In this episode of Jam With Sam, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Tejas Parulekar, Co-founder of SaffronStays, a micro-hospitality brand redefining luxury homestays in India. From a thriving career in banking to building a business that offers intimate, high-quality homestays, Tejas shares insights on risk-taking, business pivots, and the importance of customer experience.
From Finance to Hospitality: A Leap of Faith
Tejas started her professional journey in finance, working with Ernst & Young, ICICI Bank, and HSBC. After spending a decade in corporate banking, she took a bold step—leaving behind stability to chase her entrepreneurial dream. The idea of SaffronStays was sparked during her travels in Europe, where she found homestays to be a perfect blend of comfort and privacy for families.
Alongside her husband, Deven Parulekar, she ventured into the hospitality industry. With his strategic vision and her financial acumen, the duo built SaffronStays, a brand that now manages 35+ exclusive luxury homes across India.
Pivoting the Business Model: From Aggregator to Exclusive Operator
SaffronStays was initially launched as a homestay aggregator, similar to Airbnb. However, the turning point came when a homeowner in Matheran offered them full operational control of his heritage property.
Realizing the potential of exclusively managed luxury homestays, the company shifted from an aggregation model to directly operating properties, ensuring premium customer experiences. Today, SaffronStays curates high-end vacation homes, focusing on privacy, quality, and personalized service.
This pivot meant downsizing from 1,800 listed homestays to just one before scaling up again with a refined approach. The brand now stands out for its highly curated, quality-over-quantity philosophy.
What Sets SaffronStays Apart?
In a crowded hospitality market, SaffronStays differentiates itself with:
- Exclusive Luxury Homes: Every property is carefully selected and managed to maintain the highest standards.
- Curated for Families & Groups: Designed for intimate gatherings, focusing on privacy, comfort, and relaxation.
- No TVs, No WiFi – Just Bonding: Encouraging guests to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature and loved ones.
- Personalized Hospitality: Dedicated staff, home-cooked meals, and curated experiences make every stay special.
- Selective Guest Policy: Avoiding stag and bachelor parties ensures the properties remain family-friendly and secure.
Growth & Expansion: What’s Next for SaffronStays?
Having established a strong presence in Maharashtra, Goa, Jaipur, Ooty, and Uttarakhand, SaffronStays is expanding across India and beyond. The vision is to offer luxury Indian homestays globally, catering to the growing community of Indian travelers looking for familiar comforts abroad.
The company is currently self-funded and profitable, but open to funding opportunities to accelerate growth.
Entrepreneurship, Family, and Work-Life Balance
Running a business with a spouse comes with its challenges, but Tejas and Deven have found a balance—he’s the visionary, she’s the realist. Their two children are actively engaged in dinner-table discussions about business, giving them an early taste of entrepreneurship.
Despite a packed schedule, Tejas makes time for swimming, trekking, movies, and good food—a reminder that passion-driven entrepreneurs can still enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Tejas Parulekar’s Entrepreneurial Legacy
Tejas Parulekar’s journey with SaffronStays is a testament to calculated risk-taking, business agility, and staying true to a vision. From crunching numbers in banking to crafting memorable homestay experiences, her story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break free from traditional career paths.
Want to experience the magic of SaffronStays? Visit SaffronStays to book your next getaway!
About Tejas Parulekar:
Tejas Parulekar is the Co-founder of SaffronStays, India’s leading luxury homestay brand. With a background in finance, she transitioned into hospitality to create premium, family-friendly vacation homes. Under her leadership, SaffronStays has redefined homestays in India, offering high-quality experiences that blend comfort, privacy, and exclusivity.