Biography of Renjini
Thampi: Founder and CEO of
Biography of Renjini Thampi
Renjini Thampi is a passionate entrepreneur and artist from
Kochi, Kerala, who has turned her creative vision into a thriving business. As
the founder of Vapasee, an upcycled home décor brand, she aims to tackle
environmental issues while bringing artistic flair to everyday items. With a
commitment to sustainability and an eye for beauty in discarded materials,
Renjini has become a noteworthy figure in the world of eco-friendly design.
Academic Journey
Renjini pursued her MBA in Finance at Mahe Manipal
University from 2011 to 2013. This educational background equipped her with the
business acumen necessary for launching and managing her own venture.
Additionally, she earned a diploma in Airfares and Ticketing from Skyline
College in 2006, showcasing her diverse interests and capabilities even before
she embarked on her entrepreneurial path.
Early Career and Artistic Pursuits
Before founding Vapasee, Renjini worked as an Account
Manager at Chemistry Advertising in Dubai, where she managed client portfolios
and designed marketing campaigns. Her experience in advertising honed her
skills in creativity and project management. During this time, she also
nurtured her passion for art, participating in various exhibitions and
showcasing her works, including a notable display at the Sanskriti Exhibition
in Kochi.
Transition to Upcycling
In 2015, after returning to India from Dubai, Renjini became
increasingly aware of the waste crisis, especially after seeing the mountains
of trash in landfills. Her artistic journey took a pivotal turn when she and
her husband, an artist himself, began exploring scrap yards for materials. It
was here that she recognized the potential to transform waste into art,
inspiring her to embrace the concept of upcycling.
The Birth of Vapasee
Vapasee was founded in 2021, with a mission to create
sustainable home décor items by upcycling discarded materials. The name
"Vapasee" is derived from the Hindi word 'vapsi,' meaning 'to come
back,' reflecting the brand's ethos of giving new life to waste. Under
Renjini's creative direction, Vapasee has successfully turned thousands of
glass bottles, coconut shells, wood, and metal scraps into beautiful,
functional pieces.
Creative Process and Impact
Renjini’s creative process involves collecting, sorting, and
sanitizing discarded items, which are then transformed into art pieces such as
lamps, wall hangings, and decorative platters. By upcycling, she not only
reduces waste but also promotes environmental consciousness among her
customers. So far, Vapasee has repurposed an impressive 21,000 glass bottles
and 5,000 coconut shells, making a significant impact on reducing waste in her
community.
Artistic Philosophy
Renjini believes that art can play a crucial role in
addressing environmental challenges. Her philosophy centers around seeing
potential in what others deem as waste. This perspective shift has not only
shaped her artistic vision but has also encouraged others to think creatively
about recycling and sustainability. Her commitment to the environment is
evident in every piece she creates.
Biography of Renjini Thampi: Founder and CEO of Vapasee- Entrepreneur/upcycled home décor made from discarded materials/age/net worth/investor/
Overcoming Challenges
The journey of transforming fragile glass and scrap
materials into art has not been without its challenges. Renjini has learned to
navigate the delicate nature of her materials while ensuring safety throughout
the process. Understanding the technical aspects of working with glass,
including temperature management and safe handling, has been vital to her
success as an artist and entrepreneur.
Community Engagement
Renjini’s work has garnered attention within the community,
and she actively engages with her audience to raise awareness about
sustainability. Through workshops and exhibitions, she educates others on the
importance of upcycling and how art can contribute to environmental solutions.
This community focus reinforces her belief that collective efforts can lead to
positive change.
Recognition and Achievements
Vapasee’s innovative approach has been recognized by various
platforms, including being a semi-finalist for Climate Launchpad by Climate
Collective. This recognition not only highlights Renjini’s commitment to
environmental sustainability but also opens doors for further growth and collaboration
within the eco-conscious community.
The Role of Family Support
Renjini credits much of her success to her supportive
family, particularly her husband, who shares her passion for art. Their
collaboration in sourcing materials and brainstorming ideas has been
instrumental in the growth of Vapasee. This familial support system fosters a
creative environment where both can thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Renjini hopes to expand Vapasee's reach and
continue to innovate in the field of upcycled art. She aims to inspire more
individuals to embrace sustainability and explore the beauty in repurposing
waste. With her growing audience of 5,000, she envisions a future where more
people are engaged in environmentally friendly practices through art.
Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainability
Renjini Thampi's journey exemplifies how creativity can
intersect with environmental consciousness. Through Vapasee, she has not only
transformed waste into art but has also ignited a movement toward sustainable
living. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and the
belief that every discarded item has the potential to become something
beautiful and meaningful.
Timeline for Renjini Thampi's Journey
2006: Earns a diploma in Airfares and Ticketing from Skyline
College, showcasing early diverse interests.
2011-2013: Completes an MBA in Finance at Mahe Manipal
University, gaining essential business skills.
Pre-2015: Works as an Account Manager at Chemistry
Advertising in Dubai, honing creativity and project management.
2015: Returns to India, motivated by the waste crisis, and
begins exploring scrap yards with her husband.
2021: Founds Vapasee, focusing on upcycled home décor made
from discarded materials.
2021-Present: Vapasee repurposes over 21,000 glass bottles
and 5,000 coconut shells into art pieces, promoting sustainability.
2022: Becomes a semi-finalist for Climate Launchpad by
Climate Collective, gaining recognition for her eco-conscious efforts.
2024: Aims to expand Vapasee’s reach, inspire more
individuals towards sustainability, and engage a growing audience.
