Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini

Rohit Maini
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Everyday Empires brings you the inspiring journeys of ordinary people building extraordinary entrepreneurial empires. Every 3rd Thursday, Rohit Maini, London-based chartered accountant, Managing Director of award-winning businesses and an entrepreneur himself, interviews guests to uncover stories more relatable and inspiring than the same old narratives about out-of-touch entrepreneurs that seem to dominate media headlines, Forbes lists and our social feeds. Find us at https://everyday-empires.com/.

  1. Quitting Corporate to Build an Affordable Luxury D2C Brand | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 15: Dishant Mehta

    FEB 4

    Quitting Corporate to Build an Affordable Luxury D2C Brand | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 15: Dishant Mehta

    How do you start a D2C business in India and does influencer marketing still work? In this episode of Everyday Empires, Rohit sits down with Dishant Mehta, co-founder of @WNTRTravel , an Indian D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) luggage brand built on a bold belief: India deserves luxury products at affordable prices. Dishant didn’t grow up dreaming of entrepreneurship. He pursued an MBA with plans to climb the corporate ladder. But the pull to build something of his own never left. Alongside his cousin and co-founder, Dishant began moonlighting WNTR while still working full-time slowly testing the Indian market before taking the leap. In this conversation, Dishant breaks down what it really takes to start a D2C brand in India, why influencer marketing failed for WNTR, and how founder-led marketing became their biggest growth lever. 📌 In this episode, we cover: Starting a business, while working a full-time job Building a D2C brand in India from scratch What “affordable luxury” actually means in the Indian market Raising VC funding and why founders must go all-in Why customers trust founders more than influencers today Everyday Empires shares real stories from founders building modern businesses no fluff, no filters. LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more such conversations on start-ups and entrepreneurship Comment below: Do you trust founders more than influencers?

    57 min
  2. Why Two American Founders Bet on the Indian Market | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 14: Mike Melli & Sanskruti Mehta-Melli

    JAN 8

    Why Two American Founders Bet on the Indian Market | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 14: Mike Melli & Sanskruti Mehta-Melli

    Is India the Best Emerging Market for Entrepreneurs? In this episode of Everyday Empires, Rohit sits down with The Power Couple, Mike Melli and Sanskruti Mehta — two American entrepreneurs who moved to India independently, spotted gaps in the market, and built their respective empires. Mike Melli is the founder of MissMalini Entertainment, one of India’s most influential digital media platforms, and The Good Creator Co., a creator-first talent and brand agency. Sanskruti Mehta is the founder of US-based FrostroX Jewelry and the Managing Director of Shashvi Agencies, bringing international men’s jewellery brands like INOX Jewelry to the Indian market. Though married, Mike and Sanskruti run separate businesses, navigating entrepreneurship, parenthood, and life in India on their own terms. In this conversation, they open up about: • Why they both saw opportunity in India and chose to move from the US • Building businesses as outsiders in India, and why they believe they're always a “guest” in the country. • Working within India’s systems rather than trying to reshape them • The importance of having voice, values, and responsibility in media — not just clicks and gossip • Sanskruti’s experience of not fully “fitting in” — and how motherhood reshaped her sense of belonging This episode is a thoughtful look at cross-cultural entrepreneurship, the Indian creator economy, and what it really means to build something meaningful — without entitlement. If you’re interested in: ✔️ Building businesses in India ✔️ Media, creators & the influencer economy ✔️ Diaspora identity & belonging ✔️ Entrepreneurship as a couple (without joint businesses) — this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares #realstories from founders, creatives, and builders shaping modern culture — #nofluff #nofilters 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered founder conversations 💬 Comment below: Would you ever move countries to build your business?

    1h 5m
  3. The Princess of Poetry who Penned Her Own Fairytale | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 13: Nayab Midha

    11/25/2025

    The Princess of Poetry who Penned Her Own Fairytale | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 13: Nayab Midha

    Nayab Midha - viral poet, globally-touring spoken word artist, Vogue Bride, and the mind behind Rajkumari - joins us to break down how she built a global creative career through clarity, culture, and conscious reinvention. Nayab began performing poetry on small stages, built an audience without industry backing, and in just a few short years turned raw storytelling into a touring business and a social media empire. Along the way, she reimagined Indian wedding traditions, crafted viral work that shifted conversations, and built a marriage grounded in calm, equality and intention. Today, her work spans: 📝 Live poetry + global tours 📚 Bestselling storytelling & writing 🎭 Rajkumari: a cultural phenomenon 💍 A Vogue-featured wedding rooted in equality and zero-waste values Yet behind the virality is a creator who thinks strategically about brand, business, and longevity - and who believes the most powerful form of rebellion is quiet, honest and non-combative change. 📌 We covered: •⁠ ⁠How Rajkumari was built - and why it hit a nerve •⁠ ⁠Turning poetry into a scalable business •⁠ ⁠Reinventing tradition while embracing heritage •⁠ ⁠Navigating visibility, boundaries & creative pressure •⁠ ⁠Self-love, partnership & choosing calm over chaos Whether you're a creative, founder, or cultural storyteller, Nayab’s journey is a masterclass in building with intention - and leading with softness, not noise. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares real stories from real builders - no fluff, no filters. 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered conversations. 💬 Comment below: What part of Nayab’s story stayed with you?

