From Blueprint to Brilliance in the World of Design
In the realm of visionary entrepreneurs, there are few who shine as brightly as Alpa Patel. Born and raised in the humble village of Shiker near Surat in Gujarat, Alpa’s journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing up, she faced the challenge of inadequate education facilities, which led her to attend a boarding school. In 1991, her family made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States, driven by a deep desire to provide a better education for their children.
Alpa’s early career in the printing industry shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Working in sales and supporting her ex-husband’s printing business, she honed her skills and fueled her passion. Despite numerous obstacles and the near closure of her corporation, Alpa’s unwavering determination drove her to tear apart a symbolic check, symbolizing her refusal to give up on her dreams.
Starting with a meager amount of savings and a profound passion for architecture and design, she took a leap of faith. “I looked around my room and found a lot of books on Architecture & Design, so I decided to outsource the services for North American companies undertaking Architecture & Design work,” Alpa explains. She established an office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, leveraging the presence of excellent Architecture & Design schools and universities in the area.
Motivated by her father’s struggle to afford a designer for his hotel, Alpa set out to make design services accessible to economy and midscale hoteliers. Her strategy centers on providing superior, costeffective services at a quicker pace than competitors. Additionally, she delved into modular design, partnering with renowned fabricators in the shipping container and steel-frame construction sectors.
Alpa managed to integrate her personal and professional life seamlessly, refusing to compartmentalize her aspirations. Her appetite for business is insatiable, as she describes herself as a serial entrepreneur who thrives on creation and taking concepts from 0 to 1. Alpa acknowledges her weaknesses in operations and willingly hires individuals who complement her skill set, allowing her to focus on what she does best—innovating and driving business growth
Passion is the driving force behind Alpa’s remarkable journey. A poem that came to her at the age of 29 encapsulates her purpose: “Let’s Dream as One. Food, Health, Prosperity, In the homes of all. Love, Peace, Unity, In the hearts of all.” It is this passion that fuels her pursuit of sustainable business ventures, solving important problems while creating jobs and adding value through her services.
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alpa adeptly navigated the situation. She swiftly responded by reducing expenses and relocating to her family’s home. Capitalizing on the newfound time, she expanded the industries her company catered to. Embracing the potential of shipping containers, Alpa seized the opportunity to outsource work for Architecture & Design firms across North America, effectively transforming adversity into a favorable position.
Alpa believes that making the economy stronger requires investment rather than saving and cutting jobs. She advocates for innovative thinking in conducting business and emphasizes the need to invest in the one billion people living in poverty, known as the bottom of the pyramid. By empowering this segment of society, they will enter the market as consumers, driving economic expansion.
To Alpa, her strengths lie in her unwavering faith and belief in herself. Starting her company without the support of her family, she had to rely solely on her determination and perseverance. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to fear failure and to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, never giving up on their dreams.
Alpa’s message to viewers is a powerful one: “Don’t give up if you’re pursuing your passion and purpose.” She firmly believes in conducting business from a higher state of consciousness, prioritizing the well-being of people, the planet, and profits. Her mantra for growth, development, and success is rooted in this holistic approach, where businesses can make a positive impact on society while achieving their goals.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Alpa has launched an initiative called 1+1. This call-to-action urges entrepreneurs and individuals to pledge 1% of their earnings to one or more of the 17 Global Goals set forth by the United Nations. Alpa recognizes that achieving these goals by 2030 requires collective efforts from the entrepreneurial community, as investments are more sustainable than charity. By uplifting the one billion people struggling with poverty, she envisions a future where they become active participants in the market, driving economic growth.
With her commitment to making a difference, Alpa Patel is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a true visionary. Her story serves as an inspiration to all those who dare to dream and take bold steps towards creating a better world.
