At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the start-up ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Rajni Gill for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Rajni Gill is an Entrepreneur, Consultant and CEO of Mint Hospitality Consultancy. Her journey began without a map — just a leap of faith and an open mind. Eight years later, she’s worked across India’s diverse landscapes — from Delhi to Nagaland — and beyond, consulting in the USA and Europe. Known for her instinctive creativity and community-first approach, Rajni brings hospitality alive through storytelling, sensory cocktails, and meaningful connections. To her, success is not just growth — it’s helping others rise with you. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Rajni:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I built my foundation with a strong education and a conventional 9-to-5 career, but deep down I felt disconnected, like a passenger in my own life. Taking a leap of faith, I stepped away from the predictable path, trusting only my curiosity and a willingness to learn. That moment changed everything.
Hospitality chose me before I chose it. With no grand roadmap but a deep passion for guest experiences, I found my true calling. Today, I’m the CEO of Mint Hospitality Consultancy — India’s trusted restaurant and food & beverage consulting firm since 2009.
Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of working in dynamic regions across India — from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kolkata Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and leading projects internationally.
The thrill of constant travel, exploring new markets, and building lifelong client relationships makes this journey incredibly fulfilling. It feels like discovering a sense of home, no matter where I go.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion wasn’t a dramatic revelation. It emerged quietly — a spark of inquisitiveness about creating memorable experiences through food, beverage, and community. Over time, that quiet drive became a guiding force in my work.
For me, passion is about curiosity and the courage to explore new territories, even when the path isn’t clear. That mindset has helped me grow Mint Hospitality Consultancy into a consultancy known for innovative hospitality strategies and sensory-driven storytelling.
Despite challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What grounds me is watching an idea come alive — seeing local talent blossom and businesses thrive because of our shared efforts.
At Mint Hospitality, my mission goes beyond growth; it’s about elevating hospitality standards and creating genuine opportunities, especially within local communities. That sense of purpose gives me resilience when challenges come my way.
Beyond consulting, I am deeply committed to nurturing the global hospitality community alongside my partner and Mint Hospitality’s founder, Chef Arun Chanda. Together, we co-manage a Facebook page called Great Chefs of the World, having more than 300K members, where we promote talented chefs, bartenders, and F&B entrepreneurs from around the world — entirely free of charge.
It is our way of giving back, celebrating emerging talents, and strengthening a supportive hospitality network worldwide. At Mint Hospitality, we believe true hospitality means lifting others up, and this community initiative reflects that spirit perfectly.
What are the three most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
1) Follow your unique path, not the one society expects.
2) It’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers; clarity grows with time.
3) Stay open and keep learning — growth is lifelong.
What are the keys to success in your eyes?
For me, success is about experiencing life fully — being present, savouring simple joys, and creating a meaningful impact through your work. When you can rest easy, content in your achievements without needing external validation, that’s true success.
What advice would you give to students and young professionals?
Don’t pressure yourself to have everything perfectly mapped out. Be open, be curious, and don’t fear taking detours — they often lead to the most rewarding opportunities. Trust your instincts, embrace experimentation, and give yourself the space to grow.
What about your journey makes it satisfying or exciting?
The unpredictability and the growth that comes with it. From stepping into hospitality by chance to leading one of India’s respected restaurant and F&B consulting firms, the path has been anything but straight.
Whether I’m flying alongside Everest, exploring remote Himalayan villages, mentoring restaurant teams, or innovating bold cocktail experiences on the beaches of Goa, each project shapes me. The connections and friendships built along the way make every journey feel like coming home.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
