In this powerhouse episode of The Jay Rana Show, Jay welcomes Barbie Patel, founder of Cinderella Brides and Beauty CEO University, president of WIPA New York, and all-around force in the wedding industry. Known for her sharp branding, unapologetic presence, and bold pink aesthetic, Barbie sits down to talk about what it really takes to build a business in beauty—and keep it growing for nearly two decades.

They kick things off with Barbie’s rise from the corporate world to full-time entrepreneur. She shares how she left a six-figure job with LexisNexis to go all-in on her passion for makeup and beauty. But this isn’t your typical “follow your dreams” story. Barbie lays out how she planned for it, saved for it, and scaled her business smart—not fast. She now runs multiple ventures, has a remote team of marketers and editors, and is everywhere on your feed for a reason: she knows what she’s doing.

Jay and Barbie get real about the challenges creatives face when running businesses. You might be talented, but if you can’t run operations, manage money, or market yourself, your hustle won't go far. Barbie talks about the difference between being good at your craft and being a business owner—and how she helps other beauty pros close that gap with her Beauty CEO University.

They also dive into marketing: why overthinking kills momentum, why done is better than perfect, and why consistency trumps timing every single time. Barbie shares how her in-house team helps her execute at scale and how working with remote interns across the U.S. adds fresh energy and ideas to her brand.

Jay opens up about his own marketing struggles as a DJ and planner, from trying Fiverr to juggling cameras while on the mic. The conversation unpacks why male-dominated event companies often lack the creative edge—and how female-led marketing teams bring storytelling, emotion, and vision that drives connection and sales.

But this episode goes way beyond business. They talk about Barbie’s role as a mom, wife, and entrepreneur. She shares stories of 6 a.m. workouts after landing from Cancun, managing 147 weddings in a year, and the importance of routines and resilience. Her message: there’s no room for excuses, just structure, focus, and execution.

Barbie also reveals how she co-founded Lux Escapes, a travel agency focused on destination weddings in Europe. What started as a way to save on their own travel expenses turned into a booming business. She and Jay break down the shifting trend from Mexico to Italy, Greece, and Morocco for destination weddings—and how vendors from the tri-state are bringing NYC hustle across the globe.

They don’t shy away from hard truths. Barbie talks about family drama at weddings, vendors clashing with out-of-state planners, and the perception of New Jersey vendors being “pretentious.” They both agree: if you’ve got high standards and real hustle, you’re going to ruffle a few feathers—but you’ll also get results.

From managing a massive team to executing destination weddings at castles in Rome, Barbie proves that glam doesn’t mean soft. She’s a strategist, a mentor, a creator, and a boss who’s building a legacy while staying grounded in service and impact. Jay closes out the convo by asking about Bridezilla moments, red dress disasters, and why black is the unofficial uniform of wedding pros.

If you’re in the beauty industry, the wedding space, or just trying to level up your brand without losing yourself in the process—this episode is for you. It’s real talk from two people who live it every weekend and still find ways to evolve, adapt, and keep the energy high.

No gimmicks. No fluff. Just a sharp, honest conversation with one of the most respected names in the game. Hit play, take notes, and don’t forget to follow both Barbie and Jay on all platforms for more behind-the-scenes insights and unfiltered stories from the front lines of the wedding world.

Welcome to The Jay Rana Show. Let’s go.

In this episode of The Jay Rana Show, Jay sits down with Akshay Jhanjee — the man behind the scenes of some of the most recognized Indian dining spots and catering outfits in the tri-state area. Akshay grew up in the business, shadowing his father, Raja Jhanjee, who built the legendary Bukhara Grill in NYC. From that foundation, Akshay carved his own path and is now leading the charge into the next chapter of their culinary empire.

They dive into Akshay’s journey — from working his first wedding event as a teenager to running massive events with 67 different appetizers. He talks about what it means to carry a family legacy, why quality always wins over quantity, and how to navigate the chaos of weddings without losing your cool or your standards.

The two also open up about the emotional connection to venues like the Mahwah Sheraton, how COVID forced everyone in the industry to reset, and how those challenges brought both blessings and hard choices. Akshay explains why he and his team cap events per day, how they deal with unexpected guest overflows, and how to maintain consistency in quality even when scaling up.

