas and salons to introduce them to Ayurveda.
One of the biggest challenges was educating people – Ayurveda wasn’t as well known in the UK beauty industry at the time, so we had to position it in a way that resonated with professionals.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting a business?
Believe in your vision, seek support, and be willing to learn. Surround yourself with mentors, take calculated risks, and never be afraid to pivot if needed. But also know what solution you are providing and for whom.
I see many entrepreneurs get carried away with the vision but who are they creating for? And what distribution channel is the correct one for this product or service?
As a woman in business, have you faced any unique obstacles, and how did you overcome them?
Absolutely! The beauty and wellness industry can be competitive, and as a woman, it sometimes feels like you have to prove yourself more.
I overcame this by staying confident in my expertise, focusing on delivering results, and building a strong support network.
Additional comments from the Founder and our Advisor
"Thanks to the support from First Enterprise and my Investment Manager Seth Addo, we've been able to drive forward our Tri-Dosha recruitment strategy, empowering more women to grow their own wellness businesses."
Comments Sunita Passi, Founder of Tri-Dosha
"Working with Sunita on the loan application for Tri-Dosha has been an inspiring experience. Her passion for holistic health and innovation in the skincare industry is truly remarkable." Comments Seth Addo, Investment Manager at First Enterprise
First Enterprise is a responsible finance provider offering unsecured loans ranging from £500 to £250,000 to support both start-ups and established businesses across the UK. Since 2011, First Enterprise has lent over £77 million to 7,305 businesses.
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