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Story of a Woman Carpenter – Shakti, Founder of Dark Blue Studios

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Nomita Jeswani, Mumbai Uncensored, 22nd March 2023:

It requires more than just skills to succeed in any industry and even more when it is a woman trying to carve her niche in a male-dominated one. But for Shakti, it was always about making a strong mark in a community which, in our country, had not seen any lady take to the helm. Wood-working, as the word goes, is a type of occupation which deals in crafting wood, to make exquisite items, by ones own hands.

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Shakti, Founder of Dark Blue Studios

Shakti is an architect, by degree and a wood-worker(another word for carpenter) by passion. Early on, as an architect when she handled her sites, she observed that as craftsmen, her laborers were more interested in only finishing a job, than a job being done right. It was in that moment, when she realised that if quality is what she is looking for, it can be only found in passion towards achieving it and not in the rush of achieving it.

It has been 5 years now that she joined the industry. Teaching architecture and simultaneously creating pieces in her workshop where she self-taught and self-funded and shot them to create her own unique portfolio. Every journey discovers a mentor, a guide, who says the right things when they are meant to be heard. It was during her apprenticeship in Bangalore, where she picked up many more traits of running a business, to transform her skill to a profitable model. It was a journey full of challenges with new learnings, experiments, falling, failing, and then getting up again before she came up with her own company named Dark Blue Studios, makers of custom fine furniture in South Mumbai.

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Wooden Platters : Because goodness must be served in all seasons with style.

Dark Blue Studios is a single business that offers multiple exclusive services under one tiny roof in Dadar, namely Custom Solid Wood Furniture, Teaching Woodworking, Wooden Kitchen Products and Retail Wood for those who wish to tinker and not buy in bulk. Her vision is to bring back passion into furniture craftsmanship. The skills of former craftsmen, who, when made a piece of furniture, lasted for two decades and not two years. For it to see festivals, for it to survive tough times, for it to tell stories of the scratches it has endured, and still stand strong. To cater to customers in a way that when they call, it is always to place another order.

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MEGA structures for the home : Partition and Cabinet

To quote the great RanchodDas ShyamalDas Chanchad, “chaaro taraf gyaan bat raha hai, jahaan se mile, lapet lo!” Youtube videos are a great source of knowledge for those who are hungry for it. Inspiration lies in the humblest of ‘kaarigars’ sitting on sides of pavements, making something. “If they are able to do it, so can I? Can’t I? It doesn’t look like rocket science” That’s what she thought, and dove right in and then it was, Sink or Swim.

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Pattern Ply – Plywood can look beautiful too, if given an opportunity.

In a space which has more male players, asking questions was always laughed on, shushed away, fizzled out. She found many such non helpful people, but also discovered many who were just like her, in the same boat, flapping paddles wherever, however they could, but managed to stay afloat. And this is a message she shared with us, “ I have always been in search for people who can share knowledge of our industry, hard to come across people who  honestly and openly speak of its details. So, if there is someone out there, who is genuinely curious about carpentry, and wishes to learn, or need a space, or just wants answers, I am up for a chat.”

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Console Unit : When your television wants a healthy long term relationship

In this ever-changing trend these days, visibility and sustenance are still, two of her major challenges, along with a slight healthy pressure of being better than yesterday and the day before. She says, “the real competition is the one which we should have with ourselves, and not with others” Having exceptional quality furniture and services right in the heart of the city, Mumbai, Dark Blue Studios targets to expand and extend her reach to other cities, where craftsmanship is valued and appreciated. She is of the belief that, no age is an old age to start something you really believe in. Nothing can stop one from achieving one’s desires if you really want to fulfil them.  She is a solopreneur (single person company), the creator and the heart of the business, managing the entire process from product conception to delivery, making the items by her own hand, paying close attention to detail so that when the product is delivered, the customer can feel the passion gone in crafting it for the years to come.

