Welcome to episode 17 of 'The IKKIVI Podcast’ Season 3. Today, we are excited to speak with Akshita M. Bhanjdeo, a visionary in luxury travel and media. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure South Asia and co-owner of the historic Belgadia Palace. Her unique blend of heritage and modern hospitality has earned her numerous accolades, including the CNBC She Shakti Award.
In this episode, we’ll explore how Akshita’s personal background has shaped her creative vision, her journey to becoming a leader in travel media, and the evolving role of print publications in today’s digital world. We’ll also dive into her insights on lesser-known Indian destinations, the importance of preserving crafts and cultures through travel, and how the next generation is embracing local experiences over international travel.
I’m so excited for you to listen to this episode and I think it may inspire your next trip!
Checkout Akshita's Instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/abhanjdeo/?hl=en
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Welcome to episode 16 of The IKKIVI Podcast. Today we have with us Sanskriti Sharma, a 30-year-old visionary artist from Delhi. Sanskriti is the creative force behind Paño, a character born straight out of her imagination. Paño, meaning 'a piece of cloth' in Spanish, represents much more than just a symbol—it's a form of escapism, a way to break free from the monotony of daily life and tap into the boundless potential of creativity.
Through Paño's big doll head and expressive eyes, Sanskriti explores the depth of her own inner world, seeing her art as both a personal therapy and a playful exploration of ideas. Paño is a filter between her and the chaos of the outside world, where creativity flourishes and stories come alive. Join us as we unravel the magic behind Sanskriti's journey, and how Paño has become her unique voice in the world of art.
Check out Paño here: https://www.instagram.com/lovefrompano/
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Welcome to episode 15 of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. This is a solo episode with our host Nivi Murthy, founder of IKKIVI. We’re celebrating 9 years of IKKIVI and in this episode I share with you stories from 2015 all the way up until now. I share our journey that has been nothing short of challenging, inspirational, educational, emotional and very very fulfilling. Thank you for listening to The IKKIVI Podcast and we hope you enjoy this episode.
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Welcome to episode 14 of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. In this episode, we have with us Priyanka Thaker, a multi-dimensional artist working with different mediums and narratives, from towering murals that dominate the urban landscape to intimate installations that beckon viewers into hidden realms of imagination.
In this episode, Priyanka shares her journey from a childhood filled with imagination to the founding of her creative and innovative brand, House of Berserk. We’ll explore how her early experiences shaped her artistic vision, discuss her approach to overcoming challenges and delve into her unique understanding of the energy of colour. We’ll also hear about her recent projects, ‘Daily Practices for Fueling Creativity’ and her commitment to inspiring self expression and freedom through her work. It was so lovely to get to know the person behind House of Berserk and I’m so excited for you to listen in.
Checkout Priyanka's work here: https://www.instagram.com/houseofberserk/
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Welcome to episode 13 of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kavya Madappa, a coffee planter, a fierce eco-conscious entrepreneur and the visionary behind Amanvana, an eco-friendly spa resort in Coorg, and Bluecat Paper, a sustainable tree-free paper company.
Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to creating a more beautiful and sustainable world. We talk about her innovative business Bluecat paper, what drove her to start this very different kind of business than she's used to, the process of making tree free sustainable paper and her vision for the company.
Join us as we dive into Kavya Madappa's inspiring story.
Checkout Bluecat's Tree-Free Paper here: https://bluecatpaper.com/
Checkout Amanvana Spa Resort : https://www.amanvanaspa.com/
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Welcome to episode 12 of season 3 of 'The IKKIVI Podcast.' Today, we're thrilled to host Mahima Gujral, the inspiring founder of Sui—a brand we've proudly featured on the IKKIVI shop since our launch.
Mahima, who fondly calls herself the "Brown Girl on the Run," has a deep passion for nature and travel. Growing up in a family with strong ties to the Indian fashion industry, she developed a keen appreciation for bespoke clothing, quality fabrics, intricate embroidery, and the importance of nurturing relationships throughout the value chain. In 2016, driven by a growing awareness of fashion's environmental impact, she began her personal journey towards mindful consumption and conscious living. This journey led her to establish Sui.
