The South Asian entrepreneur said she started her event agency for young adults after feeling isolated and neglected growing up.
Priyanka Patel owns The Empowered Desi, which organizes alternative drinking and clubbing events for young adults in Coventry.
After launching in July, it is hosting a Diwali-themed sip-and-paint event on Saturday at the Sugar and Spice tearoom on Far Gosford Street in the city.
“There’s a lot of divisiveness in the news, and in this day and age, I want to connect everyone as people and be inclusive of everyone,” she said.
Guests decorate diva candles instead of painting on canvas and participate in festival themed bingo.
Ms Patel said she had no place to be herself.
“I felt isolated and neglected because I couldn’t connect with people because most of my friends weren’t from my community.
“So I couldn’t talk about the festivals we celebrate, the Indian food we have and also the clothes we wear on special occasions.
“I felt unable to express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth.”
She realized that she had no cultural cohesion growing up and wanted to create a space for people like her.
Ms Patel hosted her first event in September at a bento cake workshop in the city’s Fargo Village.
Although the club’s name is inspired by the South Asian community, Patel said the group is open to all cultures and religions.
She said: “It’s harder to make friends as an adult, so I wanted to create a space for that.
“It’s not just for South Asians — it’s for everyone.”