Welcome back to The IKKIVI Podcast, where we explore conscious living through the lens of culture, craft, and creativity. I’m your host, Nivi Murthy, and today we’re joined by Sakshi Gupta, the creative force behind The Girl With Ideas, a wedding design and floral styling studio known for its poetic, intimate, and story-driven celebrations.
Sakshi’s work draws deeply from the everyday: family traditions, travel, nature, and especially flowers, using them as tools for emotional storytelling and cultural connection. With an intuitive and artistic approach, she creates timeless floral experiences that are full of meaning and beauty.
In this episode, we explore her journey as a floral artist, and the power of flowers in design, not just as visual decoration, but as a medium for memory, identity, and cultural symbolism. We dive into how she translates emotions into aesthetics, the decisions behind her unique design process, and the emotional and sensory spaces she crafts through each event.
While Sakshi’s work often shines through modern Indian weddings, this conversation expands beyond that to look at how florals reflect personal heritage, collective memory, and sustainable values. We also discuss the often-overlooked topic of sustainability in the flower industry, and how creating something so ephemeral can have a lasting emotional and cultural impact.
If you’ve ever been moved by flowers, or wondered about their deeper significance in design and storytelling, this episode offers a beautiful, reflective look at the intersections of florals, culture, and conscious creativity.
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Welcome back to the IKKIVI Podcast!
In this episode, we’re joined by Daribha Lyndem, civil servant, writer, and storyteller, whose debut book Name Place Animal Thing weaves together memory, place, and identity with striking intimacy and nuance. Set in Shillong, the book captures the quiet complexities of growing up in a world marked by cultural transitions and personal awakenings.
We talk to Daribha about her creative journey, what drew her to storytelling in its many forms, and the memories that shape the stories we choose to tell. She reflects on her relationship with cultural identity, navigating vulnerability in writing, and how she balances her life in civil service with a rich creative practice.
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Welcome back to the IKKIVI Podcast —
In today’s episode, we speak with Nishant, founder of Oshadi Collective, a regenerative fashion initiative based in Tamil Nadu, India. Oshadi is building a new system for fashion that begins with the soil, centering nature, community, and craft in every step.
We talk about the vision behind Oshadi, what it means to go beyond sustainability, and how regeneration allows for healing of land, people, and process. Nishant walks us through what it takes to grow a garment from seed to sew, the practices they use on their farms, and the challenges of working in sync with nature in an industry built for speed. We also explore whether regeneration can scale, and how India’s rich agricultural and textile heritage could shape a more grounded future for fashion.
Whether you're passionate about conscious fashion, climate action, circular economy, or the future of sustainable textiles, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.
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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 4 of the IKKIVI Podcast!
In this episode we are joined by Sukhraj Singh—founder of the Indenium School of Responsible Design and a leading voice in denim, indigo, and sustainable fashion. With over 20 years of industry experience, Sukhraj shares how he's transforming fashion education by centering process, craft, and hands-on learning.
We explore what sustainability in fashion truly means today, why responsible design goes far beyond materials, and how the future of fashion can be both innovative and rooted in tradition. Sukhraj breaks down the full lifecycle of a garment—from spinning and weaving to natural dyeing and construction—offering a rare, immersive look into how designers can create with intention and care.
Whether you're a fashion student, educator, or conscious creative, this conversation will shift how you think about design, sustainability, and the role of education in shaping the next generation of change-makers.
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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 3 of the IKKIVI Podcast!
The reality of plastic use is something we can’t escape—it's embedded in almost everything we use on a daily basis. From packaging to clothing, electronics to beauty products, plastic is everywhere. For years, we’ve been told that recycling is the solution, but the reality is far more complex. So, how big is the plastic waste problem really? Who profits from keeping the myths around plastic alive? And most importantly, what can we do about it?
In this episode, we dive deep into the truth behind plastic waste—unpacking shocking facts, the real impact of recycling, and what businesses and individuals can do to drive change. We’ll also explore innovative solutions, from plastic alternatives to refillable beauty, and discuss how organizations like AORA and rePurpose Global are tackling this crisis.
If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to be "plastic-negative" or how to make a real difference in your plastic footprint, this conversation is for you. Let’s get started.
