Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Rhea Mehta and Romana Kassam.
Rhea, Aste’s resident Healer and Chief of Product is a Scientist with a PhD in Molecular Toxicology and Nutritional Biochemistry. She is also a certified Integrative Health Coach, Himalayan Yoga Teacher and Sanskrit Mantra artist who has dedicated her life to being in service to health from every angle. Her personal battles with chronic inflammation and pain, coupled with the loss of her father to cancer, inspired her early on to step into leadership and forge a new path at the intersection of science and wellness. Rhea is the founder of movements including Global Smoothie Day and Rawjuvenation Community Cleanse, is a co-founder of Reset, a tech-free wellness community, and is a featured member of the Mind Body Green Collective of global health and wellness experts.
Romana: Romana is a renaissance polymath and multi-disciplinary artist and the Head of Creative at Aste Wellness. Her passion for creating thoughtful art, beautiful spaces, experiences and products that tell a story and reconnect us to our inner voice can be felt in everything she touches. She started her professional career in marketing at Procter & Gamble in the health and beauty vertical, so it is not really so surprising that she eventually found her way back to skincare. If you ask her she will tell you that it feels far more aligned to be doing it in a way that connects back to ancestry, women’s healing, and personal care.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Our Aste Wellness journey didn’t start with business, it started with life. We both faced significant health challenges that brought us together. I (Romana) struggled with Hashimoto’s disease, affecting my energy and overall well-being, while I (Rhea) dealt with early signs of perimenopause after pregnancy, impacting my sleep and mental health. Through our daily check-ins, we created a supportive sisterhood that allowed us to navigate our wellness journeys together and slowly make changes towards addressing the root causes of our hormonal imbalances.
As our conversations and support deepened, we learned that Ayurveda and the 5000 year old wisdom of our shared ancestry played a significant role in both of our healing journeys. I (Romana) was just in my 20s when I traveled to South India with my dad on a transformative Ayurvedic retreat. In 2019, I (Rhea) moved to the Himalayan foothills in Rishikesh, India, to study and immerse myself in Vedic wisdom and practice, which changed the course of my life.
This is how Aste was born. We were both entering our 40’s, living with hormone imbalances and realizing that we didn’t feel safe using any of the anti-aging skincare products on the market. So we created Aste Wellness — an Ayurvedic skincare brand that’s by design non-toxic, hormone-friendly, and rooted in time-tested holistic healing. Our mission is simple: to help women like us reconnect with our bodies and nurture our skin using the power of Ayurvedic plant botanicals, intentionality, and spirit.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
We believe skincare is synonymous with healthcare. Our formulations are crafted to nurture the skin while also encouraging a deeper connection to oneself. Each product is infused with Ayurvedic principles that promote inner balance and harmony. For example, Nabhi Nectar, our feminine navel oil, not only hydrates the skin but also promotes self-love by helping women reconnect to their bellies and womb space. And beyond our products, we’re also fostering a community of women supporting women. By sharing lifestyle tips, hormonal balancing recipes, and insights rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, we ensure that our brand is grounded in holistic healing and sisterhood.
We also prioritize hormone safety by ensuring all of our products are free from inflammatory chemicals and hormone-disrupting ingredients that are often masked as preservatives, stabilizers, emollients, and fragrances, and we conduct third-party testing with an internationally recognized laboratory to validate this. But we don’t stop there. Our formulas are also intentionally crafted with time-tested Ayurvedic botanicals to help balance hormones for women at every stage of life, from periods to perimenopause to menopause. When navigating the vulnerable stages of womanhood, we shouldn’t have to stress about finding products that grow with us and our evolving needs. We know how sensitive our bodies and skin can be during the various phases of womanhood, and we’re committed to supporting women through all of it.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1. Embrace a Daily Routine (Dinacharya)
Dr. Rhea: Establishing a daily routine can significantly enhance physical and mental well-being. In Ayurveda, a consistent routine helps balance the doshas and creates harmony in daily life. For example, I have found that rising early to practice kriya meditation and enjoy a warm glass of lemon water sets a positive tone for the day. This simple act helps detoxify the body and prepares me mentally for the day ahead.
