Travel is considered as the most intense yet effective ways of learning. Allowing one to immerse themselves in a new way of life and social customs, travelling can also help people reconnect with themselves. Seasoned travelers are often on the lookout for authentic stay options that can provide them with an in-depth look into a new culture. Golden Wood, in an 800 acre coffee plantation located in Sakleshpur is one such hidden nugget that offers travelers a window into coffee and nature tourism.

Led by a fifth generation coffee planter and entrepreneur, Chandini Purnesh, Golden Wood amalgamates coffee education and tourism along with the culture, food and lifestyle of the people in the region. Situated close to Bangalore, within Harley Estate, Golden Wood also promotes sustainable and responsible tourism.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Chandini Purnesh, Founder and CEO of Golden Wood fills us in about the joys one can experience at Golden Wood and also gives us a peek into her entrepreneurial journey.

Introduce Us To Golden Wood. What Motivated You To Establish This Hospitality Project?

Harley estate is one of the closest things to my heart. It's an 800 acre coffee plantation, spread across beautiful landscapes of the Western Ghats in Sakleshpur or the Manjarabad Region. It has many natural features that include its widespread greenery, constant streams of flowing water, `mountain-esque' landscape and plenty of history. Amidst this lies Golden Wood with just 8 rooms for accommodation making it very exclusive, giving all our guests full access to Harley's expanse. Be it a relaxed, adventurous, educative or even a romantic getaway, there's something for everyone.

Although this is my first hospitality project, my ideologies originate from my travel experiences. I have always enjoyed travel where I get to explore local cultures, people and cuisines. I also hail from a family of coffee planters and my quest to create a space for coffee education and helping people experience the bean to cup story paved the idea for Golden Wood.

Take Us Through Your Educational And Professional Journey. What Factors Led You Towards Entrepreneurship And Shaped Your Leadership Style?

I am a second generation entrepreneur. The entrepreneurial seed was instilled in us growing up. Professionally I graduated as an Industrial Engineer from RVCE, Bangalore and then went on to do my MBA, majoring in Social Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University.

My journey has taken me through various roles from being a shop floor engineer to marketing, events & advertising, to projects in social entrepreneurship working in South Africa and South Korea, to corporate venturing and real estate. From here I discovered my true calling in Hospitality and Agriculture. With exposure to a global marketplace and different cultures and working styles, and growing up in a business family, I got to pick and choose styles and beliefs in my approach to leadership. My MBA definitely helped put all of this experience into a more formatted structure.

What Makes Harley Estate And Golden Wood A Unique Experience?

Harley Plantation Research Institute, based on the estate, is Asia's first Plantation Research Institute for Coffee Processing. The estate has been recognized on global platforms as producing one of the best coffees across the world for over 18 years consecutively.

It offers a view into the richness of a rainforest and its many endemic species. Our team also works on conservation of the lands and near threatened species of wildlife that survive on it. We pride ourselves in being sustainable and eco-friendly, be it in electricity or food. We only serve local Malnad food made of produce grown organically and which incorporates recipes passed on through generations.

“My inquisitiveness, creativity and the love for being hands-on, has helped me grasp immense knowledge of several concepts”

As a concept at Golden Wood, Detaching & Detoxing Digitally, we do not offer Wi-Fi, televisions or even phone signals in most parts of our property, and encourage our guests to reconnect with nature, oneself and their family and friends.

During the pandemic, we made our digital detox space turn into a work-from resort space by making it connectivity friendly in certain areas. We have introduced pocket friendly packages for those who would like to stay with us for longer durations. With all precautions and safety we still keep them involved with the activities at the estate.

What Aspects Of Your Personality Have Helped You Successfully Traverse Through Your Career Journey? What Have Been Some Significant Influences In Your Life?

My inquisitiveness, creativity and the love for being hands-on, has helped me grasp immense knowledge of several concepts. I am very detail oriented and that pushes me to always give my best to whatever I am working on. Some of these lessons, I have also carried through different facets of my life. My desire to learn and connect with people from different backgrounds and their struggles and successes has also taught me to accommodate everyone around me.

However, for a women leader there needs to be finesse, confidence and extreme boldness in the personality. Leading by example has proven to be most successful for me.

Definitely some of my ancestors, both men & women, have taught me that there are no barriers to anything we want to achieve. My father has always been a huge influence on my working style.

What Would Your Advice Be For Other Young Women Aspiring To Foray Into The Field Of Hospitality As Entrepreneurs?

As an entrepreneur, it is necessary to be highly motivated, passionate and resourceful. One must as have a willingness to improvise and learn from others along with a strong determination to succeed. Test your idea as soon as possible and build a business plan that will always be flexible to meet the demands of an ever evolving market. Conduct an intensive research into the market you would like to cater to, to attach a value to your offerings. Pro activeness, consistent effort and an ethical approach will take anyone a long way in any new business. Always remember that self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.

Chandini Purnesh, Founder & CEO, Golden Wood

Graduated from RV College of Engineering, and Masters from Syracuse University in Entrepreneurship & Marketing. Worked as Assistant Manager at Megaron, Creative Head at Classic Wine Mall, Consultant at Entrepreneurial Empowerment in South Africa, Market Research Analyst at Earthsense LLC and Syracuse University. Founder and CEO of Golden Wood.