In our debut episode of Season One, Dr Reena is joined in Conversation with Francesca Ogiermann – White, Health and Beauty Editor-at-Large for Tatler Magazine and Founder of The Beauty Triangle.
CONVERSATION SHOW NOTES – THE RECAP
Francesca Ogiermann-White initially found herself torn between studying English Literature or Art. She ultimately chose to attend Central Saint Martins, where she pursued a degree in Curating—a somewhat unconventional course that allowed her to explore a diverse blend of subjects, including art history, architecture, and fashion journalism.
Through her degree, Francesca completed various internships and went on to work for several months at both the Financial Times and The Sunday Times, where she was able to combine her love for writing with her creative instincts.
She has always believed that magazines are a form of curation in themselves—requiring editors to anticipate what readers want to see, strike the right balance between light and serious content, and thoughtfully blend imagery with written word.
Francesca landed her first role at Tatler, contributing to the magazine’s iconic Beauty & Cosmetic Surgery Guide. Even before she joined, the guide was considered a definitive resource in the aesthetics world, and she relished the opportunity to meet and interview “incredible doctors, surgeons, and practitioners.” She shared:
“It felt like what they were doing for their patients was truly restoring confidence, as well as enhancing physical attributes. That felt incredibly rewarding—and something very real and tangible to share with readers, which is a bit of a departure from some of the more marketing-heavy aspects of the beauty industry.”
Francesca later founded The Beauty Triangle (TBT)—a natural extension of her journalistic work and industry relationships. Her experience meeting dedicated professionals inspired her to create live events that bring together trusted experts with everyday consumers.
Her vision for TBT was to provide a space where best-in-class practitioners could offer authentic, expert-led advice, cutting through the noise of marketing and hype to focus on real education and connection.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Growth through discomfort: Just like muscles need pressure to strengthen, humans grow by being nudged out of their comfort zones.
Inspired by her mother: A role model who balanced motherhood and entrepreneurship in the ’80s — showing Francesca that career and motherhood can coexist.
Representation matters: Many female patients appreciate having the option of female doctors, and more balance in the profession is welcomed.
Her signature beauty rule: Never leaves the house without lipstick, even on quick errands — it’s her one non-negotiable!
Career advice: Have a vision but stay open. Flexibility and openness to what life offers is where the magic often lies.
Life’s unpredictability is valuable: Embracing change and learning from it leads to a more interesting, fulfilling journey.
Many of you will instantly recognise Harpz for being the voice of BBC Asian Network on her weekday breakfast show and of course on our weekend screens on CBBC Saturday Mash Up. Here we take you behind the scenes on her real daily life and the extreme realities of a demanding lifestyle approach to her career and how she makes it all work. Harpz reveals how she built herself from the ground up and stayed true to her ambitions, giving us full access to the challenges and failures she has faced to become one of the most recognisable and best loved figures in media.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
As a celebrated radio and TV presenter, Harpz began her conversation with Dr Reena by taking a trip down memory lane, asking her to reflect on the moment she decided to pursue this career path. Harpz described it as a long story, recalling that around the age of fifteen or sixteen, while still at school, she faced the big decisions that come with taking life seriously. She recognised that her strengths lay in practical subjects and decided to focus on those.
At the time, Harpz tried to find subjects she genuinely enjoyed—things that would make her excited to get up every morning. However, when she started college, she still had to follow her father’s wishes and study business studies, although she negotiated to take art on the side, which she loved.
When it came to choosing a university course, Harpz sifted through a list of options looking for the best fit. She chose media studies simply because it mentioned radio and TV, and that decision changed everything. For the first time in her life, she felt she had found the perfect fit, which ultimately kickstarted her career as a TV and radio presenter. Harpz says achieving her degree is one of her proudest moments, especially as she came close to giving up on several occasions.
