BY NEHA NEGANDHI*
In 2012, Taruna Vanjani faced a life-altering diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid. Alongside this, she also discovered she had Celiac disease, a severe gluten allergy that clouded her life with brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. Her symptoms were problematic, yet her doctors offered a disheartening response: because her thyroid, though compromised, was still functional, they could only prescribe a hormone replacement pill, which wasn’t suitable for her condition at that stage. Not only that but it made her feel miserable. Frustrated by the lack of holistic care, Taruna decided to take things in her own hands, prompting her to look beyond conventional medicine.
Her husband, Akash Patel, was also battling undiagnosed health issues, including gluten sensitivity. Together, they navigated the limitations of modern medicine, realizing that a deeper, more natural solution was essential. For Taruna, Ayurveda, an ancient South Asian system of holistic healing, became a beacon of hope.
Taruna began exploring Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and dietary changes to address the root causes of her symptoms. Ayurveda, which translates to “knowledge of life,” focuses on balancing the body’s energies or doshas. Through extensive research, incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, and making significant lifestyle changes, Taruna started to notice a transformation. However, this journey was far from quick—it took nearly eight years to feel like herself again.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report on environmental toxins added another dimension to her quest. Studies revealed that the average American carries 116 out of 148 harmful environmental chemicals in their body at any time, many of which disrupt hormones and exacerbate autoimmune conditions. Taruna realized that skincare products often contain these very toxins, making it imperative to seek alternatives.
Born in Mumbai, Taruna came from a modest background where education was highly valued. Her parents prioritized schooling for their three daughters, and at 17, Taruna started tutoring to fund her studies while also sponsoring another girl’s education. Scholarships enabled her to pursue higher education, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in India and a master’s in Chemical-Environmental Engineering in Texas.
After settling in the U.S., Taruna continued building on an illustrious 21-year career as an environmental engineer. Yet, the challenges of her health and family inspired her to create something new. What started as an experiment in her kitchen turned into a turning point when friends and family began asking for her homemade skincare products. Using ingredients straight from her pantry of herbs—like Manjistha, ghee, and Ashwangdha —Taruna crafted moisturizers and oils that gained a loyal following.
Encouraged by this support, with Akash by her side, and with a decade’s worth of Ayurvedic studies, courses, and research, Spin Organics was officially launched in October 2022.
At Spin Organics, Taruna and Akash focus on clean, ethical, and organic skincare, rooted in Ayurvedic principles. Their motto, “If you cannot eat it, don’t put it on your skin,” emphasizes the importance of toxin-free living. From face serums infused with saffron and manjistha to ghee-based moisturizers, every product is crafted with care, combining thousands of years of ancient wisdom with modern science.
“We’re bombarded by toxins every day—from the environment to the products we use,” Taruna explains. “Those with autoimmune conditions, like Hashimoto’s, have an even harder time eliminating these toxins, which is why clean skincare is so important.”
Spin Organics’ journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Less than a month after its launch, Taruna was involved in an accident, tearing her ACL requiring surgery and 8–9 months of recovery. With her business temporarily on hold, she could only watch as the momentum slowed. Yet, her determination never wavered.
A year later, in September 2023, Taruna and Akash resumed growing Spin Organics, attending events like the Global Mela around Diwali to showcase their products. This is where I met them in October 2024. I had the opportunity to learn about their journey. Intrigued by their commitment to clean skincare, I decided to try some of their products. Since then, I’ve become a loyal customer, using their ghee-based face cleansing bar and the Very Vedic Glow Activating Face Serum, both of which have significantly improved my skin.
Today, Spin Organics is more than a skincare brand; it’s a testament to natural healing and resilience. With Taruna’s scientific background in chemical and environmental engineering and Akash’s successful IT career, they’ve created products that not only addresses their family’s needs but also inspires others. Customers rave about the effectiveness of their products, often sharing stories of how Spin Organics has transformed their skin and confidence.
Like many small businesses, they face challenges such as limited budgets and scaling up. Yet, their passion and determination drive them forward, making Spin Organics a trusted name in clean, Ayurvedic skincare.
Today, Spin Organics stands as a symbol of holistic wellness and perseverance. Through it all, Taruna’s roots continue to guide her. She anonymously supports children’s education, passing on the generosity she once received. And while she juggles her roles as an environmental engineer, business owner, wife, and mother, her commitment to helping others remains at the heart of everything she does.
Spin Organics proves that healing starts from within—and when you embrace nature’s wisdom, transformation is possible. As Taruna puts it: “I love my job, and I love my company. Together, we’re making a difference, one product at a time.”
Neha Negandhi is a Public Speaking Coach specializing in Brand Storytelling. She is a TEDx Speaker with 10+ years speaking on stage. Through her training in journalism, she hosted a radio show in Atlanta on WMLB. Neha gained her marketing and media expertise within Fortune 100 companies including T-Mobile, Starbucks and Turner Broadcasting. Find out more at www.nehanegandhi.com