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Welcome back to The IKKIVI Podcast! I’m your host, Nivi Murthy, and today, we’re joined by Karishma Shah, the founder of Paeony—a brand that blends intuitive design with sustainability. With a background in fine arts and years of curatorial experience, Karishma approaches fashion as a medium for self-expression, prioritizing emotion and connection over fleeting trends.
In this episode, we explore her journey—what led her to start Paeony, the challenges of building a conscious brand, and how she balances sustainability with business growth. We also talk about the power of following your intuition, going with the flow in decision-making, and trusting the creative process while running a business.
We’re so excited for you to listen to this conversation!
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For 14 years, artist Kirstie Macleod brought together 380+ artisans from 51 countries to create The Red Dress—a breathtaking hand-embroidered gown that tells stories of heritage, resilience, and empowerment. Made from 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion, this extraordinary piece has now earned a place in Guinness World Records 2025 as the largest collaborative embroidery project ever.
In this Season 4 premiere of The IKKIVI Podcast, we uncover the origins of The Red Dress Project and the deep connections Kirstie built with artisans worldwide—from Lambani craftswomen in South India to remote village embroiderers. She shares how the project evolved over the years, its survival through challenges like the pandemic, and the deeply personal narratives stitched into every thread.
Tune in to hear Kirstie’s journey before The Red Dress, her process of managing a global creative movement, and her vision for its future. This episode dives into creativity, perseverance, ethical fashion, slow craft, and the power of embroidery in storytelling and social change.
Watch the documentary by Black Bark Films: https://vimeo.com/646523063
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Welcome to episode 20 of season 3 of the IKKIVI podcast. Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Dominique Drakeford, an influential leader in sustainable fashion, environmental justice, and cultural storytelling. With over 15 years of experience, Dominique has transformed the conversation around sustainability, not just as an educator but as a cultural pioneer who bridges community, fashion, and justice. Her work, from Sustainable Brooklyn to her upcoming podcast Compost, Cotton and Cornrows, explores how sustainability can honor both ancestral wisdom and modern solutions.
In this episode, we dive into Dominique’s journey into sustainable fashion and what it means for her on a cultural and societal level. She tells us about her upcoming projects and how she sees the sustainable fashion industry evolving over the years. Plus, as a mother, she shares her experiences navigating conscious parenting and the practices that keep her grounded in her sustainable values. Join us for this inspiring conversation that touches on the heart of sustainable living and Dominique's vision for a better future.
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https://www.instagram.com/dominiquedrakeford/
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Welcome to episode 19 of the IKKIVI Podcast season 3. We’re thrilled to welcome Kavita Khosa, Founder and CEO of PUREARTH, whose passion for clean beauty, wellness, and social impact led her on a transformative journey from Banking and being a lawyer to the high-altitude Himalayas. Kavita embraced her Indian roots, building PUREARTH on the foundations of Ayurvedic tradition and sustainability. Her work uplifts communities through partnerships with women’s micro-credit and self-help groups, combining beauty with positive social change.
Today, she joins us to discuss the global rise of Ayurveda, share her personal stories with Ayurveda, bust some myths and explore the mind-skin-body connection in our pursuit of holistic wellness. I’m so excited for you to listen to this heartfelt and warm conversation and get to know this beautiful person behind the brand PUREEARTH.
Checkout PureEarth here:
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Welcome to episode 18 of 'The IKKIVI Podcast’ Season 3. Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by the incredibly talented Eina, a visionary jewelry designer and Creative Director who has been redefining how we view accessories for over two decades.
Eina’s journey is a fascinating one—from leaving the corporate world after completing her MBA, to training at some of the world’s top contemporary jewelry schools in Italy and the Netherlands, to building a globally recognized brand that has graced the pages of British Vogue, CR Fashion Book, and countless others. Her bold, oversized designs have been worn by fashion icons and celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
But what truly sets Eina apart is how she infuses her pieces with deep meaning, spirituality, and storytelling. Her creations are not just accessories; they are personal statements, witnesses to lives well-lived, and a beautiful blend of global influences with traditional craftsmanship.
In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into her journey, what first inspired her to create such deeply personal pieces and how spirituality and mindfulness shape her creative process. We’ll also explore the challenges she’s faced in balancing art and business, her inspirations and how her brand is evolving as she evolves in life.
I’m so excited for you to listen to this episode and hope you enjoy it!
Checkout Eina’s work here:
https://www.instagram.com/einaahluwalia/
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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.
