Interview with Bala Enzyme C0-Founders – Dr. Farnoush Fadavi & Dr. Arash Aftabi
Building Bala Enzyme: How Two Dental Specialists Created a Natural Anti-Inflammation Solution
Bala’s story is a reminder that innovation often arises from personal challenges—and that passion for helping others can fuel a brand through tough hurdles. Few know this better than Dr. Farnoush Fadavi (Dr. Fay) and Dr. Arash Aftabi (Dr. Artie), co-founders of Bala Enzyme. Their path from dental specialists to supplement entrepreneurs is one of resilience and innovation.
Dr. Fay and Dr. Artie practiced dentistry together in Southern California for over 20 years, frequently treating patients recovering from oral surgery. Many struggled with gastrointestinal issues from ibuprofen, and Dr. Fay herself had a severe sensitivity to pharmaceuticals.
A Life-Altering Injury Sparks a New Venture:
In 2018, Dr. Fay suffered a traumatic injury that ended her dental career. A fall in the office left her with a shattered shoulder, broken hip, and chronic pain. Unable to tolerate pharmaceuticals, she turned to bromelain to manage her recovery. Experiencing its benefits firsthand, she and Dr. Artie saw potential for a natural solution beyond their dental patients.
They worked with a biochemist to create Bala Enzyme—a powdered supplement combining bromelain, papain, turmeric, electrolytes, and amino acids to reduce inflammation, support recovery, and promote gut health.
Being a Female Founder is HARD:
Funding their new CPG venture presented steep learning curves. Like many female founders, Dr. Fay faced an uphill battle—only 2% of venture capital goes to women-led businesses. Despite this, customer testimonials and thousands of subscribers validate their belief in Bala.
Key Lessons for Founders:
Resilience is Essential: The entrepreneurial path is a rollercoaster. Stay committed to your mission.
Capital is Critical: Expect to need more than you plan. Growing a CPG brand is capital-intensive.
Taste Matters: Effectiveness is crucial, but taste can make or break success.
Educate Consumers: Bala isn’t a quick fix; consistent use over 5-7 days reduces inflammation.
Sampling Works—But It’s Hard: In-store demos drive sales but are costly; event sampling, especially at athletic events, has been effective.
Today, Bala Enzyme is available in over 2,000 stores, including H-E-B and Bristol Farms, and growing on Amazon. Dr. Fay and Dr. Artie envision Bala becoming a household name—the natural alternative to Advil. More enzymatic formulations are in development, further bridging the gap between natural solutions and clinical efficacy.