From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Thejus Shivarama, Founder and CEO of Juliet and 2Moons, has carved a unique path in the hospitality industry, turning passion and perseverance into a thriving business. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Alliance University, Thejus’s love for food and networking became the driving force behind his entrepreneurial success.

His journey began with Serene Mist Resort, a 9-key boutique property set in a coffee estate in Chikmagalur. This venture laid the foundation for his deep-rooted understanding of hospitality, seamlessly translating into his later successes with Juliet and 2Moons—now among the top three hospitality brands in Bangalore’s Central Business District (CBD).

A Customer-First Philosophy

Thejus believes that many hospitality brands remain rigid in their offerings, often missing out on genuine guest satisfaction. His approach is simple: give customers what they truly want.

"If a guest at an Asian restaurant craves curd rice or rasam rice, I make sure they get it," he shares. This flexibility and personal touch have become key differentiators for his brands, creating a loyal customer base that values his commitment to personalized service.

Overcoming Hardships & Learning the Ropes

Thejus’s journey wasn’t smooth. As a newcomer to the industry, he faced significant challenges, including misleading consultants who took advantage of his inexperience. Financial setbacks followed as he unknowingly overspent on unnecessary expenses—over-ordering cutlery, crockery, and food trials that inflated costs by 200%.

A three-month delay in launching one of his projects only added to the pressure, forcing him to cover staff salaries and rent before the doors even opened. Despite these struggles, he emerged stronger, learning to trust his instincts, build reliable teams, and streamline operations.

Building a Hospitality Powerhouse

Today, Thejus is credited with creating Boho Sunsets, Bangalore’s only true sundowner experience. What many initially thought would last just six months is now a well-established brand. His ability to connect personally with customers and adapt to their evolving needs has made Juliet and 2Moons a go-to destination for Bangalore’s hospitality scene.

His next big venture? Minx—a craft cocktail club set to redefine Bangalore’s nightlife. Unlike the many cocktail bars in the city, Minx aims to be Bangalore’s first true cocktail club, bringing a premium and immersive drinking experience.

A Unique Leadership Style

Rejecting the traditional corporate approach, Thejus fosters a culture of freedom and learning within his team. He encourages his staff—both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH)—to take ownership of their roles, make mistakes, and grow from them.

"My job is not to micromanage but to mentor," he says. By empowering his team to take the lead, he has built a strong, resilient, and motivated workforce, which he considers his biggest asset.

Racing with Cheetahs, Not Horses

For Thejus, staying ahead of the competition doesn’t mean following trends or copying others—it’s about staying true to his brand’s strengths. His personal mantra, "Race with cheetahs, not with horses," reflects his belief in setting his own pace, breaking conventions, and redefining hospitality on his terms.

From being an underdog in the industry to a recognized hospitality entrepreneur, Thejus Shivarama’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With Juliet, 2Moons, Boho Sunsets, and now Minx, he continues to shape Bangalore’s hospitality landscape, proving that the real secret to success lies in passion, personalization, and persistence.


The Westin Goa Appoints Preeti Mittoo as Director of Sales and Marketing

The Westin Goa Appoints Preeti Mittoo as Director of Sales and Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 18, 2025

The Westin Goa has announced the appointment of Preeti Mittoo as its new director of sales and marketing. With more than 18 years of expertise across luxury, business, and lifestyle hospitality brands, Mittoo brings a strong track record of leading teams, driving growth, and creating guest-focused experiences.

She began her career with ITC Hotels and The Oberoi Group, where she developed a strong foundation in hospitality sales. Most recently, she served as general manager, sales, North India at Lemon Tree & Aurika Hotels, successfully leading sales strategies for 32 hotels and spearheading the launch of their luxury brand.

This appointment marks her first role with Marriott International. At The Westin Goa, Mittoo’s focus will be on positioning the resort as a destination of choice in Goa while building on Westin’s wellness-infused philosophy and the vibrant spirit of the region. She envisions establishing the property as the benchmark for wellness-driven luxury in India.

