In Conversation with Simran Sahni

Simran Sahni is not a typical entrepreneur. With a passion for wellness and an entrepreneurial spirit that has spanned over two decades, she has left an undeniable mark in the health and wellness industry.

As the co-founder of Health Zone Wellness Pvt Ltd and Keeros Foods, a brand specializing in healthy roasted super snacks and superfoods, Simran Sahni has redefined being a business leader, mentor, and social advocate.

Her journey began with Health Zone, a chain of wellness and beauty centers with a notable presence in Lucknow and Punjab. Over the past 20 years, Sahni’s company has transformed the lives of more than 50,000 clients, helping them shed a staggering 150,000 kilograms of body weight collectively. Her dedication to holistic health and well-being has made her a trusted name in the industry.

In 2017, Simran Sahni and her husband, Sachin Sahni, ventured into the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector with Keeros Foods. This brand has swiftly gained recognition as a bestseller on Amazon and earned widespread acclaim in national print, electronic, and digital media. Keeros SuperSnacks has become synonymous with health and safety for diabetics, reflecting Simran Sahni’s commitment to offering accessible, nutritious options for all.

As an expert dietitian, Simran Sahni’s advice is sought after by various newspapers and publications. Her expert opinions are featured regularly on national TV and radio stations, including NDTV, India TV, Radio Mirchi, Radio Citi, India Today, Outlook, Grihashobha, Times of India, Amar Ujala, and I Next.

Accolades

Simran’s remarkable achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. She was selected for the prestigious Fortune – U.S. Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership in 2020, a joint initiative of the U.S. government and Fortune 500 companies.  The honorable Union Commerce Minister, Mr. Piyush Goyal, acknowledged her accomplishments at an event by FICCI FLO, where Keeros Foods was among the top five startups in India. Moreover, Simran Sahni and her husband were honored by Cabinet MSME Minister, Mr. Sidharth Nath Singh as inspiring leaders in the health food industry. She has also received the FICCI-FLO Incubator Startup Award in 2020 and the “Startup of the Year 2018” by LMA for Keeros Foods.

Simran: A champion for women in the workforce

 Simran Sahni is recognized as an outstanding mentor. She actively supports women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and has mentored approximately 30 female entrepreneurs from North India as part of Project AIRSWEEE, a TiE Global initiative supported by the U.S. 

Passionate about empowering women, she is the head of the Startup Cell of FICCI FLO, Lucknow, and serves as the Chairperson of the Women Cell of TiE Lucknow chapter, consistently organizing programs to foster women’s entrepreneurship. 

“FICCI FLO provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and skill development for women. Members benefit from the diverse and extensive network spanning these 19 cities, allowing for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and growth opportunities,” she shares.

Simran manages a team of over 150 employees, with an impressive 90% being women. 

Most of the women in my organization are breadwinners for their families. I love working with women. Women are honest, understand each other well, empower each other,  are multitaskers, and are good at switching roles,” she adds.

Simran is also deeply committed to social causes and sponsors the education of around 10 underprivileged children. She is associated with some of the most credible NGOs in her city, including the Sarthak Foundation and the Ehsaas Foundation. 

The motivation behind SheRises

SheRises is a program in collaboration with FICCI Flo and STEP. The program recognizes unique challenges and opportunities faced by women- homepreneurs, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs running their businesses or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. This targeted approach not only empowers individual women but also strengthens the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering innovation and economic growth within the communities they serve.

“By addressing their specific needs, SheRises aims to foster growth, enhance business acumen, and contribute to the economic independence of women entrepreneurs,” she adds. 

The program’s focus on skill development, mentorship, and networking supports women entrepreneurs, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive in their respective fields.

“Recently, at the pitch conclave held in Indore for SheRises participants, 3 out of the 4 finalists were homepreneurs, which is a significant achievement. The program gave them the confidence to come out of their comfort zones,” she shares.

Challenges as a woman

 Simran has faced challenges as a woman entrepreneur, but she has pushed herself to excel, breaking gender norms along the way.

Her message to women entrepreneurs is, “You are unique, and your path to success should reflect that uniqueness. Embrace your strengths, and never feel the need to conform to male standards. Your potential knows no bounds, so soar high and achieve greatness.”

Simran, the person

Simran is a passionate and determined person. She is a firm believer in God. The Mantra of her life is a quote from Shri   Guru Granth Sahib- ” We need to share what we have- whether it is money, wisdom, knowledge, or resources.”