D-Hustlers : Entrepreneurial Stories of Desi Immigrants

Hosted by Jai Desai - US Immigrant

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Latest episode

Aug 2024

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EN-US

About the show

I bring you small business stories of Indian immigrants from diverse fields. My aim is to learn from their successes and failures and inspire you to start small and achieve financial freedom. I release a new episode every alternate Monday. Subscribe and stay tuned. You can reach out to connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com to share your stories or refer your friends.

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17 recent

August 12, 2024Episode 171 hr 5 min

E17 - Mixology & Margaritas

Mixology, Migration, and Margarita Magic: Sushmita Malakar Shares Her Journey In this episode of The Hustlers Podcast, host Jai Desai sits down with Sushmita Malakar, a talented mixologist based in Austin, Texas. Sushmita delves into her transition from a data scientist in India to a full-time mixologist in the U.S. She provides insights into her journey, including attending the New York Bartending School and curating unique cocktails for various events. The episode covers a variety of topics such as the art of mixology, building a network as an immigrant, engaging with clients, working with alcohol brands, and useful tips for budding mixologists. Sushmita also shares fun anecdotes from her events, cultural differences in drink preferences, and practical advice on how to avoid and cure hangovers. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:07 Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Insights 00:43 Mixology and Client Preferences 01:36 Guest Introduction: Sushmita Malakar 02:39 Sushmita's Journey into Mixology 05:18 Building a Career in Mixology 13:42 Networking and Client Acquisition 18:33 Working with Brands and Content Creation 28:48 Event Types and Pricing Strategies 32:21 Growing on Instagram 34:49 Finding Your Niche in Content Creation 36:22 Earnings and Workload of a Mixologist 38:28 Personality Traits for Success in Mixology 44:47 Cultural Insights and Mixology 49:32 Challenges and Realities of Being a Mixologist 56:52 Rapid Fire Round: Fun and Favorites 01:03:51 Conclusion and Contact Information Contact Sushmita Malakar: Hire Sushmita: https://www.sushmitamalakar.com/cheers Website: https://www.sushmitamalakar.com/link-in-bio Instagram: @sushmitamalakar Stay Connected: I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://youtube.com/@d-hustlers?feature=shared I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

July 15, 202441 min

E16 - Austin Indian Women in Business

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Journey of Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB) | Hustlers Podcast In this episode of the Hustlers podcast, host Jai Desai interviews Priyanka and Hiral, two passionate entrepreneurs and co-founders of the Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB) community. They discuss their individual business ventures in maternity and ethnic clothing, and their journey in supporting other women entrepreneurs in Austin. Priyanka talks about her research for starting a breastfeeding clothing line, the challenges of selling on Amazon, and the inspiration behind AIWB. Hiral shares her experiences, the growth of the AIWB community, and the upcoming events aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs. They also announce their milestone achievement of becoming a registered nonprofit organization. Tune in to learn about their inspirational journey and how they empower women in business. 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Meet Priyanka: Entrepreneur and Community Founder 02:22 The Journey into Maternity Clothing Business 04:43 Research and Development of Breastfeeding Outfits 10:04 Challenges of Selling on Amazon 15:12 Balancing Multiple Roles and Businesses 18:44 Founding the Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB) 21:55 Challenges in Women's Business Groups 22:44 The Birth of AWB 23:46 Meeting Hiral Patel 25:24 Building the Community 27:00 Upcoming Events and Goals 36:18 The Big Announcement 39:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Info and Guest Profile About AIWB 170+ businesses community collaborations aiwbcommunity.com Upcoming event: Utsav shopping Mela -4th Aug @Cedar park more than 25 vendor stalls Contact Info: info@aiwbcommunity.com admin@aiwbcommunity.com IG: austin_indian_womeninbusiness FB: Austin Indian Women In business About PriyankaMaternity Business: -MISS Mominstylestore-Brand for breastfeeding/maternity outfit www.mominstylestore.com Amazon- miss Mominstylestore (brand) puppalapriyanka@mominstylestore.com About Hiral - Satvik catering services since long time - ⁠ Navrang collections - India ethnic clothig store (proper store in Austin area) - ⁠handles all the community events I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://youtube.com/@d-hustlers?feature=shared I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

