Radhika Mayani | Founder & CEO | Left-handesign
Radhika Mayani’s journey in business began with a deep passion for design and a strong commitment to sustainability. After spending over a decade in the advertising and hospitality industries, she noticed the significant waste generated by these sectors, particularly in the form of single-use paper products. This realization sparked her determination to find a more sustainable way to create everyday products without compromising on beauty or functionality. At EliteX, we are proud to have Radhika Mayani as part of the edition: 10 Elite Businesswomen in Australia, 2025.
Motivated by this vision, she founded Left-handesign® in 2017 in Singapore. The concept was both simple and innovative: to create eco-friendly, plantable stationery. The products, including notebooks and pens, are designed to leave no waste behind. Once used, they can be planted to grow into plants like basil, tomatoes, or wildflowers. This initiative was built on the belief that small changes in consumption habits could have a significant impact on the environment. With a focus on sustainable materials and ethical production, Left-handesign® quickly gained momentum and expanded into the Australian market in 2023. Achieving B Corp certification before launching in Australia was a significant milestone, reinforcing the company’s dedication to responsible business practices. Radhika’s entrepreneurial journey has been about challenging the status quo, developing products that support a circular economy, and inspiring individuals to make more conscious choices for a greener planet.
“Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.”
One of the biggest challenges she faced was educating the market about plantable stationery. Convincing consumers and businesses of the viability and benefits of such products required extensive educational campaigns, live demonstrations, and customer testimonials. Ensuring a sustainable supply chain was another major hurdle, which she overcame by setting strict supplier criteria and maintaining close relationships with suppliers to enhance their sustainability practices. Expanding internationally brought regulatory and market preference challenges, which she tackled through thorough research, engaging local experts, and forming partnerships. Financial management was also crucial, and she ensured stability by implementing strong financial controls, reviewing costs regularly, and prioritizing essential investments. Keeping up with a rapidly evolving market meant fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation, and collaborating with environmental experts. Each of these challenges was met with strategic solutions that strengthened the company and helped establish it as a leader in sustainable stationery.
Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur is a challenge, but Radhika has developed strategies to maintain equilibrium. She follows a structured schedule, setting clear boundaries between work hours and personal time. Limiting technology use after work allows her to disconnect and focus on family and relaxation. She prioritizes regular exercise, mindfulness, and meditation to maintain mental clarity and reduce stress. Reading and listening to podcasts provide fresh perspectives and inspiration, while vacations and breaks help her recharge. These practices enable her to stay effective in both professional and personal spheres.
A crucial decision that changed her career was shifting from traditional stationery to exclusively sustainable, plantable products. Initially, Left-handesign® offered a broad range of stationery, including some sustainable options. However, as environmental awareness grew, she recognized an opportunity to differentiate her brand by fully committing to sustainability. This move required a complete redesign of product lines and a strategic overhaul of marketing and production processes. Though risky, the decision positioned the company as a pioneer in eco-friendly stationery, driving business growth and significantly increasing its positive environmental impact.
For young women aspiring to start a business, Radhika advises them to believe in their vision and pursue it with passion. She emphasizes resilience, as setbacks are inevitable but serve as learning experiences. Seeking mentorship is invaluable, as guidance from experienced individuals can ease the entrepreneurial journey. Building a strong support network provides both emotional encouragement and practical advice. Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions that ensure business sustainability. Staying flexible and open to learning helps in adapting to market changes. She also encourages women to advocate for themselves, negotiate confidently, and maintain a balance between professional and personal well-being.
“Resilience is key in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.”
Staying motivated in entrepreneurship requires a mix of personal passion and tangible impact. Radhika finds motivation in her commitment to sustainability and the knowledge that her business contributes to global waste reduction. Seeing the transformation of plantable stationery into thriving plants is incredibly rewarding. Setting clear goals and celebrating milestones keeps her momentum going. Engaging with the community and receiving positive customer feedback provides continuous inspiration, driving her to innovate and improve. A successful businesswoman needs a combination of resilience, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Resilience helps navigate the inevitable ups and downs of business, while strategic thinking enables informed decision-making and long-term planning. Communication skills are crucial for negotiations, networking, and leadership. Financial literacy is also vital for managing budgets and investments. These skills empower women to lead with confidence, innovate effectively, and grow their businesses sustainably.
Strong and successful leaders are visionary, emotionally intelligent, and inspiring. They prioritize ethics, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that their leadership is built on integrity. Resilience allows them to tackle challenges head-on without losing momentum. Effective communication enables them to articulate their vision clearly and persuasively. Inclusive leadership fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and empathy strengthens relationships within the team. This combination of strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and ethical leadership defines truly impactful leaders.
Technology has significantly transformed Radhika’s business and the stationery industry as a whole. AI and advanced tech platforms have streamlined operations, from automating supply chain management to enhancing customer relationships. AI-driven analytics help predict market trends and customer preferences, enabling more targeted product development and marketing strategies. E-commerce platforms have expanded the company’s reach, making global scalability more feasible. Automation in production processes has improved efficiency, ensuring high-quality products. These technological advancements allow Left-handesign® to innovate continuously and maintain a competitive edge.
Looking to the future, Radhika aims to expand Left-handesign® internationally, reaching new markets that value eco-friendly products. She envisions broadening the product range beyond stationery to include sustainable lifestyle products that promote a circular economy. Leveraging AI will further enhance operational efficiencies and customer engagement, optimizing the overall business strategy. Ultimately, she aspires to establish Left-handesign® as a leader in sustainable consumer goods, setting a benchmark for green innovation and inspiring other businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
Navigating competition and sustaining business growth require a mix of innovation, customer engagement, and continuous improvement. Left-handesign® differentiates itself by offering unique products that combine functionality with sustainability. The company constantly innovates, staying ahead of market trends and addressing emerging customer needs. Strong relationships with customers are built through exceptional service and interactive marketing efforts. Keeping a close watch on competitors helps refine strategies and enhance offerings. By prioritizing innovation and customer satisfaction, the brand continues to thrive in a competitive market.
“Small changes in consumption can create a big impact on the environment.”
The best advice Radhika has ever received is to focus on what can be controlled and let go of what cannot. This philosophy has guided her in channeling energy efficiently and maintaining peace of mind amidst business uncertainties. It encourages investment in areas where real impact can be made, such as product innovation, sustainability, and customer experience while remaining resilient against external challenges. This perspective has helped her navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with clarity and determination.
