A Journey of Passion and Entrepreneurship

Have you ever felt so passionate about something, but couldn't do it due to limitations, yet somehow made it a reality??

Well, that is what my story is about, and I'm excited to share it with you today.

But first let me take you 30 years back to the busy suburbs of Mumbai, in India. Growing up in the suburbs of Mumbai, my family lived in a building filled with stories. Yes, pun was intended.

My father's journey from a small village to the busy streets of Mumbai, with just 100 rupees in his pocket, less than 2 US dollars today, set the example for my own journey. His tenacity, sleeping on office floors to secure a better life for us, instilled in me a sense of determination from a young age.

Despite our modest means, I was fortunate to be exposed to Hollywood, Bollywood, and MTV. Music became my sanctuary, where dreams knew no bounds.?

However, the reality of financial constraints soon set in. Imported music players, CDs, and cassettes remained distant luxuries, beyond the reach of our household budget.?

Yet, my love for music persisted, fueling a relentless quest for alternatives.

Among all these challenges, an unexpected opportunity emerged when I was approached to assist in organizing a small event for our building community. Eager to explore beyond academics, I got an opportunity into the world of event planning and management. From fundraising to logistics, I found myself thriving in this new role, uncovering another passion for organizing gatherings and creating memorable experiences for others.?

With music still echoing in my soul and newfound event management skills in hand, I embarked on a mission to blend these passions seamlessly. The idea struck to organize a Christmas party on our building's rooftop, catering to kids of all ages. Despite limited resources, we managed to create a magical evening, and I found myself labeled as the go-to DJ for most future gatherings.

But the story didn't end there. Fueled by the success of our rooftop venture, my brother and I ventured into the world of equipment rental, starting with makeshift disco lights crafted from leftover wood. With each party, we reinvested our earnings, gradually expanding our offerings and establishing ourselves as "Party Makers" across all the major suburbs of Mumbai.

Our journey was filled with challenges. Like - Operating under the disapproval of my father, navigating storage constraints in one of the most expensive sq ft prices in the world, and dealing with the occasional setback like bad debts. And these were just a few hurdles along the way. Yet, through persistence, organization, and hard work, we persevered, learning invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship and the realities of running a business. Businesses are a complex network of relationships - People, Process, Product, Capital. And we were beginning to learn them all.?

As I look back on my journey from Mumbai rooftops to Party Makers, I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned along the way. It wasn't just about playing great music or organizing events; it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unwavering determination.?

From the depths of financial constraints emerged a thriving business, built on a foundation of passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of dreams.

In closing, I remember the words of Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right." My journey is an example to the power of belief, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of passion. So, I encourage each of you to embrace your dreams, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in your way, for within every challenge lies an opportunity waiting to be seized.

Thank you,

Mack Akhani