Meet the Founder of Innermost: Shivraj Bassi

We caught up with Shivraj Bassi, the founder of Innermost to talk about all things health and wellness. The brand offers a range of science-backed formulations containing natural ingredients and modern essentials to target specific needs across body and mind.

1.What inspired you to start Innermost, and what sets it apart from other brands in the market?

I was raised in a household where food was very much regarded as medicine. Some of my earliest memories were helping my mother pick out exotic herbs and spices, which she would combine into amazing health-giving recipes. As I got older, I realised just how important the role nutrition played in achieving your health and fitness goals.

While I’ve used nutritional supplements in the past, I felt there was a gap between what I wanted to put into my body versus what was available out there. I felt the market was calling out for a smarter, more interesting approach that offered real clarity and honesty to consumers, which led me to create Innermost.

At Innermost, we combine science and nature, as well as best practices from Ayurvedic and Asian medicine to deliver tailored nutrition products that optimise everyone’s health and fitness. More people than ever want to be healthier, but with so much misinformation circulating on how to achieve better health, it isn’t as straightforward as it should be. We believe it doesn’t need to be complicated, so we’re on a mission to cut through the confusion so you can take control of your health and feel great.’

2. As an entrepreneur, what motivated you to venture into the health and wellness industry specifically?

Venturing into the health and wellness industry wasn't just a business move for me; it was deeply personal. Recognising the transformative impact of health on my own life, I felt compelled to share this journey with others by creating a brand in the space. Also, I genuinely believe that better health is a societal cornerstone. A healthier individual contributes to a healthier society, fostering productivity, happiness, and resilience. In a world facing diverse challenges, the health and wellness industry is a catalyst for positive change, promoting longevity, vitality, and overall societal well-being.


3.Can you highlight any key lessons or advice you've gained from your entrepreneurial journey so far?

When it comes to entrepreneurship (and life in general), I find that there are two common mindsets that many people seem to adopt (knowingly or otherwise): those who are driven solely by a passion for success and those plagued by the fear of failure. From personal experience, working from a place of either fear or excessive ambition can be a weakness and the rollercoaster of emotions can be draining! Over time, I've come around to the idea of focusing on the process rather than the results. If you can find a way to let go just a little (no easy task) and to trust the journey, the results will follow. By finding balance in the middle ground, you can focus on the present moment and tackle challenges without being consumed by fear or relentless ambition - both of which can be overwhelming emotions. If you're on your own career or entrepreneurial journey, remember, it's not about success or failure; it's about the process.

4. Were there any role models or mentors during your formative years who inspired or guided you in your journey?

You can call them role models but here are 5 people who inspire me the most:

• My mother. She inspires me every day with her patience and selflessness.
• Nelson Mandela. A champion of equal rights. He changed history.
• Muhammad Ali. The greatest. Need I say more.
• Tim Ferriss. 4-hour work week? Sign me up.
• Steve Jobs. A visionary with dogged determination and single-mindedness.

5.Have you encountered any specific obstacles or opportunities as a person of colour in the health and wellness industry?

Sadly, yes. Certain doors have been harder to open and occasionally you will hear things that aren’t appropriate. It can be very frustrating but I’ve always gone about overcoming these issues by channelling my energy into working harder, and making the brand and our success impossible to ignore. Rather than seeing obstacles as setbacks, I try my best to view them as chances to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry, shaping the narrative of diversity in health and wellness.

6. How do you see Innermost contributing to broader conversations around diversity, equality and inclusion within the wellness space?

As one of the few businesses in the wellness space that is solely and fully owned by a person from an ethnic minority, I’m committed to reshaping conversations around diversity, equality, and inclusion within the wellness space. We actively incorporate diverse wellness traditions and perspectives into our brand. We try to amplify underrepresented voices and foster a workplace culture that embraces differences. Inclusivity is important, and we want to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and catered to in their journey to better health.


7.Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self, knowing what you know now about entrepreneurship and building a successful business?

Trust yourself. When you launch a business, it can feel that every friend, acquaintance or person you meet in a bar at 1am on a Friday night suddenly becomes an expert. Listen to what people have to say but trust yourself, trust your research and don’t be led down rabbit holes by others who may not have as well-informed an opinion as you.

The journey is just as important as the destination. Starting a company is hard work. Really hard work. Find ways to enjoy the process rather than constantly thinking about all the fun you’re going to have once you get the business to a certain size. Enjoy every single moment and have fun.

What are you waiting for? If you’re going to do it, do it. Don’t try to achieve perfection before launch. Instead, launch the damn thing already and iterate on the way. The best way to learn is by doing and that only happens once you get started. You’ll also end up uncovering lots of opportunities and new ideas once you’re in the trenches.


8. Can you discuss any recent or upcoming product launches or innovations that customers can look forward to?

The Wellness Blend is our newest product. It contains an even split between premium Arabica coffee beans and a carefully chosen mix of six adaptogenic mushrooms. That way, you get all the benefits you would from your daily coffee but at only half the caffeine content of a typical coffee. Add to that all the health benefits of the added mushrooms and you’ve got something truly special.

I'm genuinely excited about the positive impact this new product is going to have on your daily routine. At Innermost, it's already become an essential part of our team's day.


9. Innermost promotes holistic wellness. How does the brand address the connection between physical and mental health?

At Innermost, our commitment to holistic health goes beyond products. We actively address the connection between physical and mental health through various channels. We run in-person workshops, online webinars, and write blog posts bringing in experts to delve into crucial topics like improving sleep, stress reduction, and other facets of mental and physical well-being. Additionally, we have a range of free email courses that people can sign-up to via our website that provide accessible and actionable insights, empowering our community to prioritise their health.


10. As a leader, how do you encourage self-care practices and prioritise mental well-being in a fast-paced business environment?

As a leader, prioritising mental well-being in a fast-paced business environment is paramount. I lead by example, incorporating daily workouts into my routine; a blend of strength and cardio, to keep me energised, and ensuring I get enough sleep; it fuels my creativity and resilience. I dive into podcasts, seeking insights from thought leaders. Learning is a daily pursuit, and books are my guides to new perspectives.

11. What's three Innermost products you couldn't live without?

The Recover Capsules
I combine intense days working in the office with tough daily workouts. I’ve found that in the past, all that rushing around can compromise my immune system and leave me feeling less energised than I would like. That’s why I take The Recover Capsules daily after my workouts or each evening before I go to bed. They help me bounce back after busy days and ensure my immune system remains strong whatever is thrown at me. The blend of ingredients also support muscle recovery and hormone balance, making it an essential part of my daily routine.

The Lean Protein
One of our best-sellers, I don’t go a day without having some of The Lean Protein either in a morning smoothie, a shake following my workout or sprinkled on my porridge or cornflakes. The 30g of protein per serving keeps me feeling fuller for longer so I don’t need to raid the cookie jar but it gives me the confidence that my body has the protein it needs to repair and recover after my workouts, maximising the results of my efforts. Plus, the taste is unparalleled! I challenge anyone to find a better tasting protein powder.

The Energy Booster
The worst feeling in the world is finishing a workout in the gym and feeling like you didn’t get the most out of the session. That’s where The Energy Booster comes in. When you need an extra kick, The Energy Booster is my secret weapon. Packed with natural ingredients, it gives me a sustained lift that powers me through a workout without any of the jitters normally associated with pre-workouts. The added BCAAs prime your body to burn fat for energy so you’re not breaking down hard-earned muscle when doing cardio sessions. The net result of all that is that I feel both fitter and more toned.

Shop the full Innermost range here