July 1, 202446 min

15 - The Immigrant Academy

Navigating Immigrant Life: Anjali Nair's Journey & Insights on Hustler's Podcast In this episode, podcast host Jai Desai speaks with Anjali Nair, the founder of the Immigrant Academy and a marketing manager, about the challenges and experiences faced by immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S. Anjali shares her personal journey from moving to the U.S. with limited information to founding the Immigrant Academy to support other immigrants. Topics discussed include networking strategies, overcoming cultural shocks, integrating into U.S. culture, and the importance of building a community. Anjali also talks about her mentoring programs and how she hopes to impact the lives of other immigrants by providing knowledge and support throughout their journey. 00:07 Challenges of Immigrant Life 01:20 Meet Anjali Nair 02:48 The Birth of Immigrant Academy 06:15 Navigating the Job Market 09:28 Networking Strategies 14:14 Growing a Blog and Community 19:29 Research and Development 22:31 The Immigrant Academy's Unique Approach 24:30 Mentorship 3.0 Program Explained 28:28 Cultural Shocks and Adaptations 33:13 Tips for Integrating into US Culture 37:01 Embracing AI in the Job Market 39:25 Old vs. New Job Search Strategies 40:22 Future Goals and Community Impact 45:14 Concluding Thoughts and Final Insights You can book 1:1 session with Anjali Nair at theimmigrantacademy.myflodesk.com/link or Connect with Anjali on instagram @theimmigrantacademy I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://youtube.com/@d-hustlers?feature=shared I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

June 17, 20241 hr 12 min

14 - Achieving Career Success with Pavi Theva

In the 14th episode of D-Hustlers Podcast, host Jai Desai interviews Pavi Theva, an ex-tech leader turned career coach and TEDx speaker. Pavi shares invaluable insights into overcoming common fears like failure and rejection, finding career clarity, and starting a side hustle that aligns with your passions. The conversation delves deep into the mental barriers faced by professionals, especially immigrants, and offers practical tools and exercises for overcoming these challenges. Pavi also discusses the importance of personal growth, building a personal brand, and the nuances of effective networking. Tune in for a wisdom-packed episode aimed at unlocking your full potential and achieving financial freedom. 00:00 Introduction to the Hustlers Podcast 00:07 Common Fears in Entrepreneurship 00:26 The Influence of Cultural Icons 00:45 Networking and Self-Discovery 01:08 Meet Pavi Theva: Career Coach and TEDx Speaker 01:32 Understanding the Role of a Career Coach 02:17 Finding Career Clarity and Overcoming Barriers 02:41 Exploring Side Hustles and Personal Branding 04:23 Framework for Starting a Side Hustle 09:44 Identifying and Overcoming Mental Barriers 19:24 Managing Energy and Setting Non-Negotiables 24:35 Cultural Challenges and Money Mindset 32:07 Investing in Yourself and Your Business 34:31 Investing in Personal Growth 35:08 Creating Financial Safety Nets 36:43 Outsourcing and Delegating Tasks 39:02 Building a Personal Brand 41:02 The Importance of Networking 47:33 Choosing the Right Coach or Mentor 52:13 Common Reasons Businesses Fail 57:08 Traits of Successful People 58:53 Career vs. Money Orientation 01:03:05 Rapid Fire Questions 01:11:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Pavi on Linkedin or Instagram (@IamPaviTheva) Or book and appointment with her: https://zcal.co/pavitheva/strategysession I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: pod.dhustlers@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠: D-Hustlers I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

June 3, 202438 min

13 - Life & Relationship Coach - Rahil

Empowering Relationships and Personal Growth with Life Coach Rahil In this episode of the Hustlers podcast, Jai Desai interviews Rahil, a life and relationship coach. Rahil discusses her journey from being an image consultant and stylist to becoming a life coach. She explains the distinctions between coaching and therapy, the importance of empathy in coaching, and the various techniques she uses, such as the Voice Dialogue Technique, to help clients overcome challenges. Rahil also shares insights on how she grew her Instagram following to over 80,000 within a year, tips on identifying when one might need a coach, and the dynamics of freelancing with a matchmaking company. Additionally, the podcast delves into the importance of networking, personal growth, and the psychological aspects of coaching, providing valuable advice for those considering a career in coaching or looking to improve their personal and professional lives. 00:00 Introduction to Relationship Coaching 02:08 Understanding the Role of a Life Coach 03:56 Identifying the Need for a Coach 06:53 Challenges in Relationships 08:19 Rahil's Journey into Coaching 11:57 Certifications and Training 14:18 Building a Coaching Business 18:02 Techniques and Tools for Coaching 22:18 Overcoming Personal Challenges 28:15 Networking and Client Acquisition 32:53 Final Thoughts and Advice Connect with Rahil - mindstyled@gmail.com or follow her on instagram @mindstyled You can also book a 1:1 consulting session with her at https://topmate.io/mindstyled I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

