Redefining Sustainability: Through Upcycling and Upskilling

Welcome to this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey. Today, we're shining a light on the inspiring work of ReFAB Studio—a creative initiative that’s redefining sustainability in design. ReFAB specialises in upcycling designer fabric remnants from the interior design sector, transforming them into bespoke, eco-conscious lifestyle pieces and home décor. ReFAB’s mission is to go beyond beautiful products—they're also dedicated to upskilling local artisans, especially women from disadvantaged communities, empowering them with creative and economic opportunities. ReFAB studio’s defines ethos and wider purpose: finding meaning and delight in the age of waste.In recent years, ReFAB has expanded its impact by running hands-on workshops with students from leading institutions, including the Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion (UAL), and Morley College. These sessions invite the next generation of designers to engage directly with the challenges—and opportunities—of sustainable design and circular fashion. As ReFAB beautifully puts it on their website:“Our pieces are designed to spark joy in your everyday life—whether that’s a one-of-a-kind treasure that instantly makes your house feel like a home, or a stylish accessory that helps you fall in love with a well-worn outfit all over again.”About Rewati Prabhu In this podcast, we pose the following questions:What does ReFAB Studio stand for—not just in name, but in its mission and values?Rewati, where did the original idea for ReFAB Studio come from? What sparked the journey?ReFAB is part of your wider philanthropic work through the Kartik Prabhu Foundation. Can you tell us a bit about that connection?Can you walk us through some of the key projects that have emerged since ReFAB began—from its early days to now?What have been some of the most rewarding moments—and some of the biggest challenges—you’ve faced since launching ReFAB Studio?What kind of impact do you think ReFAB has had in the communities and areas you've focused on so far?What’s next for ReFAB—and for you personally—in this journey?What keeps you going? What continues to motivate and inspire you?Do you have a motto or guiding principle that you live by?Resources Mentioned in This Episode: https://refabstudio.org/https://kartikfoundation.org/www.nitasharma.comContact me on Linkedin if you wish to explore what I offer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nita-sharma-cpcc-pcc-78b1a22/If you interested in One-to-One coaching contact me through LinkedIn or through my website www.nitasharma.comI am joined by Rewati Prabhu who is the Founder and Creative Director of ReFAB Studio, an architect-urban designer and social entrepreneur with over 25 years of expertise. She has worked in exciting master planning projects in the USA, UK, Africa, Middle East and India. Rewati breathes sustainability into all her projects big and small whether it’s designing a new city, regenerating a neighbourhood or repurposing an existing building. Apart from this work, she has been involved in supporting youth- led social enterprise through the Jagriti Yatra, a program she co-founded 15 years ago, and which remains the largest enterprise training program of its kind in the world.