As the founder of Sohum Wellness Sanctuary in Dubai, Tanya Mansotra was inspired by her own journey of self-discovery. Growing up surrounded by family and friends whose success often came at the cost of balance and well-being, she knew that was something she wanted to address. “Witnessing this affirmed my belief that true wellbeing isn’t found in achievement alone, but in alignment,” she reflects. 

Tanya never pursued a traditional 9-to-5 career. Instead, she was drawn to energy work and sound healing. “From a young age, I often worked with strangers because they didn’t judge,” she says. She studied these holistic practices and started teaching yoga as well as offering Reiki treatments and crystal healing to clients across the UAE. “Over time, what started as a personal search for meaning became a mission to share it with others.”

This led her to transform her father’s legacy of luxury spas into something more holistic. A Dubai-based businessman and a revolutionary voice in UAE healthcare, he has been a huge inspiration in her life and was the one who “planted the seed for Sohum nearly two decades ago.” Sohum Wellness Sanctuary, she explains, is “both a legacy and a mission,” designed to bring together ancient traditions like Ayurveda and yoga with modern practices such as sound healing and conscious dining. For Tanya, the sanctuary is a physical expression of her values and vision and a place for people to find a sense of peace within their busy lives. “The vision is to help people find their way back to themselves, to stillness, to balance, and ultimately to wholeness.” She says. 

Tanya’s perspective has been sharpened by living in Dubai, a city she describes as “a hub for dreamers and doers.” She sees the UAE’s openness as an advantage for those in the wellness industry. “Clients seek more than treatments; they’re looking for experiences that reconnect them with themselves. They want sanctuaries that are authentic, holistic, and rooted in purpose.” With SOHUM, Tanya hopes to fill this gap and create a space for that transformation.

As a female entrepreneur, Tanya encourages other women to pursue their dreams. “Lead with purpose, but don’t forget structure. Heart and intuition are powerful guides, but to sustain your vision, you need discipline and systems,” she advises. “Most importantly, don’t be afraid to start. You don’t need to have everything figured out, just take the first step with courage.”

Her biggest lesson in her wellness and entrepreneurship journey has been the importance of rest. “Without it, even the strongest vision risks burnout,” she admits. She credits her father for instilling discipline, while her partner and mother provide constant emotional support. When setbacks arise, Tanya approaches them with a calm philosophy: “I see setbacks as signals, an opportunity to pause, listen, and realign. It’s never about giving up, but about adjusting the approach while holding the vision steady.”

Looking ahead, Tanya envisions Sohum’s expansion into new markets, but her personal ambitions are more grounded. “I want to live fully in the present, one day at a time, with gratitude,” she says. Whether painting, meditating, or sharing quiet moments with her family, Tanya views creativity and quality time with loved ones as essential to her well-being.