Behind every business is a journey shaped by decisions, challenges, and continuous learning. While the outcome is often what people see, the process behind it is not very visible.
For students navigating their own paths, understanding these journeys offers insight into how ideas are developed, adapted, and sustained over time.
Manisha Advani, who runs mygovindas alongside her brother, shares her experience of building on a family-founded business and navigating the realities of the food and beverage industry.
Founded in 2001 by her father, Mr Mahesh Advani, mygovindas became a significant influence in shaping Manisha’s perspective as she grew up around the business.
“My father, the visionary, started this business in 2001. Watching him work hard and passionately on everything he set his mind to inspired me. That’s where my entrepreneurial inclination began.”
This early exposure influenced her decision to pursue a similar path. Together with her brother, she later expanded the business by establishing an outlet in Dubai Silicon Oasis, continuing the legacy while adapting it to a new environment.
In the early stages, one of the key challenges was not operational, but more perceptual.
“Spreading the word about our brand, and even fighting the notion that vegetarian sattvic food is boring, was a major challenge.”
Introducing a concept often requires not only delivering a product, but also addressing existing assumptions and reshaping how it is perceived.
Beyond these initial challenges, the day-to-day reality of running a business involves consistent effort that is not always visible.
“The daily work and effort it requires. From staying on trend, to staying top of mind, to staying ahead of the competition curve. It requires a lot more employee management and teamwork.”
These responsibilities highlight the importance of adaptability and coordination in maintaining growth and relevance within a competitive industry.
Reflecting on her experience, Manisha emphasised the importance of effort and flexibility.
“Don’t force anything. Work hard and put in the effort because now is when we have the time to change paths. But that always requires 100 percent and then we can evolve.”
Her perspective shows that progress is not always linear but is shaped through continuous learning and the willingness to adapt.
Alongside this, she identified interpersonal skills as one of the most valuable aspects of her journey.
“People skills, being able to talk to people.”
She also highlighted the importance of understanding team dynamics.
“If I expect something from my employees, I should have basic knowledge on that.”
Her experience working in both a corporate environment and her business has helped her understand what works and what does not. In addition to these insights, the business also offers opportunities for students to engage and contribute in meaningful ways.
“We are always looking for avant-garde people to help us with communications and event ideation.”
Such opportunities provide students with exposure to practical applications of their skills in a real-world setting.
Overall, experiences such as these highlight that building and sustaining a business involves more than a single idea. It requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve over time.
For students, these insights offer a clearer understanding of how different paths can take shape, and how learning extends beyond the classroom into real-world experiences.
Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis
Website: mygovindas.com
Instagram: @mygovindas
The above article has written by Rifa Anwar as part of a student-led outreach initiative. We are grateful to mygovindas for sharing their story with our student community and inspiring them for a positive future ahead.
