Nikita Harisinghani Curated Her Way Up In Hospitality As Entrepreneur

Nikita Harisinghani had always been passionate about curating events right from college, therefore, it seemed only right for her to jump into creating some out-of-the-box experiences for the Indian youth. Tasked with creating campaigns for NH7 Weekender - one of the country's most celebrated music festivals - while at Only Much Louder, Harisinghani charted her path along the way and turned to entrepreneurship eventually.

Drawing from her experience with curating events, she started her agency Chrome Entertainment and created IP for some big brands in the market. It was during the pandemic that she decided to shift focus to something bigger which led to the birth of Chrome Hospitality. Expanding her knowledge about the food and beverage industry, she is now levelling a touch higher with millennial-focused interesting concepts.

In this conversation with SheThePeople Nikita Harisinghani talks about the hospitality industry, market challenges, what made her pivot to bigger goals, and how self-reflection has been a key to her growth.

Nikita Harisinghani Interview

How did Chrome Hospitality happen? 

I'd say it happened organically. With the onset of Covid, large-scale events and Ips were not permitted and I had to pivot to keep up. My business partners at the time wanted me to work with them and explore new-age concepts in the hospitality sector and I am pretty thrilled to have embarked on this journey with them.

What were the kind of challenges you faced while started out? 

Hospitality is a very male-dominant sector and it gets difficult at times to get through to your colleagues or be taken seriously.

That's a challenge I feel one can only overcome with time and being consistent in your work. It requires persistence, hard work, and a willingness to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Over time, however, if you're consistent and passionate it reflects in your work and you do get a seat at the table. 

How did the pandemic impact decisions you took that kept the company sailing?

We as a company, like any other company, had to make difficult decisions to keep our business afloat. We had to scale back operations and do cost-cutting on all fronts. We even explored newer dining formats such as late-night food deliveries and car food pickups. 

What were your biggest learnings with respect to what works and what doesn’t in the ever-evolving F&B industry in the metropolitans?

In the hospitality space, service is key. If there's only one that one can fix to ensure a successful F&B venture, should be getting your service right. If your guests go back happy they will be your biggest advocates. 

I truly believe in the saying - 'You're as good as your last service'. 

What has impacted your growth in the space?

Overall, my growth as a leader has been impacted by a variety of factors - Experience, mentorship, feedback, and self-reflection is key.

How are you planning to revolutionise the market with your brand’s strategic growth?

Innovation would be at the heart of it. Introducing new-age concepts, and unconventional dining formats that are new to the Indian landscape would be key to our growth strategy. 

Is there any project in the pipeline you’re excited about and want to share more about?

I am super excited about Kaia, our first boutique hotel coming up in Ashvem Beach, Goa. It's going to be our first venture into hotels. Also very excited about our newest restaurant coming up in Bandra, as that's going to be my first design project as well. 

How do you think women’s entrepreneurship changes the game regarding gender equality in this sector?

Women's entrepreneurship can increase the number of women in leadership positions within the hospitality industry, providing more opportunities for women to break through the glass ceiling and advance in their careers. Also, Successful female entrepreneurs can serve as role models for other women looking to enter the hospitality industry, inspiring and motivating them to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs in hospitality?

Be consistent and have an execution mindset. In the hospitality space, execution is everything I believe. Lastly, have a strong team, with large operations, it's impossible to micro-manage and you're going to depend on a good team to deliver for you. 

Suggested reading: How Entrepreneur Devanshi Tripathi Is Bringing Her Own Seat In Hospitality Business