Ajay Jain is a name that resonates with creativity, entrepreneurship, and a relentless passion for literature. He is not only the founder of Kunzum Café, a unique and cherished haven for travelers and book enthusiasts, but also a prolific writer, having authored eleven print books and over fifty e-books. His journey is a testament to the power of following one's passions and creating a legacy that combines the love for travel, books, and storytelling.
Ajay Jain's entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Kunzum Café, a cozy and welcoming space nestled in the heart of Delhi, India. Opened in 2010, Kunzum Café quickly gained recognition as more than just a café; it was a meeting point for travelers, writers, photographers, and artists. The café's unique concept allowed patrons to pay what they liked for their food and beverages, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
The café served as a hub for travel enthusiasts to share their experiences, stories, and dreams. It was a place where wanderlust was celebrated, and the idea of "kunzum" (a Tibetan term meaning gateway) symbolized the spirit of exploration. Through Kunzum Café, Ajay Jain created a space that nurtured conversations, sparked wanderlust, and promoted cultural exchange.
Ajay Jain's creative endeavors extend beyond the café's walls. As a prolific writer, he has authored an impressive collection of literature that covers a wide range of genres and themes. His books, both in print and digital formats, span topics such as travel, culture, spirituality, and personal growth. Some of his notable works include travelogues like "Peep Peep Don't Sleep" and "Postcards from Ladakh," as well as the novel "NIKITA," which showcases his storytelling prowess.
His books often delve into the intricacies of diverse cultures, the joys of exploration, and the lessons one can glean from the journey of life. Ajay Jain's writing is a reflection of his own experiences and the wisdom he has gathered from his extensive travels.
Ajay Jain's success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, writers, and travelers alike. He seamlessly merged his passion for travel and literature with his entrepreneurial drive to create a unique space in Kunzum Café. Through this venture, he not only provided a platform for creative individuals but also fostered a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.
His commitment to his craft, as evidenced by his extensive literary output, showcases his dedication to storytelling and sharing his unique perspectives on the world. Ajay Jain's work encourages others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and creativity.
In conclusion, Ajay Jain is a multifaceted creative force whose contributions to the worlds of travel, literature, and entrepreneurship have left an indelible mark. Through Kunzum Café and his prolific writing, he has brought people together, ignited the spirit of exploration, and enriched lives with his stories. His legacy continues to inspire individuals to follow their passions and create spaces where imagination and culture can thrive.
1. Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and how you came up with the idea for Kunzum café and bookstores?
> In some ways, my life is a story / saga in itself. I have had careers in technology, sports management and media sectors and hold degrees / certifications in mechanical engineering, management, journalism and photography.
I took to writing books in 2007 – while my initial focus was on travel, I expanded the same to write on personal development, marketing and fiction too. And this is how Kunzum the brand was born.
It was the name of my travel blog (Kunzum is a high altitude pass in the Indian Himalayas) and publishing imprint. I set up the Kunzum Travel Café in 2010 – to serve as a gallery for my photography and books. We built a community there around events and coffee.
And then the pandemic forced a shutdown, and many of us took it as an opportunity to reflect upon and recalibrate our lives. Since I have been focused on writing books, and realize their importance to society, I have been disappointed at the dearth of bookshops in India. Especially the ones that make browsing a pleasing experience. And it also made things difficult for authors – how do they promote their books if distribution is scarce? Online platforms like Amazon have their value, but most authors need to face their customers to be able to make an impression.
I thus took a decision a few months back to invest in bookshops, despite the uncertainty of the pandemic still hanging heavy upon us. I wanted to be a game-definer, and have started with five outlets at the launch stage.
2. Kunzum café is known for its unique concept of "pay what you like." Could you share the inspiration behind this pricing model and its impact on your business?
> The ‘pay-what-you-like’ model was what we adopted for the Kunzum Travel Café – the idea was to eliminate any entry and exit barriers to the place, give a sense of ownership to our guests and build a community around it. It was an experiment that took off beyond what we had even imagined – brand Kunzum might not have been what it is but for that concept.
When we pivoted to being Kunzum Books, we tweaked the model a bit: coffee and tea, along with our secret brownie cookies, are complimentary but only if you buy a book. We still do not sell the coffee. If you want a cuppa at Kunzum, you have to buy a book. It’s become a talking point, and another idea that is shaping the culture called Kunzum.
3. You've ventured into both the hospitality and retail sectors with Kunzum café and bookstores. How do you balance the challenges and opportunities in these two distinct industries?
> Hospitality was something I flirted with as a travel writer – but realized it was too distracting. So we dropped the idea years ago. We are only in retail now. And I continue to focus on my writing and photography too.
4. Your book "NIKITA" received critical acclaim. What inspired you to write this book, and how did your experiences as an entrepreneur influence your writing?
> Just being an entrepreneur might not be enough to influence one as a writer – it is other varied experiences and training, and also the kind of ventures one has been running.
An understanding of humans, and their relationships, has always been of interest to me. By observing others, and getting to know their lives helps me reflect upon my own and make choices for my personal and professional lives. Nikita was thus an exercise in that – it is a memoir based on the true story of someone I am acquainted with.
5. You've authored eleven print books and over fifty e-books. Can you share your writing process and how you manage to stay prolific in both your entrepreneurial and writing endeavors?
> I will be honest: my writings happen in spurts. Much as I have tried, I cannot write consistently over time. When I get down to it, I finish books faster than most can. And there are extended periods of distractions and procrastinations in between.
What I never cease is the thinking process; my mind keeps thinking of ideas for books and I make notes regularly. Mostly long hand. I have stacks of ruled yellow writing pads where I jot down whatever comes to mind. I have a separate file for each book project, and these pages go into the relevant ones. When I get going on any book, these pages make the process much faster.
6. In the era of digital publishing and e-books, what motivates you to continue publishing print books, and how do you see the future of the book industry evolving?
> I have purchased three Kindles and two iPads in my lifetime, and I have not read even five e-books. For me, reading (books) has to be ink on paper. That’s the only way I can relate to the story. And most readers would agree to this; even a tech-evolved country like the USA has an electronic and audio book penetration of less than 20 percent. Most societies do not consume even these many non-printed books. The evidence speaks for itself.
The future of books publishing? I believe we are on the cusp of a new wave where many more people are going to re-discover the virtues and joys of reading. A gold rush is coming.
7. Kunzum café has been a hub for travelers and writers. What role has it played in fostering a sense of community among creative individuals, and can you share any memorable experiences?
> I meet (creative) people all the time who say they have been to Kunzum for events, for their own book launches or film screenings, or just to enjoy a cuppa. I could not spend much time at the earlier avatar of Kunzum as a travel café since I was mostly on the road for my own writings and photography, but I am surprised and delighted when people just walk up to me and tell me about their time spent at Kunzum.
8. As an entrepreneur and author, you wear multiple hats. How do you find the time and energy to excel in both fields, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and writers looking to follow a similar path?
> It all starts with a zest for living. For being creative, for being experimental, for not settling for status quo, for keeping toxicity out of your life. And never hesitating to learn new things (like my going to study journalism at 31 and working as the junior-most reporter in the Express group).
But the above is not enough. It needs to be backed up with hard work, diligence and seeking excellence in whatever you do.
Mix all of the above and anyone can wear multiple hats without being a jack of all trades.
9. Your work often revolves around travel and exploration. How has your passion for travel influenced your business ventures and writing, and what are some of the key lessons you've learned from your journeys?
> Travel (not tourism) is the most important school we can go to. With books for company no matter where we are.
With these two ingredients, you will be exposed to new ideas, people, places and experiences and you will see life from different vantage points. And that will open your mind, expand your heart, enrich your soul and keep you youthful.
And you will then discover paths you did not know existed!
10. With a successful chain of bookstores, what trends do you see emerging in the book retail industry, and how do you plan to adapt and stay competitive in this ever-evolving market?
> All retail has to focus on one differentiator: experience. And that is what we are building at Kunzum through the following salient features:
COMMUNITY
Where authors, readers, editors, designers, publishers and creative folks come together for the love of books!
CURATION
We want customers to discover upcoming authors and unexpected titles besides the usual bestsellers.
BOOK CLUBS
We run book clubs for different interest groups, and also host others. The idea is to strengthen the sense of community and promote reading through discovery of great books. Some of these include the CEO Book Club and Book Bees (for children).
EVENTS
Spaces being created for regular events including book launches, talks, workshops, storytelling, games, music, films, poetry etc.
ACTIVITIES
Paint or draw something, have a discussion, host a book club meet. And if you want to write a book yourself, find a nook with loads of inspiration at Kunzum!
REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
You will find reviews & lists posted all over by both professionals and readers - don't we all seek recommendations?
COFFEE
On the house – with our signature cookies. But only after you buy a book. You cannot pay for coffee!
11. Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives you are excited about, whether related to your businesses or your writing career?
> The next evolution for Kunzum is being a community of communities. We are seeding chapters of the Kunzum Book Club in schools, corporates, residential neighbourhoods and any other groupings of like-minded people.
We will engage these in book discussions, author interactions, competitions, workshops and more. As more people come into the fold, we will expand the culture of reading leading to individual and societal development.
12. Lastly, what legacy do you hope to leave as an entrepreneur and writer, and how do you envision your contributions impacting future generations of travelers, readers, and entrepreneurs?
> As mentioned earlier, I try to live to the full – in a meaningful and creative way. If I can inspire others to do likewise, it would be a source of immense satisfaction and joy. I know what it would feel – because I have had some people come up to me over the years saying they made choices based on what they saw of me.
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