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.


MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts Appoints Varun Mehrotra as AVP – Sales & Marketing

MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts Appoints Varun Mehrotra as AVP – Sales & Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2025

MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts has appointed Varun Mehrotra as Assistant Vice President – Sales & Marketing at its Corporate Office, further strengthening its leadership team. With over 23 years of experience in sales leadership, strategic marketing, revenue optimization, and brand positioning, Varun’s expertise will be instrumental in expanding MAYFAIR’s market presence and driving business growth.

His career in hospitality began with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognized luxury brand, and he has since contributed to shaping sales and marketing strategies for prestigious hotel chains, including The Leela, Zuri Hotels & Resorts Ltd, Ista Hotels, Accor Group Fairmont Jaipur, and Khyathi Solutions. His deep understanding of market trends, revenue management, and brand positioning has consistently delivered sustained growth and competitive advantages.

In his new role at MAYFAIR, Varun will lead performance-driven sales and marketing strategies focused on expanding market reach, optimizing sales channels, leveraging data-driven insights, and strengthening high-revenue segments such as MICE and destination weddings. He will also foster strategic alliances, enhance brand positioning, and drive digital transformation through innovative marketing campaigns. Recognized for his strategic thinking and results-oriented approach, his leadership will play a key role in scaling MAYFAIR’s commercial success.

With a strong emphasis on revenue growth, digital marketing, and customer-centric strategies, Varun’s appointment marks an exciting phase of expansion and competitive excellence for MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts. His expertise will reinforce MAYFAIR’s position as a premier luxury hospitality brand, ensuring sustained growth and market leadership in the industry.


Mainak Ray Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Director of Sales & Marketing

Mainak Ray Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 28, 2025

JW Marriott Kolkata is delighted to announce the appointment of Mainak Ray as the Director of Sales & Marketing. With over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality sales, Mainak brings a strong strategic vision and a proven track record in revenue growth, brand positioning, and guest engagement.

A Dynamic Leader with Global Experience

A University of Calcutta alumnus, Mainak pursued a Master’s in International Management from the University of Sussex, UK. He started his career with Lebara Mobile UK before transitioning into hospitality, taking on key sales and marketing roles at Hyatt, Accor, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International. His expertise spans multiple cities and market segments, making him well-equipped to lead JW Marriott Kolkata’s growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities & Vision

In his new role, Mainak will oversee the hotel’s sales, marketing, and revenue operations, with a focus on:

  • Strategic growth & brand positioning
  • Optimizing room and event revenue
  • Curating unique F&B initiatives
  • Enhancing guest engagement & market presence

Expressing his excitement about joining JW Marriott Kolkata, Mainak Ray shared:
"I am deeply honored to be part of JW Marriott Kolkata, a hotel that exemplifies luxury, innovation, and guest-centricity. I look forward to working with the exceptional team here to drive growth and craft unforgettable experiences for our guests."

Sunil Kumar, General Manager of JW Marriott Kolkata, added:
"We are delighted to welcome Mainak Ray to the JW Marriott Kolkata family. His expertise, strategic acumen, and leadership will be invaluable in propelling the hotel’s growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality."

JW Marriott Kolkata – A Luxury Icon in the City of Joy

Recognized as Kolkata’s #1 hotel on TripAdvisor, JW Marriott Kolkata seamlessly blends elegance, world-class service, and exceptional dining. Home to 2:Fifty9, one of India’s Top 100 Bars, the hotel is a sought-after destination for luxury experiences, weddings, and corporate events.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mainak Ray is passionate about travel, global cuisines, and soccer. His leadership is set to further strengthen JW Marriott Kolkata’s legacy of excellence in luxury hospitality.


Seema Taj Elevated to Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

Seema Taj Elevated to Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 28, 2025

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore has announced the promotion of Seema Taj to Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, she will spearhead strategic initiatives to enhance the hotel’s market presence, drive business expansion, and strengthen key partnerships, ensuring its position as a premier choice for business and leisure travelers.

With an impressive career spanning 23 years in the hospitality industry, Seema has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. She started her journey as an Airport Sales Executive, later taking on leadership roles in Front Office and Banquet Management before transitioning into strategic sales and marketing functions.

A Proven Leader in Hospitality Sales

Since joining Sheraton Grand Palace Indore in 2019 as Associate Director of Sales, Seema has played a pivotal role in revenue optimization, customer engagement, and business strategy development. She has been instrumental in:

  • Strengthening financial discipline and operational efficiency

  • Developing innovative sales and marketing initiatives

  • Identifying growth opportunities and enhancing guest experiences

Her efforts have significantly contributed to the hotel’s profitability, market positioning, and brand recognition in Central India’s luxury hospitality sector.

Speaking on her promotion, Seema Taj shared her enthusiasm for the new role:

"I am delighted to step into the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. My journey with this property has been one of growth, passion, and dedication, and I look forward to elevating guest experiences, strengthening partnerships, and driving excellence with my incredible team."

A Passion for Travel and Cultural Exploration

Beyond her professional achievements, Seema is an avid traveler, passionate about cooking, and enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. She finds joy in exploring new destinations, discovering unique cultures, and embracing fresh perspectives—a passion that complements her dynamic approach to hospitality.

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About Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore stands as Central India’s premier hospitality landmark, offering a seamless blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. With its expansive event spaces, world-class dining, and commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences, Sheraton continues to redefine the standards of excellence in the hospitality industry.

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