May 20, 20241 hr 5 min

12 - Storytelling with Data - Lekhana Reddy

From struggling to find a job post-MBA to becoming a successful content creator and entrepreneur 🚀 | Lekhna's Inspiring Journey In this episode of The Hustlers Podcast, host Jai Desai interviews Lekhna, a content creator specialising in data and AI. Lekhna shares her journey from struggling to find a job post-MBA to becoming a successful content creator and entrepreneur. She discusses how she started with social media analytics, built a network, and leveraged her skills to grow her Instagram following. The conversation delves into the emotional rollercoaster of content creation, dealing with criticism, and tips for effective networking and sales. Lekhna also talks about her transition from a corporate job to full-time content creation and mentoring, offering insights on upskilling, business strategies, and maintaining a work-life balance. 00:00 Meet Lekhna: A Journey from MBA to Content Creation 01:30 Lekhna's Pivot to Analytics and Content Creation 11:48 The Viral Moment: A Reel's Unexpected Success 12:48 Building an Audience: Strategies and Challenges 14:48 The Highs and Lows of Being a Content Creator 25:37 Embracing Entrepreneurship: Courses and Mentoring 28:33 From Content Creation to Business Ownership 31:13 The Journey from First Partnership to Content Creation 32:23 Diving into Paid Partnerships and Personal Coaching 33:18 The Evolution of Course Creation and Learning from Mistakes 34:21 Navigating the Challenges of Payments and Customer Acquisition 37:14 Achieving Success and Learning the Importance of Delegation 40:31 Transitioning to Full-Time Content Creation and Business Management 55:06 Building a Community and Networking Strategies 58:29 Personal Growth and Professional Development Through Content Creation 01:03:02 Confronting Failures and Strategizing Pricing 01:04:57 Wrapping Up with Insights and Advice I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

May 6, 20241 hr 25 min

#11 - Dance with Miss Priya

Dancing to Success: The Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey of Miss Priya In this empowering episode, Jai Desai interviews Miss Priya, detailing her remarkable transition from an immigrant with no teaching background to a successful dance instructor and business owner in Chicago. The narrative delves into Priya's initial challenges, including leaving a corporate job, starting 'Dance with Miss Priya,' and navigating entrepreneurship and the pandemic's adversities. With a focus on Indian dance forms and cultural experiences, her business flourished from humble beginnings to planning future expansions and hiring. Priya's story unfolds her struggles with self-doubt, financial instability, and operational burdens, yet highlights her perseverance, adaptability, and the joy found in pursuing one's passion. This segment inspires with lessons on embracing cultural heritage, the importance of community support, and the relentless pursuit of one's entrepreneurial goals. 00:00 Welcome to the World of Immigrant Entrepreneurs 00:19 Turning Passion into Profession: The Journey of Miss Priya 01:29 From Childhood Hobby to Career: Priya's Dance Evolution 04:17 The Leap from Corporate to Creative: Finding a New Path 11:46 Embracing Entrepreneurship: The Birth of Dance with Miss Priya 15:11 Navigating the Pandemic: Transition to Online Teaching 18:37 Building a Brand: Social Media Strategy and Engagement 35:29 Expanding Horizons: Launching In-Person Classes Amidst Challenges 38:26 Operational Insights: Managing a Growing Dance Business 41:59 Expanding Dance Studios and Managing Contracts 44:02 Operational Costs and Financial Management 45:31 Cultural Dance Programs: More Than Just Moves 47:28 Diverse Student Demographics and Outreach Efforts 49:05 Building Partnerships with Schools 52:12 Navigating Growth and Strategic Planning 53:49 Engaging Young Learners: Strategies and Challenges 58:11 The Journey of Expansion: Hiring and Scaling 01:04:54 Celebrating Milestones and Reflecting on the Journey 01:11:00 Financial Realities and Future Aspirations 01:23:38 Concluding Thoughts and Learnings I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

