We were lucky to catch up with Enna Gupta recently and have shared our conversation below.
Enna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
“Growing up, I learned early on the importance of being resilient and adaptable. Losing my father at a young age and watching my mother battle cancer taught me how to navigate difficult situations with strength and determination. As the eldest sibling, I took on a lot of responsibility, not just for myself, but for my younger brothers as well. This experience shaped my ability to lead, persevere, and find solutions even when the odds seem stacked against me.
Being the only one in a room who looks like me has often meant I had to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and carve my own path. I realized that being different doesn’t mean I’m less capable. In fact, it’s given me a unique perspective that others might not have. I’ve learned to use my voice, my experiences, and my background as assets rather than hindrances. I focus on being authentic, staying true to my values, and embracing the diversity I bring to the table. Success, to me, isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out, being resourceful, and pushing forward despite any obstacles.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My journey from 13 to 24 has been one of constant learning, growth, and perseverance. At a young age, I faced significant challenges, but these experiences have fueled my drive to keep pushing forward. I’ve worn many hats along the way—taking on different roles, building new contacts, and embracing both hard work and smart work. There have been setbacks and moments when people doubted me due to my age, but these only made me more determined. The constant pushback, especially when people said I was “too young,” only motivated me to prove them wrong.
Today, I proudly own a pizza store called Devil in Hamilton, which has been an exciting and rewarding venture. In 2022, I also started my own events company, where I’ve had the chance to organize and execute some incredible events, turning my passion into a profession. Alongside this, I’ve always been deeply committed to community work, volunteering and being an active member of the Girls guiding community. Giving back has always been a core part of who I am.
The most exciting part of my journey is realizing that all those years of hard work, overcoming obstacles, and staying focused on my goals have brought me to a place where I can now not only run my businesses but also inspire others. I’m passionate about what I do and always looking for new ways to grow—whether that’s expanding my events company, launching new initiatives, or continuing to push boundaries. Turning 25 on February 13th is a reminder that the best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been resilience, self-awareness, and independence. These qualities helped me navigate challenges, stay focused on my path, and grow both personally and professionally.
1. **Resilience**: There will always be setbacks and tough times. People may doubt you or try to push you down, but the key is not to give up. Push through the tough moments, keep going, and don’t let discouragement dictate your future.
2. **Self-awareness**: Understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and boundaries is essential. It allows you to make better decisions and avoid situations where you might be taken advantage of. Be mindful of the people you surround yourself with—true friends support and uplift you, not just when they need something from you.
3. **Independence**: Learning to be okay with being alone and not relying on others for validation is crucial. It might feel isolating at times, but in the long run, your ability to trust yourself and your decisions will help you stay grounded. Don’t be afraid to walk your own path, even if it means standing apart from the crowd.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to build these qualities gradually. Face challenges head-on and see them as opportunities to grow. Reflect often on your own values and goals, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Stay focused on what matters to you, and don’t let external opinions distract you from your vision.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning the value of self-reliance and embracing solitude. I’ve come to realize that true peace comes when you can be content in your own company, without depending on others for validation or happiness. I’ve focused on building a stronger relationship with myself, understanding that self-love and acceptance are key to inner peace.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that having zero expectations of others brings freedom and less disappointment. When you let go of expectations, you allow life to unfold naturally, and you’re able to appreciate things for what they are. It’s a mindset shift that has made my life feel lighter and more fulfilling.
By focusing on doing good and staying true to myself, I’ve found that life becomes simpler and more rewarding. I’ve learned that the real growth comes from within, and that’s something no external circumstances can take away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://devilpizzaandburger.co.nz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enna__gupta?igsh=Z2FsYzA0YjNtdjV4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18Y47zjsE2/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enna-gupta-09173914b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ennagupta1?igsh=ZnFjNGY1cXd6a3Jk




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