WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT HAIR CARE?

Niki: Hair care has been a big part of our life since childhood - memories of hair oiling with our grandma and mum are so precious to us and have brought generations of our family together The positive impact that Indian head massage and hair oiling, as well as Ayurvedic ingredients, has on the health of our hair and mind is truly incredible - and I want to share this with the rest of the world

Akash: We launched Fable & Mane with our HoliRoots Hair Oil, a strengthening pre-wash treatment oil infused with Ashwagandha and Dashmool, that promotes healthy hair growth and hydrates strands Hair oiling is something South Asians grew up practicing without questioning why, and sometimes it wasn’t enjoyable due to the heavy formulas or strong smells Our mission is to make hair oiling modern, fun, sensorial and an intrinsic part of everyone ’ s self-care ritual We do this through our lightweight, vegan, cruelty-free and silicone-free formulas that use Ayurvedic ingredients proven to improve scalp condition, promote healthy and hydrated hair growth We also take our customers through a sensorial experience of scent with our products - our fragrances have been expertly blended by world-renowned perfumers that transport you to divine places in India

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY THROUGH YOUR COMPANY?

Akash: Fable & Mane is a hair wellness brand, and while we do want to provide strengthening, hydrating and effective products, our ultimate message is to take care of yourself through these hair rituals. Hair oiling is cathartic, and in Ayurveda, we do it alongside a head massage that focuses on the crown chakra, which relieves stress and tension Beyond hair care, Fable & Mane is about staying connected and rooted to yourself, loving where you come from and being kind, fearless and strong.

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED REPRESENTATION? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Niki: Equality provides opportunities There is strength in knowing there are no barriers, and opportunities should be limitless. It’s important for everyone - no matter their gender, race or sexuality - to see themselves represented in the world. It instills confidence and the world is full of incredible cultures and each one needs to be celebrated.

Akash: The need for representation through Fable & Mane comes from my own experience of feeling a lack of representation growing up, being a person of colour and a South Asian. Though the world has progressed, I still feel there’s a lack of representation for minorities. It’s my goal to make people feel like they belong and know their inner worth I want people to feel inspired and to know that there are endless possibilities out there - it’s what inspires and motivates me every day.

WHAT IS YOUR DUTY TO YOUR CULTURE?

Niki: To spread its wisdom with the world. For over 5,000 years, we have practiced Ayurveda. yoga, tantra, dhyana and karma, to name just a few; there are so many holistic ways of learning and living. It’s why so many people go to India to search for the truth and a deeper meaning in life - even if they don’t have a question, they find an answer. India vibrates with a special energy that stays in your heart for years after visiting. It’s my mission to bring the wild wisdom of India in a modern way to the western world with Fable & Mane

Akash: I want to represent and embrace my culture with justice and authenticity and stay true to my roots. That begins with educating myself first on what my culture is and to never stop learning about it It’s so diverse and rich, going back thousands of years, so there’s a lot to learn! I want to make sure that I take it and modernise it in a way that people can understand, embrace and apply to their daily life, and this is what we aim to do through Fable & Mane - bring ancient time-tested rituals and traditions to the modern world.