In this episode, Mahima shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of advocating for sustainable fashion, and the intricacies of building an independent brand. She offers valuable insights into the highs and lows of starting a business and navigating the complexities of operating in different countries. This engaging conversation about women in business is one you won't want to miss. Enjoy listening!
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Welcome to episode 11 of season 3 of 'The IKKIVI Podcast.' In this episode, we have with us Tracy Gillett, an adventure-loving mum, writer, and natural parenting advocate.
She is the founder of Raised Good, an award-winning blog and community that supports and empowers parents to trust and follow their instincts. Tracy is the author of The Lost Art of Natural Parenting and the host of the annual Raised Good Online Summit.
In this episode, we spoke about connection as an important part of being a natural parent. This conversation has profoundly impacted me over the past two weeks since I had it with her. I almost immediately started to see changes in my two-year-old as soon as I became more conscious and intentional about connecting with her meaningfully. Tracy offers numerous free resources, guides, and courses on secure attachment, baby sleep, and natural parenting. This conversation changed my perspective and helped me truly align with a parenting style that felt authentic to me. I am so excited for you to listen to this beautiful conversation.
Checkout these free parenting workshops and guides by raisedgood.com :
Three Secrets to Help your Baby Sleep
Five Myths Surrounding Infant's Sleep
Five Natural Parenting Secrets
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Welcome to episode 10 of ‘The IKKIVI Podcast’ Season 3. In this episode we have with us Shahili Gomes Mccoy, the co-founder of The Design Collective, a multi-brand clothing store in Colombo showcasing the work of 70+ South Asian designers, as well as Creative Director at Gandhara, the famous interiors store founded by her father in Sri Lanka.
Shahili divides her time between Sri Lanka where her businesses operate and Abu Dhabi where she lives with her lawyer husband, David and her son. Outside of work, Shahili’s twin passions are travelling and HIT. She can be found at a Barry’s Bootcamp studio most weekends.
We talk about entrepreneurship, her experience and learnings from running a business remotely, the fashion industry in Sri Lanka and the general landscape of the Sri Lankan economy. As a mother and entrepreneur she juggles the life of a modern woman and also shares with us some wise insightful ways on how she manages it all! I learnt so much from her and am excited to implement some of her ideas in the way I approach my daily life.
Welcome to the ninth episode of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. Today we have with us Sundeep Rao, a partially sighted comedian, podcaster, radio presenter, keynote speaker and my dearest husband.
With over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry and a speaker at several Tedx events, Sundeep joins us to share his valuable insights as we dive deep into the concept of the scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset. We explore how they affect our daily lives, and our decision-making. We talk about the very different backgrounds and upbringing we come from even with us growing up 2 kms away from each other.
We discuss practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming a scarcity mindset, the importance of gratitude, and how embracing an abundance mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life. Whether you're looking to change your perspective or seeking inspiration from a remarkable individual, this episode is a must-listen.
Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!
Welcome to the eighth episode of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. Today we speak with the lovely Bandana Tewari, a vanguard in the world of lifestyle journalism and a fervent advocate for mindful consumption. As Vogue India’s former Editor-at-Large and a globally recognized speaker and writer, Bandana brings her profound insights and extensive experience to our discussion, exploring the dynamic interplay between fashion and societal shifts from the pre-fast fashion era to the digital age.
She also shares her journey of transitioning from the helm of India's glamorous fashion industry to a more conscious and mindful lifestyle in Bali. This series of decisions provides inspiration in numerous ways.
In this episode, we also tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the fashion world today, discussing the path towards a sustainable future and the role consumers can play in fostering this change. Bandana offers invaluable advice to young professionals aspiring to make a positive impact in fashion, emphasizing the importance of sartorial integrity and compassionate consumption.
