2022 VT Womenpreneurs Summit: Akshata Nayak, Little Patakha
Channel: Vermont Womenpreneurs
Date: 18/07/2022

Growing up in India, Akshata was a science geek and believed that she would be a lab rat investigating genetic mysteries for the rest of her life. So she moved to the US and earned two Master of Science degrees – one in Biochemistry and another in Applied Clinical Nutrition while doing research in the fields of Genetics, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Immunology and Neuroscience. 

But life had other plans, and her learnings converged into two businesses in 2010, both with the idea that our health is dependent on what we put in and on our body: The Orange Owl, a small-batch vegan skincare line that was managed and run solely by her, and Alternative Roots Wellness Center (www.alternativerootswellness.com), a holistic health center that she still runs with her husband, Dr. Greg Giasson, which offers chiropractic and nutrition counseling services. 

Recently, after a decade she decided to close down The Orange Owl due personal health issues and the COVID-19 crisis, but has pivoted to a new business opportunity in Little Patakha (www.littlepatakha.com) which has a mission to help kids see differences with others as something to learn from rather than be wary of. 

Over the years, it has become obvious to her that even though women and BIPOC business owners have plenty of ideas, they hold back in recognizing their efforts, expressing opinions and asking for the support they need. Representation is vital within the business community and she is looking forward to playing an active role in the ecosystem that empowers these entrepreneurs, especially in her home state of Vermont, to believe in themselves and give their ideas a chance. 

Website: www.littlepatakha.com
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Mascoma Bank presents Vermont Womenpreneurs Summit, which took place on June 8, 2022 at Hula Lakeside in Burlington. The theme for the evening was MotHER of Invention. 

Cover Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations
Videography: Marcy Webster, Media Factory