Poonam Rajpurohit

Early Life

Meet Poonam Rajpurohit, the visionary founder of Charme le Luxe, a name synonymous with a passion for hospitality that transcends the ordinary. Her story is one of resilience, cultural immersion, and an unwavering commitment to bringing the essence of Indian hospitality to the forefront. From a young age, she was cradled in the diverse landscapes of India, nurtured by military family. This unique upbringing exposed her to a kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, deeply ingraining in her an appreciation for hospitality and cuisine. Her academic and extracurricular achievements during her schooling in Delhi laid the foundation for her leadership skills. Excelling in debates, winning awards for her teaching portrayal, and competing in state-level hockey, she demonstrated an early dedication to excellence and versatility.

Professional Life

Her professional voyage took flight with Kingfisher Airlines, where she first honed her customer-centric skills. This experience was pivotal, marking her foray into the hospitality sector. However, it was only the beginning. At the age of 25, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, launching Lazeez a global cuisine restaurant, followed by the innovative Someplace Else Restaurant in Gandhinagar. Her ambition didn't stop there; she ventured into the apparel industry with Martini, an apparel store that featured exclusive handpicked designer's outfits from European & South Asian manufacturers.

International Experience

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, testing her resilience like never before. Despite significant setbacks, her determination only grew stronger. With an infant by her side, she ventured into the hotel industry, establishing Hotel Downtown in Gandhinagar. Yet, her quest for knowledge and strategic excellence didn't end there. Seeking to deepen her understanding, she pursued a master's in business administration from Sheffield University in England, a bold move that showcased her commitment to personal and professional growth.

Balancing motherhood and a managerial role at Mercure, Sheffield, she navigated the complexities of starting anew in a foreign country. Her international exposure in the hospitality industry is highlighted by her tenure with Hilton London where she not only excelled as an F&B manager but also earned recognitions for her leadership and service excellence. This experience was enriched by a suite of certifications from Hilton University.

Beyond these honors, Poonam has completed an extensive range of training programs and certifications through Hilton University, which have equipped her with a well-rounded skill set crucial for navigating the complexities of the hospitality industry. These certifications include:

• Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Training: Preparing her to foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and promotes equity.
• Conflict Resolution: Equipping her with the skills to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring a harmonious work environment.
• Disability Awareness: Enhancing her understanding and sensitivity towards the needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
• First Aid Awareness: Providing her with the knowledge to respond to health emergencies, ensuring guest and staff safety.
• The Fire Marshal Training: Preparing her to undertake fire safety responsibilities, crucial for the safety of the hotel premises and its occupants.
• Workplace Sexual Harassment Training: Empowering her with the knowledge to prevent, identify, and address sexual harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.

Additionally, Poonam's pursuit of excellence in food and beverage management is further evidenced by her successful completion of specialized training in:

• Food Allergens and Food Safety Level 2 (UK): Ensuring her expertise in handling food safely and knowledgeably, especially concerning allergens.
• Health and Safety Level 2: Highlighting her commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety within the hospitality environment.
• Cellar Management for Managers: Providing her with specialized knowledge in managing beverage operations effectively.
• COSHH: Working with Hazardous Substances (UK): Equipping her with the skills to safely handle hazardous substances, critical for maintaining a safe work environment.

Higher Education

Her academic pursuit at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, where she obtained an ILM Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Global MBA with merit, underlines her commitment to continuous learning. Her dissertation on "effective marketing practices of small hotels in India," a project that not only enriched her expertise but also sparked the inspiration to start her own hotel management company. Her vision was clear: to help manage heritage, boutique properties, and revive the culture and roots often overlooked in modern times.

Her story is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the passionate pursuit of one's dreams. Through Charme le Luxe, she invites every guest to experience not just a stay, but a memorable connection deeply rooted in the richness of Indian culture. Join us in celebrating a journey that goes beyond hospitality, a journey that revives the art of traditional hospitality for the modern era.