    47 min
  4. The Bengali Supper Club redefining London fine dining | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 12: Sohini Banerjee

    10/02/2025

    The Bengali Supper Club redefining London fine dining | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 12: Sohini Banerjee

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Sohini Banerjee — economist turned chef, and the creative force behind Smoke & Lime, one of London’s most unique Bengali supper clubs. Born in Kolkata and raised in the UK, Sohini has worked with trailblazers like Asma Khan and Rohit Ghai before creating her own path. Since 2018, she and her husband have welcomed guests into their home — serving a seasonal and zero-waste menu that blends heritage, sustainability, and creativity. But Smoke & Lime is more than food. It’s about preserving culture, celebrating connections, and being your authentic self. In this conversation, Sohini opens up about: - Being bullied as a child for her clothes and food — and why she never stopped embracing her heritage - Why she doesn’t want to open a restaurant, and instead calls herself “the Bengali Omakase Chef” - Building an entrepreneurial path that celebrates culture while staying true to her values - Why supper clubs are the future of dining in London If you’re curious about food entrepreneurship, cultural identity, sustainable dining, or London’s evolving supper club scene, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Everyday Empires brings you the real stories of entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers — no fluff, no filters. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring founder journeys. #SohiniBanerjee #SmokeAndLime #SupperClub #BengaliFood #ZeroWasteCooking #LondonDining #FemaleEntrepreneur #EverydayEmpiresPodcast #AsmaKhan #FoodEntrepreneurship #IndianFoodUK #CulturalHeritage #OmakaseExperience

    1h 23m
  5. Lad from Dubai on Why Dubai Beats the UK Every Time | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 11: Moiz Ahmed

    09/04/2025

    Lad from Dubai on Why Dubai Beats the UK Every Time | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 11: Moiz Ahmed

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Moiz Ahmed — better known as the “Lad from Dubai” — a rising real estate advisor and content creator helping people understand Dubai’s booming property market. More than just buying or selling homes, he focuses on trust, transparency, and long-term value for his clients. Through his Instagram page @ladfromdxb, Moiz breaks down everything from luxury property investments to the realities of Dubai living — making him one of the most relatable new voices in the industry. In this conversation, we cover: 👨‍👩‍👧 Growing up as the youngest of four in a South Asian family 🏡 The truth about Dubai real estate vs. the UK housing market 🌍 Why more British investors and families are moving to the UAE 💡 The pressures of success, entrepreneurship, and carving your own path Whether you’re thinking about investing in Dubai property, or just curious about the mindset it takes to stand out in a competitive industry, Moiz’s story is full of insight, energy, and no-BS advice. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares real stories from everyday entrepreneurs, advisors, and creators — no fluff, no filters. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered founder and creator stories. #LadFromDubai #DubaiRealEstate #InvestInDubai #DubaiPropertyMarket #UKvsUAE #EverydayEmpiresPodcast #MoizAhmed #DubaiLiving #RealEstateAdvisor

    1h 12m
  6. She Built 5 Businesses from Scratch — Now UK Taxes Are Pushing Her to Dubai | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 10: Natalie Kelly

    07/25/2025

    She Built 5 Businesses from Scratch — Now UK Taxes Are Pushing Her to Dubai | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 10: Natalie Kelly

