Aarti Gill: Pioneering Plant-Based Nutrition with OZiva

Aarti Gill stands as a beacon of innovation in India’s wellness industry, serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of OZiva, the country’s leading clean label nutrition and wellness brand. Since its inception in 2016, OZiva has transformed the way Indians approach health, offering plant-based, organic products that combine the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern nutritional science. Aarti’s journey from a corporate professional to a visionary entrepreneur reflects her deep commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable living. Under her leadership, OZiva has grown into a profitable enterprise, reaching millions across India and setting new standards for clean nutrition.

She earned a B.Tech in Electronics Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in 2008. This technical education sharpened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which would later prove invaluable in her ventures. Seeking to expand her expertise, Aarti pursued an MBA from INSEAD, a globally renowned business school with campuses in France and Singapore, completing her degree between 2011 and 2012. 

Corporate Career

Before embarking on her entrepreneurial path, Aarti Gill gained valuable experience in the corporate sector. She worked at Capital One from August 2010 to November 2011, where she honed her skills in operations and management. She also spent time at iRunway, a tech-focused firm, where her innovative approach earned her recognition for solving complex problems creatively. Colleagues have described her as “one of the smartest, most enthusiastic, and self-driven people” they’ve worked with, noting her ability to bring energy and creativity to the workplace. These experiences built her professional acumen and sparked her interest in health and wellness, particularly in addressing the challenges of maintaining well-being in fast-paced environments.

Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Aarti Gill’s entrepreneurial journey began in March 2014 when she co-founded FitCircle with Mihir Gadani. FitCircle was an app-based platform offering exercise boot camps, nutrition suggestions, and diet consultations, catering to the growing demand for personalized wellness solutions. This venture allowed Aarti to explore the health and wellness market, gaining insights into consumer needs and preferences. FitCircle’s focus on technology-driven health solutions set the stage for her next and most impactful venture: OZiva.

The Birth of OZiva

In July 2016, Aarti Gill, along with co-founders Mihir Gadani and Shweta Tiwari, launched OZiva with a clear mission: to provide clean, plant-based nutritional products that prioritize health, sustainability, and transparency. Aarti’s inspiration stemmed from her mother’s work in Punjab’s healthcare department and her passion for preventive healthcare. She identified a significant gap in the Indian market for high-quality, clean-label nutrition products free from harmful additives and aligned with sustainable practices. OZiva was created to fill this gap, offering a range of products that combine Ayurveda’s holistic principles with modern food science.

OZiva’s commitment to quality is evident in its manufacturing processes. Products are made in GMP-certified and USFDA-registered units, with ingredients tested at NABL-accredited labs to ensure purity and efficacy. This rigorous approach has earned OZiva the distinction of being India’s only certified clean label brand by the US Clean Label Project (OZiva).

OZiva’s Growth and Success

OZiva’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. By January 2020, the company achieved a revenue of ₹25 crore and was already profitable, a testament to its strong market fit and operational efficiency. Within the next 12 months, OZiva’s revenue soared to ₹50 crore, reflecting a sevenfold increase, with ambitions to surpass ₹100 crore in the same fiscal year. This rapid growth highlights the brand’s ability to resonate with consumers seeking healthier lifestyles.

OZiva’s product portfolio is diverse, catering to various wellness needs. Categories include Everyday Nutrition, Hair and Skin Nutrition, and plans for expansion into children’s nutrition. The brand’s consumer base is predominantly female, with 70% of its customers being women, and its products are shipped to over 1,500 towns across India, from urban hubs to Tier II and III cities. OZiva’s accessibility is further enhanced by its presence on its website, major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, and Nykaa, and select offline stores.

The company’s funding journey underscores its success. In January 2020, OZiva secured investment from Matrix Partners, introduced by Bipin from Titan. During discussions, Aarti articulated a bold vision to scale the company from ₹25 crore to ₹100 crore, with an eye toward even loftier goals, humorously noting, “100 pata hai… 500 abhi figure out nahi kiya hai” (I know 100, but I haven’t figured out 500 yet). Matrix Partners was chosen for their alignment with OZiva’s values and their focus on value creation. By 2022, OZiva provided an exit to Matrix Partners, marking a significant milestone and fostering a lasting partnership.

