Rooted By Arpitharai

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.

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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

Senjuti Chakraborty’s journey took her from the chaos of fashion weeks to the quiet rhythms of Auroville farms.

In this episode of Rooted by Arpitharai (formerly Style Meets Sustainability), she opens up about walking away from styling, choosing slow living, learning sustainability as a life practice, and finding purpose in simplicity.

We explore:

• How sustainable fashion became a personal commitment
• What permaculture and composting taught her about design
• Circular choices in daily life, especially clothing
• Redefining beauty, identity, and feminine freedom
• Her current work as a UX designer aligned with conscious values

If you’re looking to begin your own journey into intentional fashion or eco-friendly living—this episode offers insights, grounding stories, and ideas that are both practical and powerful.

Watch, reflect, and grow with us.
Subscribe to stay rooted in conscious fashion, circular design, and mindful living.

#RootedByArpitharai #SlowFashionIndia #SustainableDesign

When I stopped asking others to change and focused only on myself, everything around me began to transform.In this deeply personal solo episode of Rooted by Arpitharai, I share how a mindset shift impacted every part of my life—relationships, clothing choices, and health.

You’ll hear about:

– How I rebuilt my relationship with my husband and daughter by changing how I communicate

– The process of creating a capsule wardrobe rooted in minimalism and intention

– The lifestyle shifts that brought me back from years of insomnia

– Why I never tell others to change, and how that approach inspired quiet transformation in my family and communityThis episode is an invitation to begin with one thing—yourself.

Because transformation starts within, and mindset is the most powerful tool we have.If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

Listen to more episodes of Rooted by Arpitharai https://shorturl.at/9hI0A

Instagram: @arpitharai https://www.instagram.com/arpitharai Clothing brand: Second Time by Arpitha Rai https://www.instagram.com/arpitharais

Website: www.arpitharai.com

#RootedByArpitharai #MindsetShift #MinimalWardrobe #SustainableLiving #CapsuleCloset #SlowFashionPodcast
⏰ CHAPTERS ⏰

0:00 Preview

0:32 Intro

1:23 Relationships

2:47 Clothing

4:05 Health and lifestyle

5:53 Spirituality

6:30 Final Thoughts

In this episode of Rooted by Arpitharai, I sit down with Manju Bargavi, co-founder of Itisu, a sustainable activewear brand that combines Ayurvedic dyeing, local artisan collaboration, and plant-based color innovation.

We explore what it means to create clothes that change over time—reflecting the wearer’s journey. Manju shares her insights from working in Tirupur, the philosophy behind Itisu, and why she believes sustainable fashion must go beyond materials into mindset.

If you’re curious about Ayurvedic textiles, soil-based dyeing, or the future of mindful activewear—this conversation is for you.

#RootedByArpitharai | Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/@arpitharai

Connect with Manju Bargavi:

• Instagram ➭ https://www.instagram.com/itisu.in/ 

• Website ➭ https://itisu.in/ 

•  LinkedIn ➭ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manju-bargavi-02807744/ 

Connect with me:

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

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

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

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

• Website ➭ https://arpitharai.com 

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

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

⏰ CHAPTERS ⏰

0:00 Preview

0:38 Intro

2:17 Take away from this conversation

2:58 What made you stop buying synthetic clothes

6:34 Why don’t you believe in Fashion?

9:57 What is Itisu?

11:47 What made you choose activewear for Itisu?

16:22 How is your life influenced by your work?

20:17 What’s the process of dyeing? 

29:12 What is Earth dyeing?

39:58 What has the response for changing colours?

46:16 What does a sustainable mindset mean to you?

49:35 What have those collaborations taught you?

55:50 How is sizing done for your brand?

1:02:56 How do we approach activewear clothing today?

1:08:55 What is your style like?

1:14:01 The term “sustainable fashion” is losing its meaning?

1:21:28 Advise for a conscious way of living?

1:24:42 What keeps you hopeful?

1:27:19 Experience being on Rooted

1:28:31 Previous guest question

1:30:23 Question for next guest

1:31:07 Thank you & Final thoughts

Keep smilingLoveArpitha

In this episode of Rooted by Arpitharai, I speak with Laure, who has lived a nearly zero-waste lifestyle for the past 8 years.

We explore her approach to sustainable clothing, menstrual hygiene, secondhand fashion, and living with intention.

This conversation is not about being perfect—it’s about everyday practices that create long-term impact. If you're interested in circular fashion, upcycling, capsule wardrobes, and mindful consumption, this one’s for you.

Watch the full episode to learn:

* How zero-waste living is possible in fashion

* Simple shifts to start your journey

* Why conscious choices matter now more than ever

Subscribe for more stories rooted in sustainability.

Connect with Laure:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ecolorette

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurehuys/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecolorette/

Connect with me:

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

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

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

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

• Website ➭ https://arpitharai.com

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

⏰ CHAPTERS ⏰

0:00 Preview

0:40 Intro

3:01 About Laure

7:33 What made you choose a sustainable lifestyle?

10:50 Biggest mindset shifts or lifestyle changes

12:29 Sustainable menstrual options

16:01 How do you shop for clothes?

20:25 Repair, reuse, and upcycle clothes

23:06 Thoughts on hand-me-downs?

26:06 How to avoid waste in social situation

29:46 Thoughts on slow fashion

30:36 Impact of surrounding on sustainable life

35:12 Experience of tough moments

39:17 Where to start a zero-waste life?

39:34 Previous guest question

40:44 Experience being on Rooted

41:32 Thank you

42:02 Final thoughts

Keep smiling

Love

Arpitha

Welcome to Rooted by Arpitharai — where we go below the surface of the fashion industry.In this episode, Arpitha sits down with Aishwarya Lahariya, co-founder of JIWYA — a revolutionary brand blending plant-based design, traditional craft, and textile science.

You’ll hear how JIWYA collaborates with over 150 artisans, creates garments that biodegrade back into the soil, and redefines what true luxury means in a sustainable world.

Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

Learn more about JIWYA:

Jiwya: https://www.jiwya.com/pages/our-story

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

LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/jiwya

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jiwya_official

Learn more about Arpitharai:

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

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

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

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

• Website ➭ https://arpitharai.com 

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

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

This episode of Rooted by Arpitharai features Cinzia Gremmo, CEO of Italtex, Italy’s premier studio for fashion fabric trend books.
We explore how Italtex has stayed ahead since 1959 by blending textile expertise with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

What’s inside:
– What trend books are and how they shape global fashion
– Sustainable textile innovations: Himalayan grass fibre, undyed wool, and stone-powder dyes
– The truth about garment labels and why fibre blends matter
– Personal stories from Cinzia’s life in the woodlands of Biella
– Why culture, community, and nature should all be part of fashion’s future

Subscribe for more stories shaping a conscious and circular fashion world.

Watch now & don’t forget to comment what part inspired you most!

#RootedbyArpitharai #Italtex #FashionForecasting #SustainableFabrics #CircularFashion

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

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

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

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

• Website ➭ https://arpitharai.com 

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

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