After graduating, Harpz faced six years out of work and took on many unpaid roles to gain experience. She hit rock bottom but persevered through sheer hard work and determination, often working on projects that weren’t her ideal focus but that helped her build valuable experience and contacts. Throughout, she never gave up on her dream.
Harpz emphasised the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—close friends and mentors who provide constant support and inspiration.
Dr Reena and Harpz agreed that despite working in very different industries, they both need to look and feel their best and adopt a lifestyle approach to their careers. Harpz admitted that her extreme lifestyle—with early starts and long days—is starting to catch up with her. Now that she appears more frequently on television, she knows how important it is to look and feel her best.
When asked for advice for those hoping to break into media and broadcasting, Harpz stressed that everyone’s journey is unique. No one path is the same, but hard work and dedication are essential. Much of that effort goes unseen, but it’s always worth it.
Harpz also revealed some of her daily rituals: she drinks green tea as soon as she wakes up (essential for her voice) and always listens to music throughout the day—it keeps her alert and fuels her energy.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Create a life that makes you excited to wake up each morning. Do something you truly love.
Life skills are just as important as academic achievements.
If you hit rock bottom, keep going—you will come through the other side. Never give up on your dreams.
Passion, drive, and commitment are essential. If you have one true love for what you want to achieve, it will happen—but only if you give it 100%. It takes time to build something impressive.
Regularly remind yourself why you started; it helps put everything into perspective.
Surround yourself with the right people—those who support you, celebrate your successes, and challenge you to do better.
Balance is crucial, though sometimes hard to achieve. Prioritise your health—it’s not selfish to take care of yourself.
Not everything that glitters is gold. Remember, social media rarely shows the full picture.
Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
As the European Deputy Editor and Global Network Lead for British Vogue Sarah Harris needs no introduction. With nearly two decades worth of experience within the fashion industry and magazine world, Dr Reena discusses how it all began, the onset of consumerism and digitalisation and the changes of the media industry with the demand for instant access.
Sarah takes us behind the scenes for a typical ‘Day in the Life’, recommending her go-to investment survival pieces for professionals with a demanding lifestyle, and what she always needs to have on her desk when working. As a favourite with street style photographers for her minimalistic and effortless style we learn her personal inspirations and if there is anything she would do differently a second time around.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Hardly needing an introduction as one of the most celebrated and highly regarded figures in the fashion industry, Sarah Harris brings over two decades of experience. Dr Reena welcomed Sarah back to Harley Street, kicking off their conversation by reflecting on how dramatically the media and magazine industry has evolved in recent years, especially with the rise of digitalisation and the demand for instant access. Sarah noted, “It’s crazy how much the industry has changed,” adding that when she first started, websites weren’t even a thing.
With social media now the fastest and most immediate form of communication, the role of working in fashion media has expanded far beyond print. Sarah explained how her team constantly adapts content for a 360-degree approach across platforms—magazines, social media, videos, and more. She highlighted that this shift has made the industry more inclusive, offering behind-the-scenes access to editors and creatives.
Sarah’s passion for fashion began early. Growing up in Winchester, Hampshire, with no family ties to the industry, she loved clothes from a young age. As a child, she would cut out magazine pages, create layouts, and write stories, always dreaming of a career in fashion media.
Working alongside inspiring editors such as Alexandra Shulman and Edward Enninful has been a major highlight of her career. She described many “pinch me” moments, from attending iconic fashion shows to collaborating with incredible talent. Sarah also noted how the scope of her work has changed enormously over time.
When asked about her go-to investment pieces for a polished look, Sarah emphasised simplicity and versatility. Her fail-safe items include effortless separates like tracksuits, cashmere, or a tailored suit. She highlighted that investment dressing not only elevates style but also supports sustainability by reducing waste—an issue now at the forefront of fashion and consumer awareness.
Sarah shared a story from the start of her career: fresh out of London College of Fashion with a first in Fashion Journalism, she interviewed for a fashion assistant role where she would mainly handle returns. The interviewer was concerned her journalistic skills wouldn’t be used, so she didn’t get the job. Instead, she worked at WWD before landing a fashion features writer position at Vogue two years later.
The conversation also touched on the importance of maintaining integrity in one’s career. Sarah agreed with Dr Reena that it’s essential never to compromise on core values.
When asked for advice for newcomers to the industry, Sarah acknowledged that it’s easier now to showcase talent across multiple platforms like Instagram or blogs, and the path she had to take was different: getting her foot in the door through the more traditional route then enabled her to work her way up to the roles that marked her name in the industry.
Nowadays, Sarah’s days vary. She splits her time between the office and working from home, balancing planning meetings with managing PRs and setting up stories months in advance. During the podcast recording, it was fashion month, just after London Fashion Week and on the cusp of Milan and Paris shows.
Before heading back to the office, Sarah shared the essentials she always keeps close: laptop, phone, coffee—and, as a must-have, lip balm and hair ties.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Know what you want to do from as young an age as possible. This helps guide you toward actions that will actually help you achieve your goals.
When building a wardrobe, buy less but buy better. Be very specific about the pieces you choose, focusing on the cut and quality of fabrics.
Sarah Harris rarely wears colour, preferring simple shapes and silhouettes. With a neutral wardrobe, everything goes with everything.
Planning is key, especially when travelling. Always plan each day carefully, especially when packing—only take what you know you will wear and need.
Believe that everything happens for a reason. When you look back, everything is meant to be.
Stay true to yourself and always be authentic. Be very careful about compromising on what you truly stand for.
There are many ways to enter the fashion industry now, with plenty of platforms like social media to showcase your work. Don’t underestimate the importance of self-curation.
As one of the most exclusive and talked about facialists on the global beauty and health scene, renowned for her dedicated and signature techniques that ensure a tailor-made approach, we caught up with Sophie Carbonari during her time in London.
A regular in the global press, Sophie reveals how she created her philosophy, which items she never travels without as a regular back and forth on the Eurostar, and if the expectations and personal sense of creating the best version of yourself have become greater.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Sophie was in London for just a few days, and Dr Reena was delighted to welcome her for a brief visit to Harley Street. Their conversation began by celebrating Sophie’s remarkable career—she had recently finished filming with French Vogue around the time of this episode. In an industry where discretion is paramount, Sophie’s press and celebrity following is unrivalled among the A-list. But where did it all begin?
Sophie shared that although she now boasts over a decade of professional experience, her passion for beauty started as early as age eight, practicing facials on her mother. Beauty and skincare have always been her calling; she began formal training in beauty therapy at sixteen, describing it as “her thing.”
After working at several leading spas, Sophie knew she wanted to forge her own path. She felt too independent to work long-term for others, as her bespoke approach didn’t always fit the commercial model. Building genuine relationships and adopting a true lifestyle approach for her clients was essential.
Sophie’s career journey has been vital—every experience, every country she worked in, and every company she collaborated with shaped her into who she is today. Travel has been a constant from the start and remains an integral part of her life.
Dr Reena recalled how they first met—at a press event in Knightsbridge—and the conversation naturally turned to the art of self-confidence and the importance of feeling good in your own skin. Sophie’s radiant smile immediately struck Reena, who noted that often when people aren’t smiling, it’s connected to their confidence.
When asked what she can’t travel without, Sophie named her skincare essentials: serums, SPF, red lipstick, hair oil, and body moisturiser—essential self-care items. Her celebrity clientele has grown largely through word of mouth, with results that speak for themselves.
Comparing their industries, Sophie and Dr Reena agreed that both dental care and skincare require a strong home routine alongside professional treatment—it’s absolutely vital.
Discussing challenges, Sophie reflected that starting young and experiencing failure with her first company were among her best learning experiences, which ultimately paved the way for her success. With product ranges set to launch later this year, Reena asked how Sophie manages it all so effortlessly.
Sophie concluded that her routine varies every day—in fact, the only routine is that there isn’t one. Constantly moving between London and Paris, she has crafted a lifestyle where she embraces a true 24/7 approach to work because she’s doing what she truly loves.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Follow your intuition – it’s game-changing for both personal development and mental health.
Remember: the smile is always linked to self-confidence.
SPF is essential, especially with constant exposure to blue light.
Sometimes you must accept failure to succeed – London is a fantastic place to start again.
You never truly fail; you always learn. Failure is just a stepping stone.
The routine can be that there is no routine.
Described as ‘an inspirational force’ and ‘the best educator and motivator to make sure you get the best out of your body’ by his loyal and dedicated celebrity client following, Jon Denoris is a complete game changer in the world of personal training.
With a highly regarded background as a Masters Level Exercise Scientist he is particularly acclaimed for combining a lifestyle approach with scientific innovation and bespoke programmes. Running Club 51, a private health and fitness club located 51 New Cavendish Street he joins Dr Reena for an in-depth conversation to discuss where it all started, how to navigate fitness, diet and wellbeing plus giving you exclusive access to a typical ‘day in the life’.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena started by welcoming Jon to Harley Street, noting he was nearby at Club 51 on New Cavendish Street, where he is recognised as a game changer in health and fitness.
When asked how it all began, Jon shared that he had been obsessed with sport and fitness since childhood. Although his family led a healthy lifestyle, he was determined to create his own path rather than follow theirs. Years later, setting up his own club was the natural step, and he successfully built a network of backers. Today, Jon is celebrated for his lifestyle approach to diet, fitness, health, and wellbeing.
Jon emphasised that the first step is to pace yourself — even small changes, like starting with ten minutes of exercise, can build over time and lead to dramatic progress. He initially focused on movement alone but soon realised the importance of a 360-degree approach combining movement, nutrition, and coaching to achieve significant results.
Dr Reena shifted the conversation to behavioural change, highlighting how attention to one aspect of life can create a domino effect. Jon agreed, noting that habit formation and training the mind to adopt new routines are essential for improving not just fitness but overall lifestyle performance.
Jon also explained that a key part of his coaching is to continually find new goals for clients. Many start focused on aesthetics but eventually discover deeper benefits, such as improved mental and physical wellbeing. He contrasted his approach with traditional fitness methods, emphasising that adopting fitness as a lifestyle makes it far more sustainable.
When asked about role models, Jon revealed he is an avid reader, often diving into numerous self-help and business books.
Regarding business management, Jon shared that building a strong team and allowing others to take control is crucial for scaling and thriving. Although he admits to being a “bit of a control freak,” he acknowledges the importance of planning, looking ahead, and understanding every role within his business — qualities Dr Reena noted are often key to success.
Jon further reflected on his motivation, inspired by family members who have overcome adversity through hard work, pushing him to work even harder.
On what a typical day looks like, Jon explained that thanks to the previous pandemic he developed a structured weekly routine, which might not have happened otherwise. He emphasised that business should be fun and that prioritising what makes you happy is vital. Both Jon and Dr Reena agreed that learning to prioritise focus and energy is a crucial skill given the many opportunities life presents.
Jon is also an author, published by Bloomsbury (notably J.K. Rowling’s publisher). His book grew from his experience training entertainers on the go, using simple, equipment-free workouts that anyone can do, showing that training doesn’t need to be complicated.
On diet and morning routines, Jon follows a food-first approach, aiming to eat as close to nature as possible. He advocates for cooking from scratch and balancing nutrition without being overly restrictive. Eliminating processed foods can solve many nutrition-related issues.
Jon also stressed the importance of quality sleep, preferring to think in 90-minute cycles — aiming for either 6 or 7.5 hours, never in between. He plans to research sleep further, as he believes small changes in sleep habits can make a big difference, a point Dr Reena strongly agrees with.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Find out what you are passionate about and aim to build a career from it.
