“I’ve always believed that if you want to build something meaningful, you have to take control of your own path. Growing up in Suryapet, a small town in Nalgonda district, Telangana, I learned the importance of hard work and responsibility from my grandfather, who was a hardworking farmer and a true role model for our family. After his passing, I took on the family responsibilities. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to keep moving forward, to make something of myself and honor his legacy.
Moving to a new country wasn’t part of the plan, but it became a turning point in my life. I moved to Australia to pursue my Master’s in Professional Accounting, hoping to open doors for my future. Like many immigrants, I had big dreams, but the reality was different. I arrived without much support or guidance, and to make ends meet, I started working as an Uber delivery person. The language barrier and cultural differences only made things harder, but I wasn’t willing to give up. I kept pushing, determined to adapt and learn from my new environment.
One day, while delivering to a restaurant called La Cabra, a Mexican Eatery in Australia. I struck up a conversation with the chef about my interest in cooking. To my surprise, he invited me to join the kitchen the very next day. That’s when I began to explore the world of culinary arts.
For a year, I worked as a chef, learning the intricacies of Mexican cuisine. However, my passion for business was always in the back of my mind. I expressed my desire to start something of my own to the restaurant owner, who suggested I consider taking over a franchise of La Cabra. It was a big leap, but with support from a few close friends, I decided to go for it.
Starting the restaurant wasn’t easy—Australia’s business regulations are strict, and the process involved a lot of paperwork, funding arrangements, and background checks. But we pushed through, and soon the restaurant was up and running in a bustling part of Melbourne, quickly becoming popular with the locals.
As the restaurant business thrived, I realized that making money and being successful weren’t the same thing. I wanted to build something that could inspire others, so I created Inspirepreneur Magazine. The magazine is a platform to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with stories, podcasts, and case studies. It focuses on helping students, recent graduates, and start-up founders understand the challenges and opportunities in the business world.
I didn’t stop there. I also expanded into the car rental business, recognizing the growing demand for affordable transportation. This addition helped further strengthen my entrepreneurial journey and diversify my income streams.
Along the way, I’ve been passionate about fitness. Being a foodie, staying healthy wasn’t always easy, but it motivated me to push myself further. I’ve even competed in bodybuilding competitions, winning both a silver and a gold medal.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through it all is the importance of the people you surround yourself with. The right circle can make all the difference in your success. To all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, choose your circle wisely, and never stop believing in your potential to create something extraordinary.”
- Prudhvi Parvathapu, Entrepreneur