Meet Raj Shingadia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raj Shingadia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raj, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has changed dramatically over time. When I first entered the workforce after college, I worked 7 days a week. I thought that was the time to put in as many hours as possible so I could build wealth faster and set myself up for the future. Since I was working all the time, I didn’t really have an opportunity to spend the money I was earning and it dawned on me there was a paradox of money: money itself was worthless until the moment you spend it. It’s only in that moment the money, and the work it took to earn it, had any real value. It was at that point that I decided it was time to stop wasting my life and to start enjoying it.

As my focus shifted and I started working less, I found that I was much more effective at work. Knowing I had less time in the office, I prioritized better and delegated more. And the time off provided a much needed mental and physical reset; I was energized and ready to go as soon as I walked back into the office. It was as if I now did more while working less. And no longer missing time with my family and friends makes it that much sweeter.

As an entrepreneur, I never truly stop thinking about work, but I’m not afraid of checking out frequently and trusting my team to take care of things.

What should our readers know about your business?
Never did I imagine I would be in the aquarium industry. It certainly wasn’t my path in college, but I’m so grateful it became my path. I love every minute of my work life and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years.

I was going to school to become an attorney and for as long as I remember, that’s all I wanted to be when I grew up. When I knew I wouldn’t be happy as an attorney, I was completely lost with no idea what I was going to do next. Through some very random circumstances, I ended up in the aquarium world, a hobby that I absolutely loved (and still love).

Growing a business that you’re passionate about is tough because it’s filled with emotions. But while that makes it difficult, I’m happy to be doing something I am passionate about. This passion allows me to perform at a higher level and end up with greater satisfaction after each project is completed. Have you ever been to a restaurant where the chef won’t allow any substitutions to specific dishes? The chef is so passionate about his craft that he can’t see the dish any other way; it’s perfect as designed. In the same vein, I often get stuck with my vision of a perfect aquarium and have to change things to better suit the client. But this challenges me to execute their desire perfectly.

Emphasizing quality has become our trademark. We’re quick to turn down projects that don’t align with our high standards. This has resulted in a tremendous amount of work in the public aquarium and zoo industry. Locally, we’ve completed many projects at Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium, with a few projects currently ongoing at the aquarium. We’re able to leverage the experience and expertise from these large scale projects and exhibits into people’s homes and businesses. Being able to think beyond the traditional pet store aquarium results in some amazing displays.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is a massive city, especially considering what we call “Atlanta” is Atlanta and the surrounding cities. For a sports fan, we’re definitely hitting up a Braves or Falcons game if in season. Better yet, a Bulldogs game, although Athens is hardly considered Atlanta.

For food, you can’t go wrong with anything the Castellucci’s do. I’ve watched them grow over the past couple of decades and it’s been quite impressive. They’ve retained that family charm while branching into different experiences. An amazing family with an amazing group of restaurants. Another great spot is Le Colonial, which is a French Vietnamese restaurant. The interior is plush with a cool 20’s vibe. The Consulate’s rotating menu where they pick the cuisine based on a globe spin is a must-do experience. Doug and Mei Lin have put together something truly wonderful with that concept. And then there’s all of the amazing Indian food in Atlanta. From Cafe Bombay to Botiwala, there’s plenty of opportunity to get your spice fix on.

And let’s not forget the Roof at Ponce City Market. There’s games like skeeball and mini golf, drinks, music, and snacks all on the rooftop overlooking the city. If you don’t have a good time there, I can’t help you!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have met many amazing people through my entrepreneurial journey. Each one of them has helped shape my success in various ways. But two people deserve a bigger shout-out.

My mum is an amazing human being; strong, smart, and so caring. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without her. And for that, I owe it to her not to fail. Thank you for everything, mum!

And my wife, Julie. While being an entrepreneur is hard, being with one is even harder. She’s been through the ups and downs of my business journey and has always believed in me. I recently joked that she thought she was getting an attorney, but ended up with a fish guy! That alone deserves a little shout-out.

Website: https://www.seaatlanta.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespokeaquariumsatl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-shingadia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEAAtlanta

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReefBuildersVideo