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In the heart of Dubai’s bustling wedding planning industry, Heeital Rathod stands as a beacon of resilience, vision, and dedication. As the dynamic CEO of Ikigaii Wedding Planners, Heeital’s journey from her childhood aspirations to becoming a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring.
Growing up in a traditional Gujarati household, Heeital’s early dreams were shaped by the vibrant activity in her family’s kitchen. She admired her mother’s culinary skills and dreamed of becoming a chef. This passion led her to culinary school in 2019, where she honed her skills and emerged as a talented pastry chef. However, her path was destined to take a different turn.
Heeital’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by her upbringing in a business-oriented family. Although she was not directly involved in business discussions, the environment left a lasting impression on her. In 2018, both Heeital and her husband Vaibbhav found themselves at career crossroads, leading them to take the bold step into entrepreneurship together as partners. This decision marked the beginning of Heeital’s journey into the world of wedding planning and business consulting.
While Heeital humbly refrains from calling her business an empire, the success of Ikigaii Wedding Planners is undeniable. The company started with corporate events but soon transitioned to wedding planning, securing their first wedding in 2019. This experience was transformative, solidifying their commitment to creating memorable and high-quality events. Heeital’s emphasis on quality over quantity has become a cornerstone of their business philosophy.
Work ethics, client satisfaction, and gratitude are the pillars of Heeital’s business values. As a leader, she fosters a positive and inclusive culture within her team by treating them as responsible adults, trusting their abilities, and recognizing the unique strengths each individual brings to the table. This approach has cultivated a motivated and cohesive team, all working towards a common goal.
Navigating the male-dominated event production industry has not been without its challenges. Heeital often encounters resistance from blue-collar workers who are unaccustomed to taking direction from a female leader. Her strategy is to remain firm and focused on getting the job done, demonstrating that competence and determination know no gender.
In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of event planning, Heeital’s organizational skills and ability to think on her feet have been crucial. She emphasizes simplicity and structure, knowing that being prepared allows her to handle any challenges that arise swiftly and effectively.
For Heeital, balancing a growing business with personal life is a constant hustle. She acknowledges that perfect balance is elusive, but she strives to give 100% to both her work and personal commitments. Fortunately, she has the unwavering support of her husband Vaibbhav, who is also her business partner. Together, they navigate the challenges of running a successful business, understanding that work responsibilities often extend beyond regular hours and require dedication even during personal time. Vaibbhav’s partnership and support play a crucial role in helping Heeital manage the demands of both her professional and personal life.
Heeital measures success through client satisfaction and referrals. A significant milestone for Ikigaii was signing a contract to plan the third wedding for a single family, a testament to their exceptional service and client trust. Looking ahead, Heeital aims to scale down the number of weddings they handle while increasing the scale and design quality of each event.
Heeital’s message to aspiring women and girls is to start early, embrace failure as a learning experience, and remain passionate and determined. Understanding one’s “Ikigaii”—the reason for being—is crucial for sustained success and fulfillment.
Heeital Rathod’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication. From a conservative household to leading a renowned wedding planning company, her journey exemplifies the power of determination and vision. With Ikigaii Wedding Planners, Heeital continues to create unforgettable wedding experiences, leaving a lasting impact on the industry in Dubai and beyond.
For couples seeking to turn their wedding dreams into reality, Heeital Rathod and Ikigaii Wedding Planners stand as the ultimate partners, ensuring every celebration is as magical as the love story it represents.
