Shruti Bhalla is the driving force behind Burlingame’s most beloved UPS Store. After earning her master’s in public relations and advertising at Australia’s Edith Cowan University, this Kenyan-Indian businesswoman initially went into banking, before deciding to open her own UPS Store on the Peninsula a few years later. Despite the drastic difference in this new line of work, Shruti rolled up her sleeves and dove right in. Soon she’d taken an unstructured store and (with the help of her Peruvian business partner and 10 employees) transformed the shop into a healthy work environment and a community hub. Understanding the importance of building community, Shruti prioritized forging connections with her community—efforts that earned her recognition as “Best Neighborhood Business” by Nextdoor and glowing online reviews. Navigating the pandemic with intention, she supported other local businesses with banners and posters for local restaurants, printed disposable menus and social distancing signage at-cost (with the occasional compassionate freebie thrown in). She also offered customers who were fearful of leaving their homes a complimentary pick-up service for their shipping and packaging needs. Thirteen years, a pandemic, and two baby girls later, Shruti is still going strong. Shruti Bhalla The UPS Store 1325 Howard Ave, Burlingame 650.348.7447 store2354@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/2354 facebook.com/theupsstore2354 PHOTOGRAPHY: IRENE SEARLES Shruti Bhalla Businesswoman F•A•C•E•S
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==