Peeled Pomegranate
Welcome to the Peeled Pomegranate podcast, where in each episode we’ll split open a metaphorical pomegranate, explore its chambers, and feast on those shiny, ruby jewels. For the ponderers, creatives, and those who are trying to do the best for the earth, perhaps imperfectly but always intentionally. I’m your host, Didi Aphra—cofounder of OVONZO. peeledpomegranate.substack.com
“I Love Waste!” Clara Simanjuntak on Deadstock, Batik, & Her Journey As A Founder of 2 Brands (Nyana Nyana Eco & Something Sustainable)
The guest for our 7th episode is Clara Simanjuntak. Clara is an architect-turned-sustainable fashion entrepreneur based in Singapore. She is also the founder of Nyana Nyana Eco and Something Sustainable, both of which support women-led ethical brands, artisan communities, and conscious consumers.
Nyana Nyana Eco was selected as one of five Singapore designers to be featured in The Earthshot Prize Fashion Exhibition, curated by the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC).
In this episode, Clara and Didi discuss:
* What Clara was doing before founding her own sustainable fashion brands.
* Nyana Nyana Eco’s fo...
Shoes That Return to the Earth: Yishu Wang on Little Fierce’s Bio-Neutral Kids’ Footwear
Welcome to episode 6! In this episode, Didi chats with Yishu Wang. Yishu is the founder of Little Fierce, which makes bio-neutral kids’ shoes. Sourced sustainability in France and Germany, Little Fierce’s shoes are made in Portugal and shipped globally!
In this episode, Yishu and Didi discuss:
* What Yishu did before Little Fierce and how her previous experiences translated into building a brand.
* Why it’s so essential to have the option of sustainable, bio-neutral shoes for children.
* Why Little Fierce works with a small manufacturer in Portugal.
* Small ways w...
Turning Trash Into Treasure: Le Ngok's Founder, Carla Zhang, On Her Zero Waste Approach to Fashion
Welcome to episode 5! In this episode, Didi talks to Carla Zhang. Carla is the founder and creative director of Le Ngok, a sustainable fashion label based in Manila and Shanghai.
In this episode, Carla and Didi discuss:
* Carla’s recent win at the 2025 Redress Design Award competition.
* Le Ngok’s upcycling, zero-waste approach to fashion design.
* How anime and manga awakened Carla’s interest in fashion, and how her move to Manila as a teenager influenced her creative expression.
* How Carla balances growing her label with promoting conscious consumption.
U...
From Recycled Plastic to Reiki: Itee Soni’s Sustainability Journey Building Loop Swim & The Nectar Foundry
In our fourth episode, Didi interviews Itee Soni! Itee is the cofounder of Loop Swim, a sustainable swimwear brand, and founder of The Nectar Foundry, a sustainable home and gift brand. Originally from New Delhi, Itee has been based in Shanghai since 2007. She is a creative and an entrepreneur specializing in branding, womenswear, textiles, graphics, interiors, product, packaging, experiential design, sustainability, aromatherapy, reiki, and tarot.
In this episode, Itee and Didi discuss:
* Itee’s journey from New Delhi to Shanghai, her career, and how Loop Swim evolved from FINCH Designs.
* How Loop Swim’s sw...
Through The Lens: A Conversation on Sustainable Eyewear With Andrea Sonntag-Vega, Cofounder of 5Loops
In this episode of Peeled Pomegranate, Didi talks to Andrea Sonntag-Vega, an ophthalmologist and cofounder of 5Loops, a sustainable eyewear brand with a circular economy concept. Growing up with her twin sister Caroline near the beaches of Peru, Andrea experienced nature as something self-evident. As they moved around the world and saw the impact of many pollutants on nature and people, Andrea decided to start 5Loops as a way to bring about change in eyewear consumption.
In this episode, Andrea and Didi discuss:
* How Andrea’s childhood on the beautiful, clean beaches in Peru influenced he...
Odile Pauline (Odile Atelier) On Sustainable Bridal Wear & The Future of Consumption
Our first interview episode is here! In this episode, Didi chats with Odile Pauline, a fashion executive, designer & founder of Odile Atelier, a bridal and bespoke brand based in the Philippines. In this episode, Odile and Didi discuss:
* The story of Odile Atelier’s beginnings.* How Odile Atelier makes bridal gowns sustainable.* A fresh perspective on The Devil Wears Prada and how fashion is directly tied to the future of consumption and sustainability.
Hosted by Didi Aphra, cofounder of OVONZO.
Find Odile on Instagram & TikTok @odilepauline. Check out her bridal and bespoke brand @od...
Fruit and Other Longings
Welcome to the Peeled Pomegranate podcast, episode 1!
In this episode, I explain:
• Why I named my podcast "Peeled Pomegranate"• What the podcast is about and which types of people you'll be hearing from• Who the Peeled Pomegranate podcast is for• Who I am and why I'm starting this podcast
You'll also be hearing about personal growth, being a good (or bad) conversationalist, and a quote from Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a...
