“I had a very traditional immigrant Indian childhood. The emphasis was on doing well in school and choosing a stable and secure career because of the sacrifices of my parents. I became a physical therapist and practiced for 10 years, but always had the itch to do something different.

I’ve been a consumer who loves art, books and design. I’ve also always been tuned into the feeling you get when you enter a home or any space. I wanted to create my own concept that has that good feeling and includes eating, drinking and being immersed in an atmosphere that houses items that are thoughtfully made."

"When a friend showed me this space, I saw great potential in the size as well as the outdoor space. It felt doable, but scary."

"I felt a little like an outsider in the industry because this is all new to me, but my childhood interests and observations of what I like bring a bit of fresh air to this goal. I’m doing what I believe is unique to the space.

Baltimore accepts and believes in people who put their heart, effort and maybe a little blind faith into something and I appreciate that. I’m bringing the good that I’ve observed in the world to good neighbor."

"One goal was to bring light to amazing makers in Baltimore and brands from around the world. That chair you’re sitting on was made in Baltimore and that mug was made in Japan. We had to convince brands that Baltimore was ready for their products. We love local products, but we also have a global customer.

We hope it feels like a very inclusive place that allows all people to see what Baltimore is doing. We want the indoor and outdoor space to live up to the idea of being a good neighbor. It’s like inviting someone into your home and caring for them, but this is inviting the bigger community in, caring for them and wanting them to meet with old and new friends."

"My wife, Anne and I own good neighbor together. She always knew about this little dream of mine and encouraged me. She pushed me to start the conversations with the people with whom I needed to speak. She gave me the courage to make this work. She’s super supportive and since signing the lease for this space, she’s been in the thick of it with me. Anne has been amazing. She set the tone for our great staff. She’s extroverted and loves people. We opened during the pandemic and had a line out the door to promote social distance. She stood outside and chatted in-depth with our guests. When people began coming back, they already knew so much about us because she shared herself and our stories with them while they waited. She was pregnant at the time so now they ask about our son. She’s beautiful at building community. My wife is the essence of good neighbor.‍

I’m very grateful for this new path I have had the privilege to take and the support I have received from my family and friends. My parents have been here and are very happy for me. They’re thrilled. I’m grateful and super blessed for the opportunity to open a shop, especially in Baltimore.”