“You know, growing up as an immigrant is inherently political: there’s a constant struggle to fit in, to overcompensate for ‘how American you are’ to prove that you belong” – Suraj Patel, on running for US Congress
Browsing: hospitality industry
It is all about family ties, informal networks and community support. Small run-of the-mill motels have been transformed into mini hotel empires by the enterprising Gujaratis from India, UK and Africa in America.
” Chances are that anyone who has stayed in motels in the last decade has stayed in at least one owned by an Indian American, even if that is not apparent to the guests. Indian Americans own almost two million rooms with property values of well over $100 billion.
About a third of Indian American owners have independent properties, typically all lower budget. Indian Americans own about 60 percent of budget- oriented motels generally and over half of some motel chains. Of franchise motels built in the last few years, those owned by Indian Americans comprise more than 50 percent. The motels can be found nationwide. They are in major cities, suburbs, and exurbs, and off interstate highways. This accomplishment is all the more remarkable when one considers the small segment of India from which most owners descend. Seventy percent of Indian American owners share the same surname, Patel, although they are not all related.”
Pawan Dhingra on this American phenomenon
For all those hankering for details about the Chelsea Clinton wedding – at least one cat is out of the bag! We can say with definite authority that the linens at the wedding of the year were designed by Asema Ahmed’s Magnolias Linens.
Indeed, Middle Eastern royals, Hollywood stars and blue blooded society princesses have all turned to Asema when they need some high drama in their lives, be it a glittering wedding or a black tie gala.