From the vibrant streets of India to the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, Anju Desai’s life has been a whirlwind of art, culture, and entrepreneurship. Anju’s journey shows the power of passion, determination, and embracing change.

The Early Years

From age 4, Anju took her first steps onto the stage, where she discovered her love for dance, acting, and singing. With ongoing, loving support from her family, she performed at various festivals and school gatherings in India. She also showcased her flair for art, winning awards at school competitions and hosting several painting exhibitions as a young artist.

A Natural Artist and Performer

As a teenager, she ventured into Marathi theatre, where her passion for stage performances was appreciated and rewarded. Anju’s vocal talents also found expression as she worked as an orchestra singer. A local radio station became her first employer at age 14. 

Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Anju’s passion for women’s freedom and safety led her to become a guest speaker at the age of 18. She organised a women-led craft and creative expo. A platform for crafters and creators in her community. Her commitment to empowering women has been a driving force throughout her life.

From Motherhood to Businesshood at 18

At just 18, while being a dedicated mother, she started her own business, Nikhil Creations, specialising in printing and graphic design. Less than six months in the business, it expanded and continued to thrive for 10 years. In that period, her entrepreneurial spirit was awakened.

Landed in the county of long white clouds

Anju’s life journey took an exceptional turn when she arrived in New Zealand 25 years ago. Her creative spirit was enlightened with natural beauty, and she found warmth in the hearts of the humble Kiwi people. Her talents got the attention as she connected with the locals. The Kiwi community embraced her with open arms, offering opportunities for diverse activities, from painting classes to cooking demonstrations and holistic wellness workshops. Anju soon became a guest speaker at various events, sharing insights on life, journey, inspiration, creativity, and the philosophy of living.

Bringing Bollywood to New Zealand

With a deep desire to share the joy of Bollywood and Indian culture with the nurturing land of New Zealand, she founded “Bollywood Party in New Zealand” in 2009 with a sweet accident. Here is the story of how the Bollywood party began. 

Surprising and Fulfilling Recognitions

Anju was featured in an editorial in the “NZ Herald”, while local papers praised her art exhibitions. Also, her story was featured in an article in New Zealand Geographic, highlighting her ways of binding both cultures together. More media recognitions are in the segment below, or explore the media page here. 

Anju’s journey continued, and she had the opportunity to have an appearance on various television networks, including TVNZ, Maori TV, Te Reo channel, and TV 2, where she was interviewed and showcased her business. 

By 2010, Anju was travelling with her team throughout the country to host Bollywood parties. In 2019, she achieved a significant milestone with an international event for the Hewlett-Packard (HP) product launch in Queenstown.

Bollywood Costume Hire: A Dream Come True

Anju’s dream of Bollywood costume hire has become a reality, offering Kiwis the chance to step into the vibrant world of Bollywood stars. The costumes have won international and national awards and countless clients. Explore the dedicated website created by her here www.bollywoodcostumehire.co.nz 

Anju’s Culinary Expertise

Anju’s culinary journey began at the age of 10 when her mother gave her the responsibility of cooking and exploring traditional recipes. Her fascination with spices, health, and well-being became integral to her lifestyle.  She profoundly understands the benefits of spices, Ayurveda, and holistic living.

Today, Anju brings her wealth of expertise to her cooking demonstrations and speeches. Her friendly demeanour, knowledge, and storytelling skills have made her an inspirational speaker at various events. Her new brand, Anjus Holistic Kitchen Products, can be found here – Spice Shop. 

A Passion for Marketing

With a background in graphic and web design, Anju’s love for creative marketing has always been at the heart of her work. She began her entrepreneurial journey at just 18 and, during the pandemic, relaunched her marketing business. Today, she continues to offer Business Sessions, supporting and guiding small local businesses through challenging times. Since then, she has helped a select number of start-ups and creative entrepreneurs build their brands with clarity and purpose. Anju also speaks at business schools and universities, sharing her knowledge on marketing strategy and more.

Inspiration and Encouragement

Anju’s inspiring journey from a small town in India to becoming a successful business owner in New Zealand serves as a hope for others. Her mantra of “no complaints, no blaming, no judgment” has not only guided her through life’s challenges but also given her the focus she needed to pursue her dreams.

Anju’s life story shows resilience and adaptability. Her experiences remind us that life’s unexpected twists can lead to extraordinary adventures.

In her own words, “A smile, warmth, and kindness do not cost us anything. Surround yourself with wonderful energy and embrace gratitude. Keep your eyes on the goal and step ahead with trust”

Let Anju’s story inspire you to chase your dreams and create a future filled with passion and purpose.

Talk to Anju today!!!