Isha Marla

In this episode of Driftwood Conversations, Hilary Sloane speaks with Isha Marla, a 14-year-old student from Portland, Oregon, whose curiosity and discipline have already led her to develop a biodegradable, seaweed-based fabric called Alginifab—an alternative to fast fashion.

But this conversation goes beyond innovation. It’s a thoughtful exchange about creativity, persistence, community, and what it looks like to take a young person seriously as a whole human being. Isha speaks with clarity, steadiness, and a grounded sense of self—offering a refreshing reminder of what becomes possible when we listen without projecting or rushing to define outcomes.