“Our venture doesn’t create any pollution – just water, manure for the soil, food for such a magnificent giant, employment for local women, beautiful products and memories for our customers.”

- Vijendra, Founder

SHOP NOW

 Our Story

In 1999, Vijendra, our founder, was out walking early one morning at Amer Fort when he saw some elephants for the first time ever. Despite spending his whole life in India, he’d never seen elephants in real life before. He was totally gripped by them and wanted to get a closer look. So, he and his friend joined the procession of elephants and tourists walking up to the temple. They didn’t realize they’d got a bit too up close and personal until a huge pile of dung fell, just missing Vijendra’s ear. His first thought was, ‘God, that’s huge!’ as the poo hit the ground and fell apart. His second thought was, ‘That’s really fibrous.’ At that precise moment, his crazy idea for making paper from elephant poo was born.

Meet the Team

  • Headshot of woman from India wearing pink headscarf

    Sarika

    POO PAPER OVERSEER

    I work with Vijendra, my husband, and our daughter, Savi, and we support each other through good times and bad. Covid has been a real challenge for us and all but closed our business. In early 2021, we knew we needed a website to get more orders, so I looked for people who could help. We are very happy to be working with Sophie, Kelly, Andrea and Sally. We have big plans and we want to share our values and products with people around the world.

    Me in Three Words: Inclusive, creative, perseverant

    Jaipur, India

  • Headshot of man from India smiling with a brown background

    Vijendra

    Co- Founder, POO PAPER INITIATOR

    One day, I stumbled on the idea of using elephant dung to make paper. It’s big – like a volleyball! – fibrous and is readily available nearby, so it’s perfect. I’d worked in the paper industry for several years and was very excited to be able to make completely regenerative paper and help slow deforestation. We are also trying to improve social conditions for women by providing them with employment. It’s our goal to improve women’s lives and help the local community thrive.

    Me in Three Words: Innovative, resourceful, curious

    Jaipur, India

  • Savi Shekhawat

    MARKETING & DESIGN STRATEGIST

    I am daughter of Vijendra and Sarika, turning 14 this October. I helped restart our Elephant Poo Paper business when I was 9, working alongside my father and mother. Since then, I've grown into the role of marketing and design strategist and telling our story through visuals, strategy, and action. Beyond the business, I’ve also been part of a campaign to save an urban forest from destruction, speaking out publicly and organising with local communities. As a public speaker and student, I’m passionate about using creativity and communication to drive change and inspire others, especially young people to think differently about sustainability. Currently helping my dad build and online & offline brand and unique products.

    Me in Three Words:- Astute, Analytical, Determined

    You're most likely to find me… Building another strategy or watching trees.

    Jaipur, India

  • Headshot of white woman smiling in front of tree

    Sophie

    ECOSYSTEM OFFICER

    Before starting my company, Doing Business Doing Good, I worked as an international marketing director and sustainability leader in FMCG and pharmaceutical industries for 15 years. Now I empower leaders and organizations to build a regenerative future for current and next generations. When Elephant Poo Paper contacted me, I immediately fell in love and am very happy to help Vijendra and Sarika relaunch their business – it’s such a beautiful and regenerative company. When sharing their story one can only smile and fall in love. And that’s what we need right now, more smiles and love for humanity and nature.

    Me in Three Words: Passionate, committed, catalyst

    You're most likely to find me… plogging waste on the beach

    Spain (originally from the Netherlands)

  • Headshot of white woman standing in front of brick wall

    Andrea

    SQUARESPACE SUPERVISOR

    I believe in using your talents for good and it’s evident that Vijendra and Sarika’s business is pure to the core. I run a photography business, Apis Photography, with a focus on local business photography. And Kelly and I run inVISIBLE studios – a creative agency dedicated to photography, branding, and website design for women-owned businesses. I wanted to use my skills to help Vijendra and Sarika and so that others witness their positive impact.

    Me in Three Words: Quirky, intuitive, driven

    You're most likely to find me… reading about birds/birdwatching

    Portland, Oregon, US

  • Black and white headshot of white woman seated

    Sally

    COPY CHIEF

    When Sarika contacted me and told me how the business helps local women and is seriously eco-friendly I couldn't wait to get involved. I want to help Sarika and Vijendra build the business they deserve. I’ve been a self-employed copywriter for about 10 years, working with clients all over the world, like Global Action Plan, Square, and NPR. Before that, I worked in finance, overseas development, and the charity sector. This is my first time working with elephant poo.

    Me in Three Words: Diplomatic, indecisive, um

    You're most likely to find me… on a long walk with the dog

    Derbyshire, UK

  • Headshot of white woman standing in front of brick wall

    Kelly

    DESIGN & UX WHIZ

    In 2016, my partner and I met Sarika and her family when we were traveling in India. Bringing Sarika to the forefront of this work is extremely important to me; I hope we support the independence her and her colleagues have been working towards. I’m currently an art director for Collegis Education and a co-founder of inVISIBLE studios, which is dedicated to women-owned businesses. I started with a small photography business in 2010 and I’ve been working professionally as a graphic designer for nearly 10 years.

    Me in Three Words: Motivated, creative, bouncy

    You're most likely to find me…climbing rocks or throwing clay

    Phoenix, Arizona, US