Niketa Sharma, a serial entrepreneur with a robust background in financial accounting and hospitality, has successfully transformed The Thane Club into a leading and prime destination for extraordinary hospitality, fitness, wellness, and lifestyle in Mumbai and Thane. Under her visionary leadership, The Thane Club has flourished, offering unparalleled facilities and services that cater to a diverse clientele. From her family’s deep-rooted passion for sports to her own professional journey, Niketa’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
What inspired you to start The Thane Club? Could you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue entrepreneurship in the fitness and wellness industry?
In 2013, my family took The Thane Club on lease from TMC, driven by our long-standing involvement in sports. My parents were accomplished athletes in wrestling and basketball, my sister was an international squash player, and I pursued martial arts. Given our background, venturing into the fitness and wellness industry was a natural progression. I hold an M.Com in Financial Accounting from NM College and an MBA in Hospitality from Les Roches, Switzerland. Encouraged by my family and fueled by a passion for innovation and self-reliance, I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. My love for hospitality, recreation, and sports further cemented my decision.
What distinguishes The Thane Club from other fitness and wellness establishments?
The Thane Club is a one-stop destination catering to the needs of every family member. We boast unique amenities including four swimming pools, four distinct restaurants, a world-class gym, banquets, and accommodation. We provide a space for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Known for our exceptional hospitality and regular events, we offer top-tier coaching in swimming and badminton, delectable cuisine, and a luxurious stay experience. Unlike traditional gymkhanas and gyms, our focus on hospitality attracts the crème de la crème of central Mumbai and Thane.
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered while establishing and running The Thane Club, and how have you navigated them?
The transition when we took over the club nearly a decade ago was challenging as it was not well-known for its individual facilities. Through strategic marketing and relentless hard work, we introduced the club culture to Thane, enhancing it with superior facilities and hospitality. Today, we proudly serve over 3,500 members. In the hospitality industry, attrition is typically high, but by providing exceptional care and amenities to our employees, along with continuous training and mutual respect, we maintain one of the lowest attrition rates.
What are some of the key milestones or accomplishments you’re proud of since founding The Thane Club?
Over the past decade, we’ve grown from a team of 2 to 200, expanding from one banquet hall to 15 top-notch amenities. We initiated event culture post-COVID, growing from an attendance of 10 people to a minimum of 100 per event. Our membership has also grown strength to strength, now exceeding 3,500 members.
What are your long-term goals and aspirations for The Thane Club?
In the long term, we aim to expand our membership to 8,000, with a focus on attracting youth memberships, young couples, and families. We plan to host more monthly events to foster networking and socializing among members. Our aspiration is to be the most vibrant sports and lifestyle club in Mumbai and Thane. We also intend to introduce pickleball, upgrade our Indian restaurant, Masaledar, and launch a homegrown, sustainable bakery and patisserie brand for our members and visitors.
What advice would you give to aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs based on your experience with The Thane Club? Also, is there anything you wish you’d known before becoming the club’s owner?
My advice is to be prepared to learn from your mistakes, as failures are inevitable. Always prioritize providing an exceptional experience and hospitality to your customers. Never compromise on product quality to cut costs; customers are perceptive and value quality. Additionally, treat your staff with the same care as your customers to ensure steady growth. I wish I had known the importance of these aspects and had a mentor to guide me in the early years of my entrepreneurial journey.