Today we’d like to introduce you to Deepika Phakke
Hi Deepika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began in Hyderabad, a city in South India. At 19, I had to decide between becoming a model or taking a job at Google—despite knowing almost nothing about tech I chose Google, and that single decision shaped the next decade of my life. I worked my way up from an entry-level role job at Google that paid ~$4k / year in their customer service department to a couple years later working in Silicon Valley HQ, managing global projects, and helping scale Google’s $30 billion video ads business. I was constantly chasing growth, moving from Hyderabad to San Francisco and then to New York, taking on bigger challenges with each step.
At one point, I thought I’d peaked—after all, I had moved to my dream city San Francisco, gotten a tattoo, traveled to 40+ countries and checked off every career goal I had set for myself. But deep down, I knew I wanted to do more than just climb the corporate ladder. I used every PTO to go climb mountains across the world, and after some soul-searching, I realized, I wanted to build something where I get to live my values 24×7 – something I truly believed in and at the heart of my passion was (still is) solving for environmental crises.
I grew up in India facing water scarcity. As a frequent traveler who couldn’t help but use (plastic) bottled water every time I was traveling, I knew I had to do more to live my values better. That’s when I made the jump to entrepreneurship, launching Nama Water to tackle sustainability head-on.
Now, I’m channeling everything I learnt about scaling and leadership at Google into building my company Nama Water that’s focused on creating a plastic-free world. From scaling tech to scaling impact—this journey has been all about pushing boundaries and creating something that truly matters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, smooth would be a very generous word haha. It’s been anything but smooth, but that’s what makes it interesting, right?
Early on at Google, since I started at in a junior role in Google’s customer service at the age of 20, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself—long hours, juggling multiple roles, navigating the complexities of being in arguably one of the greatest tech companies while also being the youngest person in the room. It wasn’t easy, but I was hungry for it.
The bigger challenges came when I decided to pivot. Leaving behind the security of a successful career at Google to start my own venture felt like jumping off a cliff without a parachute. No (sugar) daddy backing, just me in my rented apartment in SF with my passion for fighting plastic pollution.
There were moments of doubt, especially when I started Nama Water. Everything from finding the right partners to navigating the sustainability industry has been a learning curve. And honestly, fundraising for an environmentally-driven startup in a world full of “quick wins” wasn’t a walk in the park either (still isnt!)
Personally, the shift wasn’t easy. Relocating to new cities, enduring the end of a relationship, and confronting a management upheaval at work compelled me to engage in deep introspection. These experiences pushed me to ask some of life’s toughest questions.
As Sadhguru wisely says, living a “willing life” means embracing the entirety of our experiences, both smooth and tumultuous, with openness and acceptance. The best part for me was every struggle, I found clarity and a stronger sense of purpose & some amazing partners (distributors, customers, mentors & friends). Looking back, the bumps in the road were necessary—they made me more resilient and determined to build something meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nama Water?
Nama Water is a sustainable bottled water company, but we like to think of ourselves as more than that. We’re tackling two major issues: water scarcity and plastic waste. Growing up in Hyderabad, a vibrant city of 10 million in South India, my family and I didn’t have the luxury of a constant water supply like many of us have in America. Instead, huge tankers would roll into our neighborhood, and we’d carry buckets of water back home.
Even though I was just 8 and didn’t have to lug the heaviest loads, the experience left a lasting impression. I learned early on to view water with respect.
When I first arrived in America, I was awestruck by the simple magic of turning on a tap and having clean water gush out. It was something I’d never experienced before, and it made me realize how many people in India, including my own hometown even today, still dream of that basic convenience. And it’s not just India—water shortages are becoming a global issue.
This realization sparked a deep sense of responsibility in me. That’s why I created Nama Water. “Nama” means respect in Sanskrit language, and my goal with Nama Water is to blend that respect for water with my passion for reducing plastic waste, helping you live joyfully and sustainably.
Having experienced water scarcity first hand, I knew I wanted to create a product that wasn’t just another consumer good, but something that could genuinely contribute to solving these problems.
We’re focused on providing premium, responsibly sourced water while minimizing our environmental footprint. What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability from start to finish. We use eco-friendly packaging, i.e. aluminum bottles made with mostly recycled content while sourcing water from springs that meet our ethical sourcing standards while giving back to water scarcity projects in India – another cause I deeply care about.
I’m most proud of the fact that Nama Water isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. We’re encouraging consumers to rethink about the broader environmental impact of their choices. It’s not just about selling water—it’s about inspiring change.
For (y)our readers, I’d say, we dont want you to buy Nama Water or any bottled water at all. The best, most sustainable thing to do is drink tap water and use your stainless-steel bottles. But if you’re out and about and dont have access to safe water – we will be there for you. Check us out https://namawater.com/ Give us a shout on instagram and we’ll send you a swag! Whether you’re grabbing a Nama Water at your local store or at the airport, we want you to feel like you’re part of a bigger mission to protect our precious planet.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and networking can truly shape your path. Here’s what’s worked for me:
Be Genuine: When reaching out, be authentic about who you are and what you’re looking for. Instead of sending a generic request on LinkedIn, let them know why you admire their work and what specific advice you’re seeking – being straightforward is pretty straightforward.
Leverage Your Circle: Sometimes the best connections come from people you already know. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or (ex) colleagues to introduce you to someone who might be a good fit.
Follow Up and Engage: After meeting someone, send a thank-you note and stay in touch. Find easy ways to support them – giving them a shoutout on Linkedin; supporting their products / newsletter etc. Building lasting relationships is about continued support.
For me, these steps have turned casual encounters into lasting, meaningful connections. It’s all about being genuine, supportive, and open to new possibilities.
Pricing:
- We offer eco-friendly packaging and a portion of our proceeds supports girl education projection. For more information, check out namawater.com or [email protected]
- $3/bottle of Nama Water
- $36/Pack of 12 of Nama Water
- $72/Pack of 24 of Nama Water
Contact Info:
- Website: https://namawater.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nama_water/
- Facebook: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepikaphakke/
Image Credits
Photos by Deepika Phakke