Green Gossip is a podcast that explores the latest news, trends, and stories from the world of sustainable living. It is sponsored by Vanity Wagon and brought to you by The Disposal Company. Join us as we interview industry experts and showcase the people behind popular brands. Whether you’re interested in eco-chic or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, grab your reusable water bottle, and tune in to learn more about sustainable living.
Episode 1 | Farm to Face: How Sadhev is Redefining Sustainability in Beauty
In this episode of Green Gossip, we spoke with Lasakan Cholayil, the Founder of Sadhev, and Akshara Sitaraman, the Creative Director of the brand. Sadhev is a luxurious Indian Ayurvedic brand that beautifully merges the principles of wellness with the ancient art of Ayurveda, resulting in a harmonious symphony of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
In the world of entrepreneurship, there are few individuals who stand out for their exceptional vision, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Lasakan Cholayil, the founder of Sadhev, is undoubtedly one such person. With a passion for organic and sustainable living, Cholayil has not only created a successful brand but has also brought about a positive change in the lives of countless individuals. His journey is a testament to the power of conviction, creativity, and hard work, and his achievements have earned him a place among the most inspiring entrepreneurs of our time.
Akshara Sitaraman, the Creative Director at Sadhev, blends the science of wellness with sustainability to create a top-notch luxury brand. Growing up closely interacting with nature, Akshara developed a deep appreciation for the environment and conservation, which reflects in her work at Sadhev. Her passion for sustainable living and community development can be seen in the brand’s commitment to using natural ingredients and supporting local communities. As the Creative Director, Akshara brings her unique perspective and creativity to create holistic and sustainable skincare products.
So, how exactly is Sadhev redefining sustainability in beauty? Read on to get exclusive insights about Sadhev’s conscious brand vision as well as Lasakan and Akshara’s thoughts on sustainable living, eco-conservation, education & more!
Green Gossip podcast is hosted by Bhagyashree Bhansali, the Founder & CEO of The Disposal Company.
Without further ado, here’s some Green Gossip for you.
Bhagyashree: You grew up in Madras, where your grandfather started these amazing family farms. Tell us about these farms. What did you have, how did you grow up amongst these farms and how did that impact your understanding of the same?
Lasakan: My grandfather founded the farm as a conservatory for rare and medicinal plants, which has now grown into a large mango orchard and a plant conservatory. I have cherished memories of the farm, from picking fresh berries to playing with the animals, which instilled a love for nature in me. Nature remains an integral part of my life, helping me disconnect and reflect on my place in the ecosystem. It’s scary to think that future generations may not have the same experiences due to our impact on the ecosystem.
It’s scary to think that future generations may not have the same experiences due to our impact on the ecosystem.
Akshara: Our family created the farm and also supported the local community by developing the area and providing education and essential resources like toilets and dust bins. We understand that overall development requires a collective effort.
Bhagyashree: Wow. So it looks like that, your family really cares about the surroundings that you guys live in. Now you live around the coastline, so tell us more about that, how does that shape your idea of environment and conservation in your surroundings?
Akshara: Chennai has the world’s second-largest coastline, which many consider to be a picturesque beauty. However, over the years, the impact of waste and human activity on the beaches has become evident, with garbage being washed up on the shore. Growing up near the sea has made this impact apparent, highlighting how our actions and decisions as a species can affect the environment.
Lasakan: I vividly remember when I used to surf in Madras and would feel something on my leg while paddling out. It wasn’t a fish, but a bag of plastic. Despite efforts to clean the beach every day, the water would bring heaps of trash onto the coastline, from rubber chapels to broken bottles to syringes. I once saw people dumping a box of trash on the beach and asked how they could let this happen. The guy who worked at the surf school said it’s a community problem and becomes a big societal issue. He told me it was for religious purposes.
Despite efforts to clean the beach every day, the water would bring heaps of trash onto the coastline, from rubber chapels to broken bottles to syringes.
Akshara: In my opinion, many people have the mindset that if something is outside of their home, they are not responsible for it. This leads to littering and a lack of care for the environment. There needs to be more education and unlearning of this behavior in the country. It’s not just about checking the cleanliness within our own homes and compounds.
There needs to be more education and unlearning of this behavior in the country.
Bhagyashree: As a consumer brand, what efforts are you making to promote more conscious consumption patterns and educate people about them, considering it is a crucial aspect of learning, unlearning, and relearning?
Akshara: I think, many issues boil down to our education system, which needs reform. As a brand, we can’t educate every consumer, but we try to make small, mindful decisions along the way, like using glass bottles and recycling plastic. We also plant a tree in the name of every online order. We recently partnered with The Disposal Company to become not just plastic-neutral, but plastic positive. It’s a constant work in progress, and we’ll continue striving to do better every step of the way while being mindful of our impact on the environment and society.
Bhagyashree: When you’re running a consumer or D2C brand, which is a very crowded space, sustainability comes with a lot of additional costs. People have doubts about the sustainable business model. Is sustainability really expensive? What do you say to people who say we can’t afford sustainability?
Lasakan: I believe that sustainability comes with a price, but it’s worth it. By taking small steps towards a better world, we can create a sense of consciousness and offer consumers the opportunity to make more conscious choices. In the skincare industry, companies in the West are doing a fantastic job of reusing and offering refillable packaging, and I hope that Indian manufacturers can bridge the gap and help us make more conscious choices. Consumption is not going anywhere, but we can make it a little more sustainable by addressing these issues.
The Bottomline
Sadhev is a brand that has redefined sustainability in the beauty industry through its luxurious Ayurvedic skincare products that embody physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Founder Lasakan Cholayil and Creative Director Akshara Sitaraman’s passion, for sustainable living and community development. have played a vital role in the brand’s commitment to using natural ingredients and supporting local communities. Through Green Gossip, we have been able to discover Sadhev’s brand vision and Akshara and Lasakan’s views on eco-conservation and sustainable living. It’s crucial to educate consumers and reform the education system to make more mindful and sustainable decisions towards the environment. Sadhev sets an excellent example for brands in the beauty industry to take responsibility and make a positive impact on the environment and the community.
Shop Sadhev here.
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