With Bandana’s rich experience as a TEDx speaker, contributions to esteemed publications like The Business of Fashion, and her advisory roles at major fashion summits, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in the nexus of fashion, sustainability, and mindful living. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how you can contribute to a more sustainable and spiritually fulfilling world through the lens of fashion.
Welcome to the seventh episode of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. Today, we are honoured to host Nonita Kalra, a luminary with over three decades of experience in the media world, spanning roles from the Editor of Harper’s Bazaar India to the Editor-in-Chief of ELLE India. Throughout her career, Nonita has been an architect of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends, not just witnessing but also steering the evolution of these realms with her visionary approach.
In this episode, we talk about the dynamic landscape of Indian fashion, discussing its transformation over the years and the trends that promise to shape its future. Nonita shares with us her insights on the changing perception of Indian fashion on the world stage, the role of fashion media in this transformative era, and the impact of social media and influencer culture on traditional fashion journalism. From personal challenges to memorable moments and the continuous evolution of her motivation, Nonita's journey offers invaluable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the fashion industry.
Join us as we uncover the layers of Indian fashion's past, present, and future through the experiences and vision of one of it's most influential figures.
Picture Courtesy: Natural Diamond Council
NOTE FACTUAL ERROR: Sabyasachi's first collection was showcased in 2002*
Welcome to the sixth episode of 'The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3.' Join us as we sit down with Dominique Farnan, a dynamic entrepreneur, author, speaker, and advocate dedicated to nurturing a new wave of heart-led leaders, conscious creators, and impact-driven entrepreneurs. With over two decades of experience, Dom Farnan fearlessly navigates high-growth environments, seamlessly integrating entrepreneurship, conscious leadership, and advocacy into her endeavors.
In this episode, Dom openly shares her journey from burnout to embracing well-being as a priority and leading with consciousness. She delves into the grounding practices that anchor her and highlights the vital importance for our generation to embrace self-growth and mindful leadership within our work culture.
Prepare to be inspired as Dominique's story imparts invaluable insights, enriching not only entrepreneurs but anyone seeking to lead with purpose. Tune in and let her wisdom resonate with you on your own journey.
Welcome to the fifth episode of 'The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3.' In this episode, we are joined by Deborah Gates, an Australian stylist challenging societal norms in fashion, particularly for women over 50.
In this episode, Deborah shares her personal style on Instagram and also uses her platform to introduce ethical and sustainable designers to her followers, promoting the concept of quality over quantity and building a wardrobe for longevity.
In this conversation, we talk about her journey in the world of fashion, breaking stereotypes related to 'age-appropriate' dressing, discussing her personal style, and sharing her thoughts on the future of the fashion industry regarding diversity in age, beauty, and personal style. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as we did! You can follow her work on her Instagram.
Welcome to the fourth episode of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. In this episode, we have with us Priyasha Saluja, a plant-based chef, entrepreneur, hormonal health coach, and founder of The Cinnamon Kitchen, a brand that champions delicious and nutritional products that are plant-based, gluten-free, and free of refined sugars. She also appeared in season 3 of The Shark Tank India.
In this episode, we speak with her about her journey from battling PCOS symptoms to founding The Cinnamon Kitchen, and how her personal struggles led her to embrace plant-based cooking and share her creations with others. She also talks about the interrelation between diet and conditions such as PCOS, insulin resistance, and others, and the importance of making conscious choices and seeing the value in hormonal health and sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes and diet fads. We hope you enjoy this lovely and insightful conversation!
Welcome to the third episode of The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3. In this episode, we have with us Vidya Patel, a Birmingham-based movement artist and performer. She has been training in Kathak from a young age and takes influences from various languages and experiences of working with a diverse range of artists within dance, music, and visual arts. Her work focuses on autobiographical narratives drawing on themes of identity, belonging, and empowerment.
In this conversation, we speak with her about her journey into the dance world, what influenced her passion for Indian classical dance, and how she transitioned into being a movement artist and choreographer. We speak with her about the connection between mind and body, how emotions can impact movement and vice versa, and how one releases tension and emotional trauma. We look forward to you being a part of this conversation!
