In this episode we sit down with Ujj Rai, social entrepreneur, community builder and founder of both Muju International Groceries and Nyano. This is one of those conversations that makes you stop and think about what business is really for.

From growing up in Nepal as a pastor’s kid to studying at Harvard and now building companies right here in Utica, Ujj shares how his entire philosophy centers on one thing: fall in love with the problem. For him, business isn’t about chasing profit, it’s about solving real social challenges in sustainable ways. 

We dive deep into Nyano, his wellness tech platform that uses your phone’s camera to scan your vitals, no $400 wearable required. While making emotional and physical check-ins simple, accessible and stress-free. But this episode goes far beyond tech. Ujj opens up about why he chose Utica, why creating your own table is more powerful than fighting for a seat at someone else’s and how Muju has evolved into a community hub where cultures connect and stories are shared. 

This one is thoughtful, inspiring and packed with perspective. From redefining the American Dream to rethinking what success really means. If you care about entrepreneurship, community, mental health or building something bigger than yourself, this conversation will stick with you.

We Cover:
• What it really means to be a “social entrepreneur”
• How Nyano is making health tracking accessible to everyone
• Why you shouldn’t wait for a seat at the table, build your own
• Turning Muju into a space for culture, food and connection
• Falling in love with the problem instead of chasing the money

Utica is very lucky to have Ujj.

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:45) - Social Entrepreneurship
(5:00) - Understanding the Problem
(5:30) - Working at Mohawk Valley SBDC
(8:15) - SBDC Services
(10:45) - Celebrating the Success of Others
(11:50) - Creating Your Own Seat
(13:45) - Alternative to $400 Watches
(14:40) - Building the NYANO Tech
(16:45) - Simple Way to Take Care of Yourself
(19:00) - Emojis & Foods
(21:40) - Local Storage Only
(24:45) - Subscription Cost
(26:15) - Social Element
(33:00) - Taking Care of Loved Ones
(37:15) - Evolution of Muju
(43:00) - Winning Together & Abundance
(45:30) - How Nyano Measures
(47:45) - Rapid Fire Questions


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Ujj Rai's Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/ujjwal.rai.9
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujj-rai-884475256
Nyano Website - https://nyano.life
Nyano IG - https://www.instagram.com
Nyano Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyanolife
Muju FB - https://www.facebook.com/1310MujuGoLLC
Muju IG - https://www.instagram.com/muju_store1

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