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Dr. Akshatha Dinakar, well known by her alias Dr. Disha Dinakar is a shining example of proficiency and creativity within the highly competitive fields of dermatology and aesthetics. Dr. Akshatha is a highly qualified, distinguished aesthetic physician in the United Arab Emirates. She is unique in her area since she holds a master’s degree in advanced Botox and fillers from the University of Sharjah in the UAE and a fellowship in aesthetic medicine from the University of Greifswald in Germany. Dr. Akshatha also holds a postgraduate degree in clinical dermatology from the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland. Her advanced training from the Derma Institute UK further demonstrates her proficiency. In this captivating interview, Dr. Akshatha shares her unique journey and insights on her career.
As an only child who grew up in the gulf, leaving Oman for Mangalore, India was a significant step for her. Despite the challenges that come with the shift, she was excited about stepping out of her comfort zone, learning to be independent, and embracing this new chapter. As we started our conversation Dr. Akshatha told us about this professional journey and how this shaped her personal and professional life,
“My move from the Middle East to India for my medical studies was transformative. It provided me with a diverse cultural and educational experience that broadened my perspectives. In India, I was exposed to a high-volume patient environment, particularly in government hospitals, which honed my skills and deepened my empathy. This experience shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable professional, instilling a deep sense of compassion and dedication to patient care that I carry into my aesthetic practice today.” She shared her learnings.
Throughout her career, Dr. Akshatha was immersed in cultural activities. In 2012, she participated in and won the Miss Mangalore pageant, marking the beginning of a series of achievements in modelling and acting. Although she appeared in numerous print ads, TV commercials, and South Indian movies, her passion for medicine remained her primary focus.
“Balancing multiple creative pursuits alongside my medical career requires meticulous time management and a genuine passion for each endeavour. I believe in setting clear priorities and maintaining a disciplined schedule. My creative activities, such as print ads and TV commercials, provide a refreshing break and enhance my communication skills, which in turn benefit my medical practice. Entrepreneurship allows me to innovate and apply my medical knowledge in new ways, such as developing products for Digvijaya Herbals. Ultimately, it’s about integrating these pursuits harmoniously and staying committed to continuous personal and professional growth.” She told us about her way of balancing creative pursuits.
Dr. Akshatha is celebrated for her medical expertise and patient-centered approach, ensuring each client receives the highest standard of care. She has received accolades for her commitment and skill, including the Health Conference 2.0’s Outstanding Leadership award. She told us how this achievement influenced her career path and personal growth,
“Receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award 2023 at Health 2.0 was a significant milestone that reaffirmed my commitment to excellence in healthcare. This recognition has motivated me to further innovate and expand my contributions to the field of aesthetics and wellness. It has also bolstered my confidence, encouraging me to take on new challenges and initiatives. Personally, it has deepened my resolve to mentor others, share my knowledge, and inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in medicine and entrepreneurship.” She lights up with pride.
Dr. Akshatha’s parents are entrepreneurs and she also wanted to do something by herself. After some research, she decided to start her own company ‘Digvijaya Herbals’. This company was founded in 2019 and is based on the values that resonate with Dr. Akshatha and her parents Mr. M.N Dinakar and Mrs. Vijaya Dinakar.
“Growing up in an entrepreneurial family instilled in me the values of hard work, innovation, and perseverance. Witnessing my mother and grandmother create herbal medicines from our farm’s produce inspired me to blend traditional knowledge with modern science. This upbringing fostered a deep respect for natural remedies and a desire to bring these benefits to a wider audience. Starting Digvijaya Herbals was a natural progression, combining my medical expertise with my heritage to create products that promote health and wellness.” She spoke about how this upbringing influenced her decision to be an entrepreneur.
Digvijaya Herbals emphasizes blending science with naturally sourced ingredients. We asked Dr. Akshatha about the process of sourcing and selecting ingredients for their products, and she said,
“At Digvijaya Herbals, we are committed to using the highest quality natural ingredients. Our sourcing process begins with our family farms in India, where we grow a variety of medicinal and herbal plants. We carefully select ingredients based on their therapeutic properties, supported by scientific research to ensure efficacy and safety. Each ingredient undergoes rigorous quality control checks, and we work closely with local farmers to ensure sustainable and ethical farming practices. This meticulous approach ensures that our products deliver the best of nature combined with scientific innovation.” She described.
Dr. Akshatha’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her passion and determination. With strong support from her parents, she seamlessly juggles her roles as a doctor and a businesswoman. The success of Digvijaya Herbals, evidenced by thousands of positive reviews, reflects her ability to harmonize her professional commitments with her entrepreneurial aspirations.
“Balancing a full-time medical practice, a growing business, and my personal life is indeed challenging, but it’s all about finding harmony rather than strict schedules. My husband is incredibly supportive, ensuring I stay on track and helping me manage my responsibilities effectively. Time management is crucial, but so is flexibility and being present in each moment. I delegate effectively, trusting my skilled staff to handle various aspects of the business while I focus on my medical practice. I ensure that my patients receive my full attention and care without rushing through appointments. Having a strong support system at home allows me to dedicate quality time to my practice and business, while also nurturing my relationships.” She is well-organized, responsible, and available.