They get into the meat of what separates a good caterer from a great one — being on-site, being hands-on, and having a team that’s been in it for decades. Akshay also breaks down the decision behind creating Bukhara Grill Express, how he’s expanding into Indo-Chinese fusion, and what it takes to keep the catering and restaurant arms running without burning out.

Jay and Akshay also get real about business breakups. Akshay explains the split between his father and his dad’s former business partner, the confusion it caused with branding and bookings, and how they’re now focused on building the Bukhara Grill name “by Raja Jhanjee” to make it clear who’s who in the game.

They also talk shop — the grind, the glam, the food waste, and the weird stuff that happens when 450 people show up to a wedding that was supposed to have 300 guests. Akshay doesn’t hold back on how they handle those moments, how they keep clients happy, and why they never say no — even if it means firing up the vans and sending in reinforcements on the fly.

They cover trends, too. The rise of social media-driven aesthetics in catering. The influence of presentation on appetite. Why today's wedding couples want global menus with Indian flair. And how the team at Bukhara is delivering on those demands — with everything from samosa quesadillas to truffle pineapple chicken kebabs.

On the personal side, Akshay talks about the balance between work and family, raising two boys, and how becoming a father himself gave him a new perspective on time, priorities, and what really matters at the end of a 90-hour week. Jay chimes in with his own stories of fatherhood, running Roz Entertainment, and the parallels between the entertainment and catering industries — long hours, high stakes, and constant client-facing hustle.

This one’s packed. If you’re in the food game, the wedding world, or just love a solid behind-the-scenes story about building something real, this episode delivers.

No fluff. Just two guys who’ve lived it — talking straight about what it takes to make it, what they’ve learned from their failures, and what’s next for the industry.

Make sure to hit that subscribe button. You don’t want to miss what’s coming.

Season 2, Episode 5 of The Jay Rana Show features DJ Ash G, a dynamic force in the event entertainment scene. From his early days spinning tracks at local house parties to becoming a sought-after DJ for high-profile events across the Americas, Ash G shares the highs and lows of his journey in the music industry.In this episode, Jay and Ash G delve into:• The Genesis of a DJ: Ash G discusses how his passion for music led him to pursue a career in DJing, highlighting the challenges he faced in establishing himself in a competitive industry.• Building a Brand: Beyond just playing music, Ash G emphasizes the importance of creating a unique brand identity, sharing insights into how he differentiated himself and built a loyal client base.• Navigating the Business Side: Transitioning from artist to entrepreneur, Ash G talks about managing bookings, negotiating contracts, and the business acumen required to sustain a successful career.• Adapting to Change: With the ever-evolving music landscape, Ash G shares how he stays current with trends, incorporates new technologies, and continually reinvents his sets to keep audiences engaged.• Mentorship and Giving Back: Recognizing the support he received, Ash G discusses his efforts to mentor aspiring DJs, offering guidance and sharing experiences to help the next generation succeed.Whether you’re an aspiring DJ, a music enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of event entertainment.

Season 2, Episode 4 of The Jay Rana Show features an engaging conversation with DJ Suhel, a dynamic figure in the event entertainment scene. From his early days spinning tracks at local parties to becoming a sought-after DJ for high-profile events, Suhel shares the highs and lows of his journey in the music industry.In this episode, Jay and Suhel delve into:• The Genesis of a DJ: Suhel discusses how his passion for music led him to pursue a career in DJing, highlighting the challenges he faced in establishing himself in a competitive industry.• Building a Brand: Beyond just playing music, Suhel emphasizes the importance of creating a unique brand identity, sharing insights into how he differentiated himself and built a loyal client base.• Navigating the Business Side: Transitioning from artist to entrepreneur, Suhel talks about managing bookings, negotiating contracts, and the business acumen required to sustain a successful career.• Adapting to Change: With the ever-evolving music landscape, Suhel shares how he stays current with trends, incorporates new technologies, and continually reinvents his sets to keep audiences engaged.• Mentorship and Giving Back: Recognizing the support he received, Suhel discusses his efforts to mentor aspiring DJs, offering guidance and sharing experiences to help the next generation succeed.Whether you’re an aspiring DJ, a music enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of event entertainment.

