Element by Shangri-la is a truly eclectic collection of imported home décor, architectural elements and furnishings that provide a wonderful array of distinctive essentials for your home or office. Element by Shangri-la is a full-service company that offers decorative furniture, wall hangings, sculptures, plants, gifts, lighting and accent pieces.
Smita Patel has traveled the world to import authentic decor for furnishings and special events since 2005. She first owned a retail clothing business in England. A visit to Walt Disney World became a life-changing experience. She decided to relocate their family to Florida. Patel started a resort wear business with hand-painted fashions for the major theme parks and cruise lines. When one of her daughters got married, she realized there was a huge gap and an even more incredible opportunity with creatively designed furnishings and décor for special events that could blend a fusion of the diverse cultures of our world. Daughter Rena Popat still helps the family business with weddings, special events and store merchandising.
Patel founded by Element by Shangri-la in Winter Garden as a premier import décor and furnishing business. She remains focused on bringing unique hand-selected fusion décor items that beautifully blend Western, Indian, Asian and international cultures. Besides traveling to India and Southeast Asia, she also plans to visit Mexico. Patel has built a very loyal clientele from across the world. From traditional to modern and contemporary, she has assembled a fantastic collection.
Element by Shangri-la: This retail storefront is one of the best-hidden gems in Winter Garden. Most people walk in and say, “Wow! This is amazing! We heard about it, yet we didn’t know you were here! While some of the tables, benches, doors and Jharokha windows are repurposed relics from old buildings, they become striking accent pieces in homes, businesses and retail stores. They also become large props for special events. You will find everything from Buddha and Ganesh statues to chairs, benches, wall hangings, purses and giftware. Patel notes, “These high-quality finds are transformed into unique modern décor to provide you with exquisite pieces for your home or office.”
Occasions by Shangri-la: Smita has also established Occasions by Shangri-la with her son Remmal Karamsadkar. As Creative Director for special events, Karamsadkar facilitates over 100 special events per year, including corporate themed functions, celebrations and over 40 weddings per year. Karamsadkar works hand-in-hand with businesses, families, couples and wedding planners. Some of their Asian-fusion wedding events have become two to three-day events. They coordinate the ceremonies, staging, furnishings, entertainment, performances, entertainment props, decorations, interactive video productions, custom fabrications and production lighting. Occasions by Shangri-la also have their own large Canvas Event Venue facility in the Doctor Phillips area of Orlando. They successfully host many events with up to 1000 people. Their inspired Floral Designs are known as some of the best in Florida. They can help you creatively celebrate any occasion from concept to completion.
Patel adds, “We offer our imported culture collections to host really unique and distinctively different events that are memorable.” Smita still has a very strong passion for exploring different towns and cities while searching for talented artisans and discovering their quality work.
Element by Shangri-la | 12800 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 | 407-614-1593 | ElementImports.com or OccasionsByShangrila.com | @ElementFurnitureImports
