PHOTO BY LAURA BRAVO MERTZ
Born in Afghanistan, Durana Elmi immigrated to the United States at just three months old. Raised in a traditional Afghan home in Orange County, Elmi’s upbringing instilled a sense of strength and resilience from an early age. Refusing to be defined by her circumstances, she seized control of her destiny, paving the way for a journey marked by empowering the women often oppressed in her homeland.
After graduating from Aliso Niguel High School and UCLA, Elmi’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Cymbiotika, a wellness empire dedicated to redefining health. As the chief operating officer, Elmi is pivotal in leading the organization, shaping its culture, and driving its mission forward. “Cymbiotika is more than just a supplement company. We’re here to empower others and transform how they approach their health and well-being,” says Elmi, who co-founded the business alongside her husband, Shahab Elmi, and their business partner, Chervin Jafarieh, in Coto de Caza in 2019. “We believe that achieving health isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifelong journey, and we’re committed to helping you make that journey as happy, vibrant, healthy and amazing as it can be. That is why we’ve expanded to home care, personal care, and kids and pet supplements; we’re here to change the landscape of well-being.”
Focused on natural and organic supplements that boost and overall health, Cymbiotika has tripled its growth for five consecutive years, selling around four million units, and was named one of Inc.’s fastest-growing companies three years in a row. In tandem with those astounding numbers, Durana has racked up her own accolades. In 2023, the San Diego Business Journal awarded her Business Woman of the Year, while Inc. placed her at No. 49 on its coveted Female Founders 250 list, and JP Morgan Chase ranked her No. 2 in its 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies feature.
While that recognition fills Durana with gratitude, her passion for uplifting the women who surround her personally and professionally brings meaning to her life. “I hope to empower my daughters and the next generation of women to believe in themselves, support one another, and leave the world having given more than they have taken,” shares the entrepreneur, who launched Helping Hands for Afghans to support displaced refugees. Durana has also rallied for Afghan women, children and refugees through the Bayat Foundation. “There is no greater feeling than giving back and making a difference in a community that I cherish so much.”