The easiest way to fail is to do too much too soon. Pace yourself and build gradually.
Self-awareness is key, coupled with meaningful intentions.
Habit forming is crucial for lasting change.
Combine multiple goals to embed them into a sustainable lifestyle approach.
Learning from failure is often one of the most valuable lessons.
Focus on your strengths and outsource areas outside your expertise for best results.
On nutrition: aim to eat as close to nature as possible.
Invest in yourself — your time, energy, and money can be your best investments.
Keep evolving and adapting along the way.
Natalie Salmon, Editor of Hello! Fashion and founder of @TheModems, joins Dr Reena to discuss life at the intersection of luxury fashion and technology. With a background that includes launching Vogue Scandinavia and leading digital strategy at Harper’s Bazaar and the Evening Standard, Natalie shares insights from her career at the heart of the global media industry.
Join the conversation as she covers everything from travel rituals for a fast-paced lifestyle to advice for newcomers—and the tech she can’t live without.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Natalie Salmon’s journey began with strong academic roots—her mother is Brazilian, and her father is English. Growing up, her mother naturally encouraged a focus on academics. Natalie went on to study Politics at university, graduating with a 2:1, but life took a series of unexpected turns after that.
One of the first significant challenges she faced was the recession, which made job-hunting far more difficult than she had anticipated. After a brief stint in recruitment, Natalie realised she wanted to pursue something she was truly passionate about. TV presenting and news broadcasting were early interests, and a friend—an agent for Clare Balding—encouraged her to study journalism. This led to a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.
During her studies, Natalie discovered her true passion: digital media. As Facebook and Twitter began taking off, she found herself drawn to online journalism. Blogging was booming, and the digital world was wide open.
Her first major industry role was at the Evening Standard as Social Media Editor, where she essentially built the digital department from the ground up. At that time, interns often ran social media, and Natalie had both freedom and responsibility. She laughs, recalling interviewing Liam from One Direction as a standout moment.
She was soon snapped up by the digital team at Harper’s Bazaar, where then Editor-in-Chief Justine Picardie championed her ideas, giving her a column dedicated to tech accessories. It was here that her fascination with gadgets and technology really came into focus.
A lifelong lover of tech, Natalie later founded @TheModems, an online platform aimed at making technology more accessible to women. The platform gave her space to share features that didn’t quite fit in traditional magazines but deeply resonated with her audience and network.
After launching Vogue Scandinavia, Natalie returned to London, where she now serves as Editor of Hello! Fashion.
One of her top pieces of advice? Build a strong industry network. “Surround yourself with people who inspire you and support you,” she says. “Don’t always ask for favours—help each other!”
Known for her classic, minimal style and a favourite among street style photographers, Natalie balances a demanding lifestyle with effortless polish. She spoke about her travel routines and how she curates a versatile wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Planning, even down to the most minor details, the day before, is her secret to staying on top of things.
Touching on the impact of tech on mental health, Natalie reflects, “I’m glad I grew up without Instagram.” While she sees digital platforms as powerful tools, she’s also aware of the harm caused by constant scrolling, especially among young women.
So, how does she stay ahead in the fast-moving world of fashion and media? By staying curious. She closely tracks social trends and is constantly impressed by the speed at which companies innovate. “There’s a real skill in identifying the right platform for you and your brand,” she says.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Treat Each Social Media Platform Uniquely: Social media is like having five children – you can love them all equally, but you must treat them very differently to help each one flourish.
Build a Career You Love: If you’re investing significant time and energy into your education, it’s essential to channel that into creating a career you’re passionate about.
Choose Mentors Beyond Your Industry: When selecting a mentor, remember that many skills are transferable. You can gain valuable insights from people in completely different fields.
Leverage the Power of Your Network: Find a strong network and use it wisely. A good network can be just as supportive and inspiring as a great mentor.
