Rita Chandarana was born in Leicester and went to Loughborouh High School l for Girls where she completed her GCSE’s and A levels. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 1996. After graduating Rita took various marketing roles including working for Kodak, Acco Rexel, Waterford Stuart Crystal, Philips and then finally Merry Hill Shopping Centre.
She took the bold step to start her own Events business over 16 years ago, with the knowledge that her passion for live events and her attitude of giving her best would deliver success.
Eventologists, Event Trees, Funky Event Hire have a reputation of delivering awesome events beyond the expectations of the original brief and being a business that brands truly want to work with.
Working with venues, agencies and clients, they have a 5 Star reputation for delivering successful events for some of the top world-wide brands such as Google, Santander, Barclays, Next, Samsung, Dunelm and many more.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I have done lots of travelling in the Far East and I truly love every country I've visited. There is so much to see and do so I never feel I have seen enough though! I feel so at home in this region. I love the culture and the way of life though I sometimes have to question some politics - but don't you have to everywhere in the world? My latest trip was to Singapore and if there was any place I would love to move to, I would say it would be here. I love the food, the people, and the way of life. It’s such a peaceful place and where I feel so energetic and connected at the same time. It would be an awesome country to work as it’s so dynamic at the same time!
2. What are your proudest achievements?
For me, running ethical and kind businesses has been the most important achievement. I made a conscious decision that I wanted to create businesses that allowed me to thrive and be successful without negatively impacting the lives of my staff, suppliers, and customers. It’s the only way to do business these days and for me and it always feels good when you are working with a good value set that allows you to sleep at night. We look after our team's wellbeing and health as well as our own whilst running 4 Events businesses which is an industry known to be stressful and challenging.
3. What inspires you?
Whether its friends, family, or people I work with, I always admire people who have a great deal of integrity and humanity and people who are honest with themselves and others. One of the biggest lessons my parents have taught me is to be honourable and never forget the kindness shown by others to me especially in times of adversity. Anyone can be kind to you during good times, but during those tough moments, those who hold your hand are the ones you need to keep hold of. They have also taught me how to be resilient in times of adversity and this life lesson is probably one that is most useful - anyone who could pivot in the face of adversity wins my vote!
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
I come from a corporate background, but nothing prepared me for the challenges and lessons I've learnt running a business. I've overcome so much adversity in 15 years of running my own business from operating during a recession, juggling finances, managing people who don't like change and managing myself through this. Business has a massive personal impact on your life but it makes you strong - not much scares me these days. I just learn how to adapt as my situation adapts. The curse of going through so much adversity, has been my biggest blessing especially during COVID when all of my businesses haven't been able to trade!
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
There’s actually not one single person who I can say has been my influence because I admire different people for different qualities. Managers, Parents, Books and Inspirational leaders have inspired me to be able to manage anything that gets thrown at me. I still have a lot to gain and learn, the journey is not over but I am eternally grateful to anyone who has helped me to develop over the years.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
Being an Events Professional is so varied and fun. No one day is the same – it’s fast paced, changeable, exciting and exhilarating and certainly challenges the grey matter! It doesn’t even feel like a job – it’s what I love to do. I work with some incredible people who are my friends and family at work, and they make me smile every day. I am very lucky to have such a great role.
7. And the worst?
There is not a worst – I wouldn’t be doing this if there was a worst. Every job has elements that they do not enjoy but that’s life. You should not be doing anything that you hate so much that it makes you miserable!
8. What are your long-term goals?
There is so many things I would like to get involved in especially projects and ventures that help me give back and serve. I would love to demonstrate that businesses can thrive and shine whilst looking after the wellbeing of others. Working with people that inspire, teach, and challenge me every day is important, and I am grateful for some incredible people I've met recently! As for work, I never want to deliver mediocre that is a promise I made when I started working as a graduate. I will continue work on projects and businesses that I can be totally proud of having given 100% of my best at it. Being the best version of myself is what I strive for every day.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Many inspirational leaders in the world during COVID have shown a different style of leadership that is compassionate, kind, and honest. Many of these leaders have been women, who have shown the world that there is a different way to do politics which gains more support and following. If I was prime minster - I would go and learn from these great leaders and change the way we run our country which would perhaps make the nation feel more re-assured that I am running the country for the greater good of the country rather some other ulterior motive.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
My days would be spent with Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs – we would keep busy learning new things including about ourselves and exploring new ideas that could transform our world for future generations.
