Her Story
About Rupa
I've been in the dietary supplements field since 1995, and my passion for the botanical industry has driven my entire career. My most recent role was Chief Quality Officer at Charlotte's Web, a CBD company in Colorado, where I spent two and a half years starting as Vice President of Quality before moving up. In that position, I oversaw all quality aspects for both retail and manufacturing, worked with operations to set up new manufacturing lines correctly from the beginning, and led the manufacturing side for Arjuna Biosciences' work on an FDA-approved drug for autism using CBD, which successfully went through the first phase of FDA clinicals. That project represents one of my most notable achievements. Throughout my career, I've been responsible for many firsts in the botanical industry, particularly in identification and quality control. I worked as a bulk ingredient supplier, and I traveled to remote parts of the world to see how botanicals are grown, handled, and processed before they arrive, because quality has to start from the very beginning. I served on the Board of Trustees for the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) for 13 years and was chairperson for a time. Education has always been my thing - I've done extensive publications in books and magazines, seminars, webinars, and panel discussions to educate people about the industry and help newcomers in the field. I take pride in having influenced people to go into different careers in this space. I'm currently in transition, taking time to figure out how to best use my experience, potentially in volunteer or nonprofit work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rupa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for this industry. Basically, if you want it in a few words, that's what it is. I'm very passionate about the botanical industry, and I see that it works. And it's a great way to prevent disease from happening. And so, that's my passion. That's why I put mine more than 100% into it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was just do what comes from the heart. And make a decision and make it work. If you made a decision, that means you put in thought to make the decision based on the information at that time, and then make it work. And if it absolutely does not work, don't look back and regret. But try to make it work. Just don't jump from one thing to another. But the main thing is try to make decisions, not just with your mind, but also with the heart. Because I'm dealing with humans. They are the ones who are taking my product, and so keep that in mind.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is the same advice I got, and it helped - be ethical, and do it from your heart. And love what you do. So, a passion for what you do.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Work and personal life balance is important for my health and the health of my family. That is important. Number two, ethics. Being ethical. And, because I'm in the field of quality and operations, being ethical is really important. These are things people take to feel better, and so I would not want anything to go wrong with these. And people's trust in a brand is very important. I value family, and to me, it's important to have that balance. I have a good balance with family, and also for myself. If I'm not healthy, I cannot help others.
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