Today we’d like to introduce you to LAVANYA KRUGER.
Hi LAVANYA, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A Legacy of Ayurvedic Devotion
In 1971, our journey began with Lakshman Kruger’s search for deeper spiritual and holistic understanding. His quest led him to the Los Angeles ISKON temple, where he immersed himself in the study of Vedic knowledge. Eager to spread this wisdom, he soon found himself in Japan, sharing the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on the streets of Tokyo.
A year later, Lakshman’s path led him to Hawaii, where he lived in an ashram as a Brahmachari, dedicating his life to Seva (service). It was here that he met his wife and welcomed their daughter, Lavanya Kruger—now the current owner of the company. This pivotal time in Lakshman’s life also marked the beginning of his passion for Ayurveda. He felt called to bring the ancient healing knowledge of Ayurveda to people, and it was then that he began formulating the products that would become the heart of our company. His first creation 1985 was Peace of Mind – Tulasi Rasayana, a calming and transformative formula.
In 1989, Lakshman moved to Switzerland to further develop his product line, but his heart knew the journey wasn’t complete until he brought his creations back to the United States—the land of opportunity. Reuniting with his daughter at age 18, he passed on his Ayurvedic knowledge to her, preparing her to carry forward the vision. During this time, he also formed a partnership with Dr. Vasant Lad, offering products at the renowned Ayurvedic Institute.
In 2009, the company faced a major challenge when the FDA attempted to shut down operations. Lakshman, a free spirit, crafting natural remedies in the wilderness, found himself at odds with modern regulations. It was at this critical moment that Lavanya stepped in, taking over the company and guiding it through the process of becoming fully compliant with FDA and GMP regulations. Her dedication ensured that we could continue sharing the power of Ayurveda with the world.
“MY PRIMARY FOCUS IS DELIVERING QUALITY PRODUCTS TO OUR CLIENTS, WITH A VISION TO SPREAD AWARENESS AND SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR HEALING JOURNEY.” – LAVANYA KRUGER
Today, we proudly operate in Southern Oregon in full compliance, though we are limited in the claims we can make about the incredible benefits of our products. The stories of lives transformed, of customers calling in tears of gratitude, remain our greatest reward, though we are unable to share them in the way we wish. For over 39 years, our company has grown not through advertising, but through the trust and recommendations of our community. We have never paid for ads—our success has been built entirely on word of mouth and the loyalty of our customers.
We were among the very first Ayurvedic companies to establish an online presence, and we continue to believe that our products speak for themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a Business While Rebuilding My Life
Taking over Ayurvedic Rasayanas wasn’t simply stepping into a family business—it meant taking on the responsibility of preserving a legacy while rebuilding my own life.
As a young single mother, I was determined to provide a stable future for my son. At the same time, I owned and operated Gopi, a small boutique in downtown Ashland, Oregon, for nearly ten years. Running a retail store demanded long hours, constant problem-solving, and the willingness to do whatever it took to keep the doors open. Every day was a balancing act between motherhood, entrepreneurship, and simply making ends meet.
Then another challenge arrived.
Ayurvedic Rasayanas was facing significant regulatory hurdles, and I knew that if someone didn’t step in, decades of work and traditional Ayurvedic knowledge could be lost. Although I had grown up around Ayurveda, taking over the company required learning an entirely new side of the business.
I immersed myself in FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), labeling requirements, quality control, product documentation, and manufacturing standards. I had no roadmap—only a determination to learn everything necessary to keep the company alive.
There were many moments when the responsibility felt overwhelming. I was raising my son, operating a boutique, and transforming a small herbal company into a fully compliant business in an increasingly regulated industry. Every obstacle became another lesson in perseverance.
Over the years, I successfully transitioned Ayurvedic Rasayanas into an FDA-compliant and GMP-compliant company while preserving the integrity of its traditional herbal formulas. Rather than changing our products to follow trends, I focused on maintaining authenticity while meeting modern standards.
Unlike many companies, we didn’t rely on investors or large advertising budgets. For nearly four decades, our growth has come primarily through word of mouth and the trust of loyal customers who continue to recommend our products to family and friends.
