Akshata Nayak
Little Patakha
Growing up in India, Akshata was a science geek and believed that she would be a lab rat investigating genetic mysteries for the rest of her life. So she moved to the US and earned two Master of Science degrees – one in Biochemistry and another in Applied Clinical Nutrition while doing research in the fields of Genetics, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Immunology and Neuroscience.
But life had other plans, and her learnings converged into two businesses in 2010, both with the idea that our health is dependent on what we put in and on our body: The Orange Owl, a small-batch vegan skincare line that was managed and run solely by her, and Alternative Roots Wellness Center, a holistic health center that she still runs with her husband, Dr. Greg Giasson, which offers chiropractic and nutrition counseling services.
Recently, after a decade she decided to close down The Orange Owl due personal health issues and the COVID-19 crisis, but has pivoted to a new business opportunity in Little Patakha which has a mission to help kids see differences with others as something to learn from rather than be wary of.
Over the years, it has become obvious to her that even though women and BIPOC business owners have plenty of ideas, they hold back in recognizing their efforts, expressing opinions and asking for the support they need. Representation is vital within the business community and she is looking forward to playing an active role in the ecosystem that empowers these entrepreneurs, especially in her home state of Vermont, to believe in themselves and give their ideas a chance.
Akshata will be a panelist on the Build, Adapt, Iterate, Grow panel on November 2nd.
How can you help other womenpreneurs with your expertise?
As a nutritionist, I'm happy to talk to you about your personal health goals and make sure you are paying as much attention to the details about yourself as you are for your business.
As an entrepreneur, we can talk about your ideas, your professional goals, what your next step can be and help map things out for you. I've started my businesses the non traditional way - funding from family and even crowd sourcing - and I think it's important to share those stories as well.
Email is the best way to get in touch with me - akshata@alternativerootswellness.com.
