Rhea founded Ecoware at a time when there was little awareness about the harmful effects of plastic. Cheap oil prices had led to a proliferation of plastic production and usage. Yet, the devastation caused to the natural environment and the harmful effects on human and animal health went unnoticed. There were no plastic bans, educational campaigns, advocacy, or incentives to change consumer behavior. This is when Rhea decided to disrupt the commoditized packaging industry by creating a natural and healthy alternative to single-use plastics.

Rhea is now a global thought leader on sustainability. In 2019 Rhea was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian honor for women, by the President of India. Rhea is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, an Asia 21 Young Leader, and an active member of two Indian industry national committees. Rhea has attended the University of Bristol, Oxford, and Harvard University.