'I started South Asian society to unite people'

A South Asian business owner said she began her events firm for young adults after feeling isolated and neglected while growing up.

Priyanka Patel is the owner of The Empowered Desi, a society that organises alternative events to drinking and clubbing for young adults in Coventry.

After launching in July, it will be hosting a Diwali-themed sip-and-paint event on Saturday at Sugar and Spice tearoom on Far Gosford Street in the the city.

"There's a lot of division in the news and in today's day and age, I want to unite everyone as human beings and be inclusive of everyone", she said.

Guests will be decorating diva candles instead of painting on canvases, as well as taking part in a festival themed bingo.

Ms Patel said growing up, she did not have a place where she could be herself.

"I felt isolated and neglected that I couldn't relate to people, since most of my friends were not from my community.

"So I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions.

"I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth."

She realised she had a lack of cultural belonging growing up and wanted to create a space for people like her.

Ms Patel hosted her first event in September, with a bento cake workshop at the city's Fargo Village.

While the name of the society is inspired by the South Asian community, Ms 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."

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external.