Running a business requires hard work and dedication, but for one East Texas couple, it’s about fulfilling ambitions and nurturing an even bigger heart.
Meet Roshan and Shanta Dhital, a couple from Nepal who immigrated to the United States in 2015 with hopes of seeking new opportunities.
“We came from Nepal with about $250 each. There are not as many opportunities for people unless they have a good education or if they come from money. Our kids really motivate us to do what we need to do,” said Mrs. Dhital After moving from Oklahoma to Texarkana in 2019, Mrs. Dhital was offered a job working alongside her brother at a convenience store. The couple later transferred to a store in New Boston — the establishment most residents know as ‘Sunny’s’.
“We were working for $9 an hour which was not our goal. We wanted to do our own work. The landlord of Sunny’s came to us and said, ‘Man I’m having trouble with this place,’ and we said to him that we would like to take this opportunity to move on and make the business grow,” Mr. Dhital said.
“Whenever we started operating Sunny’s, oh my gosh, it was so difficult,” Mrs. Dhital said with a frustrated face. “Roshan would go home and go straight to bed without saying anything to me. He didn’t even see his kids for almost 2 months. Our son started questioning that, so we vowed to take off every Sunday to spend the day with the kids.”
The Dhitals are now the proud owners of RD Mart 1 located at 825 N. Center Street in New Boston, Texas. From the outside, the business might appear as any other convenience store, but the story behind it is rooted in love and determination.
They said they chose the initials R and D to represent the names of their children, Rhythm and Dristi. However, it was good childhood memories that challenged Mr. Dhital’s passion for people.
“My dad used to have a little convenience store back in Nepal. I’ve been working with people since I was little. I loved to be around them and to talk to them about the products but I never thought that I would run my own business.”
He continued, “We dealt with racism first moving to the United States but if people try to humiliate me, I’m still gonna laugh with them. I’m gonna put my smile on every time. People think that we are just outsiders but they don’t understand that I’m in a position to help others, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Mrs. Dhital added, “If someone comes to Roshan saying that they’re hungry or that they don’t have money, he will give whatever he has. Whenever it comes to society, we will always do our part.”
RD Mart 1’s future is bright, with the couple planning to make expansions of a drive-thru and Tesla charging stations on the lot. They also hope to add other store locations across the area.
During their free time, they thoroughly enjoy supporting their community in any way possible. Mr. Dhital coaches local tee-ball and soccer teams while Mrs. Dhital cheers him on in support. He is also a well-known dancer in Nepal and says he looks forward to continuing his traditions.
The couple have been together for nine years and share their love with their two children, ages 6 and 4.
The Dhitals are forever grateful for the endless support from family, friends, and community members. They would also like to give a special ‘Thank you’ to Loan Officer Kayla Simmons of Farmer’s Bank & Trust- New Boston for her courtesy in helping establish the business.