Today, I oversee every aspect of the business—from product development and regulatory compliance to education, marketing, customer service, and daily operations. As a small business owner, there is no department to hand work off to. I wear every hat, and I take great pride in that.
Looking back, the greatest challenge wasn’t learning regulations or running multiple businesses—it was believing that I was capable of carrying such a tremendous responsibility. Becoming a single mother taught me resilience. Building and operating Gopi taught me entrepreneurship. Taking over Ayurvedic Rasayanas taught me leadership.
Those experiences shaped who I am today.
My goal has always been bigger than selling herbal products. It is about preserving authentic Ayurveda, educating others, and ensuring this knowledge continues to benefit future generations. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my commitment to that mission, and I am proud of what has been built through determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief that even the most difficult obstacles can become opportunities for growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a desire to create something that leaves a lasting impact. Whether through art, community service, or business, I enjoy bringing people together around projects that inspire pride, connection, and purpose.
As an artist, I specialize in large-scale community art projects that tell a story and involve the people they are created for. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is leading the vision for the flagship mural at Phoenix Elementary School. My goal was never to simply paint a beautiful wall—I wanted to create a community landmark and give every student a chance to be part of something that would outlive their time at the school.
I developed a student participation program where every child contributes to the project, creating a permanent legacy for generations of students. Watching the excitement and ownership the children have for the mural has been incredibly rewarding. Even more exciting is seeing how this project has sparked additional mural projects throughout the school, helping establish a culture where art becomes part of the students’ everyday experience rather than just something they observe.
Beyond painting, I have become known for turning ideas into reality. I enjoy bringing together schools, local government, businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community members to accomplish projects that might otherwise never happen. From writing grants and securing donations to coordinating partnerships and presenting before city leaders, I thrive on taking a vision from concept to completion.
Another accomplishment I am especially proud of was helping secure City funding to establish Phoenix’s first City-funded Arts Commission under the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. I believed our community deserved an organization dedicated to supporting public art, artists, and cultural programs, and I worked with city leaders to help make that vision a reality. That commission now provides a foundation for future public art initiatives and creative projects that will benefit our community for years to come.
I also serve on the City’s Parks and Recreation Committee, where I work alongside city staff and elected officials to improve public spaces, encourage community involvement, and help shape projects that make Phoenix a stronger and more connected place to live.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just create art—I create opportunities. I enjoy building bridges between artists, schools, businesses, government, and the community. I see possibilities where others see obstacles, and I’m willing to put in the work to bring people together around a shared vision. Whether I’m leading a mural project, advocating for the arts, serving on community committees, or preserving a family business, my focus has always been the same: to leave my community better than I found it and create projects that will continue making a difference long after they are completed.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to view every opportunity you’re drawn to not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to grow. The projects that seem the most intimidating are often the ones that teach you the most about yourself.
When I have an idea or a vision for a project, I don’t ignore how much work it will take—I simply don’t let the size of it stop me. I look at the big picture to understand where I’m going, but then I focus only on the very first step. Once that’s complete, I move on to the next, and then the next. Before you know it, you’ve made meaningful progress toward something that once seemed impossible.
I also believe it’s important to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Some of my greatest memories haven’t come from finishing a project, but from the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the unexpected moments along the way. If you’re only focused on the finish line, you miss the experiences that truly shape you.
There will always be obstacles. There will be times when the road ahead is unclear, when you can’t see the finish line, or when the work feels overwhelming. During those moments, remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Just take one step forward. If you need to rest, rest—but don’t quit. Keep moving.
Anything truly meaningful takes time to build. Whether you’re creating a business, a piece of art, or a better version of yourself, growth doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to start before you feel completely ready. Every great accomplishment begins with a single step, followed by the courage to take the next one.
Pricing:
- Rasayanas $32.99
- Ayurvedic Teas $11.99
- Ayurvedic Spices $5.99
- Ayurvedic Oils $12-$108
- Ayurvedic Skin Cream $8-$25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ayurveda-herbs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayurvedicrasayanas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A.Rasayanas
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/FfeUmnGTFdo?si=q3GrYSGAjmc8irLg
- Other: https://pin.it/75kOBXNOS
