When personal struggles pave a path to save others, startups like Innerpece are founded. Jayaseelan A, founder of the startup has bravely transformed his personal journey from depression to peace with this unique startup that is focused on offbeat destinations. The company offers specifically tailored experiences that help you find happiness and inner calm.
Our founder, Aditya Farrad, in an exclusive Q&A round, discovered more details about Jayaseelan’s journey, his inspirations, his tricks to grow organically without external funding and more.
Background and Early Entrepreneurial Spirit
Jayaseelan A graduated with a BE in Aeronautical Engineering in 2021 but did not enter the corporate world. Rather, he continued working on his startup.
“I started my own business while I was still a student, called Young Ones School, which was inaugurated by Padma Shri Dr. Mayilswamy Annadurai. Before that, I was also part of a student-run café in college.”
After graduation, Jayaseelan faced many challenges. His business eventually failed, and he faced personal struggles that led to depression. To heal, he began traveling, finding in those journeys a path to peace and happiness. “Now, I want to share that same experience with others, helping them find peace through travel. That’s why I started Innerpece.”
Inspiration and Taking the Leap
The venture was born from a deeply personal place.
“I went through personal struggles that led me into depression. To heal, I started traveling more—and through those journeys, I found peace and happiness. Now, I want to share that same experience with others.”
His selection of entrepreneurship over a job came naturally. He loves leading people and driving a vision while creating strategies.
“I’ve always preferred trying things out in the real world rather than just sitting in classrooms. Since childhood, I have been constantly roaming around, drawn to and inspired by business owners. That influence stayed with me, and over time, my passion evolved into a strong decision to pursue this path.”
Early Challenges and Lessons Learned
The first year of Innerpece posed numerous challenges, financial ones being on top.
“The first year of Innerpece went well, but I made a lot of financial mistakes. I was working alone with freelancers, without a proper team or mentorship. There were no clear calculations, no strategies, and no defined goals.”
However, soon Jayaseelan recognized the problem and set on to solve it and he started with building a team. A dedicated accounts team was his priority to specifically address financial issues.
“That decision made a big difference. Once the team was in place, I was able to overcome many of the challenges.”
The Unique Value Proposition
Innerpece focuses on offering travel experiences to places untouched by tourists.
In the words of the founder, they are working on untouched places where there are no tourists, with different itineraries. Thus, making it easier for customers to choose from varied experiences or standardized ones.
To maintain trust and build standards, before launching, every idea is tested with real actions.
“I validate ideas through practical implementation—not just this one. Whatever idea I’m working on, I prefer to take action and test it directly, whether it works or not. I did the same with Innerpece—I organized a trip, people joined, and I realized that I was fully capable of leading and organizing such experiences,” said Jayaseelan.
Mission, Growth, and Customer Connection
So far, Innerpece has grown organically.
Mission: To make everyone happy and peaceful.
“We rely on word of mouth. Stories.”
Their business model targets direct consumers (B2C). The team comprises four core members plus two external team members.
Despite not receiving external funding, the company is scaling sustainably by strategically reinvesting what it earns.
Customer feedback has played a major role in shaping Innerpece’s offerings. Innerpece develops programs mainly on the basis of customer feedback.
Overcoming Challenges and Startup Wisdom
Jayaseelan admits the path hasn’t always been smooth. But does he want to give up?
NO!
Why?
Because of his desire to help others find peace.
He debunks common startup myths:
- There is no need to come to the market only with funding, only with innovation, only with huge uniqueness.
- You can do business from day one; later, you can innovate with a real customer base.
- Think with what you have.
Advice to New Founders
Reflecting on his experience, Jayaseelan says, “I might have avoided starting a business with nothing.”
He highlights key traits for success: Confidence, willpower.
On networking, he added: “It’s mandatory in business. Business is growing based on this only.”
His advice on mistakes to avoid is clear:
“Not all businesses need big capital. Slow growth is completely fine. Instead of waiting in front of investors, start attracting through your work.”
