Nariyal, a Vancouver-based eco-friendly brand founded by Sajeesh and his wife Kavya, is turning waste into wonder by repurposing discarded coconut shells and wood from fallen coconut trees into handcrafted, sustainable home products. With a mission to tackle coconut farming waste in South Asia and promote conscious, zero-waste living, Nariyal supports local artisans while offering eco-conscious consumers beautifully crafted bowls, spoons, and more. Available at Storehouse Vancouver and Churi in New Westminster, Nariyal combines sustainability with ethical craftsmanship, making it a standout in the movement toward greener living.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Nariyal is the name of our brand, which means “coconut” in Hindi. We repurpose coconut waste such as discarded coconut shells and wood from fallen coconut trees into handcrafted daily-use home products like bowls, spoons, etc.
What made you want to do this work?
We saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. It was about solving a problem by doing our bit for the world we live in and bringing a unique idea to life.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We recognized several problems caused by the significant waste generated by coconut farming in South Asian countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc where leftover coconut shells would either end up in landfills or be burnt, contributing to pollution. We saw an opportunity to turn this waste into something valuable by creating sustainable, eco-friendly products. At the same time, we aimed to support local artisans and promote a shift toward more conscious, zero-waste living.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele includes eco-conscious individuals, minimalists, and gift shoppers who value sustainability, as well as businesses and retailers looking to offer eco-friendly products that can be substitutes for other materials like plastic. Our primary audience consists of younger individuals prioritizing sustainability and social impact in their choices.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We generate revenue by creating and selling eco-friendly products made from coconut waste. We source discarded coconut shells, work with skilled artisans to transform them into beautiful, sustainable products, and sell them directly to customers through our website and retail partnerships. This allows us to generate revenue while promoting an initiative and supporting artisan communities.
Where in the city can we find your brand?
Our products are available in the Storehouse Vancouver and Churi in New Westminster.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your brand when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
One question that several customers have asked us is: “How does your brand ensure that its products are truly sustainable and ethically made?”
This question is very important as there are several products similar to ours in the market and our existing customers have faced quality issues after trying other products. However, at Nariyal, we work directly with coconut farmers and artisans in their communities, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions. From sourcing to packaging, we prioritize sustainability, using natural, biodegradable materials to minimize our environmental footprint and create a positive impact.
You can read more about our process depicted by a flowchart on our website.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part: The most rewarding aspect is seeing waste transformed into something beautiful and functional, knowing it contributes to a more sustainable world. Supporting artisans and connecting with customers who share our eco-conscious values is incredibly fulfilling.
The worst part: Balancing sustainability with scalability is challenging. Sourcing materials ethically and managing logistics while minimizing environmental impact often requires extra time, effort, and resources. However, these challenges motivate us to stay true to our mission.
What is your favourite joke about your own brand?
“Why did the coconut shell start a business? Because it wanted to go from waste to wonder”
Where can we follow you?
You can follow us on Instagram or visit our website.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
One local business we absolutely love is I Am Art by Rukmini. She creates stunning, handcrafted art pieces that celebrate individuality and creativity. Her dedication as an artist and creating unique designs resonates deeply with our values too. It’s always amazing to see businesses that blend passion, artistry, and impact in such meaningful ways!
