Chai Break

Thrifting, Upcycling & the Future of Fashion, Meghana Khanna, Founder of The Bindi Project

In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast, I sit down with Meghana Sharma—serial entrepreneur, style therapist, and founder of some of India’s most creative ventures, including Levitate, The Preloved Co., and now, The Bindi Project. From her early days curating Bangalore’s iconic boho boutique Levitate to co-founding a social enterprise thrift store, Meghana has always believed in making sustainability stylish and accessible. Her latest venture, The Bindi Project, is more than just about bindis—it’s an ode to the feminine divine. By upcycling leather scraps, fabric remnants, and jewelry waste into handcrafted bindis, Meghana is reclaiming cultural identity, empowering women artisans, and proving that fashion can be circular, conscious, and deeply personal. We chat about: Meghana’s journey from Levitate to The Preloved Co. to The Bindi Project Why she believes in circular fashion and how thrifting can spark community change The roots of sustainability in South Asian culture—and how it went from way of life to taboo Her philosophy of SDA: Sustainable Differential Advantage—and how it applies to every business Style, maximalism, and finding your authentic fashion voice The women and role models who shaped her journey Whether you’re a fashion lover, a sustainability advocate, or someone curious about how culture and creativity intersect, this #chaiversation will leave you inspired. Grab your cup of chai and join us for a deep dive into fashion, feminism, and the future of sustainability—one bindi at a time. chaiversations.org [http://chaiversations.org]

Rethinking Period Products: Sustainable, Compostable Pads with Rashmi Prakash of Aruna Revolution

💡 In this episode, we talk about: * Rashmi's journey pre-Arun Revolution and what led her to leave the corporate world to build a climate solution rooted in equity * What most menstrual pads are really made of—and why that’s harmful * The science behind Aruna’s compostable pads and ethical supply chain * Period cups vs. pads: Pros, cons, and finding what works for you * How Aruna Revolution is scaling across Canada and beyond * The surprising challenges (and joys) of innovating in taboo spaces Plus, don’t miss our fun wrap-up segment, “Spill the Tea,” where Rashmi shares her chai preferences, sustainability rituals, and life mantra. 🔗 Links & Resources Learn more at: www.arunarevolution.com [http://www.arunarevolution.com] Follow Rashmi on Instagram: @arunarevolution [https://instagram.com/arunarevolution]

Soil to Soil: The Chemistry of Conscious Fashion with Jiwya’s Aishwarya Lahariya

In this episode of Chai Break, we dive into the world of regenerative fashion with Aishwarya Lahariya, textile scientist and founder of Jiwya, a 100% plant-based clothing brand based in India. Aishwarya shares how her background in chemistry, sustainability research, and passion for ethical design led her to create a fashion label rooted in zero-waste living, artisan empowerment, and soil-to-soil systems. If you're curious about the real impact of your clothes—from water usage to labor ethics—and want to understand what truly sustainable fashion looks like, this episode is for you. * The origins of Jiwya * Aishwarya’s upbringing, chemistry background, and move from the U.S. to India to build her brand * Why most cotton (even “organic”) is greenwashed—and what truly sustainable sourcing looks like * What a soil-to-soil ecosystem really is and how Jiwya’s designs biodegrade in just 60 days * The reality of fast fashion: mass production, clearance culture, and the “Oops we bought too much” problem * Why ethical pricing still feels "expensive" and how to shift the consumer mindset * The science behind plant-based dyes that use 1/10th the water of conventional methods—and return nutrients to the soil * Empowering artisans and preserving textile crafts across 100+ clusters in India * The challenge of scaling while staying true to values—and what it means to vote with your wallet * Aishwarya’s thoughts on the future of fashion, the Buy Now documentary, and her work with Nadhi, a women in climate collective

Bite-Sized Climate Action: Shivani Ramesh on Community & The Sustainability Mindset

In this inspiring episode of the Chai Break Podcast, I'm joined by Shivani Ramesh—a Strategy & Implementation Analyst at ENGIE Impact, environmental engineer, and passionate sustainability advocate. Shivani takes us on a journey from her roots in India to her career in global decarbonization, offering practical wisdom for anyone grappling with climate anxiety and wondering, “What can I do?” We explore the power of bite-sized climate action—small, intentional steps we can take in our homes, communities, and careers to contribute to a more sustainable future. Shivani shares powerful stories of grassroots activism in her own family, from organizing neighborhood cleanups in Chennai to local government initiatives in Westchester, NY. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how citizen-led action, climate-conscious careers, and community collaboration can drive change, no matter where you live. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why tiny, consistent actions can create large-scale impact * Shivani’s journey from Rishi Valley School to ENGIE Impact and the spark that started it all * The importance of civic engagement and how her mother’s clean-up drives led to launching Citizen Matters in India * How her aunt’s sustainability leadership in Westchester County helped unlock funding for clean energy * Local NYC tips: how to get involved in composting, community gardens, and more * Why climate anxiety is real—and how to channel it into purpose * A behind-the-scenes look at The Soapbox Project, a growing community turning worry into climate action * How to pivot into a sustainability career or integrate climate-conscious thinking into your current work * 5 bite-sized actions you can start today to live more sustainably 🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode: * ENGIE Impact [https://www.engieimpact.com/] * Citizen Matters [https://citizenmatters.in/] * The Soapbox Project [https://www.soapboxproject.org/] * NYC Composting 🎧 Grab your chai and tune in—this is a chaiversation you don’t want to miss.

Everyday Sustainability: Zero Waste Living with Bare Necessities' CSO, Deepti Kharbanda

Deepti Kharbanda’s Journey to Sustainable Living In this engaging episode of the Chai Break Podcast,I Shwetha Ravishanakr reconnects with longtime college friend Deepti Kharbanda, Chief Sales Officer at Bare Necessities, as she shares her inspiring journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle and sustainable living. From her early days in Bangalore to becoming a passionate sustainability advocate, Deepti reveals how everyday habits—like carrying a reusable water bottle and composting—can make a big impact on our environment. About Deepti Kharbanda With a background in Human Resources and Computer Science, and nearly two decades of experience in business development and R&D engineering, Deepti blends analytical thinking with a heartfelt commitment to the planet. Her journey into sustainability began with motherhood and has evolved into a powerful mission for social impact. Key Topics Covered: * The "Why" behind Deepti’s commitment to sustainability * Overcoming common misconceptions about eco-friendly living * Practical steps for adopting a zero-waste lifestyle * How sustainable packaging and clean ingredients are changing consumer habits * Innovative initiatives like workshops with Ikea that drive community awareness Spill the Tea: Deepti also shares fun insights about her love for chai, her favorite pairing, and the influencers who have shaped her path—revealing a side of her that is as warm and engaging as her professional journey. Discover actionable tips and inspiring stories that prove sustainability starts with simple, everyday choices. Learn more about Bare Necessities [https://www.barenecessities.com] chaiversations.org [https://www.chaiversations.org/]