Shweta Upadhyaya: Cultivating Ayurvedic Skincare in Bernal Heights

Shweta Upadhyaya: Cultivating Ayurvedic Skincare in Bernal Heights

A conversation with the founder of Laavanya Ayurveda

A conversation with the founder of Laavanya Ayurveda

In the heart of Bernal Heights, where Heartfelt once stood, Shweta Upadhyaya has established Laavanya Ayurveda, bringing her expertise in Ayurvedic skincare to the neighborhood she’s called home for 17 years.

From Nepal to Bernal Heights

Shweta’s journey began in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she grew up surrounded by people in a vibrant urban environment. At 18, she moved to Boston for college, initially staying with a host family in the suburbs – an environment she found challenging to adjust to. “I didn’t know what was not clicking,” she recalls. After moving to Boston proper, she discovered her preference for city life.

When she and her husband relocated to California, they settled in Sunnyvale. However, after a three-month stay in Paris while studying visual merchandising, Shweta realized the suburban lifestyle wasn’t providing the inspiration she needed for her creative work. “In Kathmandu, we’re always outside, always in front of a lot of architecture, lots of happening, street dramas… a lot of hustle and bustle and inspiration,” she explains.

Against the conventional wisdom of the time, when housing in Sunnyvale was more affordable than in San Francisco, Shweta convinced her husband to move to the city. They found a small house in Bernal Heights, and what was intended to be a temporary four-to-five-year stay lasted 17 years. “This is the perfect place for me,” she says. “There’s a hill in front. It feels like a little village… near the city but at the same time very quiet, and people are nice.”

Ayurvedic Skincare with Himalayan Roots

For the past 12 years, Shweta has run a skincare business based on Ayurvedic principles. Until recently, her products were only manufactured and sold in Nepal. “We use high-altitude Himalayan herbs for extracts and raw materials for the skincare products we make,” she explains.

In June 2023, she opened her store in Bernal Heights, bringing her product line to the U.S. market. What sets her skincare apart is its foundation in ancient Ayurvedic practices. “It’s not only to reduce wrinkles or make your skin glowing,” she clarifies, “but it’s more like medicinal products packed in cosmetic jars.” The formulations, which Shweta developed herself based on ancient Ayurvedic texts, are designed to nourish and detoxify the skin while addressing various skin health issues.

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Expanding Beyond Products

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, Shweta is passionate about raising awareness of Ayurveda in her neighborhood. “I know how a little bit of change in diet and lifestyle will help us manage many diseases and discomfort,” she says.

Her vision extends beyond retail. She offers Ayurvedic consultations and has begun hosting themed workshops. Previous workshops have focused on autoimmune illnesses, autism, and mental health. Though these initial sessions primarily attracted Ayurvedic practitioners from outside the city rather than residents, Shweta is undeterred.

This summer, she plans to offer more accessible workshops: one on women’s health and moon cycles, and another on basic Ayurvedic apothecary – teaching people how to address common discomforts using kitchen herbs and spices. Future workshop ideas include aromatherapeutic perfume-making sessions, where participants can create custom blends to address specific needs like improving sleep or reducing stress.

Shweta plans to partner with an esthetician in May to offer Ayurvedic facial services. “There are a lot of other facials in town, but this is going to be completely chemical-free, all-natural Ayurvedic facials,” she emphasizes.

Experiencing Laavanya Ayurveda

For those curious but unsure about Ayurvedic skincare, Shweta encourages visiting her store for a personalized consultation. “We can talk about your skin type and what you’re trying to achieve, and then we can make a skincare routine for you,” she says, noting that sample sizes will soon be available for customers to try before committing to full-sized products.

When she’s not helping customers achieve healthier skin through ancient practices, Shweta enjoys the local dining scene. Her family frequents several Cortland Avenue restaurants, with Vega and Moki’s among their favorites. Her son prefers Go Duck Yourself and United Dumplings.

To learn more about Laavanya Ayurveda’s products, visit Laavanya.shop. For information about workshops and consultations, visit Aarogya Wellness Tribe.

Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond