From Concept to Creation: Thejus Shivarama Discusses His Entrepreneurial Path

An interview with Thejus Shivarama, Founder & CEO of Juliet, 2Moons, and Minx

In this interview, we speak with Thejus Shivarama, the visionary Founder and CEO of Juliet, 2Moons, and Minx.

With a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of market trends, Thejus has successfully built brands that resonate with diverse audiences.

He shares his journey, insights into the creative process, and the driving forces behind his entrepreneurial ventures.

What inspired you to launch Juliet, 2Moons,and Minx and what was the vision behind these brands?

Thejus Shivarama: The inspiration behind launching Juliet, 2Moons, and Minx came from my passion for hospitality, food, and creating memorable experiences.

My first venture, Serene Mist Resort, taught me the importance of making guests feel at home, and I wanted to carry that same warmth and authenticity into my future projects.

With Juliet, 2Moons, and Minx, my vision was to build brands that prioritize flexibility, personalization, and customer satisfaction—breaking away from the rigidity that often defines the industry.

I wanted to create spaces where people could connect over great food and drinks, forming memories that last a lifetime.

Can you describe the unique value propositions of Juliet, 2Moons,and Minx in the market?

Thejus Shivarama: Juliet and 2Moons stand out for their customer-first philosophy. I strongly believe in flexibility and going the extra mile for every guest.

If someone at an Asian restaurant craves curd rice or rasam rice, I make sure they get it. It’s this unconventional, guest-centric approach that makes our brands feel truly welcoming.

Additionally, Boho Sunsets, Bangalore’s only true sundowner experience, gives our guests a unique and exclusive offering.

Our focus on personal connections, attention to detail, and customization sets us apart in the highly competitive hospitality market.

Minx, my newest venture, takes this ethos a step further by redefining Bangalore’s cocktail culture. Unlike typical cocktail bars, Minx is a craft cocktail club that offers a premium, immersive experience.

The menu features innovative, signature cocktails prepared with precision and creativity. The speakeasy-style ambiance, with moody lighting, chic interiors, and a vibrant vibe, creates the perfect setting for cocktail enthusiasts.

Minx also stands out for its artful presentation of drinks and a focus on flavor-forward mixology, making it Bangalore’s first true cocktail club.

Together, Juliet, 2Moons, and Minx offer distinct yet complementary experiences—from laid-back sundowners and personalized dining to an elevated cocktail culture, making them standout brands in Bangalore’s hospitality scene.

What challenges did you encounter while establishing your companies, and how did you navigate them?

Thejus Shivarama: The journey wasn’t easy. As a newcomer to the industry, I faced several challenges, including being misled by consultants, which resulted in financial setbacks.

I made mistakes early on, like overspending on unnecessary items due to misplaced trust. A three-month project delay meant I had to cover salaries and rent before we even opened.

On top of that, some consultants over-ordered cutlery, crockery, and food trials, causing our costs to spike by 200%.

However, these experiences taught me valuable lessons. Over time, I became more discerning about who I worked with and gained a stronger grasp of operational needs, which helped me make smarter business decisions.

How do you approach product development and innovation within your brands?

Thejus Shivarama: For me, innovation is driven by customer experience. I don’t believe in blindly following trends—I prefer to listen to my guests and continuously improve.

My approach is simple: if it enhances the guest experience, we do it. Whether it’s introducing new cocktails, reimagining the menu, or creating exclusive events like Boho Sunsets, I focus on offering something fresh and memorable. It’s all about making sure every visit feels special.

What role does customer feedback play in shaping your products and services?

Thejus Shivarama: Customer feedback is the backbone of my business. I believe in listening to guests and acting on their suggestions, no matter how small.

If someone requests a dish that’s not on the menu, we do our best to accommodate them. This flexibility and responsiveness have earned us a loyal customer base.

Every decision—from menu tweaks to service enhancements—is driven by what our guests want. Their feedback helps us refine and elevate our offerings.

Can you share a memorable success story or milestone from your journey with Juliet, 2Moons,and Minx?

Thejus Shivarama: One of the most memorable milestones was proving the skeptics wrong. When we launched Juliet, 2Moons,and Minx, many people thought we wouldn’t last six months.

But through sheer determination, customer-centric service, and consistency, we not only survived but became one of the top three hospitality brands in Bangalore’s Central Business District (CBD).

The success of Boho Sunsets, which is now a signature experience, was another proud moment. It’s rewarding to see our brands become go-to destinations despite the initial doubts.

How do you ensure that your brands remain relevant in a rapidly changing market?

Thejus Shivarama: I stay relevant by sticking to my core strengths—flexibility, personalization, and guest satisfaction.

I don’t waste time obsessing over competitors; instead, I focus on improving what we do best. My mantra is simple: “Race with cheetahs, not horses.”

This means setting our own pace, constantly redefining the hospitality experience on our own terms, and offering guests something they can’t find elsewhere. By staying true to our brand values, we remain ahead of the curve.

What strategies do you employ to build a strong company culture and motivate your team?

Thejus Shivarama: I believe in empowering my team rather than micromanaging them. I encourage both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) staff to take ownership of their roles, make mistakes, and learn from them. I want my team to grow alongside the business.

My role is to mentor and guide, stepping in only when absolutely necessary. This freedom and trust foster a sense of responsibility, which keeps the team motivated and resilient. I consider my team to be my greatest asset, and their dedication drives our success.

How do you envision the future of Juliet, 2Moons,and Minx in the next five years?

Thejus Shivarama: Over the next five years, I see Juliet, 2Moons,and Minx growing steadily, but in a way that stays true to our core values. I’m not looking for rapid expansion just for the sake of it.

Instead, I want to enhance customer experiences through exclusive events, innovative menus, and personalized service.

My goal is to cement our place as Bangalore’s top hospitality brands by consistently delivering exceptional experiences that keep our guests coming back.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures in the consumer goods space?

Thejus Shivarama: My advice is simple: trust your instincts and stay adaptable. You will make mistakes—I certainly did—but it’s important to learn from them and keep moving forward.

Build strong personal connections, focus on customer satisfaction, and don’t get caught up in industry noise.

Flexibility and staying true to your vision will set you apart. Most importantly, be resilient—the road will be tough, but if you stay committed and listen to your customers, success will follow.

As we conclude our conversation, Thejus Shivarama’s commitment to excellence and creativity shines through.

His insights not only inspire aspiring entrepreneurs but also highlight the importance of adaptability in today’s dynamic market. With his brands leading the way, the future looks bright for Thejus and his innovative vision.

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