Vikas & Srishty Agarwal
Power Couple Founders: Nine Ventures Décor & Tableware
Q1. What inspired you to focus on bespoke hospitality solutions in a market as competitive as Dubai?
Frankly speaking, it wasn’t something we planned—it happened as though by the will of the universe.
While some meticulously plan and execute their ventures, we were guided by destiny, moving forward with the flow. It all began with the captivating lanterns at Dubai Mall and Atlantis.
Venturing into bespoke products is no easy feat (as many top hospitality suppliers would likely agree). Had we known the challenges beforehand, we might have thought twice about entering this domain.
Working with bespoke products feels like managing two businesses simultaneously: first, securing the orders, and second, ensuring the factories deliver customized products on time and at the expected quality. It’s a demanding but rewarding journey.
Vikas & Srishty Agarwal
Power Couple Founders: Nine Ventures Décor & Tableware
Q1. What inspired you to focus on bespoke hospitality solutions in a market as competitive as Dubai?
Frankly speaking, it wasn’t something we planned—it happened as though by the will of the universe.
While some meticulously plan and execute their ventures, we were guided by destiny, moving forward with the flow. It all began with the captivating lanterns at Dubai Mall and Atlantis.
Venturing into bespoke products is no easy feat (as many top hospitality suppliers would likely agree). Had we known the challenges beforehand, we might have thought twice about entering this domain.
Working with bespoke products feels like managing two businesses simultaneously: first, securing the orders, and second, ensuring the factories deliver customized products on time and at the expected quality. It’s a demanding but rewarding journey.
Q2. Your team excels at transforming concepts into theme-based products. Can you walk us through your creative process?
The Bespoke Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating bespoke products requires a thorough understanding of client requirements and a meticulous approach. Here’s how we bring ideas to life, using fruit bowls as an example:
A. Refining Design and Theme:-
The first step in our bespoke process is understanding the client’s vision and translating it into a tangible design.
1. Understanding Design Preferences
* With a Reference: If the client provides a reference
shape or design, we delve into their vision, studying every detail to ensure alignment.
* Without a Reference: For clients without specific ideas,
we offer inspiration from our extensive library of hundreds of unique designs, guiding them toward the perfect choice.
2. Material Selection
* Once the design is defined, we focus on selecting the material that best fits the vision and purpose. Common options include stainless steel (SS), aluminum, brass, wood, and copper.
3. Color Theme and Aesthetics
* The final step in this phase involves deciding the color palette, finishes, and overall aesthetic to ensure the final product complements the desired theme.
B. 3D Design and Prototype Development
After finalizing the design, material, and color theme, we transition to visualizing the product.
1. Concept Visualization
* We create either a 3D digital design or a physical prototype to bring the concept to life.
* The prototype is meticulously reviewed for accuracy and functionality.
2. Revisions and Approval
* Necessary corrections are made to the prototype based on client feedback.
* Once perfected, we seek final sample approval before moving forward.
C. Production
With the prototype approved, we proceed to full-scale production, ensuring every detail is executed to perfection.
Key Considerations Throughout the Process
1. Food Safety: Materials are chosen to ensure safety for food use.
2. Ease of Cleaning: Coatings and finishes are selected to make cleaning effortless.
3. Shape Functionality: Designs are evaluated for practicality, such as stackability for efficient storage.
Each step is carefully managed to guarantee that the final product not only meets but exceeds client expectations, combining functionality, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.
Q3. How does Nine Ventures differentiate itself from competitors in the hospitality industry?
At NV, we are proud to be one of the few companies in the Middle East specializing in bespoke hospitality products, including hotel room accessories and restaurant serving-ware.
What Sets Us Apart
1. Optimized Products
* We focus on achieving the perfect balance between cost- efficiency and premium quality, ensuring our products meet the demanding standards of the hospitality industry.
* Food Safety and low-maintenance requirements are at the core of our designs, addressing the critical needs of our clients.
2. Flexible MOQs
* We understand the diverse needs of businesses, which is why we offer flexibility with small to medium Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs).
3. Solution-Oriented Approach
* Unlike many competitors, we are not just suppliers—we are solution providers.
* Our team works closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring seamless execution from concept to delivery.
Our Core Values
* Honesty and Transparency: We believe in realistic commitments and avoid over-promising.
* Reliability: Clients can count on us to be there throughout the project lifecycle—and even after delivery.
* Client-Centric Support: Whether it’s troubleshooting, adjustments, or post-delivery assistance, we are always by our clients side.
At NV, our mission is to provide more than just products—we deliver trust, quality, and unmatched service to elevate hospitality experiences.
Q4. The nine materials you work with seem to play a central role in your designs. Could you elaborate on this?
At NV, we cater to our clients bespoke requirements by offering a wide range of materials tailored to the specific usage and functionality of the products.
Material Options We Provide
* Hotel Bathroom Accessories: Available in materials such as resin, stainless steel (SS), wood, leather, brass, and copper.
* Serving Ware & Buffet Items: Designed for restaurants using copper, stainless steel (SS), brass, wood, marble, resin, acrylic, and ceramic.
Why Clients Choose NV
Our ability to work across diverse materials and create custom solutions has set us apart in the industry. This capability played a pivotal role in securing a prestigious project with one of Dubai’s upcoming iconic hotels.
We are proud to be the major supplier of bespoke products for both Food & Beverage (F&B) and In-Room Dining, providing tailor-made solutions that align with the hotel’s vision and high standards.
At NV, we combine craftsmanship, innovation, and client-focused expertise to deliver products that elevate hospitality experiences.
Q5. Ensuring high-quality bespoke creations that are also low maintenance sounds challenging. How do you achieve this balance?
Deliver meets the essential requirements for durability and functionality in a fast-paced environment.
Key Features of Ideal Serving Ware for Hotels
1. Dishwasher-Safe
* Designed for efficiency, as handwashing requires more time and effort.
2. Heavy-Duty Construction
* Built to withstand frequent use without breaking or getting damaged easily.
3. Long-Lasting Colors and Finishes
* Crafted to retain their aesthetic appeal even after repeated use and washing cycles.
Expert Guidance for Optimal Choices
With over 9 years of technical expertise, we guide clients from the start in selecting the best options for their needs:
* Material: Based on budget, intended usage, and overall aesthetics.
* Finish: Tailored to match the desired aesthetic and theme.
* Product Weight: Considered carefully based on budget constraints and the frequency of use.
At NV, our approach ensures that clients make informed decisions, resulting in serving ware that is not only functional and durable but also enhances the dining experience.
Q6. Catering to luxury hotels, resorts, and restaurants must come with its challenges. Can you share some of them and how you overcame them?
At NV, we frequently encounter challenges unique to bespoke product development, particularly when clients expect our quality to match that of established international brands.
Key Challenges
1. High Expectations for Quality
* International brand products undergo extensive research, multiple sampling iterations, and refinements over 3–5 months before being finalized.
* These products are mass-produced, often using advanced machinery, ensuring consistent quality and finish.
2. Pressure for First-Attempt Perfection
* Unlike brands with extended development timelines, we are often expected to deliver bespoke, high-quality products on the very first attempt, and within tight deadlines.
* Meeting the expectations of premium clients while adhering to timelines can be incredibly demanding.
Our Approach to Overcoming These Challenges
We’ve developed a meticulous process to ensure we meet and exceed client expectations:
1. Gathering Comprehensive Information
We ensure we fully understand client requirements, including:
* Detailed specifications and intended usage of the products.
* Clear timelines for when the products are needed.
* Any additional client expectations or preferences.
2. Effective Communication with Manufacturers
* The gathered information is promptly and accurately shared with our manufacturing partners.
* This enables us to start the sampling or production process as soon as possible.
3. Proactive Quality and Time Management
* By maintaining close coordination with our manufacturers and monitoring progress at every stage, we minimize errors and avoid unnecessary delays.
* Our team works diligently to ensure that every effort is made to deliver products of the highest quality within the specified timeframe.
This structured approach allows us to manage challenges effectively, ensuring that our bespoke solutions consistently meet the high standards expected by our professional clients.
Q7. Honesty and transparency are core values at Nine Ventures. How does your team ensure these principles are upheld in client relationships?
At NV, we deeply value honesty and transparency, which are embedded in every aspect of our operations. Here’s how we uphold these principles:
Core Values in Action
1. No Overpromising
* We never overpromise on delivery timelines, even if it means risking an order.
* Instead, we provide clients with realistic and practical timelines, ensuring that expectations are managed from the start.
2. Guiding Principles
Client Relationships and Trust:
* Maintaining trust and fulfilling our commitments to clients take precedence over short-term gains.
Client-Centric Focus:
* The success of the client’s project and delivering the best possible solution are always our top priorities.
3. Team Alignment
* These values of honesty and transparency are not only practiced but also ingrained within our team.
* Every new team member undergoes an induction program where these principles are emphasized as foundational to our company culture.
By consistently adhering to these values, we build long-term relationships and maintain a reputation for reliability and integrity in the industry.
1. Our relation & trust with the client, and fulfilling our commitment is more important.
2. Client’s project and expected solution is always the prime focus for us.
And the same values has been incorporated within our team and also a part of induction for a new joinee.
Q8. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who aspire to make an impact in the hospitality sector?
At NV, we believe that the foundation of success is consistent across all sectors. Here are the essential principles we follow:
1. Build Relationships and Trust
* Establish strong relationships and earn your client’s trust. If they believe in you, they’ll be more inclined to invest in your products or services.
* Once a client places their trust in you, honor it. A single misstep can cost you the opportunity to work with them again.
2. Be Approachable and Accountable
* Ensure that clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns or feedback with you. Approachability builds confidence and strengthens partnerships.
* Embrace accountability. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to take responsibility when necessary.
3. Invest in a Great Team
* Success is impossible without a strong, competent team. Take the time to hire skilled individuals who align with your company values and vision.
* A good team not only executes effectively but also upholds the standards that clients expect.
By focusing on these fundamentals—trust, accountability, and a strong team—you create a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Q9. Finally, what’s next for Nine Ventures as you continue to innovate and redefine the hospitality landscape in Dubai?
At NV, we are continuously working to enhance our offerings and improve our operations to serve our clients better. Here are some of our recent initiatives:
* Expanding Supplier Network:
We recently visited China to expand and strengthen our supplier database. This effort allows us to offer a broader range of products in Housekeeping and F&B, providing clients with more comprehensive solutions under one roof.
* Enhancing Sales Capabilities:
To reach more clients and cater to their unique needs, we are adding more sales professionals to our team.
* Strengthening Operations:
We are bolstering our operations team to ensure seamless execution and timely delivery, maintaining our commitment to efficiency and quality.
* Improving Design Expertise:
Our design capabilities have been upgraded to deliver bespoke solutions that align perfectly with client requirements and expectations.
These strategic improvements underscore our dedication to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction.
Q10. Success Mantra
Here’s my personal success mantra:
A. Building Client Trust:
Establishing trust with clients is the foundation of any successful partnership. I dedicate myself to ensuring clients feel comfortable and confident in our abilities. I put in my best efforts, using energy, enthusiasm, and every possible approach to secure the order.
B. Commitment to Deliver:
Once the order is in place, my commitment deepens. I go above and beyond to ensure timely and flawless delivery. I invest twice the effort to meet or exceed expectations, as delivering on time is a reflection of my dedication and reliability.
Q11. One message for all communities
Here’s how I approach success:
A. Value Every Order and Client:
Treat every order and client with the utmost respect and appreciation, recognizing that every business relationship is vital to growth.
B. Act with Pure Intentions:
Maintain integrity in all interactions. Approach every situation with sincerity and honesty to build trust and long-term relationships.
C. Invest Sincere Effort:
Put in your best efforts, no matter how big or small the task. When you give your all, success follows, and efforts never go unrewarded.
D. Commit to Continuous Learning:
Never stop learning. Embrace growth to expand your mindset and adapt to evolving challenges. Keep evolving to stay ahead in your personal and professional journey.
Q12. What keeps you stress-free?
Here’s what brings me joy and keeps me grounded:
Engaging in Conversations:
I enjoy deep, meaningful conversations with people over sheesha and drinks, where ideas flow freely, and connections are made.
Singing and Recording:
I love singing my favorite songs, recording them, and reliving those moments of creativity and self-expression.
Sharing Knowledge:
Guiding others and sharing the lessons I&;ve learned along the way is something I value. It feels fulfilling to offer insights and experiences that might help others grow.
Morning Rituals:
Starting my day early with breathing exercises, yoga, or some form of physical activity sets a positive tone for the day, keeping me energized and focused.