Local Virginia Multi-Store Franchisee Shares Business Story and Unique Music Background

Leena Dhindsa immigrated to the U.S. in 1993 from Punjab, India, to join her husband of 4 years in America. Through hard work, dedication and opportunity, she has achieved the American dream.

Dhindsa started as a cashier at a 7-Eleven in Herndon, Virginia. She eventually became an assistant manager from 1994 to 2008 when someone noticed an entrepreneurial flair in her, offering her the opportunity to franchise. In 2008, she took the unusual leap from assistant manager to business owner and franchised the Herndon store.

In 2011, she applied these same successful principles and franchised her second store in Leesburg, VA.

It seems that business and franchising runs in the family. Leena and her husband Harinder Singh Dhindsa have two sons. Preetinder Singh Dhindsa, worked his way through high school at Leena’s first store, graduated from George Mason University, and is now a 7-Eleven Field Consultant in training in the Richmond Market.

Leena’s other son, Saminder “Sami” Singh Dhindsa, recently graduated from Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, and is studying music at George Mason University.

In addition to business, Leena and her sons are accomplished musicians. Leena graduated with a Masters in music in India’s Punjabi University. Sami, a member of the George Mason University Folk Dance Team, plays percussion instruments including a Jodi, an ancient Indian 2-piece drum set. Preetinder, also a musician, plays string instruments including an ancient type of string instrument in the shape of a peacock called a Taus.

Sami and Preetinder are musicians and teachers for the Raj Academy of music for the revival of the ancient arts and instruments of India. They have traveled the United States and many other countries around the world teaching and playing music. Both sons have played at the White House.