You know how they say if you can’t get a seat at the table, build your own table? This conversation is the best example of that… just start where you are!

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone dives deep into the transformative journey of Nirupa Konijeti, the founder of Bazaar, a highly sought-after supper club in NYC. Nirupa shares her story of overcoming dissatisfaction in her tech job to pursue a fulfilling endeavor that blends her passion for food and community. From her roots in Hyderabad, India to her thriving life in Brooklyn, Nirupa discusses the importance of curiosity, intentional living, and embracing one’s heritage to create spaces that foster genuine human connections. This episode reveals how Nirupa’s venture into hosting intimate dinners not only filled a market gap but also helped her reclaim her identity and creativity. Along the way, Simone and Nirupa explore the impact of parental expectations, immigrant experiences, and the power of social media in building supportive communities.

00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift

01:09 Introducing Nirupa Konijeti

10:55 Cultural and Personal Identity

18:28 Launching Bazaar Supper Club

24:42 The Power of Play, Future Aspirations, and Creative Freedom

36:01 Family Support and Personal Growth

40:00 Closing Thoughts

–

If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)

The Meaningful Shift Newsletter

Instagram

Music by Auxjack from Epidemic Sound

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.

Resources

Usal Project

Callisto Farms

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Episode ID: 1000740080547

GUID: substack:post:180955424

Release Date: 07/12/2025, 20:09:52