This week on “Inside Voices,” join host Kevin “Kaze” Thomas for a conversation with Jay Patel, of Wintergreen Hospitality and the Franklin Hotel, about owning and operating a business in Chapel Hill — and in America — as an Indian-American.

“I feel like I didn’t have as many barriers that many people would have, and I think — and it might be been part of my disposition, but I’ve never looked at something and seen barriers. I’ve just always looked [and said] ‘Oh, well, why can’t I do that? Or why can’t I achieve that?’ And I won’t know until I fail at it, you know what I mean? And so it was this mindset of ‘nothing is off limits and nothing is off the table.’ Like, you know, one thing I would love to do is own a building in Manhattan one day, but it doesn’t make me feel like that’s impossible, that’s out of reach. Maybe one day I can do that. And so same thing with Chapel Hill. And I think just, it’s more of a matter of persistence.”

Listen below for the full episode, and check back next week for a new installment of “Inside Voices” on 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.

 

“Inside Voices” is a platform dedicated to Black men and women, people of color and allies — and a place to share experiences, concerns and stories while working to find hope and optimism about tackling tough topics and discussions while finding constructive ways to talk about solutions. “Inside Voices” is hosted by Kevin “Kaze” Thomas.

 

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