In a world where most people chase either fame or fortune, Sanjog Koirala is rewriting the script by blending the glamour of the entertainment industry with the grit of entrepreneurship. Once a familiar face on screen, Koirala is now the dynamic force behind multiple business ventures, including Jejudo Korean Restaurant, Chiya Adda, and Ideapreneur Nepal. His journey from actor to entrepreneur is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and real-world impact.

Koirala’s transition from the entertainment industry to entrepreneurship was not sudden. It was a thoughtful evolution. Faced with the reality of a struggling acting career, he began exploring new avenues that offered both stability and creative freedom. That exploration led him to the world of business, where he started experimenting with ideas, building ventures, and learning the nuances of entrepreneurship.

Over time, Koirala discovered that his true passion didn’t lie in starting businesses just for the sake of it. It was in solving real problems, creating value, and empowering others through innovation and collaboration.

Leveraging Fame With Caution

His background in entertainment gave him a unique advantage. Public recognition helped him gain early traction, open doors, and attract collaborators. However, it also came with skepticism. “Some expected perfection, while others questioned my credibility,” he has noted in interviews.

Despite these challenges, Koirala uses his visibility to build trust and foster connections. Yet, he remains clear-eyed about the value of reputation: “It might get you the first meeting, but only execution earns you the second one.”

Marketing Through Meaning: The Power of Storytelling

When it comes to marketing his ventures, storytelling has been Koirala’s most effective tool. Whether launching a fintech product or leading a social campaign, he focuses on making each brand emotionally engaging and relatable. “People connect with emotions, not just features,” he often says.

He also emphasizes the importance of authenticity on digital platforms, which has helped him grow a loyal community around his businesses.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Nepali Entrepreneurs

Koirala frequently shares advice with young Nepalis looking to pursue entrepreneurship. His own ventures, including Chiya Adda and the tech-based Money Mitra, began with more questions than capital or technical know-how.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers,” he says. “It’s about having the mindset to find them.”
He encourages young dreamers to act, rather than over-plan, and to embrace failure as a teacher. “Nepal’s future belongs to problem-solvers who start today with what they have not spectators waiting for perfect conditions.”

Cultivating Culture: Ownership, Empathy, and Curiosity

Across all his companies, Koirala strives to instill three core values: ownership, empathy, and curiosity. He urges team members to think like founders, take responsibility for their work, and stay hungry to learn and grow.

“The moment we believe we ‘know enough’ is the moment we stop growing,” he believes.

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