Our Story

The Holy Lama Naturals story begins in 1938, when Mr. D V Deo migrated from near Goa to Kerala, South India, in order to set up agriculture in the essential oils field. He was the first person in India to establish vetivert cultivation, on a commercial basis – and therefore became one of the pioneers in the Indian essential oils industry. From there, the business expanded into other essential oils and spice concentrate extraction.

D V Deo's youngest son Vijay had a fascination with essential oils and perfumery from a young age, which won him a place on a government-backed project helping local farmers cultivate and extract lemongrass oil. In the 1980s he lived in Bhutan, on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas, for eight years, and during that time made a twelve-day walking pilgrimage to Aja Ney, the holy place of Lama Guru Padmasambhava. There, the presiding Lama presented him with a Thangkha of Lama Guru, symbolising good luck in life, and it is this which inspired the Holy Lama Naturals brand name. With hard work and no small amount of luck, the business went from strength to strength, sustained by Vijay's ethical ethos throughout.

Vijaya is a home maker and an exceptional cook, and has always been a strong supporter of the family business. Vijaya has a great nose for perfumery, so blending creams and spice extracts came naturally to her. She led the Holy Lama Naturals venture, whose manufacturing unit was set up in Kerala as a Government-recognised women’s enterprise, supporting and empowering marginalised women in the local community. Vijaya is in charge of product development and perfecting the formula for the entire product range. She is also the go-to person for the women in the factory when they are facing professional or personal challenges.

Mrs. and Mr. Vijay Deo’s youngest daughter has a master’s degree in business administration and dreamed of joining the family business even whilst still studying. Soon after graduating, she joined the Holy Lama team and fulfilled that dream. She now maintains great control over the business’s administration and customer service.

Over in Europe, the Deo’s oldest daughter Gouri has picked up the baton to champion the Holy Lama Naturals ethos. Prior to her current role, Gouri trained as a chartered accountant in India and the UK, and worked as an auditor for over a decade. In 2013, she left Deloitte to further her family’s ethical business, bringing the natural skincare range and Spice Drops® to the European market.

Vijay always wanted to create a range of products that were pure, natural and made without cutting corners on how people were treated. In 2000, having gained 40 years of experience in the essential oils industry, he realized his vision through the creation of a range of natural body care products. He also expanded the existing range of spice extracts – then called ‘Masala Drops’ in India. With a network of suppliers providing natural ingredients of the finest quality, uncompromising product ranges were but a step away.