A dynamic force in the beauty, wellness, and healthcare industries, Sargam Dhawan Bhayana is not just continuing a legacy—she’s rewriting it. As the founder of Tressmart and the driving force behind the transformation of Planet Herbs Lifesciences, Sargam brings a sharp focus on innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven growth. In this candid conversation, she reflects on her journey as a young entrepreneur, the balancing act of honouring legacy while forging her own path, and the values that shape her leadership in an ever-evolving industry.
1.You started your entrepreneurial journey at a young age—what inspired you to take that leap, and how has the journey evolved since?
A: I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of innovation and impact. Starting young gave me the freedom to take risks, challenge conventions, and learn by doing. The decision to launch Tressmart and later scale Planet Herbs Lifesciences wasn’t just about building businesses. It was about creating platforms that reflect evolving consumer needs and values.
The journey has evolved from curating niche global brands to building purpose-led ecosystems in beauty, wellness, and healthcare. With every milestone, I’ve become more focused on creating meaningful value, whether through innovation, inclusivity, or sustainability.
2. As a third-generation entrepreneur, how do you balance honouring legacy with carving out your own path in the industry?
A: Taking over Planet Herbs Lifesciences meant stepping into a legacy that was built on trust and quality, but to grow, we had to evolve. That meant modernizing operations, entering new global markets, and launching directly in India for the first time. While the foundation remained rooted in Ayurveda and preventive healthcare, I infused the brand with a forward-thinking, digitally native, and consumer-first approach.
At the same time, launching Tressmart allowed me to start from scratch. Curating innovative, global-first beauty tech for a modern audience. Balancing legacy and innovation has been my way of creating harmony between tradition and transformation.
3. How would you define your leadership style, and what qualities do you value most in the teams you build?
A: My leadership style is collaborative, purpose-driven, and deeply rooted in empathy. I believe in leading with clarity but also giving teams the space to experiment, learn, and grow. I value integrity, initiative, and curiosity. People who bring not just skills, but a sense of ownership and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Whether it’s launching a new product or scaling a brand, I see leadership as a shared journey. When people feel seen, supported, and inspired, they’re capable of doing extraordinary things.
4. The beauty and wellness space is constantly evolving—what shifts in consumer behaviour are you most excited about right now?
Q: One of the most exciting shifts is the move toward conscious consumerism. People are no longer just buying products, they’re seeking values, transparency, and science-backed results. There’s a growing appetite for clean beauty, preventive wellness, and formulations that blend tradition with innovation.
I’m particularly energized by the rising demand for personalized wellness, plant-based alternatives, and smart beauty tech. These trends don’t just redefine categories, they reshape how brands engage, educate, and empower consumers.
5. How do your personal values and lifestyle influence the brands you build and the decisions you make as a business leader?
Q: For me, business isn’t just a professional pursuit, it’s an extension of my values. I care deeply about authenticity, transparency, and sustainability, and those principles guide everything from product development to partnerships.
Whether it’s choosing clean ingredients, prioritizing ethical sourcing, or mentoring young entrepreneurs, my decisions reflect a desire to build with integrity. I believe brands have the power to create culture and I want ours to lead with intention and impact.
6. As a woman entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge—and how did you turn it into a strength?
Q: One of the biggest challenges has been navigating spaces where female leadership is still underrepresented. Early on, I often had to prove my credibility twice over, once for being young, and again for being a woman. But I turned that challenge into fuel.
It pushed me to build with purpose, stay resilient, and create platforms that uplift others. Today, I actively champion women-led businesses and advocate for more inclusive leadership because progress happens when we show up and open doors for others.
7. Looking ahead, what’s next for you—and what’s one dream project or collaboration you’d love to bring to life?
Q: The next chapter is about scaling with the intention of expanding into new product categories, strengthening our global footprint and building deeper, more meaningful connections with consumers. We’re investing in clean, experiential wellness, and new formats that make beauty and healthcare more accessible and engaging.
A dream project I’d love to bring to life is a holistic wellness destination, digital or physical, that brings together Ayurvedic goodness, beauty tech, and mental well-being. A thoughtfully curated space where tradition meets innovation, and where people can discover, learn, and heal in a way that feels both modern and rooted in purpose.
