Miles and Smiles - Fatema Patel

"Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by Fashion Designing. I had decided to shift to Kolkata to study the same, but, ultimately, I took up English Honors because my parents didn't permit me to do so. After a year, I quit English Honors because I lost my interest and my mind was totally bent towards fashion. 

I shifted to Kolkata, did my fashion designing course, some internships and came back to Cuttack after 2 years. Once, while I was in Cuttack, I got a call from my Uncle and he offered me a job in his travel agency company, based in Dubai. I, being intrigued by the opportunity, accepted the offer and set out to explore this new spectrum of life. I did pretty well at the job. I also got the opportunity to go to Dubai for my training. In the training period, I flourished in such a manner that I was asked to train my juniors. 

Then, Covid happened. I left the company and came back to Cuttack. I decided to begin my own start-up based on travel and tourism. While everyone was busy making Dalgona Coffee, I was thinking about new ideas for my business and doing online courses to gain more knowledge. Finally, in January 2021, I opened, "Miles and Smiles", my travel agency. 

I know I have made a lot of career switches. Both my parents and I got confused and worried because of my decisions. But, through all of the twists and turns, all of the exploring of various fields, I finally found the one thing that I am willing to work hard for, that is, planning trips for others. 

Now, my business is at it's infant stage. People are gradually getting aware of it. Success seems far right now, but what I have with me right now, is inner peace and joy; peace because I am doing what I love and joy because I know I have the ability to make my business reach heights!" - Fatema Patel.