Preparation is Everything: Planning ahead is crucial, especially when managing a high-pressure lifestyle where looking flawless is expected.
Know Your Platform: Understand the social media platforms available to you. Identify which one aligns best with you and your industry, then focus your efforts there.
Use Social Media Strategically: Embrace the power of social media, but set boundaries. Use it to your advantage—and know when to disconnect.
Women Thriving in Tech: Although tech remains male-dominated, the barriers to entry for women have significantly decreased. There’s more opportunity and space than ever before.
Widely regarded as one of the most creative minds in dental digital marketing today, Shaz Memon joins Dr Reena for an insightful conversation on Harley Street covering business, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship.
As a sharp business leader, designer, and award-winning expert in digital and dental marketing, Shaz shares his most significant milestones and greatest achievements, including his globally acclaimed charity, Wells on Wheels.
Explore this episode for an exclusive ‘day in the life’ access, discover three essential apps he can’t live without, and gain top tips for thriving in the fast-paced, always-on world of social media.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Rewinding to where it all began, Shaz Memon grew up surrounded by design and computers, deeply influenced by a family with a clear passion for technology. Starting young in the industry, Shaz fondly refers to himself as the “baby of the family,” with brothers who were ten years his senior. By the time he was eighteen, they had not only witnessed but also recognised his tech talents. As a child, Shaz would often tinker with digital equipment whenever the family was away. Once his skills became apparent, his family encouraged him to pursue his passion. Eventually, he ventured out on his own with his first CV and landed his very first client—printing posters for BBC’s Blue Peter. Shaz even taught this client how to code websites, and they remain in touch to this day.
Shaz went on to earn a degree in e-commerce during its inaugural year, a program that helped him build a network in what was then a rapidly emerging and game-changing industry. In conversation with Dr Reena, Shaz admitted he always knew he wanted to do something different—something he loved. Learning to build websites with HTML marked the true beginning of his career.
Shortly thereafter, he founded his company, Digimax, a name that combines “digital design” with “maximum effect.” From the moment he sketched out the original logo, the design stuck and has never changed.
Thanks to his dedication and persistence, Shaz now leads a large team. After university, he spent five or six years working in isolation out of a garage until his brother encouraged him to hire his first employee. This experience taught him the importance of surrounding himself with the best and most talented individuals in the industry, allowing him to free up time for other priorities, such as his charity work.
In 2019, Shaz launched his impactful charity, ‘Wells on Wheels,’ which has transformed thousands of lives. The project provides water wheels to women in India, easing the burden of walking one to two miles daily carrying water on their heads.
Throughout his career, Shaz has collaborated with many businesses, but for several years now, he has been closely linked to the dental industry—an unusual path given his non-dental background. Dr Reena explores this connection, highlighting his dedication to the dental profession. His entry into the field began by introducing innovative marketing strategies, leading him to close Digimax and launch Digimax Dental. This focused approach allowed him to truly refresh the dentistry industry—a field that now feels like family to him.
During their conversation, Shaz shares a perfect reflection on the digital world:
“You may never meet all the thousands of people you connect with online, but you can feel like you know them, and they can be a true support.”
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Do What You Love: It’s so important to do something you love. Looking back, I realised that when I was engaged in work I truly enjoyed, it never felt like work.
Aim to Lead: You can always aim to be a leader of some sort, even if you’re still figuring out exactly what that looks like.
Build Your Team: Transition from a solo entrepreneur to a true entrepreneur by surrounding yourself with the best team. This frees up your time to focus on what you love and creates an inspiring environment where people share the same values and vision.
Lead with Values: Sometimes business isn’t about you—it’s about your values and mindset, and that’s what people ultimately invest in.
Commit Fully: If you’re going to do something, it’s worth doing it properly—or not at all.
Create Your Own Path: If you want to give and help others, sometimes you need to carve out your own way to ensure your efforts are best received.
