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Chai pe Charcha from BrandWagon – Brand Wagon News

Weekends are a time to relax. After a week of working to meet deadlines, everyone needs a moment of respite to relax and rejuvenate. From watching your favorite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are meant for family and me time. Priti Gupta, Co-founder and CEO, Meneki Absolute, talks to BrandWagon Online about your weekends, favorite vacation spots and more.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

My day starts at 5 am with an outdoor bike ride that can last anywhere from 1-5 hours, depending on my training schedule. I am fortunate to live in Pune, where I have access to scenic and challenging trails both in the city and on the outskirts. I derive immense satisfaction from conquering extreme inclines, and over the years, cycling has evolved from a mere exercise to my meditation zone.

When work permits, I enjoy traveling solo. I have a great weakness for reading books, especially fiction and poetry. I believe in the importance of constantly learning new skills and currently have a passion for painting, focusing on acrylic on large canvases. Despite my various interests, most of my time is devoted to my family.

How do you spend your weekends?

My Sunday starts at 4am with a long endurance ride of 80-100km with my cycling buddies. This early morning journey on different routes energizes me, providing a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. After the ride, I indulge in a relaxing brunch with my family, savoring the flavors and enjoying the company. I find Sunday essential to restoring both my mental and physical well-being, preparing me for the challenges of the coming week. In contrast to the speed and intensity of my cycling, I prefer to spend the rest of the day in a slow and relaxed mood with my family, pampering my mind, body and soul. Our weekend activities include playing and watching sports, watching movies or heading out to explore the city in search of new places to eat. These leisurely activities ensure that I am refreshed and ready to face the week ahead.

What are your favorite gadgets?

My Garmin smartwatch is my favorite gadget because of the incredible amount of health and fitness data it provides. From tracking my heart rate and sleep patterns to monitoring my cycling performance, it offers comprehensive information that helps me optimize my workouts and overall health. Another favorite is my Kindle, which has revolutionized my reading habits, making it much more convenient to carry around and access to a huge library of books. Whether I’m at home or traveling, I always have a good read at my fingertips.

While smartphones and laptops are essentials that I can’t live without, my super favorites are the TREK Emonda road bike and the GIANT XTC SLR mountain bike. These bikes are more than just means of transportation; they are essential gadgets that enhance my active lifestyle. Both bikes are integral parts of my fitness routine and bring immense joy and satisfaction to my cycling endeavors.

If you had the opportunity to choose another career, which would you choose?

After successfully transitioning from a full-time financial professional to co-founding Meneka, a nutrition and wellness venture, I feel like I am already living my dream. The journey from finance to wellness has been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to combine my professional skills with my passion for health and wellness. However, I believe that dreams are meant to evolve and grow with us.

If I had the chance now, I would love to further my passion for wellness by starting a wellness cafe. This cafe would not only serve nutritious and delicious food, but would also have a flower shop and a bookstore as integral parts of the space. The idea is to create a holistic environment where people can nourish their bodies with healthy food, uplift their spirits with the beauty of fresh flowers, and enrich their minds with a selection of books. It would be a place where people can come to relax, rejuvenate, and find inspiration in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.

Which vacation destination is your favorite?

Bhutan is my favorite vacation spot for many reasons. First, its stunning natural beauty is unmatched, with picturesque valleys and majestic mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop to any visit. I am amazed by the country’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism.

In addition, Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions are fascinating. Visiting places like Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a unique experience that combines spiritual significance with natural wonder. Another reason I love Bhutan is its emphasis on happiness and well-being. The country’s philosophy, Gross National Happiness, places the well-being of its citizens above economic growth, creating a peaceful and contented society.

A TV show, movie and ad campaign you highly recommend watching

I am not a fan of TV shows/web series at all. I would rather share a book that I highly recommend reading. It is “Forty Rules of Love” by Elif Shafaks. The exploration of love in its many forms in the book is both profound and moving.

A film that inspires me is Cast Away. The portrayal of human resilience and survival is incredibly inspiring. The film also delves into themes of isolation and self-discovery.

I really enjoy all of Nike’s “Just Do It” campaigns. They resonate with me for a few key reasons. The slogan itself is incredibly motivating and empowering. It conveys a simple yet profound message that encourages action, determination, and perseverance. It serves as a constant reminder to push past my doubts, fears, and excuses, inspiring me to take control and pursue my goals with more confidence and determination.