When we talk about sustainable living, we often talk about clothes or shopping.But sustainability also lives inside our homes — in the way we repair, replace, pause, and decide.In this episode of Rooted Reflections, I share a simple moment from my life — choosing to repair a mixer grinder instead of buying a new one — and how that choice reflected a deeper shift in my mindset. It’s not about saving money. It’s about reducing waste, plastic, energy, and unnecessary production.I also talk about how these quiet choices influence family members, how not everyone needs to agree, and how living calmly with your values slowly changes the atmosphere of your home.This conversation is not about rules or perfection.It's about ease, awareness, and choosing thoughtfully—one small decision at a time.If you’re trying to live more mindfully and sometimes feel misunderstood at home, this reflection is for you.

People often ask me, “Why not just buy new? Isn’t it easier?”
And I understand that question — I used to think the same way.

In this Rooted Reflection, I talk about why upcycling feels different to me. Not as a rule or restriction, but as a choice that slowly started making sense — emotionally, environmentally, and practically.

Every time we upcycle a garment, we save water, energy, and chemicals that would otherwise go into producing something new. We keep clothes from ending up in landfills simply because they feel outdated or forgotten. But beyond the impact numbers, there’s something quieter that happens.

Upcycling brings a slow, deeply satisfying kind of joy.
The joy of pausing. Of looking at what already exists. Of allowing a garment to evolve instead of discarding it.

I also share the philosophy behind Second Time by Arpitharai — an upcycled clothing brand where I work with preloved garments from people’s own wardrobes, helping them find a new form without erasing their story.

This episode is not about doing more.
It’s about seeing differently.

And about choosing care — for our clothes, our planet, and ourselves.

If this reflection resonates, I’d love for you to listen, sit with it, and maybe look at your wardrobe a little differently today.

0:00 - 0:33 Do we think what else can our old garment can be?

0:33 - 1:14 What if your first thought be Upcycling?

1:14 - 1:26 Intro

1:24 - 2:01 How many new lives can I give this old fabric?

2:01 - 2:23 Garments can transform into new products

2:20 - 2:47 It’s not always perfect

2:47 - 3:56 My daughter doesn’t want to buy new clothes

3:56 - 4:46 It’s ok to buy new and let go of old

4:46 - 6:10 Why go through all this?

6:10 - 6:46 My Brand ‘Second Time’

6:42 - 7:24 Buying new will reduce on it’s own

7:24 - 7:52 Noticing possibilities everywhere

7:52 - 8:20 What’s one thing that you see only as old or unused?

8:20 - 8:43 Let’s take these thoughts forward

Living with less doesn’t mean missing out. 

In this week’s Rooted Reflections, I share my thoughts on minimal living — how letting go of things, routines, and expectations quietly opens up space for ease, clarity, and joy.

From household items to wardrobe pieces, I ask myself: Did I use this in the last six months? Items I no longer use are either passed on, or in the case of clothes, saved for upcycling.

I even noticed my daughter asking the same question — and I feel quietly happy that she’s learning some of these lessons through my approach.

Minimalism isn’t emptiness. It’s breathing space. It’s freedom. It’s noticing what truly matters.

Take a pause and see what space could open in your life today. 

#RootedReflections #MinimalLiving #MindfulChoices #EverydaySustainability #GentleLiving

Sometimes, our wardrobe has more to tell us than we realise. 

In this week’s Rooted Reflections, I sit with my relationship to clothes — how I decide what to keep, what to let go, and when to bring something new in.

From old favourites waiting for upcycling, to jeans I finally bought after 7–8 years, and even how my daughter now wears some of my old pieces… it’s all about slowing down, listening, and making choices that feel gentle on ourselves and the planet.

No rules. No judgment. Just reflections from my life that I hope might sit quietly with yours.

Take a slow pause and listen. 

#RootedReflections #SlowFashion #SustainableWardrobe #UpcyclingClothes #MindfulLiving

0:00 - 0:28 Introduction

0:28 - 1:21 How do I actually replace clothes now?

1:21 - 2:11 When do I know it’s time to let a garment go? 

2:11 - 2:59 Am I giving this away too early? 

2:59 - 3:47 How do I decide when to buy something new? 

3:47 - 4:12 How I feel about buying new clothes

4:12 - 4:52 Why am I buying this?

4:52- 6:14 How to I manage my jeans

6:14 - 7:30 Why jeans, of all things?

7:30 - 8:00 Do I need variety, or do I need ease?

8:00 - 8:30 Don’t you get bored wearing the same things?

8:30 - 9:38 What am I replacing — the garment, or a phase of life?

9:38 - 10:15 Let’s take these thoughts forward

I’m a fashion designer who studied trend analysis, followed it, taught it, and lived it for years.
This solo episode is a personal reflection on how and why I slowly stopped shopping for trends—and started dressing with purpose.

I talk about:
• trend culture and my early career
• shopping hauls, wardrobe clutter, and burnout
• discovering sustainability through lived experience
• minimal wardrobes, conscious choices, and designing for real life

This is not a guide.
It’s just my story—shared honestly, in case it resonates.

If this episode stays with you, take one pause before your next purchase.

0:00 - 0:33 Introduction

0:33 - 1:03 What’s on my mind

1:03 - 2:38 Studying and implementing Trend Analysis

2:38 - 3:30 Creating videos

3:30 - 5:35 Quiet realisation

5:35 - 7:14 Something shifted more deeply

7:14 - 8:53 My relationship with my own wardrobe changed

8:53- 9:45 I went deeper into myself

9:45 - 10:12 I can’t do all this—

10:12 - 10:53 Inspiration to take forward

#SustainableFashion #SlowFashion #RootedReflections #MindfulConsumption #FashionDesignerJourney

In Part 2 of Rooted by Arpitharai, we continue our conversation with Dr. Sharmila Nagraj Nandula, exploring the emotional, mental, and therapeutic dimensions of craft.

We discuss:

– Findings from her doctoral research on naturally dyed handlooms and their impact on wearers

– How Therapeutic Weaving and Word Weaving help people emotionally and mentally

– Lessons for students and young people on craft, self-worth, and purposeful living

– Her journey as an Amazon best-selling author and her vision for future writing

This episode invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and notice the deeper wisdom in everyday choices, crafts, and clothing.

Don’t miss Part 1 if you want the full journey into her personal story and connection to handlooms.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/F9m8nkN0oZY

~~~~~~~~~~

Links Mentioned in the Video:

Dr. Sharmila’s Thesis: https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/items/b768650c-24ff-41d5-a292-6fe0b03804ff

Kaumudi studio website: https://kaumudistudio.in/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaumudi_studio/

Reach here for a signed copy: Send a WhatsApp message to 897 827 1818

Exclusive offer for you: https://kaumudistudio.in/publications/ You’ll receive a signed copy, with free shipping.Offer valid until 25th Jan, midnight.

Ms. Bonnie Tarses's website: https://bonnietarses.com/

Ms. Bonnie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnietarses/

~~~~~~~~~~~~

⏰ CHAPTERS ⏰

0:00 - 0:29 What is coming up

0:29 - 1:35 Introduction

1:35 - 18:31 How do naturally dyed handlooms affect our body and emotions?

18:31 - 27:32 How does slow, hands-on weaving affect a person emotionally?

27:32 - 36:03 What should today’s generation understand about craft, success, and self-worth?

36:03 - 39:07 What does true recognition really mean for artisans beyond titles?

39:07 - 45:31 What inspired you to write your books, and will you write more?

45:31- 46:51 Dr. Sharmila’s book details

46:51 - 48:03 What do you hope listeners take away?

48:03 - 48:39 Inspiration to take forward

Most conversations around upcycling focus on the outcome—what was made and how it looks now.In this Rooted Reflection episode, I share a quieter story.How upcycling changed the way I relate to clothes, body changes, time, and letting go—long before it changed my wardrobe.This is not a how-to episode.It’s a slow, personal reflection shaped by lived experiences—motherhood, body changes, and learning when to hold on and when to release.If you’re craving a calm, grounding conversation about sustainable living and gentle self-honesty, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen slowly.🌿 Stay rooted.

• Instagram ➭ https://www.instagram.com/arpitharai 

• Youtube ➭ https://www.youtube.com/arpitharai 

• Linkedin ➭ https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpitharai/ 

• FaceBook ➭ https://www.facebook.com/arpitharais

• YT Podcast ➭ https://shorturl.at/9hI0A 

• Apple ➭ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-by-arpitharai/

• Spotify ➭ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arpitharais

• Website ➭ https://arpitharai.com 

• Latest links ➭ https://linktr.ee/arpitharai

Handloom is not just fabric—it is emotion, memory, and lived wisdom.