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Bar Cabinet in Old Burma Teak : To all those stories we do not remember sharing

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4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. niveditaApurva

    March 22, 2023 at 8:30 am

    Indeed so proud to be You Yourself “Shakti” You are amazing and mesmerizing… May your Wonderful Creations witness beautiful welcome and appreciations in the Eras to follow💗💗💗

  2. Daxa Pinakin Lalsodagar

    March 22, 2023 at 11:49 am

    Unbelievable
    Like the word solopreneur
    Nothing is Impossible for a women

  3. Sanjiv

    March 22, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    Vision & passion for creativity are two aspects I find in the story. Would love to have such creations at home/office. God bless with more & more such creative ideas.

  4. Nishandh Mayiladan

    April 13, 2023 at 2:05 am

    A lot of aesthetically pleasing solutions and add-ons!
    Wishing DarkBlue Studios and Shakthi the best !!

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Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation and Success: Priyank Sukhija’s Journey in the Food and Beverage Industry

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Priyank Sukhija, the CEO & MD of First Fiddle F&B Pvt. Ltd., has completed 25 years in the food and beverage industry, marking a significant milestone in his remarkable career. From a 19-year-old dropout setting up his first venture to becoming a leading restaurateur, Priyank’s journey is a testament to passion, creativity, and relentless ambition.

Starting in 1999 with the fine dining restaurant Lazeez Affaire at Malcha Marg, Priyank quickly made a name for himself in the hospitality industry. He followed this with the renowned club RPM at Priya Complex, and from there, his ventures only expanded. Despite coming from a family of lawyers, Priyank was the first to venture into business, altering Delhi’s hospitality landscape forever. Over the past 25 years, he has opened more than 30 different outlets, each unique and innovative.

Priyank’s success can be attributed to his love for food, music, and innovation. His brands, including Miso Sexy, Bougie, Diablo, Lord of the Drinks, Plum by Bent Chair, and Lazeez Affaire, have become some of the most talked-about names in the industry. “I realized that nothing makes me happier than eating and serving a delicious meal. Food, music, and innovation were what always inspired me and hence I ventured into an area that could fulfill this passion,” Priyank explains.

One of Priyank’s major accomplishments has been revolutionizing the F&B industry and introducing the concept of casual experiential dining to India. His establishment, Plum by Bent Chair, revived the Aerocity Worldmark area, while Diablo kickstarted the bar culture in Mehrauli, turning it into a vibrant hub. At Epicuria, Nehru Place, Priyank was a pioneer with Flying Saucer and is now reinventing the space with his new launch, Thanks & Beyond.

“My restaurants are known for providing an experience, and this makes them stand apart from the crowd. I believe in the ‘vibe’ of the restaurant, and that is what sets them apart. All my restaurants have an extensive menu with dishes and drinks that can be enjoyed by people of all ages,” says Priyank. His eateries have become one-stop solutions for complete entertainment, featuring performances by the most sought-after bands and artists.

With his numerous successes, Priyank’s ambition continues to grow. His current brands, including Diablo, Miso Sexy, and Bougie, have become the go-to destinations in Delhi for top artists and bands. His latest ventures, Diablo Cyberhub, Sitch, and Bizou-Bizou, have created a buzz in Delhi and NCR with their unique cocktail-focused concepts. Additionally, he is expanding to tier 2 cities with the introduction of Miso Sexy in Noida and Diablo in Goa.

In celebration of his 25 years of success, Priyank has opened a new restaurant, Thanks and Beyond, in Nehru Place. This venture is a gesture of gratitude to everyone who has supported him, a homage to Delhi for the love shown to him, and a promise of many more exciting ventures to come. This summer, Priyank has several more launches lined up, promising to bring even more innovation and excitement to Delhi’s F&B scene.

