Meet Indie Foolheea

At Menteath Skincare & Scent, we believe culture and heritage are central to who we are. Each team member’s background adds depth to our work. Today, we take a closer look at Indie Foolheea and how her cultural heritage shapes both her practice and personal life.

Indie, our in-house therapist, specialises in Ayurvedic practices rooted in her heritage. With a deep understanding of Ayurvedic principles, she takes a holistic approach to healing, integrating traditional methods that are both timeless and effective. Her expertise and cultural roots inform the treatments she offers, ensuring each session reflects her commitment to holistic care. For Indie, her work is more than a profession—it is an expression of her heritage, one she shares with every client.

Born into a Sikh family with roots in Panjab, North India, Indie’s upbringing was steeped in cultural and spiritual tradition. From the food she ate to the music in her home, daily life reflected generations of wisdom and heritage. Food, in particular, played a central role—roti, rice, lentils, spiced vegetables and chicken curries were staples, with special meals prepared for celebrations. More than nourishment, food was a connection to her culture, a reminder of her roots.

Beyond food, Indie’s family was active in the Sikh community, attending the Gurudwara and taking part in cultural events. Festivals such as Vaisakhi, Lohri, Diwali or Bandi Chhor Divas for Sikhs were not just religious observances but moments of connection, reinforcing the values of unity, justice and freedom at the heart of Sikhism. These experiences shaped her spirituality and sense of belonging to something much larger than herself.

One of Indie’s fondest childhood memories is the weekly ritual of hair oiling, passed down from her mother and grandmother. Every Sunday, she would sit for a head massage and oil treatment—a practice as much about self-care as it was about cultural connection. It remains a grounding and soothing ritual in her routine today.

Growing up, Indie's family also turned to natural remedies for health and wellness. Instead of commercial medicines, they relied on kitchen ingredients—ginger, honey and various plants and spices—to treat colds, illness and boost immunity. These simple but effective remedies introduced Indie to holistic healing, unknowingly laying the foundation for her future career in Ayurveda.

Yet, as she entered adulthood and the professional world, Western ideas of success and productivity distanced her from these traditions. In many workspaces, a lot of her identity was neither welcomed or understood. The pressure to conform led her to neglect the very practices that once brought her joy and peace. As her relationship with work and life changed, she recognised this disconnect and made a conscious decision to reclaim her cultural heritage on her own terms.

Retraining as a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner allowed Indie to reconnect with the traditions of her childhood. By deepening her understanding of Ayurveda as a lifestyle Sikhism as a spiritual practic she has integrated these values into her daily life. This realignment of her personal and professional worlds was both an act of self-discovery and empowerment.

Today, Indie brings this richness to Menteath. Her Ayurvedic knowledge informs a holistic approach to skincare and wellness, blending traditional healing with modern techniques. Her expertise in natural ingredients, combined with a focus on community and spiritual well-being, shapes every aspect of her work, from facial treatments to lifestyle advice.

Indie’s journey is a testament to how culture and heritage enrich our team at Menteath. Each member contributes a unique perspective, creating a space rooted in authenticity and care. Her story has shaped her as a practitioner and strengthened the connection she fosters with clients.

The diversity and heritage each team member brings so much richness and joy to Menteath. Indie’s journey, like those of our other team members, reminds us that embracing cultural traditions strengthens not only our practice but also our sense of community.