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Rupal's friends

Tommy Hutchinson
i-genius Team

Rupal passes by for a quick chat

i-genius: Tell us about your groovy business!
Rupal: We are called the Maru Company and we offer Contemporary Body Art and Henna Painting (traditional Indian non-permanent tattooing) as well as Bollywood dance classes which benefit in living a healthy lifestyle, promote social inclusion and community cohesion. The Bollywood classes are for anyone and everyone, allowing the community to come together to share motivation to exercise, learn new dance skills whilst experiencing a fun and vibrant culture. Our key focus is on empowering women and the community.

i-genius: So cool!
Rupal: Thanks!

i-genius: Any future projects in the pipeline?
Rupal: We are currently looking at doing projects around the Liverpool area, working with different community groups and women to promote the Bollywood fitness regimes, whilst setting up stalls in shopping malls for the Henna painting.

i-genius: What challenges have you faced so far?
Rupal: Some challenges we have faced so far are that it has been difficult to juggle between university (as we are students) and getting the business up and running. I don’t have a business background, so it’s hard to get your head round some of the formalities. Also dancing within the Indian community is not always recognised as a career or profession, therefore it has been hard at times to promote ourselves. However, this has only made us more determined to pursue our vocation further.

i-genius: All challenges make us stronger and more determined.
Rupal: True - we love the challenges!

i-genius: How did you come across i-genius?
Rupal: I was attending a residential leadership programme called School for Change Makers at Liverpool University. I wanted to learn more about business so I chose the Social Entrepreneur workshops that were available at the programme, where I was privileged to meet Tommy Hutchinson and Barry Crisp from i-genius, they were a huge inspiration both for me and the participants who attended.

i-genius: It was a privilege to meet you also!
Rupal: Smiles (^_^)

i-genius: Any thoughts you would like to share with other young aspiring social entrepreneurs?
Rupal: I would say if you are passionate about something, give it your best shot. Be creative and grab opportunities with both hands without doubting yourself. There will be ups and downs along the way but it is all part of the process to achieving your goal.

i-genius: If you could receive one gift in the whole world, what would it be and why?
Rupal: This is a hard question…. I’m going to be odd and a say a Peacock because I love its bright colours and just like me it doesn’t see the rain as a problem.

i-genius: Lovely! Thank you for passing by!
Rupal: Thank you!