The Nurturing Power of Dentistry: Dentistry is a truly nurturing industry to be part of, especially when you have the right friendships.
Widely regarded as one of the most creative minds in dental digital marketing today, Shaz Memon joins Dr Reena for an insightful conversation on Harley Street covering business, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship.
As a sharp business leader, designer, and award-winning expert in digital and dental marketing, Shaz shares his most significant milestones and greatest achievements, including his globally acclaimed charity, Wells on Wheels.
Explore this episode for an exclusive ‘day in the life’ access, discover three essential apps he can’t live without, and gain top tips for thriving in the fast-paced, always-on world of social media.
If there’s ever an episode to listen to while you’re eating, this is it. Meet Rishi Nanavati — known for his catchphrase, “sharing with a smile.” Originally a London-based dentist, Rishi later became a MasterChef 2022 quarter-finalist.
In this episode, Rishi joins Dr Reena for a candid conversation about the creation of Dish by Rish — a platform born from his passion to share recipes and culinary creations, aiming to inspire productivity and joy through food. They discuss how it all began, the challenges and setbacks he faced, and, of course, Rishi reveals his ultimate “day on a plate.”
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena began by recalling how she first met Rishi in the dentistry world, both sharing the profession of dentistry. Rishi openly acknowledged how demanding and stressful the profession can be, which led him to develop a creative outlet through his passion for food and ingredients. He designed a multi-channel platform to showcase his recipes and ideas. What started as a personal passion project, Rishi admitted, was born out of the need to come home from work and “think about anything apart from teeth.”
After about a year, interest in his work began to grow, and then the pandemic lockdown happened. For Rishi, it was like a catapult. With everyone stuck at home and looking for something to do, his followers surged dramatically from 2,000 to 20,000, even though he was still in the early stages. Cooking had always been a love of his, sparked around the age of eight by watching his mum and grandmother in the kitchen. He enjoyed helping with odd jobs but truly loved being part of the entire creative experience.
‘Dish by Rish’ started on Instagram. During lockdown, Rishi didn’t want to stay idle, so he committed to creating content seven days a week. With a rapidly growing audience hungry for more, he eventually took a couple of months off from dentistry to focus on launching his website. He designed it for everyone, saying, “Anyone who wants to cook or wants to learn more — that’s who it’s for.”
Rishi has since built two successful careers, skilfully navigating both the worlds of food and dentistry. When Dr Reena asked how he balanced the different platforms — Instagram and his website — Rishi explained that the website offers a more in-depth experience than social media and provides longevity. “Who knows if Instagram will even be around or the same platform five years from now?” he said.
All of Rishi’s recipes are vegetarian, a vital element that appeals strongly to his dedicated audience. Having followed a vegetarian diet his whole life, Rishi’s perspective was enlightening for Dr Reena, who is also a lifelong vegetarian. Rishi noticed a significant gap in the market for authentic vegetarian cuisine created by someone who actually lives that lifestyle. He felt the existing offerings didn’t quite sit right with him and was motivated to make his own mark in this space.
And mark his space he did — when MasterChef came calling. Rishi went on to become a quarter-finalist in the 2022 series. Dr Reena discussed how he adjusted to the public eye following his MasterChef success. Rishi described the long, five-month audition process and his mindset going in: if he didn’t get through, he’d find another path, but his focus and talent ultimately carried him through to filming.
He calls being on MasterChef one of the best experiences of his life and says he would do it again in a heartbeat. Nowadays, he describes himself as “a dentist who works in food.”
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
I’m definitely not the kind of person to sit down and not do anything.
Learn how to maximise your time.
If you have a genuine passion for something, it will naturally ensure you stand out against anyone else.
The difference between social media and a website is longevity: Instagram, for example, can come and go, but your website is your longstanding platform.
Find a gap in the market and discover the best way to represent it.
There are multiple ways to reach the same end goal.
Always stay true to yourself.
Ultimately, you always need balance in your life.