"What does it take to walk away from everything society calls “secure” and build a life that’s truly your own?Supriya Donthi grew up rooted in a middle-class upbringing, excelling at school, chasing a job she was deeply passionate about. But, one defining incident and a leap of faith led her to a discovery, preserved botanical jewellery, a niche concept thriving in the West but unheard of in India. And so, in May 2016, Leafy Affair was born.From selling at flea markets to opening a flagship store, from being a solo hustler to leading a team that shares her dream, Supriya’s story is one of grit, growth, and grace. This is a talk for every dreamer stuck at the crossroads, reminding you that when you choose yourself, the world eventually follows.Her story is a powerful reminder that courage doesn’t always begin with a plan — sometimes, it begins with a pause, a pivot, and the courage to start over. And with the right financial backing, her dream has taken root — growing into a brand that now inspires others to believe in their own." Turning Nature into Wearable Art with Leafy Affair
Supriya Donthi’s journey with Leafy Affair—India’s first botanical lifestyle brand—is a powerful story of courage, clarity, and creativity. A biotech graduate with no background in jewelry design, Supriya dared to chase an unconventional dream: to bring nature closer to people by turning real flowers, seeds, and natural elements into wearable art. Born into a middle-class family and often told that her place was in the kitchen, Supriya chose not to conform. Inspired by Einstein’s words—“Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better”—she believed in her vision and backed it with resilience. When she discovered terrarium jewelry in 2016, a concept unheard of in India at the time, she instantly knew this was her calling. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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