As of February 2025, OZiva employs over 134 people, up from 40 in 2019, reflecting its expanding operations and influence in the wellness industry. The company faces competition from brands like Kapiva, Plix, and Max Protein, but continues to lead with its focus on quality and innovation.

Leadership and Vision

Aarti Gill’s leadership is defined by adaptability, honesty, and a focus on long-term goals. Described as a visionary leader, she has built OZiva into a community-centric brand that educates and empowers consumers to lead healthier lives. Her philosophy emphasizes quality, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that OZiva’s products not only meet consumer needs but also contribute to a healthier planet. Aarti credits her co-founders, particularly Mihir Gadani, a biotechnologist with expertise in Botanical Sciences, for their role in developing OZiva’s scientifically backed product line.

Her leadership lessons include the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and staying true to one’s vision, even amidst challenges. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Aarti demonstrated her adaptability by leveraging tools like Zoom and Google Calendar to keep her team connected and productive. Her ability to navigate challenges while maintaining a clear focus on OZiva’s mission has been key to its success.

Social Impact

Aarti Gill’s commitment to social good extends beyond her business ventures. She has worked with the Smile Foundation to support education for underserved children, showcasing her dedication to creating positive change. Within OZiva, Aarti has championed initiatives like the #MyPCOSStory campaign, which raises awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Endorsed by celebrities such as Aditi Chauhan, Divyanka Tripathi, Vidya Malvade, Debina Bonnerjee, and Sambhavna Seth, this campaign highlights OZiva’s role in addressing critical health issues and empowering women to take charge of their well-being.

Future Outlook

Aarti Gill’s vision for OZiva extends far beyond its current achievements. The company is poised to expand its product offerings, with plans to introduce children’s nutrition lines, further broadening its impact. Aarti remains committed to making plant-based wellness accessible to all, driving a movement that prioritizes health, sustainability, and innovation. Her ambition to scale OZiva to new heights while staying true to its core values positions the brand as a leader in India’s wellness industry.

Hot this week

Inside Country Delight’s Tech-Powered Dairy Revolution: How Chakradhar Gade Is Outshining Amul

In India’s fast-evolving food industry, Chakradhar Gade stands out...

From Wipro Quitter to Industry Icon: Srikanth Iyer’s 3 Rules for Startup Success

Srikanth Iyer stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success...

Rejected Jobs, Built a Brand: The True Story of Sagar Daryani’s Wow! Momo!

Sagar J. Daryani, the co-founder and CEO of Wow!...

Why Amuleek Singh Bijral Left a High-Paying IT Job to Brew Chai for Millions

Amuleek Singh Bijral, a Harvard MBA graduate and former...

How Amit Gupta’s Yulu Is Quietly Powering One-Third of India’s Quick Commerce Deliveries

Amit Gupta is a visionary entrepreneur whose innovative ventures...

Topics

Inside Country Delight’s Tech-Powered Dairy Revolution: How Chakradhar Gade Is Outshining Amul

In India’s fast-evolving food industry, Chakradhar Gade stands out...

From Wipro Quitter to Industry Icon: Srikanth Iyer’s 3 Rules for Startup Success

Srikanth Iyer stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success...

Why Amuleek Singh Bijral Left a High-Paying IT Job to Brew Chai for Millions

Amuleek Singh Bijral, a Harvard MBA graduate and former...

How Amit Gupta’s Yulu Is Quietly Powering One-Third of India’s Quick Commerce Deliveries

Amit Gupta is a visionary entrepreneur whose innovative ventures...

Coldplay, Controversy, and Crores: The Wild Life of BookMyShow’s Ashish Hemrajani

Ashish Hemrajani stands as a pioneer in India’s entertainment...

Tushar Vashisht: Pioneering Health and Fitness with HealthifyMe

Tushar Vashisht, born on April 3, 1985, in Karnal,...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img