ReSari Ventures is redefining the meaning of waste by transforming preloved sarees into purposeful lifestyle products that honour tradition while protecting the planet. Founded by former corporate professional Salinee Ganeson, the brand carries a heartfelt mission to give sarees a second life while raising awareness about sustainability, recycling, and conscious consumption.
The Beginning of a Purpose-Driven Idea
ReSari Ventures began in 2019 with the intention of creating awareness about the importance of reducing textile waste by upcycling preloved sarees. In 2024, Salinee made a daring decision to leave her demanding corporate job, which had taken a toll on her physical and mental health, to focus on something more meaningful. During her break, the idea resurfaced: why not give these beautiful fabrics a second life?
Beyond sustainability, she also felt a strong desire to support women in need and create opportunities for them through ReSari Ventures.
“The turning point that made me decide to transform this idea into a purposeful venture was when I met a young women (a foreigner) who was a domestic helper but had sewing skills and aimed to become a professional tailor one day. With the little money I had, I purchased a sewing machine for her and that’s when I thought that I could help transform many women’s life if I do this at a larger scale and people would also be able to enjoy the eco-friendly and sustainable products made from preloved sarees which otherwise would just end up at the landfills” said Ms Salinee.
Her risky yet courageous decision has shaped her into a perceptive businesswoman with a meaningful goal: to reduce textile waste while empowering women.
“It wasn’t just about fashion anymore, it was about dignity, independence, and sustainability coming together. That’s how ReSari Ventures was born.”
Reinventing the Saree: The Meaning Behind “ReSari”
The name ReSari Ventures is both unique and memorable and its meaning carries purpose.
“ ‘ReSari’ stands for ‘Reinventing the Saree.’ It reflects our mission to breathe new life into something old and beautiful. I wanted people to remember the word ‘Recycle’ as they say ‘ReSari’, use your sarees again in a new form and give it another chance to live a longer life.”
In a world where many small businesses focus on sustainability by practicing reuse, reduce, and recycle, ReSari Ventures stands out by transforming old sarees into entirely new products. This distinctive concept has captured the attention of many.
Salinee believes that sarees are deeply emotional garments, woven with family stories, festive moments, and memories passed down through generations. To her, letting these fabrics sit untouched in cupboards or end up in landfills means losing a piece of cultural beauty. Through ReSari Ventures, she strives to honour these sarees by giving them a renewed purpose. She often explains that repurposing them allows tradition and sustainability to coexist meaningfully.
She also holds a firm belief that, just like people, especially women who deserve second chances after setbacks, sarees too deserve to be reborn. Many of these fabrics were purchased with care and cherished for years; transforming them into new creations ensures their beauty continues rather than fades away.
Every story has a beginning, and ReSari Venture’s first page is particularly meaningful. Salinee shared how her journey truly began:
“It was my mother’s old silk saree, slightly torn at the edges but too precious to throw away. I transformed it into a dress and blazer that definitely turned many heads.”
Navigating the Realities of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
Salinee shared that her biggest challenge as an entrepreneur was balancing financial sustainability with social impact. Transitioning from a stable corporate job to running a purpose-driven business was both exciting and terrifying. In moments of self-doubt, she finds strength in seeing her women artisans grow in confidence, pride, and financial independence.
After beginning her journey with ReSari Ventures, Salinee learned several valuable lessons.
“I should have started earlier but I didn’t have the courage or the capacity especially during the pandemic which is why I had to pick a corporate job but then something was strongly lingering in my head that ‘I am meant for something more purposeful. I’ve also learned that asking for help and building collaborations is a way of strength, not weakness.”
She also explained the practical challenges of upcycling sarees. Each saree has a different texture, colour, and weave, requiring creativity and customization for every piece. Educating customers about the value and sustainability of upcycled products remains an ongoing effort.
However, she believes the growing awareness of textile waste gives hope that ReSari Ventures can continue to reach and inspire more people.
Expanding ReSari Into Global and Corporate Spaces
Although still in the early stages of entrepreneurship, Salinee has ambitious plans to expand ReSari Ventures and spread awareness about sustainability to wider communities.
“We’re working on expanding ReSari Ventures into a sustainable corporate gifting line by offering eco-conscious gifts for organizations that want to create impact through their purchases. We’re also planning to hire and train more women seamstresses from marginalized communities. Another milestone aimed is also to tap into the International markets. Our products are already purchased by some clients from Singapore, Scotland, Australia and Canada and one day I am aiming at having a boutique in these countries.”
Salinee hopes that ReSari Ventures can play a role in changing how people view waste and consumption. She wants the public to recognise that “waste” can be reimagined, not discarded. She also emphasizes that handmade, upcycled products carry a value far beyond branding.
“The RM4000 Coach bag that you buy could be made of leather that’s sourced unethically from animals and you will never know who made your products. All you carry is the brand, but at ReSari – from the ethical sourcing of the sarees to final products, we keep our audience and clients informed of the transparent process and purpose that shine more than anything which is to reduce the textile wastes and empower women from the marginalized communities.”
ReSari Venture’s achievements speak volumes. The brand won the Innovative and Sustainable Award (July 2025). Salinee was invited as a guest speaker at the ESG & Brands Forum 2025 and built affiliations with the Subash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (2025) and KL Business ADDA, becoming their Sustainability Partner. She was also selected by INSKEN for the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering (Sabah, November 2025), representing Malaysian social enterprises in a prestigious national showcase.
May her inspiring journey continue to lead more people toward upcycling, sustainability, and a greener future for generations to come.
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