In this episode of Rooted by Arpitharai, Arpitha Rai is in conversation with Dr. Sharmila Nagraj Nandula, an academician, author, entrepreneur, and practicing weaver with over three decades of experience in Indian handlooms, craft education, and artisan communities.

This first part of the conversation explores:
– How Dr. Sharmila’s journey into craft and weaving began
– The challenges of working in a field that is often misunderstood
– What we lose when textiles are seen only as products, not processes
– How weaving shapes one’s understanding of time, patience, and life itself

This episode invites listeners to slow down and reflect—on clothing, consumption, education, and inner well-being.

🎙️ Stay tuned for Part 2, where we go deeper into sustainability, artisan futures, and her vision for craft-led change.

Find out More About The Guest:

Dr. Sharmila’s Thesis: https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/items/b768650c-24ff-41d5-a292-6fe0b03804ff 

Bonnie Tarses: https://bonnietarses.com/

Dr.Sharmila signed copy: Send a WhatsApp message to 897 827 1818 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaumudi_studio/ 

⏰ CHAPTERS ⏰

0:00 - 0:41 What is coming up

0:41 - 1:33 Introduction

1:33 - 2:34 What will listeners gain by staying with us today?

2:34 - 8:21 How did this journey really begin for you?

8:21 - 13:48 What’s the common thread connecting all your roles?

13:48 - 18:24 Have you ever felt your work was misunderstood?

18:24 - 27:21 When handloom is treated as a trend, what gets lost?

27:21 - 33:29 How has weaving shaped the way you see life?

33:29 - 35:01 How has this conversation been for you so far?

35:01 - 35:39 This conversation is far from over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More places to find me:

• Instagram ➭ https://www.instagram.com/arpitharai 

• Youtube ➭ https://www.youtube.com/arpitharai 

• Linkedin ➭ https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpitharai/ 

• FaceBook ➭ https://www.facebook.com/arpitharais

• YT Podcast ➭ https://shorturl.at/9hI0A 

• Apple ➭ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-by-arpitharai/

• Spotify ➭ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arpitharais

• Website ➭ https://arpitharai.com 

• Latest links ➭ https://linktr.ee/arpitharai

This episode is part of my social impact project, Within Reach. I recently connected with the final-year fashion students of KB Women’s College, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, for a webinar on Building Your Digital Identity After College.

Instead of sharing the full session, I’m bringing you highlights from the Q&A with students. Their questions reflect what it feels like to step out of college and into the digital world as young designers—full of curiosity, courage, and creativity.

About Within ReachThrough Within Reach, I aim to make skills, opportunities, and resources accessible to everyone—through upcycling workshops, community collaborations, educational programs, women's empowerment, and support for emerging ethical fashion voices.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Hosted by Arpitha, eco-fashion designer, storyteller & founder of Second Time by Arpitha Rai

⏰ CHAPTERS ⏰

0:00 Preview

0:32 Introduction

1:54 Inspiration

2:30 How to choose your line of work?

4:23 How to get your first opportunity?

5:28 Do you need expensive equipment?

6:09 Embroidery as a niche on social media

9:29 How to use trends without loosing own style?

11:47 Can we start work without money?

13:18 How important is editing videos?

15:00 How to make portfolio attractive?

19:03 How to carry ourselves for an interview?

23:05 How to open up confidentially?

28:31 How to visually express our brand?

33:03 How to show ourselves not fake?

35:38 what would be the first post and why?

37:05 How to use forecasting for your benefit?

42:50 How to convince someone to work with me?

43:24 Creating a design from idea to final piece?

46:43 Closing thoughts

#RootedPodcast #WithinReach #DigitalIdentity #StudentVoices #SustainableFashion #ConsciousLiving

Saying no isn’t selfish — it’s a way of honouring yourself and the planet.
In this episode of Rooted by Arpitharai, I explore the layers of No — from personal boundaries to sustainable fashion choices in today’s Rooted reflections.

You’ll hear:
Why “No” often feels hard — and how to make it easier
How saying “No” to plastic, pressure, and people-pleasing creates space for a better “Yes”
Why fashion needs our “No” — for both personal and environmental well-being

Whether you’re learning to set boundaries in your personal life or choosing a more sustainable wardrobe, this episode will inspire you to say No with clarity and grace.

Listen & Subscribe:
Instagram → @arpitharai
YouTube → @arpitharai
Spotify → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arpitharais

Apple Podcast → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-by-arpitharai/

#RootedByArpitharai #SustainableFashion #MindfulLiving #SayNo