Meet Shwetha Rajashekar, a dynamic entrepreneur who has transitioned from a successful corporate career to revolutionising the desert landscape with India Sweet House. With over a decade of experience at prestigious companies like Goldman Sachs and Tesco, Shwetha brings a wealth of knowledge to her latest venture, aiming to make India Sweet House a globally recognized brand for authentic and sustainable Indian sweets.

In an exclusive interview in our May e-magazine, Shwetha shares her inspiration for starting India Sweet House. The idea was born from her desire to celebrate and preserve India's rich culinary heritage by bringing traditional sweets made with organic ingredients to a broader audience. India Sweet House stands out for its commitment to quality and sustainability, sourcing ingredients from its own organic farm, Karma Farms, ensuring that every bite not only tastes good but also contributes to a healthier planet.

Shwetha discusses the significant role of Karma Farms in maintaining the purity and freshness of their products, from dairy to ghee. This dedication to organic farming highlights a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, which is woven throughout their operations.

Empowerment is also at the core of India Sweet House’s ethos. Shwetha proudly leads an all-woman team, ensuring that the company not only produces delicious sweets but also champions gender equality in the workplace. This empowerment extends to nurturing their talents and fostering an environment where women can thrive and advance.

The article also touches on how India Sweet House balances tradition with innovation. While they cherish traditional recipes, they are not shy about introducing modern twists to suit contemporary tastes, ensuring their delights meet the palates of today’s diverse clientele.

Curious about the blend of tradition and innovation that Shwetha Rajashekar brings to the table with India Sweet House? Learn more about her unique approach to preserving culinary heritage while advancing sustainability in our exclusive May feature. Discover the full story and get inspired by her vision in this month's issue of Hospitality News e-magazine. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @indiahospitalitynews to stay updated with the latest trends and inspiring stories from the world of hospitality.

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Varun Sharma, the visionary General Manager, Operations at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa. Sharma's journey at the resort began in 2014, where he commenced as an Executive Chef. Over the span of 19 years, his career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Through a combination of exceptional skills and a solid educational background in hospitality management, Sharma has ascended to a pivotal leadership role within the resort. His dedication, expertise, and years of experience have undoubtedly contributed to his success and the prosperity of the establishment.

In our May e-magazine, Sharma opens up about the integral role of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in the hospitality industry, particularly at Clarks Exotica. He explains how these events substantially boost occupancy rates and overall revenue, especially during off-peak periods, and significantly enhance the resort’s reputation and brand visibility.

Sharma also unveils some of the strategic initiatives Clarks Exotica has embraced to captivate the MICE market. These include offering bespoke services, such as customised event planning and state-of-the-art facilities, which provide unique and memorable experiences for guests. Additionally, Sharma touches on the importance of technological integration in enhancing event management and guest satisfaction, using tools like AI and virtual reality to create immersive and personalised experiences.

The interview also highlights how Sharma’s leadership fosters an environment that prioritises staff development and service excellence, key factors that contribute to the resort’s success. His insights provide a glimpse into the complexities of managing a top-tier luxury resort and the innovative approaches that ensure its thriving presence in the competitive hospitality market.

Are you captivated by Varun Sharma’s innovative leadership and keen insights at Clarks Exotica? Delve into the full interview for an in-depth exploration of his strategies and successes in our May issue of Hospitality News e-magazine. Follow @indiahospitalitynews on Instagram to stay updated with the latest trends and expert perspectives in the hospitality industry.

Shilpi Khanna, the General Manager of Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai, brings over two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry. 

As the General Manager of Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai since October 2023, Shilpi leads the hotel with dedication and passion, ensuring the highest standards of guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Prior to her current role, Shilpi served as the Director of Operations at Conrad Bengaluru.

With a strong background in hotel management, Shilpi has also held significant positions at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur. At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, she served as the Director of Rooms, overseeing the entire rooms division operations with a focus on guest satisfaction and quality standards. Similarly, her role as Executive Housekeeper at The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur showcased her expertise in maintaining hygiene standards, managing laundry operations, and overseeing landscaping activities.

Throughout her career, Shilpi has demonstrated a keen eye for detail, exceptional customer service skills, and a commitment to driving operational excellence. Her leadership has been instrumental in achieving success across various hotel properties, earning her recognition and accolades within the industry.

What motivated you to join the team at Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai, and what aspects of the hotel's vision and ethos resonated with you as a hospitality professional?

The Hyatt Centric brand represents two key concepts: being at the center of the action and being well-informed. It's about immersing yourself in local shopping and dining, experiencing the vibrant energy of the area, and discovering hidden gems with the help of our knowledgeable staff. Located in the bustling entertainment hub of Juhu, our hotel caters to guests who are influencers and travel enthusiasts. While they may be well-traveled, they still rely on local insights to enhance their experiences and share with others.

I was drawn to Hyatt Centric because of its reputation and location. The brand's commitment to caring for its employees deeply resonated with me. At Hyatt, we prioritize the well-being of our team members, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.