April 22, 2024Episode 101 hr 19 min

E #10 - DJ Nish

The Beat Goes On: DJ Nish on Bollywood, Beats, and Business of DJing This video features the insightful journey of DJ Nish, a prominent figure in the Indian music scene in Austin, Texas in the U.S., especially known for his Bollywood DJing ventures. He shares his experiences, from the early days of adapting to the U.S. and making a name for himself in Bollywood nights to taking a selective approach towards gigs for the sake of passion over profit after not DJing for a couple of years. DJ Nish discusses the intricacies of connecting with diverse crowds, the evolution of music trends with platforms like TikTok, and the business side of DJing, including potential earnings and the impact of choosing significant, enjoyable events. Beyond the decks, he delves into his ventures into day trading and real estate, highlighting the balance between pursuing one’s passion and exploring other entrepreneurial avenues. This narrative not only explores the art and business of DJing but also offers an insider's perspective on making memorable music experiences while balancing professional and personal growth. 00:00 Welcome to the Hustlers Podcast: A Chat with DJ Nish 00:43 The Journey Begins: From College to DJ Stardom 03:01 Mastering the Art of DJing: Skills, Strategies, and Dance Floor Dynamics 09:08 Navigating the Evolution of DJing: From CD Collections to TikTok Trends 12:04 The Bollywood Influence: Transitioning from English to Hindi Hits 13:35 Understanding the Crowd: The Key to a Successful DJ Set 23:41 The Technical Side of DJing: Equipment, Teamwork, and Copyrights 36:03 Life Beyond the Turntable: Day Trading by Day, DJing by Night 38:52 The Unpredictable Path of a Trading Career 40:06 The Backup Plan: DJing as a Financial Safety Net 40:32 Evolving Passion: From Necessity to Love for DJing 41:06 Adapting to the Crowd: The Art of DJing 43:08 Leveraging Technology in DJing 54:51 The Business Side of DJing: Planning and Execution 59:22 The Financials: Costs, Profits, and Pricing Strategies 01:04:02 Post-COVID: The Resurgence of DJ Events 01:15:14 Entrepreneurial Insights and Final Thoughts I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠⁠dhustlerspod⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

April 8, 202455 min

#9: Tara Herbals - Poornima

From Personal struggle to founding a business: An Immigrant Entrepreneur's Journey with Tara Herbals In this episode of the D Hustler's Podcast, host Jai Desai interviews Poornima, the founder of Tara Herbals, exploring her entrepreneurial journey as an immigrant in Austin, Texas. Poornima shares her personal battle with alopecia, which inspired her to create natural skincare and haircare products rooted in Indian tradition, using ingredients like shikakai powder and castor oil. She discusses the challenges of starting a business from scratch, including initial investments, product development, dealing with doubt, and learning the importance of persistence. The conversation delves into the specifics of influencer marketing, the impact of customer trust, and the intricacies of shipping and managing a small business in the beauty industry. Poornima also emphasizes the significance of natural ingredients and sustainable practices, reflecting on how she evolved Tara Herbals into a reputable brand, providing insights and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs. 00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 00:27 Launching the D Hustler's Podcast 01:02 A Deep Dive into Tara Herbals with Poornima 01:41 The Genesis of Tara Herbals 02:33 From Personal Struggle to Business Idea 05:57 The Birth and Growth of Tara Herbals 12:02 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship 14:29 Building Trust and Establishing a Brand 24:22 The Importance of Sleep and Work-Life Balance 28:59 Navigating Shipping Challenges and Customer Expectations 31:17 The Journey of Product Development and Initial Investments 33:50 Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Learning and Growth 34:42 Expanding Product Lines and Emphasizing Natural Ingredients 38:28 Leveraging Social Media and Influencer Collaborations for Growth 43:31 Understanding Customer Conversion and Marketing Strategies 48:17 Overcoming Fraud and Embracing Customer Satisfaction 49:24 Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Challenges and Personal Growth 54:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Aspirations Poornima's website: https://taraherbals.com/ I post interesting clips from my recent and upcoming episodes on instagram and youtube Insta: @⁠dhustlerspod⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ I'm always looking for feedback on how to improve my show, what else would you like to see and even looking for new guests who are in diverse professions and Hustling to create their own path to success. Connect with me on pod.dhustlers@gmail.com or via my instagram account shared above

March 25, 202414 min

#8 - Special Episode: Un(Filtered)

In this special unfiltered episode, the host, Jai Desai, shares insights and motivations behind starting the podcast, reflecting on jobs vs businesses risks and the desire for financial independence. The episode recaps interviews with various immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S., sharing their unique journeys, challenges, and key learnings from event planning to fitness coaching and edtech startup. The host also outlines valuable lessons on customer focus, seizing opportunities, and starting small, encouraging listeners to pursue their side hustles. Upcoming guests from diverse fields are teased, underscoring the podcast's commitment to inspiring entrepreneurial journeys. 00:00 Welcome to the Unfiltered Special Episode 00:31 The Genesis of the Podcast: A Personal Journey 01:54 Recapping Immigrant Entrepreneur Stories 09:04 Key Learnings from Immigrant Entrepreneurs 12:48 Exciting Lineup of Upcoming Guests 13:23 Closing Thoughts and Invitation for Feedback