Biography of Jagruti Khabiya: Founder and CEO of Araatrika-Entrepreneur
Biography of Jagruti Khabiya:
Jagruti Khabiya, an eco-conscious entrepreneur, began her
remarkable journey in Pune, India. With a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she initially followed the conventional
path of an architect, working in various firms after graduation. However, deep
down, she felt an urge to create something that resonated with her values and
passion for the environment.
The Seeds of Change
Her transformative experience came during her internship in
Auroville, a community known for its sustainable living practices. Immersed in
nature, she discovered a world far removed from the noise and chaos of urban
life. Surrounded by eco-friendly materials and innovative upcycling projects,
Jagruti realized that she wanted her career to reflect her newfound
understanding of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Finding Her Purpose
Upon returning to the city, Jagruti found herself at a
crossroads. Though she had a steady job in architecture, she felt increasingly
out of place. The disconnect between her work and her values prompted her to
explore her creative side. This exploration led to her first foray into
entrepreneurship—making DIY products and selling them at local flea markets.
This initial venture ignited her passion for creating eco-friendly goods.
The Birth of Araatrika
In March 2017, Jagruti officially founded Araatrika, a brand
dedicated to producing upcycled and eco-friendly products. The name, derived
from Sanskrit, means "one that dispels darkness," symbolizing hope
and awareness in the face of environmental challenges. Her vision was clear: to
offer sustainable products that not only serve practical purposes but also
promote environmental consciousness.
A Leap of Faith
Initially, Araatrika was a one-woman operation, but as
demand grew, so did her aspirations. Jagruti balanced her day job while
nurturing her new venture. However, the turning point came when she met her
husband, a life coach who encouraged her to fully commit to Araatrika. His
belief in her potential helped her take the leap of faith, leaving her job
behind to focus on her eco-friendly brand.
Building a Community of Women
Today, Araatrika has evolved from a solo project into a
thriving enterprise that employs predominantly women—90% of the workforce.
Jagruti partnered with NGOs supporting HIV-positive women, showcasing their
exceptional craftsmanship in areas like macramé and crochet. By combining her
design skills with their talents, she has created a platform that not only
produces quality products but also empowers marginalized women.
Innovative Eco-Friendly Products
Araatrika is renowned for its innovative and sustainable
offerings. The brand specializes in biodegradable and upcycled products, with a
particular emphasis on plantable items. Their plantable rakhis, for example,
are made from biodegradable materials infused with seeds. This unique concept
encourages customers to not only celebrate but also give back to nature, as
they can plant the rakhi after use.
Sustainable Travel Solutions
Among Araatrika’s exciting products is a travel kit that
includes bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable cutlery, and plantable pen refills.
The pen refills, designed to be stuck in soil, are a clever way to integrate
sustainability into daily life. Additionally, the brand’s upcycled journals,
crafted from waste cloth and paper, highlight their commitment to reducing waste
while promoting creativity.
Educating Consumers
Jagruti acknowledges that when Araatrika began, many
customers were skeptical about eco-friendly products, often viewing them as
niche or expensive. However, as awareness grew, consumers started to appreciate
the environmental benefits of switching to sustainable options. Jagruti made it
a priority to keep prices affordable, making eco-friendly choices accessible to
all.
Biography of Jagruti Khabiya: Founder and CEO of Araatrika-Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/upcycled & eco-friendly products/ Jagruti Khabiya/Araatrika
Changing Mindsets
Over time, Araatrika has succeeded in changing perceptions
about sustainable products. Customers began to understand that choosing
eco-friendly options could also save trees and reduce waste. As people became
more informed, they began making conscious purchasing decisions, leading to a
positive shift in consumer behavior.
Empowering Women Through Work
A significant part of Jagruti’s mission is to empower women
in her community. By providing stable employment opportunities, Araatrika helps
women achieve financial independence. Many of the employees are homemakers from
different regions of India, and the company strives to support their families
by providing educational resources and materials.
Building a Supportive Network
Araatrika not only offers jobs but also creates a supportive
environment for its employees. Jagruti is dedicated to educating her staff
about sustainability, ensuring they understand the importance of their work. By
fostering a culture of learning, she empowers them to become ambassadors for
eco-friendly practices within their communities.
A Growing Brand
Since its inception, Araatrika has gained significant
traction in the market. The brand’s unique products have captured the attention
of eco-conscious consumers, leading to sold-out events at flea markets. With
each successful venture, Jagruti’s confidence and commitment to her mission
have only deepened, propelling her brand forward.
Community Impact
Jagruti believes that Araatrika can drive meaningful change
beyond just selling products. By involving women in the production process and
supporting their livelihoods, she is making a tangible impact in their lives.
This holistic approach to business reflects her dedication to creating a
sustainable future while uplifting others.
Inspiring Future Generations
Jagruti's journey as an eco-entrepreneur serves as an
inspiration for aspiring business owners. Her story emphasizes the importance
of following one's passion and staying true to one's values. By showcasing that
success can be achieved through sustainable practices, she hopes to inspire
future generations to pursue eco-friendly ventures.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Araatrika continues to grow, Jagruti remains focused on
expanding its reach and impact. She envisions a world where sustainable living
becomes the norm, and where her products play a role in educating consumers
about the importance of environmental stewardship. Her unwavering commitment to
her mission serves as a beacon of hope for a greener future.
Celebrating Eco-Conscious Living
Today, Araatrika stands as a testament to what can be
achieved through passion, creativity, and dedication to the environment.
Jagruti's work embodies the essence of eco-conscious living, making a positive
difference in the world. Her journey reminds us that every small step towards
sustainability counts and that with perseverance, anyone can become an agent of
change.
Join the Movement
As more consumers become aware of environmental issues,
Jagruti encourages everyone to support eco-friendly brands like Araatrika. By
making conscious purchasing decisions, we can collectively work towards a
sustainable future. Araatrika’s journey is just beginning, and with each new
product, Jagruti and her team are lighting the way for a greener planet.
A timeline of Jagruti Khabiya’s journey:
1990: Born in Pune, India.
2012: Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Architecture from
Savitribai Phule Pune University.
2014: Interns in Auroville, discovering sustainable living
practices.
2016: Co-founds the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Cell at
IISER Pune.
2017: Founds Araatrika, focusing on upcycled and
eco-friendly products.
2017: Leaves her architecture job to commit fully to
Araatrika.
2018: Partners with NGOs to employ predominantly women in
production.
2019: Launches innovative products like plantable rakhis and
sustainable travel kits.
2021: Educates consumers on the benefits of eco-friendly
products, changing perceptions.
2024: Continues expanding Araatrika’s impact and reach,
inspiring future eco-entrepreneurs.
