Chhitiz Shrestha: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation – A Journey from Hospitality to Entrepreneurship

Chhitiz Shrestha
December 02, 2024

8—bold steps that pushed the limits of the traditional family-run hotel and modernized the guest experience.

In 2021, driven by a desire to carve out his path, Chhitiz founded Horizon Commercial Laundry Pvt. Ltd. Despite facing doubts from his family, he went ahead, securing independent financing and charting a new course in the commercial laundry service industry. His entrepreneurial spirit was tested when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, but through persistence and innovation, Horizon Laundry overcame the challenges. Today, with a clientele of 15 B2B partners and steady revenue growth, Chhitiz has created a successful business while staying true to his values of humility and resilience.

Horizon Commercial Laundry: Revolutionizing Laundry Services for the Hospitality Industry

Horizon Commercial Laundry is a specialized laundry and dry-cleaning service in Dhulikhel, catering primarily to hotels and resorts. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the company offers services such as washing, drying, dry cleaning, pressing, and even carpet cleaning. With the capacity to process 100 kilograms per hour, Horizon has become known for its efficiency without compromising quality. In addition to serving hotels in Dhulikhel, the company has expanded its reach to neighboring areas, such as Balthali, and recently secured a significant contract with the Birendra Peace Keeping Operations Centre in Panchkhal, where they provide laundry services for 500 foreign troops daily.

Despite its humble beginnings, Horizon has built a strong reputation for excellence, receiving certificates of appreciation from various hotels and resorts. The company continues to expand, gradually moving into the B2C sector, and has recently opened collection points for individual customers.

Lessons Learned: Adaptability, Innovation, and Community Engagement

Chhitiz's entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by several key lessons. Adaptability and innovation were crucial in navigating challenges such as the pandemic and expanding into new markets. He also learned the importance of community engagement, working closely with local businesses, and fostering strong partnerships within Dhulikhel.

One memorable lesson came during Horizon’s inaugural year when the team faced staffing shortages during the Dashain festival. Despite the challenges, Chhitiz and his family worked tirelessly through the night, ensuring their commitments were met. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, dedication, and a resolute commitment to service.

Chhitiz attributes much of his success to the lessons in critical thinking and problem-solving he gained at King’s College. In particular, he recalls a moment during an entrepreneurship class when his idea for a large-scale laundry service catering to hotels was initially met with doubt. However, the positive feedback he received after presenting his concept—especially the standing ovation from Narottam sir—instilled in him the confidence to move forward. That moment became a turning point, encouraging him to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations with determination and vision.

The Role of King's College in Shaping His Entrepreneurial Path

For Chhitiz, his time at King's College was instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. The college not only provided him with academic knowledge but also encouraged him to think outside the box and pursue innovative ideas. The exposure to practical, real-world business concepts, coupled with a supportive environment, helped him develop the skills needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Chhitiz credits King's College for fostering a sense of humility, gratitude, and resilience—values that have been essential in both his family business and his independent venture. He is deeply grateful for the mentorship and support from faculty members, especially Narottam sir, whose encouragement helped him realize the potential of his ideas.

Impact on the Community and Industry

Horizon Commercial Laundry has made a significant contribution to both the local economy and the hospitality industry in Dhulikhel and beyond. By providing high-quality laundry services, the company has raised cleanliness standards in hotels and resorts, enhancing the overall guest experience. Moreover, the business has created employment opportunities and contributed to the local economy by providing jobs and working with neighboring businesses.

Chhitiz’s entrepreneurial journey also serves as a model of perseverance and innovation, showing that with the right mindset and dedication, new ventures can thrive even in challenging times. The company’s recent contract with the UN peacekeeping center is a testament to the high level of trust and reliability that Horizon has built in the industry.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Humility and Innovation

As Chhitiz looks to the future, he remains committed to honoring his family’s legacy while continuing to innovate and expand Horizon Commercial Laundry. He believes that adaptability, community engagement, and a focus on service excellence will continue to guide the company’s growth in the years to come.

 


 

Chhitiz's Quote:

"The education and mentorship I received at King's College not only shaped my entrepreneurial journey, but also instilled in me the humility, determination, and innovation that continue to guide my ventures."


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