Category: Spotlight

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Spotlight

Meet Shreya Sirsat, Founder of Chocolat Story

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Shreya Sirsat is a talented cake artist and founder of Chocolat Story, a renowned bakery in Goa. With a passion for creating exquisite cakes that bring joy to people’s lives, Shreya has built a reputation for her attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to quality.


Shreya’s fascination with cake artistry began during her teenage years, watching cake decorating shows on TLC. She was captivated by the beauty and creativity of cake design and knew she wanted to pursue a career in this field. After completing her degree in Business Management, Shreya pursued formal education in cake artistry and began her journey as a cake artist.

Chocolat Story: A Dream Realized
In 2015, Shreya founded Chocolat Story, initially focusing on corporate gifting and homemade chocolates. However, her true passion lay in cake designing, and she soon transitioned to creating custom cakes that celebrate life’s special moments. With over nine years of experience in cake designing, Shreya has developed a distinctive style that blends creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for making every cake a masterpiece.


Shreya’s inspiration comes from various sources, including nature, art, and other food. She believes in staying true to her own style while keeping an eye on global trends. Her favorite part about being a cake artist is creating something special for people and seeing the joy it brings to their celebrations.


As a entrepreneur, Shreya has learned to balance the creative and business aspects of running Chocolat Story. She prioritizes organization, time management, and delegation to ensure that both sides of the business run smoothly.


Shreya’s future plans for Chocolat Story include sharing her knowledge with aspiring cake artists through courses and personal consultations. She also aims to improve the business’s online presence and continue innovating in the field of cake artistry. With exciting projects lined up, including introducing a new concept in wedding cakes, Shreya is committed to taking Chocolat Story to new heights.


Shreya plans to continue sharing her passion for cake artistry with the community in Goa through hands-on courses and personal consultations. She believes in helping others grow in the field and breaking the misconception that cake artistry is an easy job.

Shreya Sirsat’s journey as a cake artist and entrepreneur is a testament to her passion, creativity, and dedication. With Chocolat Story, she has created a brand that is synonymous with quality, creativity, and excellence. As she continues to innovate and inspire others, Shreya’s story is a reminder that with hard work and determination, dreams can become a reality.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Spotlight

Sakshi Kurtarkar’s Spiritual Pilgrimage to Mahakumbh

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Sakshi Kurtarkar, ace dancer and the winner of India Banega Manch, embarked on a spiritual journey to Mahakumbh, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. Accompanied by her parents, Sakshi took a sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam waters during the auspicious Shahi Panchami mahurat.


The Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge, is considered one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. Taking a dip in these waters during the Shahi Panchami mahurat is believed to be a spiritually cleansing experience. Sakshi, along with her parents, immersed themselves in the sacred waters, seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification.


The Shahi Panchami mahurat is a significant event during the Mahakumbh, marking the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. This auspicious timing is considered ideal for spiritual activities, including the sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam waters. Sakshi’s decision to take the dip during this mahurat reflects her deep respect for Hindu traditions and her desire for spiritual growth.


Sakshi’s parents accompanied her on this spiritual journey, making it a special family bonding experience. Together, they prayed, meditated, and sought blessings from the sacred waters. This shared experience strengthened their spiritual connection and created lifelong memories.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities, Spotlight

Meet Sabina Da Cunha, the Artist Preserving Goan Culture Through Traditional Crafts

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Sabina Da Cunha, a talented artist from Goa, has been making waves in the art world with her stunning traditional crafts. Recently, she was awarded the prestigious Art & Culture Award at the Orchid Awards 2025. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Sabina to discuss her artistic journey, inspiration, and creative process.


When asked about her win, Sabina shared, “It feels incredibly humbling and rewarding to be recognized for something I do with so much love and passion. This award is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me, especially my family and the women in my community who have kept this tradition alive.”


Sabina’s artistic journey began as a necessity. After her son was diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder, she had to leave her job in Dubai and return to Goa. It was then that she turned to mollam weaving, a traditional craft she learned from her grandmother. “It started as a necessity but soon became a passion,” she explained.


Sabina’s love for working with coconut leaves to create mollam is evident in her work. “It’s a simple yet beautiful craft that connects me to my roots and the environment,” she said. Her creative process begins with selecting the right coconut leaves, cleaning and preparing them for weaving, and experimenting with new patterns inspired by nature or her children’s drawings.


Sabina’s biggest inspiration is her family and community. Her children remind her every day of the importance of perseverance and finding joy in small things. She also draws inspiration from the women in her village who have been weaving mollam for generations.


Sabina stays true to traditional techniques and designs while also adapting to modern tastes. “I listen to my customers and incorporate their feedback,” she said. “For example, I’ve started creating smaller, decorative pieces that appeal to younger generations and tourists.”


Sabina hopes her art will be remembered as a celebration of Goan culture and a testament to the strength of women. She wants her work to inspire others to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and to keep traditional crafts alive.


Sabina’s advice to aspiring artists is to start with passion and patience. “Art is not always about perfection; it’s about expression and connection,” she said.


Sabina is planning an exhibition to showcase the art of mollam weaving and its cultural significance. She is also organizing workshops to empower women with skills that can support their families.

We are thrilled to celebrate Sabina Da Cunha’s achievement and share her inspiring story with our readers. Congratulations once again on her well-deserved win!

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities, Spotlight

Meet Sindiya Naik, A Content Creator Who Embodies The Spirit of Goa

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As a passionate content creator, Sindiya Naik has made it her mission to showcase the beauty of Goa and its hidden culture. Through her captivating storytelling and highlighting the unique traditions, customs, and heritage of Goa, Sindiya has become a beloved figure in the content creation community.


Sindiya’s love for Goan cuisine is evident in her content. Her favorite dish is the traditional fish curry with rice, which she styles with coriander leaves, lemons, and traditional Goan utensils. For foodies and travelers, she recommends:

  • Agonda Beach for stunning views
  • Panjim Market Mapusa to try traditional Goan snacks and drinks


Sindiya’s fashion style is a beautiful blend of comfort, elegance, and traditional Goan elements. She chooses outfits that incorporate:

  • Colorful textiles
  • Intricate patterns
  • Natural fibers

For a Goan summer, she recommends investing in lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton dresses, linen shirts, and comfortable sandals. Statement accessories like colorful scarves, layered necklaces, and oversized clothes add a pop of color and style to her outfits.


Sindiya believes that content creators can play a significant role in preserving Goan culture and heritage. She collaborates with local artisans, designers, and musicians to showcase the richness and diversity of Goan culture. Her favorite Goan festival is the Ganesh Chaturthi, which she participates in by attending the procession, trying traditional sweets, and decorating her home with eco-friendly decorations.


For aspiring content creators looking to build a community in Goa, Sindiya’s advice is to stay focused, consistent, and patient. Build relationships with your audience, and always be open to learning and growth. Collaborate with local influencers and creators to showcase the diversity and richness of Goan culture


As a content creator, Sindiya prioritizes self-care and wellness by scheduling time for skin care and healthy eating. She takes breaks and rests when needed, and prioritizes transparency and honesty with her audience


To maintain a healthy work-life balance, Sindiya prioritizes self-care, wellness, and healthy eating. She sets clear boundaries, prioritizes tasks, and makes time for activities that bring her joy and relaxation.

Follow Sindiya Naik on social media to stay updated on her latest content and adventures in Goa!