In an era where passion-driven careers are celebrated, Kamiya Jani stands out as a beacon of inspiration. As the founder and CEO of Curly Tales, India’s leading food and travel content platform, she has transformed her love for exploration into a digital empire that inspires millions. From her early days as a business journalist to becoming a globally recognized influencer and entrepreneur, Kamiya’s journey is a testament to courage, authenticity, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams. This article delves into her remarkable story, highlighting how she turned wanderlust into a thriving career.
From Corporate Life to Creative Freedom
Born in Mumbai in 1988, Kamiya Jani grew up in a family that nurtured her curiosity for the world. Her father, Mohan Jani, a former auto-rickshaw driver turned businessman, instilled in her a sense of resilience and ambition. Family trips during her childhood sparked a lifelong passion for travel, planting the seeds for what would later become Curly Tales. Kamiya pursued a Bachelor of Mass Media in Journalism from R.D. National College and later studied law at G.J. Advani Law College, equipping her with a strong foundation in communication and critical thinking.
Kamiya’s professional journey began in 2006 as a freelance journalist with The Times of India. She quickly moved into television, working with leading media houses like CNBC TV18, Bloomberg UTV, and ET Now, where she served as a business journalist, anchor, and producer. Her roles involved covering financial markets, lifestyle, and travel segments, which gave her a taste of storytelling on a larger platform. However, the corporate grind and repetitive routine of waking up at 5 a.m. for news shows began to feel stifling. Despite a successful career, Kamiya felt a void—she wanted to explore the world on her terms.
In 2016, driven by her passion for travel and food, Kamiya took a bold leap. She quit her stable media job to launch Curly Tales, a platform dedicated to food, travel, and lifestyle experiences. “I got bored with the same routine… I realized there weren’t any platforms dedicated to local discovery, travel, and recommendations,” she said in an interview. This decision began a journey that would redefine her life and inspire countless others.
The Birth of Curly Tales
Curly Tales started as a personal blog where Kamiya documented her travel and culinary adventures. With the support of her husband, Samar Om Parkash Verma, she transformed it into a professional venture in 2017. The platform filled a gap in the Indian media landscape, offering relatable and achievable content focused on local gems, hidden eateries, and global adventures. Unlike many travel platforms emphasizing luxury, Curly Tales prioritized authentic, accessible experiences that resonated with a broad audience.
The platform’s success was fueled by Kamiya’s engaging storytelling and strategic use of social media, particularly Facebook, which she credits as a key driver in building Curly Tales’ early audience. By 2021, the platform had amassed 2 million followers on Facebook and nearly 1 million YouTube subscribers. Today, with over 10 million followers across platforms and offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Dubai, Curly Tales is India’s top food and travel discovery platform.
Kamiya’s flagship YouTube series, Sunday Brunch, became a fan favorite. It features candid conversations with celebrities like Anupam Kher, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Virat Kohli over delicious meals. Other shows like CT Discovery, Tere Gully Mein, and The Solo Female Traveller cater to diverse audiences, offering everything from budget travel tips to luxurious experiences. Her ability to connect with viewers through relatable content and vibrant storytelling earned her the title of “travel queen” and the prestigious Most Influential Content Marketing Professional award in 2019.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Kamiya’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Transitioning from a secure corporate job to entrepreneurship required immense courage, especially as a mother to a young daughter. She faced societal expectations that often discourage women from pursuing unconventional paths after marriage. Yet, Kamiya’s determination to live authentically inspired many women to chase their dreams. “One of the biggest career decisions you will ever make is the person you choose to marry,” she once said, emphasizing the importance of a supportive partner in her success.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed another hurdle, grounding travel plans and forcing Curly Tales to pivot. Kamiya adapted by creating virtual tours and focusing on written content to engage her audience. This resilience sustained the platform and strengthened its community, proving that her vision extended beyond physical travel to fostering a sense of wanderlust and connection.
In 2023, Kamiya faced controversy over her visit to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Political factions questioned her entry due to alleged dietary preferences. She responded gracefully, clarifying her Hindu faith and commitment to promoting Indian culture, demonstrating her ability to navigate challenges with transparency and poise.
Leadership and Legacy
As CEO, Kamiya’s leadership style is introspective and strategic. She emphasizes mental clarity, often stepping away from problems to find solutions in nature or through meditation. Her focus on empowering young talent has made Curly Tales a hub for creative minds, with a team of over 36 employees as of 2024. Kamiya’s vision for the future is global—she aims to expand Curly Tales into an international platform that inspires people worldwide to explore and indulge.
Her accolades, including the Best Travel Creator Award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, reflect her impact on the industry. Kamiya’s story is not just about travel; it’s about breaking barriers, embracing passion, and building a legacy that encourages others to live boldly. As she continues to explore over 40 countries and 168 cities, Kamiya Jani remains a trailblazer, proving that with passion and perseverance, wanderlust can indeed become a fulfilling career.