Social media is essential for brand building, requiring the regular posting of engaging content to maximise reach. Showcasing success stories and directly interacting with followers can enhance engagement and build trust. We asked Dr. Akshatha, what role has social media played in building her brand, and how she is engaging her clients and followers through these platforms,
“Social media has been instrumental in building my brand and connecting with a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow me to share my knowledge, showcase success stories, and engage with customers directly. I use social media to provide expert advice, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my work, and promote our products. Engaging with customers through these platforms helps build trust and community, allowing me to understand their needs better and respond to their feedback promptly.” She shared with us her thoughts on the power of social media.
Again coming to Dr. Akshatha’s entrepreneurial venture, Digvijaya Herbals Pvt Ltd, reflects her passion for natural and organic wellness. Deeply rooted in the values of respect and care, they offer a range of skin, hair care, health, and wellness products made from the purest ingredients. The brand’s commitment to quality and Dr. Akshatha’s expertise in medicine and nutrition have propelled its success, with products now shipping to 46 countries and distributors in Bangalore, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
“Expanding Digvijaya Herbals internationally involved a multi-faceted strategy. We leveraged e-commerce platforms to reach a broader audience and invested in digital marketing to raise brand awareness. Collaborating with international distributors and participating in global wellness events also helped us penetrate new markets. Customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations have been crucial, as we ensure that our products meet high standards of quality and efficacy, building a loyal customer base worldwide.” Dr. Akshatha expressed her views on business expansion and marketing.
By implementing new business tactics, Dr. Akshatha wants to elevate her business by introducing a new product range.
“Digvijaya Herbals is currently undergoing an exciting transformation to take the company to the next level. We are in the midst of a rebranding process and are set to introduce amazing new ingredients and products for hair, skin, and wellness in the next few months. These upcoming products reflect my vision of holistic transformation, catering to people of all genders, colours, and ages. Our focus remains on blending science with naturally sourced ingredients to create effective and inclusive solutions. We plan to achieve this through continuous research and development, leveraging scientific advancements to enhance our formulations. Collaborating with global partners and investing in marketing initiatives will also play a crucial role. Empowering more women through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities remains a core objective as we grow. Stay tuned for these exciting developments that are very close to my heart!!” She is excited to share her goals and plans to achieve them.
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with continuous learning and numerous challenges. Each day brings new lessons, from navigating market dynamics to managing business operations. Despite the hurdles, the process of building and growing a business is immensely rewarding, offering valuable experiences and personal growth. Dr. Akshatha continues,
“One of the biggest challenges has been balancing rapid growth with maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction. To overcome this, we implemented robust quality control systems and invested in scaling our operations sustainably. Navigating regulatory requirements in different countries was another hurdle, which we addressed by partnering with local experts and adhering to international standards. Resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system have been key to overcoming these challenges and driving our success.” She pointed few major aspects.
Dr. Akshatha’s success in both her medical and entrepreneurial endeavours is evidence of her hard work, but it is also deeply rooted in the support structure provided by her family. She acknowledges that family support has been crucial in achieving her dreams and continuing her growth.
“Family has been the cornerstone of my success. My father and mother have been my rock-solid supporters and motivators, always encouraging me to strive for excellence. My husband keeps me grounded and pushes me to reach my maximum potential. Their unwavering support, along with the inspiration from my grandmother’s legacy in herbal medicine, has been invaluable. My family’s emotional and practical support allows me to pursue my dreams with confidence and resilience, knowing I have a strong foundation to rely on,” she shared.
Dr. Akshatha, who has served as a Medical Director in highly reputed clinics in the UAE, discussed the unique challenges she faced in this role and her views on the maturation of the field in the UAE and GCC. She highlighted some important points,
“As a Medical Director in highly reputed clinics in the UAE, I face challenges such as staying abreast of rapidly evolving technologies and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. There is also the challenge of meeting diverse patient expectations and managing a multicultural team. However, these challenges drive continuous improvement and innovation. I see the field of aesthetics maturing in the UAE and GCC with advancements in minimally invasive procedures, personalized treatments, and a growing focus on holistic wellness. The region is becoming a global hub for medical excellence, offering vast opportunities for growth and development.”
Dr. Akshatha has worked tremendously hard and achieved remarkable success in both India and the UAE. Before wrapping up this insightful conversation we asked her about her plans, and she replied,
“I’m an optimistic realist with a smile always on my face! So, I would say, the future holds exciting prospects!
I am excited about continuing to innovate and expand in the field of Dermatology, aesthetics, and wellness. You can surely expect more advanced and personalized aesthetic treatments in my practice, as well as amazing products from my soon-to-be-relaunched wellness brand! My passion is what drives me and I have seen people run behind a certain sense of perfection in their dreams without being happy with the journey and the results. We all strive for Perfection, but who defines what is perfect? I believe imperfection is what makes us each unique in who we are, what we dream for, and how we achieve it. Pursue your dreams and you define what is good for you as long as you are happy. This feeds my urge to mentor the next generation of medical professionals and entrepreneurs with such a mindset along with sharing my knowledge and experiences to inspire others to shoot for the stars!
Thank you for this recognition and I will continue to explore new ventures that align with my vision for a healthier, more beautiful world for everyone!” She concluded the conversation with these motivating words. Dr. Akshatha is an inspiration to many young girls who aspire to carve out their unique paths and make a mark in the world.
