Live Beautiful - An Origin Story
Dedication: Rakaposhi Organics is dedicated to my late mother, Shamim Sherally Ramzi, who passed away in November 2021 after a brief but intense battle with cancer. She gave me everything, and it is through her that I know the meaning of true love.
(Shamim Sherally Ramzi, 11/29/1954 - 11/19/2021)
Semper Amatus Mama 🕯️
About Me: My name is Aly Khan Ramzi, and I am the founder of Rakaposhi Organics. I am the oldest of 3 children, and I have a couple of my own. Professionally I have a background in finance, where I spent 20 years before starting this project.
While on the surface it may seem like my experience does not directly translate to starting an ecommerce brand focused on lifestyle and wellness, my time in the business world has taught me that the only way to succeed in life and in business is to have strong and honest foundations, to take care of your people (customers included) as if they were family, to add value at every step of the way, all while being deeply passionate about what you do.
(family trip to Bali, Indonesia - July 2024)
Background:
Over my life, I have lived in many places. Born in Karachi, Pakistan; raised and educated in the DC Metro Area, USA; then Dubai for a decade in my 30's; and since 2019, Hong Kong. It would be fair to say I am a global citizen.
In 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, I hadn't seen my mom for almost two years. In mid-November, I received a call urging me to "drop everything and get on an airplane" because my mother's time was limited.
I flew out 48 hours later. Upon arrival in Karachi, I rushed to Agha Khan University Hospital, where my sister warned me to compose myself before entering my mother's room. She was intubated and weak, but her eyes showed she was glad I was there.
During those final days that I spent by her bedside, the words "live, beautiful" echoed in my mind like a mantra I couldn't stop repeating. Despite our collective prayers, she passed away at 5:05 pm on November 19, 2021, 10 days before her 66th birthday.
My Mother's Legacy: My mom was an exceptional person. Born in Calcutta, India in 1954, my mother lived through a civil war and moved to Karachi in her late teens. After divorcing my father, she fought for custody and became an English teacher to support us, eventually managing to immigrate us to the US and taking up a job as an office manager, all done as a single parent.
Her lifelong passion for protecting and educating the disempowered eventually brought her back home and led her to set up a charity school in Skardu, Pakistan, where she worked until her passing.
The Birth of Rakaposhi Organics: In my grief, I found solace in a new purpose: to continue my mother's legacy of giving back. Thus, Rakaposhi Organics was born, inspired by her dedication to education and empowerment, and a profound desire to continue her Great Work.
My First Contact with Shilajit: My first experience with Shilajit was transformative. Despite its pungent taste, the immediate surge of energy and subsequent health benefits have convinced me of its potential. When I reached out to some of our relationships in the north about my idea for launching this project, the outpouring of support from members of the shilajit community was tremendous; my mom had a direct and profound impact on their children, and they were more than happy to support us.
Our Creed: At Rakaposhi Organics, we aim to help you "Live Beautiful" by offering premium products that genuinely benefit your body, mind, and soul. Inspired by my mother's dedication to bettering lives, we commit to giving back to the communities we serve. We operate transparently, ensuring fair-trade practices and sustainability.
If you ever have a question or want to speak with me about our product or our business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly, and we can chat about what’s on your mind.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We wish you the very best in your wellness journey.
Sincerely Yours,
Aly Khan Ramzi
Founder & Principal
Rakaposhi Organics