Season 2, Episode 2 of The Jay Rana Show features an in-depth conversation with Sumit Arya, the founder and CEO of Dulhan Expo. From his early days as a wedding photographer to orchestrating one of the most prominent South Asian bridal expos in the United States, Sumit’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and vision. In this episode, Jay and Sumit delve into:· The Genesis of Dulhan Expo: Sumit shares how his experiences behind the lens led him to identify a gap in the wedding industry, inspiring the creation of a comprehensive bridal expo tailored for the South Asian community.· Building a Community: Beyond just an event, Dulhan Expo has become a hub for brides, grooms, families, and vendors. Sumit discusses the importance of fostering relationships and creating a space where traditions meet contemporary wedding trends.· Challenges and Triumphs: From logistical hurdles to curating diverse vendor line-ups, Sumit opens up about the obstacles he’s faced and the milestones achieved over the years.· The Future of Wedding Expos: With the evolving landscape of events and technology, Sumit provides insights into how Dulhan Expo is adapting and what attendees can look forward to in upcoming editions.Whether you’re in the wedding industry, planning your big day, or simply interested in entrepreneurial journeys, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Season 2, Episode 6 of The Jay Rana Show features a compelling conversation with Annika Sharma—author, speaker, and creative force—whose work delves into love, identity, mental health, and the South Asian experience. Annika is the author of the Chai Masala Club romantic comedy series, including Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words and Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice. She’s also the founder of That Desi Spark, one of the most recognized South Asian podcasts in the U.S., which she grew into a multimedia platform before selling it in 2024. In this episode, Jay and Annika delve into:• The Genesis of a Storyteller: Annika discusses how her passion for storytelling led her to write novels that resonate with readers navigating cultural intersections. • Building a Platform: Beyond writing, Annika emphasizes the importance of creating spaces for underrepresented voices, sharing insights into how she built and expanded That Desi Spark podcast. • Navigating Multiple Roles: Balancing her roles as an author, podcast host, and communications director at a mental health nonprofit, Annika talks about managing multiple careers while staying true to her mission. • Adapting to Change: With the evolving landscape of media and storytelling, Annika shares how she stays current with trends, incorporates new technologies, and continually reinvents her approach to connect with audiences. • Mentorship and Community: Recognizing the support she received, Annika discusses her efforts to mentor aspiring writers and creators, offering guidance and sharing experiences to help the next generation succeed.Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a podcast enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of art and advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of storytelling and the dedication it takes to create impactful narratives.

Season 2, Episode 3 of The Jay Rana Show features an insightful conversation with Vedangi Brahmbhatt, the founder of White Wave Events. Vedangi shares her journey from recognizing the stress often associated with event planning to establishing a company dedicated to transforming milestones, weddings, and holidays into unforgettable experiences. In this episode, Jay and Vedangi delve into:• The Genesis of White Wave Events: Vedangi discusses how her passion for celebration and attention to detail led her to create a service that allows hosts to fully immerse themselves in their events while her team manages all planning and coordination tasks. • Comprehensive Services Offered: From full-service wedding planning to day-of coordination and two-hour consultations, Vedangi explains how White Wave Events caters to various client needs, ensuring each event shines without burdening the hosts. • Client-Centric Approach: Emphasizing the importance of understanding client visions, Vedangi shares how her team collaborates closely with clients to bring their unique stories to life through personalized event experiences.• Navigating Challenges: Vedangi opens up about the hurdles faced in the event planning industry and how adaptability and a keen eye for detail have been crucial in overcoming them.• Future Aspirations: Looking ahead, Vedangi envisions White Wave Events growing into a top-tier luxury brand, setting new standards in personalized wedding planning.Whether you’re planning an event, interested in entrepreneurship, or simply love a good success story, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of event planning and the dedication it takes to create seamless celebrations.

Season 2 of The Jay Rana Show kicks off with a bang as Jay sits down with Viral Chokshi, the mastermind behind Monaco Experiences. What started as a single Ferrari rental for his brother’s wedding has transformed into a nationwide concierge service offering everything from exotic cars to elephants for high-end events.In this episode, Viral shares the journey of identifying a gap in the luxury rental market and turning it into a thriving business. He discusses the challenges of scaling, the importance of understanding client needs, and how personal touches can elevate an event from memorable to unforgettable.Jay and Viral delve into: • The inception of Monaco Experiences and its growth trajectory. • The logistics of managing a fleet of luxury vehicles and unique rentals. • The role of cultural nuances in event planning and execution. • Strategies for maintaining authenticity while scaling a business. • The significance of word-of-mouth in building a brand.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an event planning enthusiast, or someone who appreciates a good success story, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of luxury event services.