We have heard dark stories of expatriates who unsuccessfully chased their dream of being their own bosses, put in a bit of money into their first venture, lost it all and packed their bags for good, shattered.
What separates heroes from zeroes is the ability to learn from the mistakes and get going again. For this to happen in business you need to have not just money but determination, hard work and the ability to realise where you went wrong the first time around and correct the flaws.

What did him in his first venture was a lack of focus but Rakesh was quick to nail this down in his next venture.

Rakesh is now one among the top expatriate businesspersons in the country and his success story is an inspiring example of how one could progress steadily in life through sheer perseverance and hard work orchestrating destiny.

Rakesh believed in his dreams and lived them. “If you really want to be successful stop worrying about what you can get and start focusing on what you can do,” Rakesh says.

He came to Oman in 2011 as a consultant before planning to start a business in the country. First, he set up Creative Glass Engineering with two partners in Ghala. “I was working in another company and had invested in this firm but was never really focused in it…because of that I lost a lot of money,” Rakesh recalls.

In 2015 he pulled out of the partnership firm and started his own company. Since then there has been no looking back. “I learnt from the mistakes I had committed. You need to be truthful in whatever you’re doing to be able to achieve success,” he stresses.

Today, Rakesh owns three factories and two exclusive showrooms in Muscat. “In 10 years if I am able to set up these businesses it’s because of a lot of hard work of my employees. I alone cannot take the credit. They are the ones who are working round the clock,” he says. More than 80 people are working in his companies.

Creative Glass Engineering LLC & Miracle Solutions LLC (Wolt UPVC Solutions) specialises in the business of fabrication and installation of frameless glass doors and windows, aluminium curtain walls, ACP cladding, stainless steel handrails, uPVC doors & windows, etc. “There is a huge opportunity for such businesses in Oman,” he points out.

Rakesh offers a piece of advice to those who want to start a business in Oman: “If you want to start a business, do it on your own. Never go for partnerships because it’s your own dream.”

Rakesh who hails from south Indian state of Kerala lives with his wife and children in Muscat. “Every day is a new day for me.

“I must say during my ups and downs I was fortunate enough to have some great friends among the Omani people. They are gems who are there to help you always.”

Rakesh. K. Nair