Shami Kedasseri was born and raised with his sister in a village in the southern part of India. He was fortunate to have parents who were open-minded and supportive, allowing him the freedom to choose his own path in life, unlike the traditional cultural norms that often dictate one's choices in India.
Growing up in India, his parent's house was nestled near the beach. There was a lake behind it and a small pond along one side. Even though he was surrounded by water, Shami never learned to swim. As a child, he didn’t have any hobbies but enjoyed playing soccer. Life was good. Shami stayed in India until he got his Master’s in Engineering.
Shami's very first job was in India as a Manufacturing Engineer for a prominent engineering firm, which manufactured machines for global tyre companies and worked on projects for the Indian Defence.
Shami's life took a significant turn when he met and married Sneha in Dubai. They met through a mutual friend, and it was love at first sight.
“Shortly after we began dating, I had a stroke of luck and won the lotto in Dubai. It was split among four friends as we had been putting money on the lotto for a few months.
“While not a massive amount, winning the lotto gave us a solid start in Australia and helped cover Sneha's education expenses.
“Without that bit of luck, we might not have been able to make the move without assistance from our parents,” said Shami.
After tying the knot, they decided not to settle in Dubai or India and explored options in both Canada and Australia. They ultimately chose Australia, as Shami has an aversion to cold weather. Sneha pursued her Master's Degree in Architecture and then completed a Master’s in Urban Planning in Melbourne.
Shami’s first business, Green Direct, was all about reducing green house gas emissions by creating an energy-aware home. He still has this business today. He then opened a Fitstop Gym in Melbourne that is looked after by a manager.
However, Shami's most significant life change occurred when he and Sneha decided to move to Hervey Bay in July of last year. Dissatisfied with apartment living in Melbourne, especially with a two-year-old, they sought a house near the beach and found themselves considering business opportunities in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. After visiting the area, they settled on their current venture, Sea Breeze Café.
Taking over the café was Shami's and Sneha’s first foray into hospitality. To understand the business thoroughly, he started working in the kitchen while Sneha managed the front of the house and made coffee. The restaurant has provided them with the opportunity to make a difference in their community.
They have connected with NDIS service providers, which has opened doors to employing individuals with disabilities, providing them the chance to work and learn valuable skills. The restaurant also hosts free cooking sessions for NDIS participants on Thursdays.
Shami and Sneha are also responsible for bringing Niku-Yaki and Social Box to Hervey Bay. Both are prepared fresh at the restaurant. Diversifying the food options that are available in our region.
When not working, which is rarely, Shami dreams of travelling. He also listens to music, his favourites being psychedelic trance, heavy metal, and old-school hip hop. He also loves motorbikes and used to own one. If he can find the time to ride, he may even buy another one.
Shami continues to embrace new challenges and looks forward to a future filled with opportunities, adventures, and a perfect work-life balance.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast
