On this International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to start our storytelling journey with Akshaya Shenoy, a woman who transformed a dream into a thriving legacy in the heart of Mysore. Dive into her story and be inspired!
Akshaya Shenoy’s Empowering Hospitality Story
What started as her father’s vision for a world-class Mysore hospitality experience in 2004, Akshaya, with her father’s unwavering support, launched The Silent Shores Resort. In 2009, she took the helm, growing the property from 47 rooms (keys) to 73, with an ambitious goal of reaching 100. This expansion included the addition of a 1,500-capacity convention center, now a hub for weddings, corporate meetings, product and vehicle launches, and institutional gatherings, and unique dining like the Lakeside Bella’s Italian cuisine, establishing the resort as a hallmark of luxury and comfort in Mysore.
Despite having an MBA and no formal hospitality background, Akshaya dove in, mastering the industry’s intricacies through sheer determination and grit. Challenges like sudden staff walkouts taught her crucial crisis management and labor handling, shaping her into a resilient leader. Even laundry operations were brought in-house, a testament to her meticulous approach.
Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond hospitality. A “green thumb warrior,” she has ventures like Green Stop nursery and a store franchise for Organic World, reflecting her passion for sustainable living. Notably, she has implemented a half-megawatt solar project at The Silent Shores, with roof-mounted panels atop the car parking structure, significantly reducing the resort’s environmental footprint.Akshaya is also deeply involved in organic farming, growing fruits and vegetables within the property, embodying a true farm-to-table approach. Most recently, she launched a café Barista, further diversifying her portfolio. Her husband, who serves as Director of Operations at The Silent Shores, also owns franchises of Gold’s Gym, Cult.fit, and Style Union (Mysore & Bangalore stores), creating a powerful entrepreneurial partnership.
Akshaya’s success hinges on understanding her clientele, primarily from Bangalore and Chennai, besides the dining crowd from Mysore, and leveraging technology. Social media, especially Instagram and Google reviews, drive customer engagement. She uses these platforms to introduce new dishes and meticulously addresses customer feedback, recognizing the power of digital connection.
When asked – Her biggest risk? She had a vision for a massive convention center within the property! Doubts lingered on how the city would respond, but it became a roaring success, hosting corporate events and weddings and fueling growth. “Seeing year-on-year growth,” she says, “that’s my biggest achievement.” A proud moment shared with her father, her guiding star.
Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, Akshaya credits her supportive husband. With one child studying abroad and another still in school, she meticulously balances work and family, ensuring her daughter engages in sports and other activities. She also finds creative release through painting, showcasing her multifaceted personality and if she had a superpower? She’d rather wipe out corruption and paint the world green – an aspiration that reflects her values and dedication to a better future. Akshaya draws inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs within her Mysore community.
Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs, especially in smaller cities? “Be independent.”She emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and building one’s own path, a value she imparts to even her daughters. She champions women’s independence, urging them to build their own legacies. Akshaya’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of turning a vision into a legacy. Her dedication to excellence and community makes her a true inspiration. Her lessons are clear: prioritize strong HR, stay ahead of industry trends, and never stop innovating. With aspirations for further restaurant expansion, she envisions opening multiple resorts and further expanding her footprint in the hospitality industry, Akshaya’s legacy is one of unwavering determination.
A Glimpse Behind the Empire: Akshaya Shenoy in a Rapid Fire
We sat down with Akshaya Shenoy for a quick rapid-fire round to peek behind the curtain of her entrepreneurial spirit. Here’s what we learned:
• Tea or Coffee? Tea.
• Sweet or Savory? Sweet.
• Early Bird or Night Owl? Early bird.
• Mountains or Beaches? Beaches
• Introvert or Extrovert? Introvert.
• Ever sent an email you regretted? Yes.
• Work from home or office? Office.
• Believe in work-life balance? Yes.
• Closed a deal over coffee? Yes many
• Invest in a startup? Yes.
• Forgotten a name immediately? Yes.
• Networking vs. Skills? Both are essential.
• Worked through vacation? Yes.
• Start another business? Absolutely!
This brief exchange reveals a focused, driven individual who values both personal connection and professional growth. Despite her impressive achievements, she remains grounded and relatable, proving that even the most successful entrepreneurs juggle the same everyday experiences as the rest of us.