New Delhi [India], November 13: In the foothills of the Himalayas, where tradition meets modernity, a remarkable journey began—one that would take a young dreamer from Kathmandu to become Nepal’s first billionaire. Making It Big chronicles this inspiring rise, from early days managing a nightclub to establishing a global business empire. The story is about adventure, resilience, and relentless ambition, showing what it truly means to “make it big.”
Bold Beginnings: Copper Floor and the Kathmandu Nightlife Scene
In the early 1970s, Kathmandu was a city of contrasts, steeped in tradition yet slowly embracing new influences. Into this evolving cultural landscape came Copper Floor, the city’s first exclusive nightclub, launched by a young entrepreneur with big dreams and a taste for adventure. Located in the upscale Lazimpat neighbourhood and run with a close friend, Copper Floor was a bold move, a departure from the societal expectations of a conservative Marwari family.
Copper Floor was more than just a club; it was an introduction to modern nightlife culture, complete with imported disco lights, music systems from Singapore, and an ambience Kathmandu had never seen before. Quickly, it became the go-to spot for Nepal’s elite, diplomats, and even members of the royal family. Regular patrons included high-profile personalities, making the club a cultural phenomenon.
However, the journey was challenging. In a conservative society, running a nightclub was often viewed with suspicion, and there was scepticism even within the family. Despite the criticism, the young entrepreneur pressed on, convinced that Copper Floor was the beginning of a bigger dream.
Lessons in High Stakes: Business, Branding, and Resilience
While glamorous, Copper Floor also proved an invaluable training ground, teaching lessons in branding, customer loyalty, and business strategy. The importance of creating a memorable experience that kept patrons returning would later shape the success of ventures like Wai Wai, the famous instant noodle brand. The nightclub introduced valuable skills in managing a high-stakes business, handling elite customers, and establishing a unique brand identity.
Running Copper Floor also revealed the realities of a high-stakes environment. Managing a club required constant adaptation and quick thinking, from handling late-night crowds to navigating societal backlash. These early experiences forged a resilient spirit, preparing for the challenges of building a billion-dollar empire.
The Transition: From Nightlife to Global Business Ventures
Though Copper Floor was successful, ambitions stretched far beyond the Kathmandu nightlife scene. The next big move came with the creation of Wai Wai, an instant noodle brand that quickly became a staple in Nepal and India. Spotting a gap in the market, this young entrepreneur understood that instant noodles had the potential to become a daily staple, especially for younger consumers.
With Wai Wai, the “Himalayan hustle” took on new dimensions. Manufacturing and distributing noodles across Nepal came with challenges, from logistical issues to rugged terrain. But, driven by an unyielding vision, the brand quickly became a household name, known for its affordability, convenience, and unique flavor. Today, Wai Wai has achieved global success, a testament to the ability to build brands that resonate with people across borders.
Building an Empire: The CG Corp Global Story
Despite the setbacks, the young entrepreneur continued to grow, expanding the business across multiple sectors. CG Corp Global, a conglomerate with a presence in hospitality, real estate, finance, and education, became Nepal’s first multinational. With projects from Asia to Africa, CG Corp Global employs thousands and contributes to community development, poverty alleviation, and social welfare in Nepal and beyond.
Beyond personal success, the vision has always been to promote Nepal’s potential on the world stage. Investing internationally drew attention to Nepal as a hub for business and innovation. From Kathmandu’s nightlife to global enterprises, this remarkable journey exemplifies the power of dreaming big and taking bold, calculated risks.
Legacy of the Himalayan Hustle
Making It Big offers more than just a business memoir. It shares a philosophy of courage, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to one’s homeland. The “Himalayan hustle” is not simply about working hard; it embodies resilience, creativity, and a dedication to family and culture.
The story inspires entrepreneurs worldwide, particularly those from emerging economies who face unique challenges. The journey shows that global success can be achieved while staying true to local roots and values. Starting with a nightclub in Kathmandu and growing into a multinational empire, this life story proves that high stakes and hard hustle can turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality.
Making It Big, the Himalayan Way
Making it big isn’t just the account of one person’s path to success; it’s a blueprint for anyone who dares to dream beyond their circumstances. From Kathmandu’s nightlife scene to a global empire, the story speaks of courage, innovation, and the transformative power of resilience. Success is redefined—not just as wealth or fame, but as the ability to make a lasting impact.
Through the pages of this book, readers are invited to embrace their own “Himalayan hustle” and remember that, with vision and resilience, even the highest peaks can be conquered. Making it big, after all, is not just about achieving personal success; it’s about creating opportunities, challenging norms, and leaving a legacy that endures.
