Lokesh Oli

Founder

Oliz Store 

Lokesh Oli, the founder of Oliz Store, is a name that resonates with tech enthusiasts across Nepal. Fondly known as 'Bijuli Dai' among his followers, Lokesh’s journey from a small town in Jhapa to establishing a successful tech store in Kathmandu is both inspirational and fascinating. Over the years, his business has expanded, allowing him to explore many parts of the world. His travels, business ventures, and his viral persona as 'Bijuli Dai' have become a source of inspiration for many, especially young content creators.

Early Life and First Travel Experience

Lokesh’s first travel experience left a lasting imprint on him. Born and raised in Jhapa, his first journey was to Kathmandu via a night bus. "Every day, I would see the night buses pass by and dream of the day I’d finally be on one, heading to the city," Lokesh recalls. That day came when his father bought him a bus ticket to Kathmandu. His excitement was palpable, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

This modest beginning later evolved into his passion for travel, both for business and personal reasons. His business ventures, particularly with Oliz Store, would take him around the world, but his early travels were more about survival and ambition than luxury.

Venturing Abroad: First International Travel

Lokesh's first international trip was to India, and his second was to Thailand, a destination that left a profound impact on him. "I was in the water filter business back then, so my trip to Thailand was for work. I didn’t get the vacation experience as most people would expect," he admits.

Back then, international travel was quite different from what it is today. “We didn’t have communication mediums like we do now. I remember landing in Thailand, and there was someone at the airport with a placard displaying my name. But when I went up to them, they wouldn’t believe it was me because I was so young at the time!" It was also his first time flying on a large aircraft, an experience that he still vividly remembers.

Exploring the World: Favorite Destination

When asked about his favorite travel destinations, Lokesh shares a nuanced perspective. "There’s no one favorite destination," he explains. "If you're talking about beauty and exploration, Europe stands out. For spending openly and freely, I’d say Asia. People often dream of Australia or America, and I've been fortunate enough to visit most of these places, except Australia.”

Why hasn’t he been to Australia? With a laugh, Lokesh shares an amusing story. "I’m kind of angry with Australia," he jokes. "It’s not real anger, but the first time I applied for a visa, they rejected me due to some missing documents. After that, I applied for Europe, and in my ego, I got my visa approved in just a matter of days!"

Despite his light-hearted frustration with Australia, Lokesh has traveled to an impressive 35 countries, including most of Europe. His travel choices are often guided by his business needs, personal preferences, and budget.

The Journey of Oliz Store

Oliz Store, founded in 2007 and officially launched in 2010, is now one of Nepal’s most recognized tech retail outlets. Lokesh's love for technology has been a driving force behind its success. "The trend keeps changing, and I’ve always been interested in tech. We started by working with a few tech brands, and as we partnered with Apple, our product range expanded significantly. Apple’s products require a lot of accessories, and that allowed us to grow rapidly."

Through Oliz Store, Lokesh has built a strong association with prominent American brands and a few Chinese companies, enabling him to bring cutting-edge technology to Nepali consumers.

‘Bijuli Dai': The Viral Sensation and Inspiration

In addition to his business achievements, Lokesh’s alter ego, 'Bijuli Dai,' has made him a viral figure in Nepal’s social media landscape. His candid approach to content creation, particularly his efforts to raise awareness about electric vehicles, earned him the nickname. When asked how he feels about his viral status, Lokesh humbly states, "It’s more about self-satisfaction. No matter how much you invest, even if you earn a little, you need to be happy because it’s your achievement. We’ve spent so much time and effort creating awareness about electric cars, and in the end, it’s all about happiness."

His efforts have paid off, as he has become a source of inspiration for new YouTubers and content creators in Nepal. His journey shows that with persistence, dedication, and a touch of creativity, success is within reach.

Travel in Nepal: Road Trips and Treks

Despite his international travels, Lokesh’s love for his home country remains strong. He enjoys traveling by road across Nepal, although he admits he hasn’t visited as many places as he’d like. "I’ve reached from Mechi to Mahakali," he says, referring to the easternmost and westernmost points of Nepal. "I’ve mainly explored the Terai region, and I’ve been to Pokhara. But I want to trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) someday."

For Lokesh, traveling in Nepal is often intertwined with work. However, he makes it a point to take family vacations when he can, appreciating the balance between work and leisure.

Childhood Memories: From Village to City

Reflecting on his early life, Lokesh shares how his upbringing in Jhapa shaped him. He attended a government school, where education standards were not the best, and learning English was a significant challenge. "Back then, education wasn’t as good as it is now, and the English language was a major hurdle. But looking back, transitioning from a village to a city was quite a journey," he reflects.

This transition laid the foundation for Lokesh’s entrepreneurial spirit, pushing him to adapt, learn, and grow in an ever-changing world.