Episode 158: Interview with Rani Sandhu

Description

The latest episode of The Business Awards Show sees us meet Rani Sandhu, the owner of Ranmore Friery, a fish and chip shop in Sheffield. The conversation explored Rani's remarkable journey from a corporate career in banking to a celebrated local entrepreneur, a pillar of her community, and her inspiring experience on the Channel 5 show, "Faking It."

Rani moved her family to Sheffield in 2016, a decision prompted by a series of personal challenges. Seeing an opportunity to take over her sister's fish and chip shop, the family, who had no prior experience in the food industry, decided to take a leap of faith. Discover how tough it was to learn how to run the shop whilst living in a one bed flat above. Despite that, the experience brought her family together. She talks of the unbreakable bond they have as a unit having gone through the journey together.

The conversation then turned to her incredible experience on the Channel 5 show "Faking It." She was challenged to transform into a high-end sushi chef in London while undercover. Describing it as the "toughest thing I have ever done," she spent a month away from her family, working in acclaimed restaurants like Chotto Matte and Maru.

Following the show, she introduced Poke bowls to her Sheffield shop, which have become a massive success, and she continues to receive support and mentorship from the chefs she worked with. Furthermore, Rani explained why she has continually diversified from pure fish and chips. 40% of her sales are now vegan options.

We also talked about her fundraising efforts for Cavendish Cancer Care, a local charity. Her support was deeply motivated by personal loss after her mother sadly passed away from cancer. Movingly, her father started her off with a 500 Canadian dollar donation in her mother's memory. She has since grown that into over £10,000 raised for the charity.

The podcast also revealed a heartwarming surprise. Unbeknown to Rani, her older sister, Julie Kaur, who also runs a successful business, is a finalist, like her, in the Best Businesswomen Awards. She credits her strong family work ethic, instilled by her entrepreneurial father, for their shared drive and success.

In her closing advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Rani encourages listeners to embrace change and not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones. "Life is for living. Live it," she urged, highlighting her own journey from knowing nothing about fish and chips or sushi to running a thriving, innovative food business. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of family, the importance of community, and the incredible places a leap of faith can lead.

{1:43} Transitioning from banking to fish and chips!

{4:05} What drew Rani to run a fish and chip shop.

{5:52} The effect of living in a one bed flat above the shop.

{7:39} Taking on the business.

{8:07} Introducing vegan options.

{10:35} The challenges facing the fish and chips industry.

{13:25} Being selected for and the experience of making Channel 5's 'Faking It'.

{22:05} Being an Asian woman running a chip shop.

{23:04} Applying for the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{29:50} Rani's fundraising efforts for charity.

{34:12} How to keep evolving.

{35:20} Further additions to the shop menu.