The DIY-Addict Entrepreneur!

Inspiration and creativity are part of Anuja Byotra Aggarwal’s DNA, as she welcomes us into her self-designed and unpredictably decorated apartment in Singapore.

- Amita Sarwal

After professional stints as an investment banker and journalist, Anuja Byotra Aggarwal delved into social enterprise and along with her friend, Lara Behura, co-founded Secondsguru. Besides that, the mother of six-year-old twins Jai and Zoya, is a selfconfessed craftster.

In 2010, the Aggarwals moved into their 2336 sq ft apartment in the residential locality of Tanjong Rhu, alongside the Singapore River near the island-country’s east coast. Till today Anuja’s home is an unceasing work-inprogress.

‘In our search for our first home, my husband Vipul and I had screened 40+ houses.

While accompanying a friend on his house-hunting spree, we arrived at this place. We fell in love with this apartment instantly! It was full of light with large windows, and the balcony overlooked a carfree zone consisting of green lawns next to a river. Sitting in the living room, you can feel one with the outdoors, and from the balcony, you can spy kayaks in the river.

‘I do love working on my house decor and have filled it with a fair bit of handmade accessories. It is neither lavish, nor are we collectors of expensive art or artefacts,’ the 39-year old homemaker says.

Career-wise, Secondsguru, a social enterprise that spreads education and awareness on environment friendly living, keeps Anuja busy. ‘Our website secondsguru.com is a treasure trove of information on lightening your footprint. Visit us to read how-to guides, learn upcycling, discover eco-events in Singapore, meet inspiring people – and everything green in-between! Offline, Secondsguru organises events ranging from bookswaps to beach cleanups, to help people plug into Singapore’s eco community,’ the entrepreneur details.