Reshma Kadvath: A Life Dedicated to Creation, Upcycling and Restoring!

Waste! Trash! Useless! Chetha! Kachra! We simply decide on something in this category and throw it away for Mother Earth to bear unlike Reshma Kadvath. Let’s all be honest, think, just think, how much pollution are we already generating? The amount of trash generated from old furniture and unwanted items? What percentage of it is being upcycled or recycled?
Reading up on upcycling is actually quite easy; there’s more than enough information available through a simple Google search.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, upcycling means transforming old, discarded, or seemingly useless items into something of greater value or beauty. Unlike recycling, which breaks down materials for reuse, upcycling sweetens an object’s form, function, or aesthetic. An eco-friendly method that nurtures creativity, at times, tells a story and even reflects a unique, personal touch.

But to learn to do it right, be passionate and stay dedicated, one must learn from Reshma Kadvath.

Creativity, Resilience and Homemaking!

Reshma Kadvath, a proud mother of two and wife to an Army officer, Col. Satish, built a life of strength, creativity and service. Her journey has been filled with frequent relocations and shifts between grand bungalows and tiny accommodations. With a natural talent to blend beauty with utility, her life and work always have the essence of creativity and resourcefulness. All this driven by her love for family, nature, and community.
Change is consistent in her life; she and her family move often, from spacious houses with gardens to simpler, rustic spaces. However, these shifts only strengthened her bond with her family and her desire to create a home that is warm, welcoming and filled with love. Wherever they live, she brings her signature ethnic and rustic style into her decor, making each place feel uniquely hers and for her family.

Deeply inspired by nature, her mind sees beauty in simple, natural elements, for instance, a feather, a stone, or even a piece of old or driftwood and turns them into creative masterpieces. Living close to nature while in the Army cantonments inspired her to transform ordinary, discarded items into beautiful, functional pieces. Her creations range from furniture and jewellery to decorative trays, cushion covers, sarees, lamps and tables, making sofas and beds with packing wood crates and even old boxes.

Beyond Art!

Her philosophy is that meaningful creations do not need to come from the market; instead, they can be brought to life from an eye for potential and a touch of imagination.
Growing up in a Keralite family that valued academics over art, her journey into the world of creativity has been her own. While her maternal grandfather was a celebrated poet and her father an avid painter, she never expected her creative streak to flourish. Yet, her curiosity for design and creation grew naturally, fueled by her husband’s encouragement. What began with simple jewellery and bags eventually expanded into home decor items and furniture. Though she was asked to turn her passion into a business, she denied it and prefers keeping it personal, finding joy in creating for the love of it rather than for commercial success.

Beyond her artistic talents, Reshma is a writer at heart. She has two published books, one “For_the_Love_of_Creativity” and two “The Creative Musings of an Army Wife.” A few occasional articles in the news are powerful extensions of her voice. Her articles often tackle social issues close to her heart, like child labour and the struggles of low-income women. Since childhood, she has been sensitive to social injustices and channelled her feelings into writing pieces on social challenges. She has a strong presence on Instagram, she shares her decor and upcycling projects and is mindful of maintaining a balance between her creative displays and her reflections.

Family United by Creativity and Compassion

Reshma’s creativity is contagious, her daughter, Shivani, has caught the spark and held her fashion creations in Reshma’s exhibitions. They donated all the proceeds to orphanages. Together, Reshma and her family share a commitment to giving back to society, often through creative and thoughtful acts. Recently, they made cushions from old clothes for orphanages and crafted chairs from cut tree trunks for them as well.
Reshma’s dedication to service extends beyond her creative work. She is also an organ donor and has encouraged her followers to consider doing the same. Her thoughtful post on the subject shed light on its importance, urging others to consider the impact they can have on the lives of those in need.

A Love Story Built on Values

Reshma Kadvath and her husband, Col. Satish, share a unique love story. They were married in a secret Arya Samaj filmi ceremony with friends as witnesses before they had a traditional Kerala wedding. They are devoted to each other and their family.
Through her creations, her family values, and her love for nature and community, Reshma Kadvath continues to inspire others. Her philosophy, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” shines through her work, her writing, and her life. For Reshma, life is a canvas, and every day is an opportunity to create, give back, and live meaningfully.

Reshma’s Instagram Stats: 1,041 posts, 72.6K followers.