NXG PR OFILE
The family also owns Kenya’s largest beach
resort, the Sarova Whitesands Mombasa, and the largest city hotel, the PanAfric, that is about to undergo a dramatic revamp blending its retro 1970s style with modern Africa.
Unlocking creativity Despite having a fledgling business of her own, and a growth-focused family dynasty to keep abreast of, Vohra’s focus at present is the charitable foundation set up in memory of her brother Sandy. He was passionate about the environment and skill-building. The Vohra family has a philanthropic legacy
focused mainly around re-forestation, elephant conservation, and education. A paraplegic centre and a spinal injury ward have also been developed in conjunction with partners. To say Vohra is “hands on” when it comes to the
Sandy Vohra Foundation, is an understatement. The foundation is centred on education and
Vohra rolled up her sleeves for its latest project with Films Without Borders. “I went to the [Nairobi] slums, interviewed 200
kids, picked 14, and we trained them to make a documentary about the slums,” she says. “We then got four internships at the biggest
media station in Kenya for the best four. One of the girls went on to Al Jazeera to become a photographer. “ “We are now planning to launch a film training
hub led by Films Without Borders in association with [children’s charity] SOS and [jeweller] Nadya Swarovski.” The hub, in the area of Buruburu in Nairobi, is surrounded by six slums, and will grow steadily,
ISSUE 73 | 2018
initially enticing young people in by screening films. In fact, they will also have the opportunity to learn skills like interviewing, writing, job applications, film, photography, and social media. “These kids have been through so much in their
lives, they have so much creativity locked inside them just craving expression,” Vohra says. “When you think reality TV is the big thing
today, and their reality is so gritty it is unbelievable. Yet they have this incredible will. I interview each child myself because I want to be assured they will take it somewhere. We plan to make this project self-sustainable within five years.” The Sandy Vohra Foundation is also looking
into projects around artificial intelligence and robotics training, creative marketing, and entrepreneurship programmes.
Shiny future Meanwhile, back in London, Vohra is mindful of the need to keep hold of the reins at Ortaea. “We have had several offers for
investments,” she says. “But the vision is at such a nascent stage. Part of a new business is having that vision, not everyone understands it and if you put different people into the mix [at this stage] you can confuse it.” That is not to say Ortaea will stop at
London. Having already had offers from Dubai, Vohra instinctively feels New York is her next target market. “I want to keep the ‘niche-ness’,” she says. “I do
not want to spread myself thin. I am one person, and you do need to visit every place, be with your team and create the vibe, otherwise you can become entirely detached and commercial.” Doing it her own way, expect nothing less from
Mita Vohra.
CAMPDENFB.COM 39
Top: Vohra’s jewellery caters for women as individuals, but she expects to produce a line for men too
Below: This Ortaea Armor bangle is set in 18K yellow gold with 1.29 carats of white diamonds and retails at Harvey Nichols for £8,590 ($11,437)
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88