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Time to read 3 min
For our new series, ‘In Her Element’, we join forces with multifaceted creatives as they go unfiltered to share how they found their niche. Episode 2 features wellness events curator and founder of Way Well, Alekha Advani.
Cornell to corporate. Mumbai to New York and back. Alekha's journey is a masterclass in reinvention.
After cutting teeth with Deloitte and Soho House Mumbai, she turned her personal wellness practice into her life’s passion, founding Way Well – a platform for immersive wellness experiences, where she curates conscious living workshops and festivals with the mission to unite the fragmented wellness industry.
She invited us into her lush home garden, where, surrounded by tools and talismans of calm, she shared her approach to modern wellness and all things handcrafted – which also extends to demi-fine jewelry. Read on for the full conversation.
Tanzire: How did you first get into wellness?
Alekha Advani: As a child, my mom involved me in various extra-curricular activities at home. I participated in workshops like gardening, candle making, movement therapy, and chanting sessions. It was fun because my mom also invited my friends to these activities. Growing up, I struggled with psychosomatic issues as well. My mom would help with essential oils, chants, and prayers, which always made me feel better. This was the beginning of my wellness journey.
T: What led you to find your niche in this industry?
AA: I grew up in Mumbai, then studied hospitality at Cornell University in New York. I started my career consulting with Deloitte for hotel properties. Hospitality gave me the confidence to connect with people and understand their needs and perspectives on a deeper level. After hustling for 2 years, I was back in Mumbai, and helping programme events (particularly wellness-related ones) at Soho House. I noticed that people would arrive stressed, but leave completely rejuvenated. This sparked my curiosity and passion for making wellness more accessible to a wider audience. We’re all so burnt-out in big cities – it’s essential to make time for ourselves so we can find happiness within. That's all we want right, to feel our best and optimize everything about ourselves.
T: So what does wellness mean to you personally?
AA: Wellness means feeling like myself again. It's about creating routines that include chanting, meditation, journaling, and eating right. It's using your body in the right ways through yoga or just sitting in silence to breathe. All these things affect you subconsciously and help you consciously, allowing you to make decisions with a clearer mind. With Way Well, we hope to help people find that inner peace and mindfulness.
T: How do you approach community-building in the wellness space?
AA: Community-building is at the heart of what we do. I believe true wellness is not just an individual journey but a shared experience. We create safe spaces where everyone feels heard and valued. Our goal is to foster environments where people not only feel safe but also aspire to grow and heal together.
T: Thoughts on the current wave of holistic wellness in India?
AA: For an Indian audience, this embrace of centuries-old wellness practices feels like a homecoming. There's a beautiful energy between ancient wisdom and our contemporary needs and desires. The challenge is to make these practices accessible without diluting their essence. We need to share why these practices emerged in the first place and break down misconceptions. Despite the hurdles, the growing interest in holistic wellness is a positive sign. I’m very excited to be a part this and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and other people.
T: What's your relationship with jewelry and accessorizing?
AA: I'm all about handcrafted, upcycled, and consciously crafted pieces. Not only do we work with such brands for Way Well, it aligns with my personal philosophy in wellness too. Wearing jewelry is one of my favorite parts of getting ready. I love pretty rings because I have long nails and fingers. I like stacking and layering lots of rings and bracelets. I really gravitate towards neutrals, so gold-plated pieces amp up my entire look and form my demi-fine jewelry essentials. I also like gemstones in bright, cool tones. It's low maintenance and can last for years when it’s high-quality. Jewelry is about more than just fashion – it lifts my entire mood.
Watch Ep. 2 of ‘In Her Element’ here
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