Indian Wellness Leader Sarmistha Mitra on Money and Growth

Sarmistha Mitra, a prominent figure in the UAE’s wellness sector, attributes her success to adaptability and a strong relationship with money. As the CEO of The Wellbeing Sanctuary in Dubai, the Indian expatriate has spent 16 years in the region, where she has cultivated a philosophy that views financial resources as an extension of personal values and purpose.

Mitra, 53, describes her evolution in understanding money, stating, “Dear Money, I understand that you are a form of self-expression. You are not just a currency but a mirror of my inner world, my confidence, and my ability to trust in abundance.” This perspective, she believes, has transformed her relationship with finances from one of detachment to a partnership in creation.

Transforming Perspectives on Wealth

Mitra reflects on her earlier views of money, noting a period when she saw it as secondary to her purpose. “I unknowingly resisted financial abundance, believing that knowledge and wisdom are greater than money,” she explains. Over time, she recognized the internal disconnect that hindered her financial growth. Through a journey of self-mastery and subconscious reprogramming, she reshaped her beliefs, viewing money as a tool to amplify her values and broaden her vision.

Her mother’s cautious approach to finances taught her discipline but also instilled a belief that money should be guarded. This mindset sometimes made her hesitant to embrace financial risks, even when necessary for progress. Mitra asserts that open discussions about money are essential for breaking generational patterns of fear and lack. “I don’t consider money a taboo topic,” she says. “Financial empowerment starts with awareness.”

Mitra emphasizes that experience has been her greatest instructor in financial management. “No book or person could have taught me what experience has,” she states. She learned that financial decisions are influenced by clarity, confidence, and aligned actions.

Lessons from Challenges and Experiences

Reflecting on her most profound experiences with money, Mitra recalls a difficult period when her family faced financial uncertainty. With her husband as the sole provider, she felt the pressure of potential instability. “His trust in abundance and calm acceptance of financial uncertainty deeply moved me,” she says. His generosity in supporting family members during times of need helped her reframe her beliefs about financial security.

Living in the UAE has significantly influenced her perception of wealth. Mitra notes that the country’s culture, characterized by ambition and resilience, has reshaped her understanding of financial abundance. “It isn’t about luck but about adaptability and knowing how to receive,” she asserts.

Mitra prioritizes spending on experiences, knowledge, and personal growth, viewing these as worthwhile investments. She approaches financial planning with a structured yet flexible mindset, balancing saving and investing to ensure both security and growth. “Some months, I invest more in growth, while others, I focus on building reserves,” she explains.

As she continues to expand The Wellbeing Sanctuary, Mitra remains committed to embracing unexpected opportunities. “Life flows best when we don’t resist it,” she concludes, highlighting the importance of adaptability in achieving financial abundance and personal fulfillment.