Romana: I began incorporating a structured evening routine, where I wind down with sauna and a herbal tea. This practice not only promotes better sleep but also allows me to reflect on my day and prepare for tomorrow, creating a sense of calm and balance in my life.
2. Mindful Eating
Dr. Rhea: In Ayurveda, food is considered medicine, and mindful eating practices can transform our relationship with food. I always intend to eat in a calm environment, savouring each bite. When I can, I place my hands over my meal before I eat it and take a moment to think about the journey of the ingredients to my plate, which undoubtedly enhances my appreciation for my meal.
Romana: I’ve adopted the practice of eating with intention — putting away distractions and focusing solely on my meal, even during my busiest hours. This approach has helped me listen to my body’s hunger cues and enjoy the flavours of my food, which has led to improved digestion and satisfaction after meals.
3. Self-Massage (Abhyanga)
Dr. Rhea: Abhyanga is a nurturing practice that involves self-massage with warm oils.. I’ve made it a daily ritual, applying oil either before or right after my shower in the morning. This practice not only soothes my body but also enhances circulation and promotes relaxation, leaving me feeling rejuvenated.
Romana: After learning about the benefits of Abhyanga, I started incorporating it into my Sundays. This ritual has become a sacred time for self-care, allowing me to reconnect with myself and foster a deep sense of calm.
4. Connect with Nature
Dr. Rhea: Ayurveda teaches that nature profoundly affects our well-being. I prioritize spending time outdoors, whether through hiking, biking, wading in the water, or simply sitting on the grass. Taking walks in nature was my saving grace during the early periods of postpartum. Both my baby and I would always return home feeling recharged and a little calmer.
Romana: I’ve made it a point to take daily walks in nature when I walk my dog Jugu. I’m lucky in that I live close to the forest! When I walk, I try and notice the colours, sounds, and scents around me. This practice has not only improved my mood but also deepened my connection to mother nature.
5. Prioritize Hydration with Warm Water and Infusions
Dr. Rhea: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of proper hydration for maintaining balance. Instead of cold water, I recommend drinking warm water throughout the day to support digestion and metabolism. Add some lemon and you have yourself a detox recipe! This is my go to at all hours of the day.
Romana: I learned about the benefits of herbal infusions for hydration, particularly using fennel seeds in warm water. I started brewing this infusion in the morning, and not only does it help keep me hydrated, but it also helps with bloating.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Dr. Rhea started Global Smoothie Day in 2015, an inclusive wellness movement aimed at making the adoption of a nutritious, plant-based smoothie lifestyle feel achievable and exciting. We stand by this movement, because we truly believe that smoothies are an accessible entry point into the wonderful world of wellness.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
When we reflect on the pressing issues of our time — sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes — it’s hard to choose just one cause that resonates deeply with us. However, if we had to pick, we would say that sustainability is particularly dear to our heart.
We see sustainability as the thread that weaves through all these important topics. It’s about creating a world where future generations can thrive, where the earth can heal, and where our choices — whether they pertain to what we eat, how we care for our mental health, or how we interact with our environment — are made with respect and awareness.
In our journey with Aste Wellness, we strive to embody this philosophy by promoting products that are not only good for the skin but also for the planet. By embracing sustainable practices, we can nurture both our well-being and the world around us. When we invest in sustainable solutions, we also foster a culture of mindfulness and care that extends to mental health. It’s about recognizing that a healthier planet contributes to a healthier mindset.
Ultimately, sustainability is more than just a cause for us; it’s a way of life that informs our choices and inspires our work. By making conscious decisions that honour our planet, we believe we can create a ripple effect that supports veganism, enhances mental health, and combats the environmental challenges we face today. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Visit our website at www.astewellness.com and follow us on socials @astewellness !
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
