S2-E6. Building Sustainability - The Urvija Story

Be Empactful

Welcome to Season 2 of the Be Empactful Podcast.

This is Episode 6 where we have a guest who believes that economic resilience and environmental sustainability are just 2 facets of a company’s success today and should not be treated separately.

Sreela Pillai Roy is a Financial risk advisory turned Co-Founder of Urvija, a Sustainable Personal Care Products company, while also helping in her family's agri based business. She is passionate about the environment and especially against using chemicals in her products which either contribute to deforestation or harm the community or environment.

Sreela shares her journey of a video of how deforestation of forests for Palm Oil was killing the orangutan species, motivating her to start up a company which led to Urvija, India’s 1st “No Palm Oil” certified Personal care products company - a key milestone for the company and Sreela herself.

Sreela speaks about how they researched and identified locally available native ingredients that can be used in personal care products instead of Palm Oil, thus contributing to the sustenance of the environment and natural habitats of various species. This also helped in growing local market sources and communities which has improved the local ecology - a truly circular and sustainable model that looks at economy, ecology, and environment.

A simple wish she carries is that if this podcast and outreach can save 1 orangutan or preserve 1 habitat, we have started our journey back. It is this credibility & sincerity towards the cause which has resulted in Urvija getting certified by the Orangutan Alliance in Australia

3 key takeaways that Sreela has for listeners based on her own journey:

1. The journey to building an economically resilient and environmentally friendly company is full of multiple challenges. Don't stop your journey and don't hesitate to ask for help when you require it.
   
2. The challenges can sometimes defeat you. That is the time to count your blessings and celebrate every victory.
   
3. Focus on the impact you plan to leave, beyond just yourself and your company.
   

For our listeners who want to connect with Sreela Pillai Roy and Urvija, check out https://www.myurvija.com/ or follow @spillayroy and @myurvija on Instagram

So, let us know how the Urvija journey is inspiring you and what motivates you on your own journey. Reach out to us if you want to discuss, just share a thought or even a cup of coffee

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See with your Heart, Listen with your Mind. Spread your wings far and wide

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