Shubha Kankaria, an impassioned entrepreneur hailing from the vibrant city of Jaipur, has embarked on a remarkable journey. Her transformation from an IT professional to a fervent ‘travelpreneur’ has become a source of inspiration for many.
Her narrative is one characterized by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams. In this exploration, we delve into her entrepreneurial journey, the inception of Stay Delight, her steadfast dedication to crafting personalized travel experiences, and her visionary outlook for the future.
From Education to Innovation
Shubha’s educational journey began in Pune, where she pursued a degree in Computer Applications at MIT College. This phase of her life laid a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving skills. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a master’s degree in Software Engineering from BITS Pilani, further delving into the world of software development and engineering.
For nearly five years, she honed her skills and gained valuable experience working with the renowned IT company Tech Mahindra. This professional stint was instrumental in shaping her career, instilling a strong work ethic and a passion for innovation.
However, her journey took an exciting turn when she decided to follow her heart and turn her love for travel into a profession. The world of corporate IT was left behind, and Shubha embarked on a new adventure – starting Stay Delight.
The Birth of Stay Delight: Where Passion Meets Profession
The birth of Stay Delight was sparked by a profound moment in 2014. Shubha embarked on a mesmerizing trek to ‘Roopkund’ in Uttarakhand, an experience that left an indelible mark on her soul. The challenging journey through pristine snow-covered terrain, culminating in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of snow-clad mountains, ignited a spark within her.
Eight months later, Shubha made the life-altering decision to resign from her job and venture into the world of entrepreneurship with Stay Delight. She realized that her passion for travel was not just a hobby but a calling, a way to share the incredible beauty of the world with others.
Stay Delight became Shubha’s platform to bring people closer to the beauty of the world, offering not just a place to stay but a chance to create unforgettable memories. It was a journey that was incredibly rewarding, and Shubha is grateful every day that she had the courage to follow her heart and turn her passion into a profession.
The Name ‘Stay Delight’: A Promise Unveiled
The name ‘Stay Delight’ was carefully chosen to encapsulate the very essence of the company’s vision and mission. It reflects the core values and goals that drive Stay Delight every day.
The word ‘Stay’ signifies the accommodation aspect of the business, offering travelers a comfortable and welcoming ‘home away from home.’ But ‘Delight’ goes beyond that; it represents Stay Delight’s commitment to go the extra mile, ensuring that every stay is a source of joy and satisfaction for guests.
Stay Delight’s vision is to inspire and enable travelers to explore the world with a sense of wonder and excitement. In essence, ‘Stay Delight’ is not just a name; it’s a promise to guests. It reflects an unwavering dedication to turning ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures.
Finding Strength in Diversity: Stay Delight’s Evolution
Stay Delight initially ventured into a wide array of offerings, embracing the diversity of the travel industry. They experimented with treks, curated offbeat group tours, embarked on food trails, and designed personalized holiday packages. They even entered the realm of business travel arrangements and offered MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) solutions for corporate clients. It was a dynamic landscape, but through experience and learning, Stay Delight found its core strengths.
Two areas emerged as their forte:
- Business Travel and MICE Arrangements for Corporates: Leveraging Shubha’s background in software engineering and corporate experience, Stay Delight excelled in catering to the needs of corporate travelers. They understood the intricacies of corporate travel requirements, providing seamless logistics, comfortable accommodations, and efficient event planning.
- Personalized and Customized Packages: Stay Delight’s passion for creating unique and memorable experiences became one of their core strengths. They tailored itineraries to match the individual preferences and dreams of their clients, whether it’s a romantic getaway, an adventure-packed journey, or an exploration of diverse cultures.
Meeting Challenges Head-On: Stay Delight’s Resilience
In the dynamic travel industry, daily challenges are a common occurrence, and Stay Delight has become adept at navigating them. They have developed strategies and approaches to handle a range of issues, from human resource management and personalization to maintaining service quality and fostering emotional connections.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business faced unprecedented challenges. Stay Delight responded by prioritizing safety and flexibility, shifting their focus to domestic travel, providing personalized advice, and remaining adaptable. These challenges served as opportunities for growth and innovation, driving them to continuously enhance the customer experience.
Creating a ‘Family of Happy World Travelers’: A Personal Touch
Stay Delight’s goal is to create a ‘Family of happy world travelers,’ and a personal touch is the cornerstone of achieving this aspiration. They embrace several approaches to infuse every journey with a unique and personal experience:
- In-Depth Consultations: Stay Delight engages in in-depth consultations with clients to understand their travel preferences, interests, and expectations.
- Customization: Stay Delight customizes every aspect of a trip, from selecting accommodations to curating unique activities and experiences that resonate with client interests.
- Local Expertise: The team includes experts with in-depth knowledge of destinations.
- Personalized Services: Stay Delight provides personalized services from the moment clients express interest in a trip to the conclusion of their journey.
- Surprise Delights: Stay Delight often incorporates unexpected elements into itineraries, such as welcome gifts, local treats, or exclusive experiences, to make each trip truly memorable.
- Constant Communication: Stay Delight maintains open and constant communication with clients.
- A Focus on Relationships: Building lasting relationships with clients is at the heart of Stay Delight’s approach.
The personal touch at Stay Delight is not just a business strategy; it’s a reflection of genuine passion for travel and a desire to share the joy of exploration.
Stay Delight’s Remarkable Success
Stay Delight’s journey has seen remarkable growth. Shubha started the venture with just Rs. 25,000 and operated from her home. Despite the hurdles and challenges, Stay Delight achieved a turnover just shy of 5 crore in the last financial year.
As they continue to grow and evolve, the company look forward to forging new partnerships, expanding their global footprint, and serving as a bridge between travelers in India and captivating destinations around the world.
Shubha Kankaria: The Person behind the Entrepreneur
Beyond her role at Stay Delight, Shubha has a diverse set of hobbies and interests that enrich her personal experiences and perspectives. She’s an avid trekker, finding solace and adventure in the great outdoors. She’s also a dedicated reader, finding inspiration and knowledge in the pages of books.
Shubha’s deep fascination with different cultures drives her to explore local customs, traditions, and cuisines when she travels. Moreover, she’s committed to giving back to the community through volunteering activities and initiatives.
Inspirations from the World of Books
As an ardent reader, Shubha has found inspiration in various genres. She’s particularly drawn to self-help and leadership books, which offer valuable insights into personal development and effective management. She also has a deep appreciation for non-fiction travel books, which allow her to vicariously explore the world through the eyes of adventurous authors.
Two Indian authors who have left a lasting impression on her are Shivya Nath, with her book ‘Shooting Star,’ and Pradeep Damodaran, with ‘Borderlands.’ Their narratives paint vivid pictures of their travel experiences and the diverse landscapes of India. Among foreign authors, Levison Wood stands out with his books ‘Walking the Nile’ and ‘Walking the Himalayas,’ showcasing the boundless possibilities of human exploration and the profound connection between people and landscapes.
A Guiding Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Wisdom
A quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson deeply resonates with Shubha and encapsulates her approach to life and business: ‘Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ This quote embodies her belief in innovation, creativity, and daring to explore uncharted territories. In both life and business, Shubha has found that the most rewarding experiences often come when she steps outside her comfort zone and embraces the unknown.
Shubha Kankaria’s entrepreneurial journey with Stay Delight is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, adapting to challenges, and creating remarkable experiences for others. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that with determination and a personal touch, they can turn their dreams into successful ventures.
As Stay Delight continues to grow and evolve, we can expect more exciting ventures and a continued commitment to creating delightful travel experiences for a global ‘Family of happy world travelers.’