Priyank Sukhija’s journey in the F&B industry is a story of vision, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His passion for creating unique dining experiences has not only set him apart but has also significantly shaped the hospitality industry in India. As he continues to innovate and expand, the future looks incredibly promising for Priyank and First Fiddle F&B Pvt. Ltd.

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Gold and Silver Rates Today: Latest Prices on July 24, 2024

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Gold and Silver Rates Update: On July 24, 2024, gold and silver prices have seen significant changes across major Indian cities, reflecting the latest trends in the global and domestic markets.

Gold Prices in Major Cities

  • Delhi: The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold stands at Rs.70,716, a decrease from Rs.75,217 on July 23, 2024. The 22-carat gold rate is Rs.64,775 per 10 grams, down from Rs.68,745.
  • Chennai: 24-carat gold is priced at Rs.70,716 per 10 grams, a drop from Rs.75,657 the previous day. Last week, the rate was Rs.74,659.
  • Mumbai: Gold rates in Mumbai are at Rs.71,412 per 10 grams, down from Rs.74,925 on July 23, 2024. A week ago, the price was Rs.75,026.
  • Kolkata: The gold rate is Rs.70,716 per 10 grams, a decrease from Rs.75,144 the day before and Rs.75,539 a week ago.

Silver Prices in Major Cities

  • Delhi: Silver is trading at Rs.85,170 per kg, down from Rs.89,160 on July 23, 2024. Last week, the price was Rs.92,110.
  • Chennai: Silver rates are Rs.85,000 per kg, compared to Rs.89,070 the previous day and Rs.92,290 a week earlier.
  • Mumbai: The silver rate today is Rs.85,170 per kg, a decrease from Rs.89,160 on July 23, 2024. The rate was Rs.92,110 a week ago.
  • Kolkata: Silver is priced at Rs.85,170 per kg, down from Rs.89,160 yesterday and Rs.92,110 last week.

MCX Futures

  • Gold August 2024 Futures: Trading at Rs.73,121 per 10 grams, a slight increase by ₹Rs..179.
  • Silver December 2024 Futures: Trading at Rs.92,020 per kg, down by Rs.0.154.

Factors Influencing Prices

Gold and silver prices are affected by several factors, including demand from major jewelers, global market trends, currency fluctuations, interest rates, and government policies. The international economic situation and the strength of the US dollar against other currencies also play a crucial role in determining gold and silver rates in India.

Stay updated with Mumbai Uncensored News for the latest on gold and silver prices and market trends.

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Union Budget 2024: Key Changes to the New Tax Regime Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

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In a significant announcement during the Union Budget 2024 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced changes to the tax slabs under the new tax regime. Since becoming the default tax regime on April 1, 2023, employees have had the option to switch to the old tax regime by notifying their employers at the start of the financial year. This choice, however, can only be exercised once annually.

Revised Tax Slabs and Options for Employees

With the recent changes to the tax slabs, effective from April 1, 2024, there may be an opportunity for employees to choose their tax regime again, specifically for the purpose of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on their salaries. This update is particularly relevant for those who initially opted for the old tax regime but may now find the new regime more appealing due to the revised slabs.

The government has been actively promoting the new tax regime, making it increasingly attractive to taxpayers. The recent adjustments are part of this effort, aimed at encouraging more individuals to transition to the new system. Those who have already opted for the new tax regime could also benefit from reduced taxes, contingent on the proposals passing through Parliament and receiving the President’s assent.

Implications for Taxpayers

The changes introduced in the Union Budget 2024 are designed to streamline the tax process and provide more favorable conditions for taxpayers under the new regime. It’s a strategic move to widen the adoption of the new tax framework, which offers simplified tax calculations and potentially lower tax liabilities for many.

As the new provisions come into effect, employees and taxpayers are advised to review their financial planning strategies. Understanding the benefits and implications of the revised tax slabs will be crucial in making informed decisions about which tax regime to choose.

For the latest updates on the Union Budget 2024 and other financial news, stay tuned to Mumbai Uncensored News.

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