For our final installment of the Futures Hub series, we speak with Ria, recent winner of the LucyEnt competition, where she tells us about her experience at Cambridge and her project!
Design by Lucy Cavendish
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you found yourself working on your project, Earthwise?
A: I'm from Jaipur, a small town in northwestern India, famous for its royal heritage and culture, particularly in the garment industry. My family there runs a business in the garment industry, and they really wanted me to get involved after I finished my undergrad in economics. However, I wanted to explore my own path, so, I completed a master's in economics, driven by the idea of creating an impact.
I worked in a data science job for several years, but I decided to leave as I felt the best way to utilize my degree and skills was getting a job for the greater good. I realized I loved working with people so I switched to policy consulting. It was incredibly rewarding, working with governments and communities in India, and realizing how small contributions could drive significant change. This experience, especially seeing the impact firsthand, was very fulfilling.
Before starting at Cambridge, I also spent some time with my family's business, learning more about it. It was there I learned about the environmental impact of microfiber used in bed linen, a common material in the garment industry that is non-biodegradable and a major contributor to marine pollution. This concern led me to explore sustainable alternatives like bamboo and hemp, laying the groundwork for my ideas, which eventually led to Earthwise.
Q: Can you elaborate on your business idea, Earthwise?
A: I was inspired by the rich artisanal heritage and garment industry of my hometown and the essence of my project is to merge sustainability with the preservation of local culture, specifically through the art of hand block printing. This technique, which dates back around 4000 years, involves using wooden blocks and organic dyes to stamp designs onto fabric, primarily completed by women artisans. Our aim with Earthwise linen is to offer sustainable bedding options while promoting and preserving this ancient art form.
My approach is bottom-up, focusing on the stories and designs the artisans wish to share, rather than dictating terms from the top down. This method not only maintains cultural integrity but also engages the community actively in the preservation of their heritage.
On the sustainability front, we're replacing microfiber with bamboo and hemp to produce our bedding. Contrary to the popular belief in cotton's sustainability, it's quite water-intensive. Bamboo and hemp, on the other hand, are biodegradable, hypoallergenic, retain heat well, and use significantly less water—about one-fifteenth of what organic cotton requires. They're easily sourced from North India, making them ideal for our purpose. This initiative is about ensuring comfort without compromise, providing soft, comfortable bedding that also aligns with our environmental values. Plus, the hand block prints not only look beautiful but also add a unique touch to our sustainable bed linen!
Q: What are your future plans for Earthwise?
A: Moving forward, my primary goal is to utilize the funds I’ve won to create additional samples and complete research, especially in ways to more effectively convey our story. I thought the connections made through coaching and pitch day have been invaluable, providing me with the opportunity to network with people who can offer fresh perspectives on our target market's preferences and how I can better articulate Earthwise's mission.
I also plan to focus on producing more samples and exploring ways to progress. This will involve a lot of learning and adapting as we refine our approach to storytelling and impact-making. There's still a degree of uncertainty in the path forward, but the aim is to solidify Earthwise's foundation and expand its reach, keeping sustainability and cultural preservation at the core of what I hope to do!
About The Futures Hub
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