Meet Rashmi Bhat

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rashmi Bhat. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rashmi, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I left India when I was six and grew up in a small city in France. From a young age, I learned how to walk into rooms where no one looked like me and still make space for myself. I’d walk up to people and say, “Hi, I’m Rashmi—don’t rush me,” and that confidence built over time. It’s awkward the first ten times you do it, but you keep going until it feels natural.

Eventually, I stopped seeing being different as a disadvantage. I started seeing it as an inheritance. I’m the first woman in my family to have this much freedom—to choose where I live, what I build, and how I show up in the world. No woman in my lineage has had the rights, opportunities, or voice that I do right now.

When you realize you’re standing on the shoulders of women who never got that chance, you stop worrying about being the “only one in the room.” You start focusing on being the first one—and making sure you’re not the last.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a hospitality entrepreneur and storyteller. I run several hospitality brands that all tie back to one mission—helping people feel at home wherever they are. Through Lazy H Retreats and Reso Hospitality, my teams manage boutique hotels and short-term rentals across the U.S., combining modern systems with the heart of small business hospitality. I also co-own 7 Monks Café, an Indian restaurant in downtown New Braunfels, where we blend Indian and Mediterranean flavors inspired by my mom’s recipes.

What excites me most is connecting cultures through food, travel, and storytelling. Whether it’s managing a 40-room hotel in the mountains or launching a new restaurant drink inspired by my childhood, I love creating experiences that make people feel seen, cared for, and inspired to chase their own version of freedom.

This year, I’m focused on expanding Reso Hospitality into new markets—giving boutique hotel owners access to the same tools, systems, and support the big brands have, without losing their local charm.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Resourcefulness
When I started my first business, I didn’t have investors or a big team. I had $20,000 in savings and a lot of creativity. I learned how to stretch every dollar, find solutions quickly, and build from what I had. Resourcefulness isn’t just about saving money—it’s about believing there’s always a way forward. My advice: stop waiting for perfect conditions. Start with what’s in your hands and build momentum.

2. Communication
In hospitality, everything comes down to how well you connect—with guests, teams, and partners. I learned early on that clear, kind communication solves 90% of problems before they start. Whether you’re running a hotel or managing a team across time zones, being able to explain your vision and listen deeply is what earns trust.

3. Emotional Resilience
There will be days when nothing goes as planned—guests complain, deals fall through, or systems break. The difference between those who burn out and those who build empires is how they respond to the hard days. My advice: take care of your mindset as much as your business. Rest, reflect, and remember why you started.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One of the most impactful books I’ve ever read is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. It’s one of my all-time favorites because it’s funny, heartwarming, raw, and real. I love how it shows that building something great isn’t a straight line—it’s messy, uncertain, and deeply human.

What stood out to me most was how Phil Knight led with intuition. He didn’t have a perfect business plan or unlimited funding—he had belief, grit, and the willingness to figure things out along the way. That’s something I’ve lived myself through every restaurant, hotel, and business venture.

The other lesson that stuck with me is how much of entrepreneurship is about perseverance. You keep showing up, even when the outcome isn’t clear. And over time, those small leaps of faith add up to something extraordinary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://7MonksCafe.com
• Instagram: toastyindian
• Linkedin: Rashmi Bhat
• Youtube: ToastyIndian