“In 1976, I left the comfort of my home in Delhi to embark on a journey of discovery. My adventure began with a move to Mumbai, leading me eventually to the Middle East, where I lived and worked for nine transformative years. As a family, we began considering a move to a Western country, with Australia and Canada as our top choices. In the mid-1980s, a friend suggested visiting New Zealand, and we were captivated by its natural beauty.

During a tourist visa stay, I seized an unexpected opportunity: a job interview led to a permanent residency offer, and thus, our new life in New Zealand began. The initial days were fraught with hurdles when my employer’s company collapsed, leaving me unpaid for three months. But adversity sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in me. I, along with two colleagues, ventured into the furniture business, crafting sofas and bedroom sets. Our dedication paid off, and by the early 1990s, our furniture company thrived, becoming a unique presence in New Zealand’s industry, even broadcasting ads on TV.

Family ties brought us to Australia in 2012, where our daughters had settled in Melbourne. We established a consulting business that allowed us to travel globally, reconnecting with the Indian market and setting up a new furniture factory there.

Last year, with decades of experience in the industry, my wife and I launched Roomlane in Melbourne. Roomlane’s mission is to offer high-quality, sustainable furniture at accessible prices, challenging the norm of disposable options.

Today, our family gathers annually to reflect on the past year and share plans for the future. This tradition keeps us close-knit and focused on our shared goals. As I look back on my journey, from Delhi to now Australia, I see a life filled with adventures, challenges, and successes that have shaped who I am today, fit and working even at 71. A lesson I wish to share with everyone reading this is to aim high so that even achieving 50% is great and learn from everyone around you.” Naresh Shukla