The Journey to a Non-Toxic Life: A Personal Story by the Founder of SOMA Alive

The seeds of my journey toward a non-toxic lifestyle were planted in childhood. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by traditional, eco-friendly practices that prioritized health and harmony with nature. However, it was a tragic event that deeply shaped my life’s mission.

My father, a dedicated food inspector for the Ministry of Food in India, passed away in his 40s from exposure to harmful chemicals sprayed on stored grains. I was only 10 years old, but his loss left a profound mark on me. It ignited a desire to understand and eliminate toxic exposures from my own life and the lives of those around me.

Even as a child, I trusted my instincts when it came to health and the environment. I would ask my mother to avoid using DDT sprays and mothballs in our home, suggesting safer alternatives like dried neem leaves. Our lifestyle in India naturally reflected a non-toxic way of living—cotton clothes dyed with natural pigments, hardwood furniture crafted by local carpenters, and a diet of fresh, unprocessed foods. Plastics were rare, and much of our waste was composted in large community piles, supporting the earth rather than burdening it.

When I immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s, I was struck by the pervasive use of chemicals in almost every aspect of life—plastics, non-stick cookware, synthetic fabrics, processed foods, household cleaners, and even furniture. I instinctively avoided many of these products and began researching non-toxic alternatives. Over time, I developed a resource library of safe, reliable products for personal care, home goods, and food. I also got several degrees and certifications (link to founder page) that further empowered me with knowledge and choices.  My job (link to GIRS)  gave me access to scientific journals and studies that further assisted me to identify reliable choices to make conscious choices.

As the founder of a medical technology company, I worked with a remarkable client who developed non-toxic clothing for infants, children, and individuals with allergies. This product, which earned a Medicare billing code due to my work with Medicare, inspired me further to integrate non-toxic solutions into both my professional and personal life.

For my clients, I meticulously select supplements and oils that are rigorously tested for contaminants, ensuring they’re free of heavy metals and toxins. I also curate clean, unadulterated spices and herbs for cooking and wellness. Recognizing the importance of deep detoxification, I partnered with a center in India offering Panchakarma—a transformative Ayurvedic detox program. This center grows its own organic grains and vegetables, creating a pristine environment for healing. I even arrange discounted access to this retreat for clients who join me on annual wellness trips.

At 64, I am living proof of the vitality and energy that a non-toxic lifestyle can bring. While I acknowledge that health and lifespan are influenced by factors beyond our control, I firmly believe in empowering individuals to make mindful choices that can dramatically improve their quality of life. I enjoy activities like pickleball, Zumba, gardening, and hiking, while some younger family members who made different choices struggle with their energy and health. I enjoy clarity about daily decisions of life due to my choices and my spirituality that protected my brain and sharpened intuition.

My journey is not about perfection but about doing the best we can with the knowledge and resources we have. I’m passionate about helping others unlock their potential by embracing a non-toxic lifestyle. Through SOMA Alive and the Pure Non-Toxic Vitality™ service, I am thrilled to share the insights and strategies that have transformed my life with clients who are ready to prioritize their well-being and experience the power of mindful living.

Your journey to wellness begins here—let me help you take that first step.