As an accidental entrepreneur, my journey began while working with waste pickers, where I witnessed their challenging conditions and the urgent need for effective waste management. This prompted the inception of Bare Necessities, a brand dedicated to shifting our approach to waste by offering plant-based, non-polluting products free from harsh chemicals and plastics. Our mission is to provide essential items for daily life, such as shower and dental hygiene products, while prioritizing environmental health. Launched through small pop-ups in 2016-17, Bare Necessities initially attracted young mothers focused on labels, but we've since witnessed a growing interest in sustainability driven by social media and initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Realizing that existing American models didn't fit, I created a guidebook, "Bare Necessities: How to Live a Zero-Waste Life," which compiles valuable resources from Indian non-profits and startups, reflecting what I wished I had known about sustainable living. Through this work, we strive to inspire a more sustainable India.

I became an accidental entrepreneur while working with waste pickers, noticing their challenging conditions and the lack of proper waste management systems. This observation sparked the idea that we must change our approach towards waste. We can’t continue to create mountains of trash that pollute our streets and oceans. That’s how Bare Necessities was born. Our products are designed to be plant-based, non-polluting, and free from harsh chemicals and plastics. I believe in sustainable packaging and formulations that are truly kind to the environment. With Bare Necessities, our goal is to offer essential products that cater to daily needs — like showering and dental hygiene —without compromising the planet’s health. Starting with small pop-ups in 2016-17, I slowly introduced one product a month. Initially, my audience was mostly young mothers keen on reading labels. Over time, I’ve seen a broader interest in sustainability, influenced by social media and initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which have brought waste management into mainstream conversations. When I began, I felt lost and sought inspiration from American models, only to realize they didn't quite fit. This led me to create a guidebook, Bare Necessities: How to live a
zero-waste life, filled with zero waste resources and information from various Indian non-profits and startups, reflecting what I wish I had known about sustainable living.

UN SDG 3 Good health and well being