Alekha Advani: The Journey of a Wellness Entrepreneur and Hospitality Expert
Alekha Advani is a remarkable figure known for her inspiring journey from the world of hospitality and consultancy to founding her own wellness platform. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Alekha has built a multifaceted career that bridges hospitality management, corporate consultancy, and wellness entrepreneurship. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. This article delves into the life, career, education, and notable relationships of Alekha Advani, providing a comprehensive view of who she is and what she represents today.
Who is Alekha Advani?
Alekha Advani is an Indian entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and founder of Way Well, a community-driven wellness platform focused on holistic health and wellbeing. With a solid background in hospitality management and corporate consulting, she has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship, creating a niche in the wellness industry.
Born on 26th December 1992, Alekha is currently 32 years old. She hails from Mumbai, Maharashtra, where she completed her schooling before moving abroad for higher education. Alekha’s diverse experiences across different sectors and geographies have shaped her unique approach to business and wellness.
Early Life and Education
Alekha Advani was born and raised in Mumbai, India. Her parents, Harry Advani, a businessman, and Ninz Advani, a homemaker, nurtured a supportive environment that encouraged her educational pursuits and personal growth.
Alekha pursued her higher education in the United States, enrolling at the prestigious Cornell University. Between 2012 and 2016, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, which is globally recognised for excellence in hospitality education. During her time at Cornell, Alekha was actively involved in several student organisations, including the Hotelie Entrepreneurs Club and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. Her role as Treasurer for the Hotelie Entrepreneurs Club highlights her leadership and organisational skills, which have played a significant part in her career success.
Career Path and Professional Experience
Deloitte (2016 – 2018)
After graduating from Cornell University in 2016, Alekha began her professional journey with Deloitte in the Greater Los Angeles Area. For two years, she worked as a Consultant, specialising in customer experience measurement and quality assurance for major global brands.
Her responsibilities involved conducting on-site analyses and evaluations for companies such as Marriott International and Mercedes Benz. At Marriott, she assessed over 240 hotels across the US and India for compliance with brand standards, identifying risk areas and suggesting actionable improvements. Similarly, at Mercedes Benz, she evaluated dealership operations to reduce costs and customer complaints. Alekha’s role also included training consultants and preparing detailed reports for senior management, demonstrating her analytical acumen and client management skills.
Soho House & Co (2018 – 2021)
Returning to Mumbai in 2018, Alekha joined Soho House & Co as a Member Services Manager, a role she held for over three years. Soho House is a members-only club that blends hospitality, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities for creative professionals.
In this capacity, Alekha managed member relations and oversaw service delivery, ensuring an exclusive and seamless experience for club members. This role honed her operational expertise and deepened her understanding of luxury hospitality services in India’s urban landscape.
Founder of Way Well (2022 – Present)
In March 2022, Alekha Advani took a significant leap by founding Way Well, a wellness platform designed to foster holistic health and mindfulness. The venture focuses on curated wellness sessions, seminars, and retreats that address physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Way Well reflects Alekha’s passion for wellness and her commitment to building communities centred on self-care and balanced living. Through Way Well, she combines her hospitality background with entrepreneurial vision to create impactful wellness experiences in Mumbai and beyond.
Early Career Internships and Experiences
Before her corporate roles, Alekha gathered practical experience through several internships that laid the foundation for her expertise:
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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (2015): As a Worldwide Sales & Business Development Intern in Chicago, Alekha performed client research, helped organise events, and supported business development efforts globally. She was instrumental in prospecting approximately $65,000 worth of tentative business for group and corporate sales markets.
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Westin Hotels & Resorts (2014): Serving as a Front Desk Agent in the Greater San Diego Area, Alekha managed guest check-ins and check-outs for 50 guests daily. She also devised and implemented operational improvements, such as a Standard Operating Procedure for room service and membership processes.
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ToniQ (2012 – 2014): As a Business Manager Intern in Mumbai, she was involved in retail and stock management, marketing strategy, and social media outreach. She actively contributed to exhibitions and promotional events, showcasing her early flair for business management and marketing.
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Centrum Wealth Management (2012): During a two-month Financial Analyst Internship, Alekha researched the impact of interest rates on government and private banks, presenting her analysis to senior management. This experience added a financial analytical dimension to her profile.
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Grand Hyatt Mumbai (2011): Alekha assisted sales and marketing managers with promotional campaigns and conducted market research that was utilised by the hotel’s senior sales and marketing leadership.
Alekha Advani and Tara Sutaria
Alekha Advani and actress Tara Sutaria share a notable social connection primarily through their mutual association with actor Aadar Jain. Tara Sutaria was Aadar Jain’s girlfriend for several years before their separation, while Alekha and Aadar have been childhood friends turned life partners.
During the time Tara and Aadar were together, Alekha was often described as the “third wheel” or close friend to the couple. Their friendship and the dynamics between the three have been a subject of public and media attention, with Alekha’s supportive role highlighted in various social settings. Despite past complexities, all parties appear to maintain amicable relations, with Alekha now married to Aadar Jain.
Alekha Advani’s Parents and Family Background
Alekha Advani was born into a well-established business family. Her father, Harry Advani, is a businessman whose ventures and professional background remain low profile but influential in Alekha’s upbringing. Her mother, Ninz Advani, is a homemaker who provided a nurturing environment that allowed Alekha to pursue her education and career aspirations with confidence.
The Advani family has deep roots in Mumbai, and although not publicly high-profile, they have played a pivotal role in shaping Alekha’s values and work ethic.
Addressing the Kiara Advani Confusion
A frequent question arises about whether Alekha Advani is related to the Bollywood actress Kiara Advani. Despite sharing the same surname, the two women are not related.
Kiara Advani, whose birth name is Alia Advani, is the daughter of Jagdeep Advani and Genevieve Jaffrey. Alekha Advani comes from a different family background with no public or familial ties to Kiara. The similarity in surnames often causes confusion but the two belong to distinct families and professional spheres.
Summary and Outlook
Alekha Advani exemplifies a modern Indian woman forging her own path through education, global exposure, and entrepreneurship. With a solid foundation in hospitality and corporate consulting, she has effectively leveraged her skills to launch Way Well, a wellness platform resonating with today’s health-conscious audience.
Her story is one of blending traditional values with contemporary ambitions. As a wellness entrepreneur, Alekha continues to inspire many with her dedication to improving lives through holistic wellness, community-building, and innovative service delivery.
