They say that everyone has a story and 38 year old Nepali businessman Keshab Karki is no exception.
As the oldest son in a family with 5 children, Keshab felt the pull to help provide for his siblings at a very early age. His fondest dream was to earn enough money to send his brothers and sisters to school.
Determined to succeed, he dropped out of school in the third grade and at the tender age of 10 accompanied his uncle to Kathmandu, where he was warmly welcomed into the home of a wealthy doctor. Eager to learn, Keshab soon became an expert in the tradition of Nepali tea making, in addition to observing and absorbing the finer points of hospitality. Treated like one of the family, Keshab learned English and other studies alongside the children living in the home. “It was a wonderful experience”, says Keshab. “I learned so much, was treated very well and was able to realize my dream of helping my family and providing an education for my siblings.”
Married at 15, as was the custom in Nepal those days, Keshab took on a variety of jobs to support his young family. From cook to the mechanic to taxi driver, Keshab worked long hard hours yet found himself still struggling to feed his children, when in stepped Ann Jennings. “I will never forget the kindness Ann showed to my family”, says Keshab. “She bought me my first own taxi car and helped send my children to school while I was getting my business established. Without her love and compassion, I would not be in the position I am today, being able to pay forward her love and kindness in meaningful ways.”
Twelve short years later he had saved enough money to buy into his dream, by partnering with a friend to open a hotel in the local Kathmandu area. Another four years later his success allowed him to open his own supremely popular guest house - Shangri La Boutique Hotel - with plans to expand across Nepal, creating jobs for hundreds of local people along the way.