Welcome to the second episode of ‘The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3’. In this episode, we have with us Mira Manek, an author, speaker, and founder of the brand ‘Chai by Mira’. She is the author behind bestselling cookbooks Saffron Soul and Prajna, based on Ayurveda, rituals, happiness, and mental health. Her third project, Book of Chai, is out this April.
In this episode, we speak with her about her journey into the world of cooking and wellness, her inspiration behind making traditional Indian cuisine both nourishing and delicious, and the recipes that bring overall well-being to the mind, body, and soul. We also talk about the perception of Indian food globally, the importance of daily Ayurvedic rituals for happiness, and her upcoming work. We look forward to you being part of this very insightful conversation!
Welcome to the first episode of 'The IKKIVI Podcast Season 3.' In this episode, we have with us Lisa Ray, an award-winning actor, author, cancer survivor, and co-founder of a digital art platform. Lisa has embraced multiple worlds and identities long before the mainstream accepted the multiplicities of selfhood.
At 51 and a mother of 5-year-old twins, Lisa is a pro-ager, working on her next book. She owns her narrative and encourages others to do the same through her public talks and keynote speaking engagements.
In this wonderful conversation, we discuss motherhood, hustle culture, and the redefinition of societal systems. We also delve into the importance of having a unique voice in today’s digital age, the impact of the entertainment industry on her personal life, and how she has redefined her career from being a 1990s model to the pivotal moments that have shaped the incredible person she is today. We truly enjoyed this candid conversation with Lisa, who has always inspired us, and we look forward to having you be a part of it as well!
Welcome to the twentieth and final episode of ‘The IKKIVI Podcast Season 2.’ In this episode, we have with us Sara Auster, a sound therapist, meditation teacher, and author. She has spent the past decade introducing sound baths to diverse audiences and unique environments all across the world. Her work explores how sound and listening transform space—both physically and psychologically—for the purpose of creating connection and healing.
In this episode, we speak with her about how sound healing works as a therapeutic and restorative practice, how it can help us navigate and heal emotional trauma, and how we can incorporate sound practices into our daily lives, and much more. If you’re curious about this space and want to learn more about this mindful practice, we’d love for you to tune into this conversation.
Welcome to the nineteenth episode of 'The IKKIVI Podcast Season 2.' In this episode, we have with us Isold Halldorudottir from Reykjavik, Iceland, who began her modeling career just over five years ago. She was discovered by a fashion and creative director after applying to a talent competition to be featured in Love Magazine in 2017.
Since then, she has continued to advocate for diversity both within and outside the fashion industry, challenging the status quo as an artist and activist. You can follow her work on her Instagram.
In this heartfelt conversation, we discuss her journey of embracing her beauty in a stereotypical system, navigating through insecurities, standing up to societal norms, and finding a safe space to express herself through her art. We also explore how she has strengthened her role as a body image activist. The conversation was so earnest and deep, striking a chord for all of us. We hope it resonates with you too.
Welcome to the eighteenth episode of ‘The IKKIVI Podcast Season 2’. In this episode, we have with us George Harding-Rolls, the Director of Policy & Advocacy at Eco-Age, who runs the organization’s work on pushing for the equitable phase-out of fossil fuel from fashion. Previously, he was with the Changing Markets Foundation, a Dutch non-profit formed to accelerate solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets, where he ran several hard-hitting corporate investigations pushing for accountability and advocating for legislative change.
In this episode, we speak with him about his active involvement in environmental advocacy in his career, about his new impactful role at Eco-Age, and how the organization is addressing some of the most pressing issues we are facing today in the fashion industry. We also speak with him about his key role in launching the Fossil Fashion campaign, how it has affected the public awareness of fossil fuel dependence, and his thoughts on how small brands with limited resources can look to be more sustainable. We look forward to you tuning into this very insightful discussion!