By Kailash Mishra
Reynoldsburg, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, is experiencing rapid growth in its New American population, resulting in the establishment of numerous New American businesses. The inaugural Bhutanese American Business Expo, organized by the Ohio Bhutanese American Chamber of Commerce, showcased a diverse range of businesses, including a sister-in-law duo and a couple operating religious goods stores from their home basement.
Community leader and Reynoldsburg City Councilmember Bhuwan Pyakurel stated that more than 62 businesses participated in the event, adding that “this expo would provide opportunities for Bhutanese American businesses to expand their market capacity and foster connections for future expansion.”
The sister-in-law duo and business partners, Bhima Karki and Geeta Thapa described how they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey after transitioning from teaching in Bhutanese refugee camps. Thapa relocated from Texas to Reynoldsburg, while Karki moved from California to open B&G Hair Salon and Spa.
Bound by both their familial bond and shared professional backgrounds, Karki and Thapa have cultivated a deep-rooted passion for wellness. They go beyond traditional definition of beauty, striving to create an environment where clients can truly express themselves and feel their inner beauty. Karki and Thapa seamlessly transitioned from being a teacher to a cosmetologist, driven by their passion for people and teaching. Together, this dynamic duo is making a remarkable impact on the local economy.
East Main Street in Reynoldsburg is filled with Bhutanese American businesses. Again, Councilmember Pyakurel believes that this event will foster connections among the Bhutanese American businesses on East Main Street.
A restaurant owner and entrepreneur, Himod Sharma opened Durbar Nepali and Indian Cuisine on East Main Street in Reynoldsburg when he was just 22 years old. Durbar has become one of the most renowned Nepali restaurants in the greater Columbus area. Sharma attributes the success of his restaurant to his passion and dreams.
However, the path to success is not without its hurdles. According to Council Member Pyakurel “Bhutanese Americans still face barriers, ranging from bureaucratic hurdles to a lack of awareness about city codes when starting a business”.
One of his major accomplishments as a councilmember is securing a bilingual liaison for Reynoldsburg, expected to aid new Americans and entrepreneurs in navigating the business opening phase.
A couple Suk Dev Pokhrel and Tulsha Dulal, , operate a religious goods store, Puja Item Center, from their basement. They sell all the items required for traditional Hindu ceremonies. While Pokhrel works full-time at Ohio Health and Dulal at Kohl’s, they aspire to make their business their full-time occupation. Due to limited capital and risk tolerance, they currently operate their business on the side. They offer free delivery within a 2-hour radius of their house and also ship their products nationwide.
The expo also featured loan officers, insurance agents, realtors, and sports agencies. Realtor Tara Khanal believes that home buying is a means for the Bhutanese American community to build generational wealth. Being one of the few women in a male-dominated industry, Tara encourages other women to take risks and work hard. Former IT worker Khanal enjoys the interactions and relationships she fosters with her clients.
The expo was filled with cultural dances, traditional food, and New American businesses, all contributing to the growth of our local economy.
Realtor Dev Pokhrel hoped this event would help him build connections with other people in the industry. “Bhutanese experience fosters the entrepreneurial drive in the community,” he said.
A local non-profit founded by four friends was also highlighted at the expo. Christian International Sports Association (CISA) will like to use their biblical tradition to work for the community. They use sports as connectors to engage with the young generation of the Bhutanese American community. The non-profit provides both boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, with hope of expansion in the near future. One of the founders, Joseph Bayilkoti, stated that the non-profit was founded with the idea of working with the community for the benefit of the community.
In conclusion, Councilmember Pyakurel rated the event as a great success for connecting many Bhutanese American businesses and entrepreneurs.
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