Biography of Sarvesh Shashi: Founder & CEO of SARVA (formerly Zorba)- Entrepreneur
The Beginnings of Sarvesh Shashi
Sarvesh Shashi, born on April 15, 1992, in Thrissur, India,
grew up with an unusual start to his journey. His father, Shashi Kumar, a
prominent businessman and Chairman of Sabari Group, had a vision for his son
that included a strong grounding in yoga. At age 17, Sarvesh’s father enrolled
him in yoga classes. Although Sarvesh initially didn’t attend, this early
exposure planted a seed that would later blossom into a significant part of his
life.
Early Education and Interests
Sarvesh’s educational journey began at CIRS-Chinmaya
International Residential School, followed by Chettinad Vidhyashram. He then
attended Loyola College in Chennai, where he eventually dropped out. During his
school years, Sarvesh was active in various extracurricular activities such as
dance, music, theater, and sports. This well-rounded education laid the
groundwork for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Venturing into the Family Business
At the age of 21, Sarvesh faced a pivotal moment when his
father invited him to join the family business, Sabari Group. This conglomerate
dealt with a wide range of sectors including consumer goods, real estate,
textiles, and fish exports across southern India. Despite the opportunity,
Sarvesh was drawn to a different path and chose to pursue a career in yoga
instead.
Discovering Yoga’s Impact
Sarvesh’s personal journey with yoga was transformative. He
experienced significant personal growth, moving from having anger issues and a
volatile temperament to becoming a more balanced and grounded individual. This
change was largely attributed to his yoga mentor, Vijayendra, whom he
affectionately calls guruji. This mentorship solidified Sarvesh’s belief in
yoga’s benefits and ignited his passion for sharing it with others.
Initial Steps in the Yoga Business
With a desire to make yoga accessible to more people,
Sarvesh started Zorba in December 2013. He faced initial challenges in
attracting a crowd but was determined to make his vision a reality. Sarvesh
secured Rs. 16 lakh from a business associate for marketing and setup costs and
convinced his guruji to invest Rs. 1 lakh and join him as a mentor.
First Steps and Early Growth
The first Zorba studio opened in an empty warehouse owned by
Sarvesh’s father. Within four months, the second studio launched in Chennai in
2014, following a franchise model. The third studio opened on World Yoga Day in
June 2015, marking rapid expansion and growing interest in Zorba’s unique
approach to yoga.
From Zorba to SARVA
In 2016, Zorba rebranded as SARVA, a name derived from the
Sanskrit word for “archer.” SARVA aimed to revolutionize the yoga experience
with modern and creative studio designs. Notably, global superstar Jennifer
Lopez showed interest in investing in SARVA, reflecting its growing prominence.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding
SARVA’s growth was further boosted when Sarvesh sought
funding from Dandekar Capital. This led to a significant partnership with
Talwalkars Better Value Fitness. In December 2015, Talwalkars acquired a 50%
stake in SARVA for $2 million. This investment facilitated SARVA’s expansion
across India and into new areas like merchandising.
Biography of Sarvesh Shashi: Founder & CEO of SARVA (formerly Zorba) Startup/ Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Wife/Cricketer/SARVA/Yoga Studio/Classes
Broadening Horizons with Talwalkars
The partnership with Talwalkars allowed SARVA to open many
new studios within Talwalkars’ fitness centers. The collaboration extended
SARVA’s reach and influence in the wellness market, integrating its services
into a broader fitness network and enabling further brand growth.
Innovative Business Model
SARVA distinguished itself with a diverse range of yoga
offerings, including unique styles like dance yoga and aqua yoga. The studios
catered to a wide demographic, from toddlers to seniors, emphasizing
inclusivity and accessibility in their yoga practices.
Global Expansion and Celebrity Endorsements
SARVA’s success attracted international attention, including
from prominent figures like Jennifer Lopez and Bollywood actress Malaika Arora.
Their investment and endorsement helped SARVA gain significant visibility and
credibility, further accelerating its growth trajectory.
Adapting to Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a major challenge, forcing
SARVA to shut down many of its studios and reduce its workforce. However,
Sarvesh used this period to pivot the business model towards a digital
platform. The launch of the SARVA app in March 2020 marked a new chapter,
offering online yoga classes and wellness content.
The Rise of the Digital Platform
The SARVA app provided 1,500 hours of multilingual yoga and
meditation content. The app’s subscription model, with prices ranging from
$5.99 monthly to $84.99 for a lifetime, offered an affordable alternative to
in-person classes. The app quickly gained traction, achieving 750,000 downloads
in just 17 months.
Global Reach and Growth
SARVA’s digital pivot proved successful, with the app
experiencing 100% growth quarter-on-quarter. Users from 97 countries downloaded
the app, and SARVA secured over 100 corporate wellness partnerships. This broad
reach highlighted SARVA’s ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging
times.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic’s impact was mitigated by SARVA’s shift to a
digital platform, demonstrating resilience and innovation. The app’s success in
providing accessible yoga content globally underscored the value of a flexible
business model in the face of adversity.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sarvesh Shashi aims to continue expanding
SARVA’s digital footprint and enhance its presence in key markets like India,
the USA, and the UK. The focus will remain on leveraging technology to make
yoga and wellness accessible to a global audience.
Recognition and Influence
Sarvesh Shashi’s achievements have garnered significant
recognition. He is listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Fortune 40 Under 40
India, and Business World's 40 Under 40 India. His influence is further
solidified by his ranking in GQ’s 50 Most Influential list.
The Journey of Transformation
Sarvesh’s journey from a young man with little interest in
yoga to a leading entrepreneur in the wellness space is a testament to his
dedication and vision. His personal transformation through yoga became the
foundation for building a successful business that aims to improve others’
lives.
Building a Legacy
Through SARVA, Sarvesh Shashi has established a lasting
impact on the yoga and wellness industry. His story illustrates how passion,
perseverance, and innovation can turn a personal challenge into a global
opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Sarvesh Shashi’s success with SARVA reflects a broader trend
of integrating wellness into everyday life through creative and accessible
means. His journey from a yoga enthusiast to a prominent business leader
highlights the potential for personal passions to drive significant
professional achievements.
Timeline for Sarvesh Shashi’s story
April 15, 1992: Born in Thrissur, India.
2009: Dropped out of Loyola College, Chennai.
December 2013: Launched Zorba, a yoga studio.
June 2015: Opened the third Zorba studio on World Yoga Day.
2016: Rebranded Zorba to SARVA.
December 2015: Talwalkars acquired 50% of SARVA for $2
million.
March 2020: Launched the SARVA app offering digital yoga
classes.
2021: Achieved 750,000 app downloads in 17 months.
Recognition: Listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Fortune 40
Under 40 India, and GQ’s 50 Most Influential.
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