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Natalie Kelly — powerhouse entrepreneur, aesthetics expert, skincare founder, and soon-to-be mum of two — to uncover how she built five thriving businesses from the ground up… and why she now believes the UK is no longer the place for ambitious entrepreneurs. Natalie began her career in TV & film makeup, hustled her way into a corporate PA job (yes, she faked her way into the interview!), and launched NMK Aesthetics on the side. Just one month before discovering she was pregnant, she quit her job to go all in — with no safety net. It had to work… and it did. Today, she runs: 💉 NMK Aesthetics – cosmetic treatments & dermal artistry https://www.instagram.com/natalie_nmk_aesthetics 🧴 Natalie Marie Skincare – luxury vegan skincare brand https://www.instagram.com/nataliemarieskincare 💊 Bloom Supplements – premium wellness supplements https://www.instagram.com/bloomsupplementsuk 🎓 NMK Academy – accredited training for aspiring aesthetics professionals https://www.facebook.com/NMKAcademy/ 🏘️ OZJ Property Group - Real estate investments in high-performing UK properties Despite her success, Natalie opens up about why sky-high UK taxes, poor public services, and “inheritance tax scams” are pushing her to relocate to Dubai — where safety, opportunity, and financial freedom align with her goals as a parent and entrepreneur. 📌 We also covered: •⁠ ⁠Losing friends as success grows •⁠ ⁠The lonely but empowering side of entrepreneurship •⁠ ⁠Why UK culture often discourages ambition •⁠ ⁠Is Dubai becoming the new hotspot for business owners? Whether you're a beauty pro, side hustler, or aspiring founder, this episode delivers real talk and practical motivation. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares raw, relatable stories from everyday founders, creatives & change-makers — no fluff, no filters. 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered stories of ambition & resilience. 💬 Drop a comment: What part of Natalie’s story resonated most with you?

    1h 58m
  7. How to Build an Entrepreneurial Mindset | Everyday Empires x Kingston University

    07/06/2025

    How to Build an Entrepreneurial Mindset | Everyday Empires x Kingston University

    What does it really take to develop an entrepreneurial mindset? In this special collaboration between Everyday Empires and Kingston University, Rohit hosts a live panel discussion in front of Kingston University business students, diving into how real UK entrepreneurs turned their ideas into thriving businesses — and the mindset shifts that helped them get there. Hosted by Salewa Komolafe, President of the HRM Society, this panel brings together four diverse and inspiring founders: Becky Beasley – Founder of Two Teaspoons Building a food catering business from the ground up with heart and hustle. Website: https://www.two-teaspoons.com/ Angus Cunningham – Founder of Scotscape Transforming urban environments through sustainable greening solutions Website: https://www.scotscape.co.uk/ Kayleigh Mardell – Company Director at Jayserv Navigating the male-dominated world of mechanical and electrical engineering. Website: https://jayserv.co.uk/ Atabak Iranizad – Founder of Global Study AI Kingston University graduate and edtech entrepreneur helping students worldwide. Website: https://globalstudy-ai.com/ 🎓 Whether you’re a student entrepreneur, a future founder, or just looking to build a stronger entrepreneurial mindset, this episode is full of practical business tips, real startup journeys, and honest conversations about success, failure, and everything in between. 📌 Key Topics Covered: How to think like an entrepreneur Mistakes and Lessons learned from UK founders Building a business from scratch Everyday entrepreneurship in the UK 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring interviews with everyday people building extraordinary businesses. #EntrepreneurMindset #EverydayEmpires #KingstonUniversity #StartupStories #StudentEntrepreneurs #Founders #YoungEntrepreneurs #LivePanel #UKEntrepreneurs

    1h 12m
  8. From Travel Agent to Viral Content Creator: Hannah Rose’s Journey to Full-Time Freedom | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 9: Hannah Rose

    06/05/2025

    From Travel Agent to Viral Content Creator: Hannah Rose’s Journey to Full-Time Freedom | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 9: Hannah Rose

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Hannah Rose — the powerhouse behind @postcardsbyhannah, @greatbritishescapes, @snapshotsbyhannah, and @athomewithbaxter. With over a million followers across all platforms, Hannah has built an empire by turning her passion for travel, slow living, and dog mom life into a full-time career. She now travels solo across the globe, stays in stunning hotels (for free), and runs four social media accounts — almost entirely on her own. 💼🐾🌍 Joined by Rohit, the two explore: How she went from earning less than £20K a year at a travel agency to 6 figures Juggling viral content creation, being a multi-account entrepreneur, and having a personal life Why modern women feel unsafe in everyday situations and how men can navigate that reality Echo chambers, masculinity, and thet viral “man vs. bear” question A surprising segment on dating advice and navigating connection in the digital age Whether you're a solo female traveler, aspiring content creator, or just love hearing stories of real people building their own dream lives, this conversation has something for you. Like, comment & subscribe for more deep dives with extraordinary everyday entrepreneurs. #TravelContentCreator #SoloFemaleTravel #ContentCreation #DogMomLife #SocialMediaEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #DigitalNomad #Masculinity #ModernDating #EverydayEmpires

    2h 15m
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About

Everyday Empires brings you the inspiring journeys of ordinary people building extraordinary entrepreneurial empires. Every 3rd Thursday, Rohit Maini, London-based chartered accountant, Managing Director of award-winning businesses and an entrepreneur himself, interviews guests to uncover stories more relatable and inspiring than the same old narratives about out-of-touch entrepreneurs that seem to dominate media headlines, Forbes lists and our social feeds. Find us at https://everyday-empires.com/.

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