Co-founder & Director, Third Eye Distillery Sakshi Saigal set up Third Eye Distillery along with Rahul Mehra and Vidur Gupta in 2018. Prior to her MBA at IESE Business School, Sakshi was working in the impact investing sector, but it was during her time in Barcelona, that she had the vantage of observing the beginnings of the gin revolution first-hand. This led to the launch of their flagship gin Stranger & Sons, which has garnered praise and recognition across the globe. With the overarching idea of elevating cocktail culture in India and embracing unconventionality, Saigal has been focused on cultivating a culture of innovation and collaboration on home ground. They recently launched Short Story, a range of high-quality spirits including rum, vodka and gin.Saigal aims to uplift the Indian bar industry and actively participate in the global spirits landscape through Third Eye Distillery. Humility, honesty and empathy, are the most important attributes for Sakshi, “I really enjoy the experiences that India has to offer in its outdoors, so as a travel destination I would definitely pick Gulmarg and Ladakh. Internationally, I’ve enjoyed travelling to “Everybody has their own journey while following their passion but one thing that goes nowhere is perseverance.” Sakshi Saigal Kyoto, especially in the fall.” While she might be a gin lover, occasionally, she enjoys Mezcal as well and an indulgent meal at Tickets, Barcelona is one of her best dining experiences. Entreprenuer, Head of Design & Operations at The Leela and Founder & CEO of Jamavar, London, Founder LSL Capital Food entrepreneur Samyukta Nair first obtained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with Psychology from The City University, London, UK, before undertaking an M.Sc. in International Business from The University of Nottingham, UK. Nair began working as Design & Operations Associate at The Leela Palaces, and in 2015, she launched her entrepreneurial career with Dandelion, a bespoke luxury sleepwear and lifestyle label. She went on to open her first restaurant Jamavar London, a Michelin-starred fine dining destination on Mayfair’s Mount Street in 2016. Thereafter came the hip Bombay Bustle (2017), inspired by the bustling metropolis. The newly formed LSL Capital saw her open MiMi Mei Fair last year, an intimate dining experience that journeys through Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China. Recently added to her portfolio is KOYN, a contemporary izakaya inspired by the naturespirited roots and duality of Mount Fuji, situated in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Street. Being a true believer in spending time with the family, Nair, believes aanything that her grandmother, Samyutka Nair Leela, has gifted is the most luxurious item she owns. However, she enjoys spending time in her family home in Mumbai, which she calls an oasis. Reflecting on some of her best possessions, “My mother, Madhu, has the most exquisite jewellery that I am blessed to enjoy. However, as a Christmas tradition that started many years ago, my parents always gift me one of Hanut Singh’s beautiful pieces that I always look forward to receiving under the tree,” she shares. “Most of my favourite memories have been made sitting around a dining table with my family, for which I am very grateful.” 50 | | 51
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