Dubai: For this Ayurvedic therapist who arrived in Dubai in 2012 earning AED 1,500 a month, life has been a journey defined by determination and dedication. Today, he owns an Ayurvedic health centre and is a partner in two others, with an annual turnover exceeding a million.“If you follow the rules set by the government, then Dubai is the best place to do business,” says Santhosh Kunjumon, conviction gleaming in his eyes.Santhosh’s success story runs parallel to Dubai’s vision: a city that grows with those willing to work hard. From support and discounts during the Covid period to clear regulations that ensure a healthy business environment, Dubai has provided the stepping stones for his rise as an entrepreneur.But Santhosh the businessman was not built overnight. His story is one of hardship, perseverance and humility.Born in 1981 in a small village in Kerala, India, his early years were comfortable. However, life changed dramatically when his father was diagnosed with cancer in 1991, when Santhosh was just 10. The illness placed immense financial and emotional strain on the family, turning everyday life into a struggle.Santhosh managed to complete his higher secondary education and chose to pursue Ayurvedic therapy, a decision that would shape his future. Around the same time, he met his wife, Soniya, who is also an Ayurvedic therapist.In search of better opportunities, he worked across north India and later in Mauritius, sometimes with his wife and sometimes alone, before finally arriving in Dubai in 2012 as a masseur.“I have always believed in hard work; work never bothered me,” says Santhosh. Caring for his patients and their health became his primary focus.Savings and successSanthosh’s disciplined approach to saving played a key role in his journey. “For instance, if I earn 100 dirhams, I keep 50 aside and never touch it,” he says.His brother and sister-in-law, both in the same profession, shared the dream of building a better life in Dubai. In 2020, during the peak of the Covid pandemic, life came to a standstill for all three. Instead of giving up or returning home, they combined their savings, experience and a partner’s financial backing to open an Ayurvedic medical centre in Dubai.I am content with what I have. Money is not my motive. I get to help many people, and that itself motivates me. Fifty-four employees mean 54 families — this gives them a livelihood.Santhosh Kunjumon“The process was very easy. We followed all the rules carefully. We got the licence and authorisation to open the centre. Dubai gave us a decent discount to set up the business, which helped us greatly,” says Santhosh.The trio worked tirelessly, and their efforts soon began to pay off. Today, Santhosh leads a team of 54 employees across three Ayurvedic medical centres in Dubai, with plans to expand further.“It is all by the grace of God. I am just doing my job to the best of my ability,” he says, recalling his father’s advice: “Look down and see reality, never look up and float in the clouds.”“I am content with what I have. Money is not my motive. I get to help many people, and that itself motivates me. Fifty-four employees mean 54 families — this gives them a livelihood.”Key to successFor Santhosh, the foundation of a successful business lies in its people. “Hard-working and happy employees make a good company,” he says. “They must be motivated to give their best and take care of customers. At the same time, you must understand that not all employees are the same — you need to recognise their shortcomings and find solutions.”He also acknowledges human nature with practicality. “There will be selfish employees too, but that is part of life. Dedicated employees are the real strength of any company.”Another key to his success is discipline in financial management. “I check profit and loss every day. I track progress daily. I do not leave anything for tomorrow,” he says.Despite his success, Santhosh leads a simple life. “I do not have leisure activities, and I hardly spend on entertainment,” he says, noting that his total monthly expenditure, including a trip to India, was AED 4,900.His grounded outlook stems from lessons learned early in life. “As a child, I listened to elders when they spoke. The knowledge I gained is my real wealth — something that is missing today,” he reflects. His work, decisions and family life are guided by those values and his unwavering faith in God.“Money cannot bring happiness. I am content with what I have. A smile on my family’s face is all I need,” he says.For Santhosh, Dubai has not just been a place of opportunity: it has been a partner in his journey, enabling him to turn hard work into lasting success.
