Mahesh was born in Gujarat, India. Aged 18, he came to the UK to study and after making the decision to settle down in Leicester, he and wife Kiran started a Retail business “Ladlee” specialising in South Asian clothing on the famous Golden Mile (Belgrave Road). Ladlee has been around for 30 years and is something they are both very proud of. Mahesh is also very proud of his three children Dhwani, Neel and Yash.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I love my hometown Porbandar where I was born but having lived in Leicester since the late 80s I most feel at home here. I love seeing familiar faces and take part in my community whether through charity or voluntary work. Leicester is home.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I’m proud that I followed my father’s footsteps in being an entrepreneur. I come from a family of small business people and we used to specialise in selling fabrics back in India. In 1992, I made the decision to start a business and that’s what I’m proud of.
3) What inspires you?
My family are my biggest inspiration. Every individual in my family has their own personality and way of doing things. It allows me to see things differently and bring my best self forward. I’m also inspired by my late parents as without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
The recent Covid uncertainty has been the biggest challenge. We’ve experienced lack of support in the wedding industry from the government. We’ve been unable to carry out business trips to India and most importantly we wanted to ensure the wellbeing of our staff.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My wife has been the biggest influence. We started the business together and she has motivated me to excel in my career and drive the business forward. Whilst you may see me on a day to day basis at the store, my wife is always advising and supporting me.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
I get to travel to India to meet suppliers and source the best products. I’ve visited many cities including Jaipur which is my favourite. I love travelling for work whilst exploring new cities in India. More recently my wife and I take a few days break in between trips to relax and unwind.
7) And the worst?
Ladlee is a retail business and we are very busy during the Summer wedding season. I wouldn’t say it’s the ‘worst’ thing, but certainly working on the weekends can get very busy.
8) What are your long term goals?
My long-term goal is to drive Ladlee exposure to other cities in the UK and possibly Europe too. We have a strong online business so it would be great to see that grow. Overall, however, I want to enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends and exploring new parts of the world.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
The wedding and hospitality industry suffered during covid. We had to keep our doors closed which I understand was necessary. However, I do think more could have been done to support these businesses. I would have changed that so I could better support my staff and business.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
I would love to spend time with Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in my hometown in India and I’ve grown up visiting the Gandhi museum. I’m intrigued by his approach to nonviolence and applying the Gita to his decision making during a time of unrest.