In-the-now: Hyatt Centric embodies modernity, sophistication, and global awareness. We aim to ignite curiosity, stimulate discussions, and cultivate a strong desire for exploration among our guests.

Lighthearted: Our approach is vibrant, carefree, and optimistic. We infuse every moment with joy and playfulness, incorporating unique elements and clever details to enchant our guests.

Adventurous Spirit: We foster a spirit of curiosity, spontaneity, and liveliness. While embracing local culture, we also encourage venturing off the conventional path to uncover memorable experiences worth sharing.

As someone with extensive experience in the rooms division, how do you prioritize guest satisfaction while ensuring operational efficiency? 

As hoteliers, our primary focus is guest satisfaction. However, achieving this isn't solely about monetary investments. The attitude and training of our team are crucial factors, and often, small, thoughtful gestures can greatly enhance guest satisfaction. Being a small boutique hotel, we take pride in delivering personalized experiences tailored to each guest. Yet, operational efficiency remains paramount, especially in a smaller establishment. We constantly seek ways to optimize efficiency without sacrificing the quality of the guest experience.

Training and mentoring team members are crucial aspects of your expertise. How do you approach developing talent within your team, particularly in a fast-paced environment like the hospitality industry?

Today's Generation – Gen Z, has a plethora of options, unlike our own experiences upon graduation from hotel school. Their attention spans are shorter, and brand loyalty is less prevalent. What truly matters is cultivating an engaging workplace environment where continuous learning is prioritized. Personally, I place great value on building meaningful connections and take pride in mentoring numerous individuals over the years. While we may not communicate frequently, I am confident that whenever they face career challenges, I will be their first point of contact for guidance and support.

Given your background in standardizing processes, can you discuss when you identified inefficiencies in hotel operations and implemented effective solutions to streamline processes?

I firmly advocate for implementing processes and procedures rather than relying solely on personnel-driven policies. This simplifies operations and provides the team with clear guidelines for handling various situations, empowering them to make immediate decisions without waiting for approval from senior managers. The true measure of success for any department lies in its ability to function seamlessly, akin to a well-oiled machine, even in the absence of direct supervision from department heads.

As the General Manager of Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai, what efforts do you employ to differentiate the hotel in a competitive market and attract discerning guests? 

As a modern luxury hotel, we embody contemporary hospitality, providing immersive experiences for curious explorers seeking adventure and authenticity. Located in the bustling Juhu Neighborhood, our hotel serves as a lively hub easily accessible from all parts of the city, including the airport, local railway stations, business districts, and iconic filming locations.

At Hyatt Centric Juhu, we treat every guest like a celebrity, offering personalized attention from our dedicated team. Our young colleagues are praised for their warm hospitality, and our rooftop swimming pool offers stunning views of the sea, with one of the city's best sunset vistas.

Our restaurant, Sesame, has garnered numerous accolades, including the recent Times Award for Best Newcomer Restaurant. Guests often visit specifically to savor our Japanese cuisine. Alongside our exceptional offerings, I am fortunate to lead a talented team dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality industry, and how do you incorporate them into your hotel's operations?

The hospitality industry in India is evolving rapidly, especially with the integration of technology. I take pride in being part of the Hyatt team, where we have access to Hyatt Ideas, a platform for learning and training among colleagues across the continent. We exchange best practices and innovative ideas that enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Additionally, I am involved in various professional groups where we share insights on emerging trends and innovations. Staying updated with changes in the hospitality sector is crucial, so I frequently engage in discussions with industry peers and explore ways to adapt and implement new ideas in my current role.

Your anticipation for welcoming guests to the new Japanese restaurant, Sesame, at Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai, is palpable. Could you share more about the unique culinary offerings and ambience that guests can expect at Sesame, and how you aim to elevate their dining experience to make them feel #LikeACeleb in the vibrant city of Mumbai?

At Sesame, our specialty restaurant offers a modern take on Asian cuisine, mainly Japanese. We aim to create an exciting experience for our guests with flavorful dishes. Since launching our new menu in October, we've received fantastic feedback and even won three awards. Led by Chef Rahul Shrivastava, Sesame guarantees a culinary adventure with dramatic food presentations and crafted cocktails at the bar.

Currently, we're celebrating the Sakura Matsuri festival, showcasing cherry blossoms' season in Japan with special décor and menu. We also host various monthly activities like sushi rolling classes and painting workshops to combine food and art uniquely. Next month, we're introducing a special mango menu with a Japanese twist for summer.

Our Sesame bar offers an intimate setting to enjoy drinks while watching live sports. Our team is always ready to provide insider tips and engage in great conversations over well-crafted cocktails. If you prefer fresh air, our alfresco area is perfect for enjoying chilled beer and refreshing summer cocktails.

Our entire food and beverage experience is designed to bring the #theatreofflavours to life, ensuring a memorable dining experience for our guests.