Vandita Desai

After beginning her schooling in Sigatoka, Fiji, Vandita Desai relocated to New Zealand where she developed a passion for traditional dance. While completing her secondary education at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, she won a dance award at an international competition. Desai continues to practice dance today, participating with Vandita’s School of Indian Dance, Leena’s School of Indian Dance, and the Tickled Feet Dance Academy. Following secondary school, Vandita Desai enrolled at The University of Auckland in New Zealand, where she received a well-rounded education in finance with an emphasis on accounting and economics. With her Bachelor of Commerce in hand, she began her first job as a Bank Teller with the Bank of New Zealand in 1997. There, Vandita Desai learned the fundamentals of customer service as she facilitated banking transactions for clients. In 2000, Vandita Desai travelled across the world to reside in the United States. Her first job in the country was as a Front Desk Manager with Econo Lodge, but she quickly found a position in her previous line of work as a Branch Operations Manager for First South Bank in Washington, North Carolina. Serving the institution for more than eight years, Desai led the team in Washington and forged new relationships with other branches. Vandita Desai played a critical role in assisting her branch in meeting and exceeding goals for sales, retention, and business development, leading her to receive the company’s Five-Year Banking Award. Vandita Desai embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and purchased a Tropical Smoothie Café franchise in Greenville, North Carolina. Utilizing her diverse experience, Desai contributes to all facets of the enterprise, from staff management, stock maintenance, and cash control to customer service, balancing the till, and directing marketing initiatives. In addition to the café, she also owns a Web-based store offering ethnic clothing and accessories that can be accessed at tinyurl.com/alittlebirdie.