Mittoo believes that true success goes beyond filling rooms, it lies in curating soulful, memorable moments that inspire guest loyalty. A strong advocate of teamwork and guest-centric hospitality, her leadership mantra is: “Inspire, empower and stay customer-obsessed, because both teams and guests thrive when genuine care is at the core.”

Welcoming her to the team, Harish Gopalakrishnan, general manager, The Westin Goa, said: “We are delighted to welcome Preeti Mittoo to The Westin Goa family! With her talent and experience, we are confident that together we will curate trend-setting, soulful experiences that position the resort as the benchmark for wellness travel in India.”

Through her new role, Preeti Mittoo aims to blend strategy with empathy, ensuring The Westin Goa remains a leader in Goa’s luxury and wellness hospitality landscape.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Appoints Henna Punjabi as Director of Public Relations and Communications

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Appoints Henna Punjabi as Director of Public Relations and Communications

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 18, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has announced the appointment of Henna Punjabi as its new Director of Public Relations and Communications.

Henna brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications, with a proven track record in building impactful brand narratives and executing campaigns that resonate with both guests and media. She has been recognised with the Marketing Team of the Year award at the Marriott International APEC Elite Awards 2024 and was named Runner-Up for Marketing & PR Person of the Year at the Hotelier India Awards, reflecting her excellence in the field.

In her new role, Henna will lead the hotel’s communications and brand positioning strategy, including media relations, integrated marketing, and high-impact campaigns. Her expertise in combining creativity with strategic insight will help amplify Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai’s visibility as a leader in luxury hospitality.

Commenting on the appointment, Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, said: “Henna brings with her not just experience, but a true passion for building connections through storytelling. We are delighted to welcome her to Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai and look forward to the energy, creativity, and fresh perspective she will bring to our communications journey.”

With Henna Punjabi on board, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence, where service, storytelling, and brand presence reflect the timeless elegance of the Four Seasons brand.


Treat Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership With Two Key Appointments in Nashik & Sambhajinagar

Treat Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership With Two Key Appointments in Nashik & Sambhajinagar

By Hariharan U

Published on September 17, 2025

Treat Hotels & Resorts has announced two significant leadership appointments, further strengthening its team as the brand continues to grow its presence in Nashik and Sambhajinagar.

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Mr. Rahuul Jaggiasi has been named Cluster General Manager – Nashik & Sambhajinagar. With over 20 years of experience, he is recognised for his expertise in brand building, pre-openings, operations, and luxury guest experiences. An alumnus of IHM-Aurangabad, affiliated with Huddersfield University, UK, Rahuul began his career with the Taj Group of Hotels. Over the years, he has held leadership roles with Lemon Tree Hotels, Pride Group of Hotels, Marriott International, Concept Hospitality, ITC Hotels’ Mementos Ekaaya Udaipur, and Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur. Most recently, he was associated with Foodlink F&B Holdings, where he focused on expanding luxury catering and experiential dining in South India. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening operations, driving strategic growth, and enhancing guest experiences across the Nashik and Sambhajinagar properties.

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Alongside this, Mr. Parikshit Shouche has been appointed as General ManagerSales, Nashik Region. With 21 years of experience in hospitality sales, Parikshit has developed strong expertise in revenue generation and market expansion. An alumnus of MGV’s College of Hotel Management & Technologies, Nashik, he also holds a B.A. in History. He began his career with Taj Residency and went on to work with Ginger Hotels and Express Inn. At Ibis Nashik, he served for more than a decade in multiple roles, eventually becoming Director of Sales. Most recently, he was associated with Courtyard by Marriott as Director of Sales & Marketing. In his new position, he will lead sales strategies, strengthen market presence, and drive business growth for Treat Hotels & Resorts.

These appointments mark a strategic step for Treat Hotels & Resorts as it builds a robust leadership team to deliver exceptional hospitality and further its vision for growth in key markets.

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