Carpe Diem – Majorda recently became the stage for an evening of heartfelt expression and shared experiences, as an Open Mic Evening unfolded in collaboration with Zeitgeist Goa and TEDx Panaji. Curated and hosted by Diya Padiyar and Loretta Rodrigues, the event revolved around the poignant theme “It’s About Time.”
From the very first act, the atmosphere was electric—filled with anticipation, warmth, and curiosity. The lineup reflected a beautiful mix of voices, perspectives, and forms of expression. Poetry, music, storytelling, and stand-up comedy wove a rich tapestry of emotion and creativity. Some performers were seasoned veterans, while others stood before an audience for the very first time. Each was met with equal respect and encouragement, creating a space where everyone felt heard and valued.
One particularly special moment was a debut stand-up performance that had the room erupting in laughter and applause. The crowd’s response reminded everyone of the unique magic that live, in-person storytelling can offer.
What made the evening even more special was the multilingual nature of the performances. Artists switched between languages with ease—blending cultures, experiences, and identities into their pieces. It wasn’t just the performers who took the spotlight. The audience, too, played an active role—offering questions, sharing their own reflections, and responding with visible emotion and support.
As the night drew to a close, a live band took over the stage, delivering soulful, heartfelt music that wrapped the evening in warmth. People left the venue smiling, inspired, and connected—not just to the performances, but to each other.
The Open Mic at Carpe Diem was more than just an event. It was a celebration of voice, presence, and the power of sharing your truth. Through collaboration and community, it became a moment in time where stories mattered, and every voice found its place.
The Jonas Brothers are trading concert stages for snow-covered chaos in their new holiday adventure, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, coming to Disney+ on November 14.
In their first-ever holiday feature film, Joe, Kevin, and Nick Jonas star as themselves in a heartwarming — and hilariously unpredictable — story about doing whatever it takes to get home for the holidays. After a sold-out show in London, the brothers are determined to make it back to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families. But with a string of escalating misadventures standing in their way, the trip turns into a comical race against time involving stolen rides, snowy detours, and even a tense encounter with a pack of wolves.
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu (Breathing Lessons), the film promises both laughs and feel-good moments for viewers of all ages. Joining the JoBros is an impressive ensemble cast including Billie Lourd (The Last Showgirl), Laverne Cox (Doubt), KJ Apa (I Still Believe), Chloe Bennett, Randall Park (Shortcomings), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Cocaine Bear), Andrea Martin (Only Murders in the Building), and legendary saxophonist Kenny G. Music producer and songwriter Justin Tranter also makes a special appearance as himself.
In the teaser trailer released on September 5, fans get a glimpse of the hijinks to come — from frantic dashes through London to snowy standoffs and sibling squabbles. With Kevin missing his kids, Nick FaceTiming wife Priyanka Chopra, and Joe keeping the energy chaotic as ever, it’s a nostalgic, comedic, and festive treat that promises to deliver all the holiday spirit.
A Very Jonas Christmas Movie marks a new chapter for the trio as they continue their 20th anniversary Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown tour, which is currently underway with the next stop at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on September 6.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just in the mood for some holiday cheer, this festive comedy is sure to be a must-watch this season.
Chess returns to the global spotlight as the FIDE World Cup 2025 heads to Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27. In a high-stakes, eight-round knockout format, 206 of the world’s strongest players will compete for a $2 million prize fund and three coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
India’s chess rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Last year, Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the world by becoming World Champion. More recently, Divya Deshmukh captured the Women’s World Cup title, marking a new era in Indian chess. With both the Open and Women’s teams winning gold at the Chess Olympiad, India has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse.
Goa, known for its serene beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, offers the perfect backdrop for this world-class tournament. For fans, it’s the ideal setting to witness elite chess alongside a rich cultural experience. For players, it’s a unique blend of focus and inspiration.
Tournament Format
Dates: October 30 – November 27, 2025
Players: 206
Format: Eight-round knockout
Top 50 seeds start in Round 2
Match Structure: Two classical games; if tied, rapid & blitz playoffs
Top 3 Finishers: Qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament
Leadership Statements
Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President:
“India has become one of the strongest chess nations. Hosting the World Cup in Goa is a celebration of this growth and the global appeal of chess.”
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India:
“India is delighted to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025. I am sure this tournament will showcase thrilling matches and the brilliance of top players from around the world.”
Nitin Narang, AICF President:
“This is a proud moment for Indian chess. The World Cup in Goa will inspire millions and reflect India’s stature as a global hub for the game.”
With more than 90 countries expected to be represented, the FIDE World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most widely watched and celebrated chess events in history.
Chess fans around the world—mark your calendars. Goa is calling, and the board is set.
Papersmith began not as a business, but as a quiet hobby. Donna D’Souza, with a deep-rooted love for art and craft, spent her spare time creating handmade cards, gifts, and artworks for her close circle of friends and family. These thoughtful creations became cherished keepsakes. What started as casual gifting soon found itself at a curious crossroads. Encouraged by friends during a casual conversation, Donna created a small page to showcase her work—just for fun. She had no idea that her hobby was about to blossom into something more. People not only loved what they saw—they wanted to buy it. That’s when Papersmith began its transformation into a homegrown brand.
But building something from scratch wasn’t easy. Donna had to navigate everything from sourcing reliable vendors to understanding pricing models, packaging, timelines, and most importantly, customer expectations—all while managing every detail on her own.
💡 Inspiration in Every Corner
Where does Donna find her creative spark? Everywhere. From whimsical imagination to heartfelt reference images, she draws inspiration from a wide range of sources. But what sets her apart is how she reinterprets references to make something uniquely hers. Her golden rule: never replicate—always reinterpret. And the most powerful source of all? Her clients’ stories. From personal memories to touching milestones, Donna transforms emotions into designs that speak volumes.
💬 Custom-Tailored, Just for You
Each piece Donna creates is personal—because she makes sure it is. Every order begins with a detailed conversation where clients share the occasion, their color preferences, dislikes, size requirements, and even emotional details. Whether it’s for a housewarming, a birthday, or a wedding, Donna ensures each project becomes a collaborative experience.
Even when clients request a recreation of a past design, Donna gives it a unique spin. She starts with a sketch and invites feedback before bringing the artwork to life. Every detail, down to the placement of each strip, is carefully curated—no templates, no shortcuts. Just genuine, personalized art.
🕰️ A Thoughtful Timeline, A Careful Process
To maintain her creative rhythm without compromising on quality, Donna follows a four-week timeline for most orders. It begins with sketching a draft and sharing it with the client. After incorporating any feedback, she moves on to the quilling stage—rolling, shaping, and assembling intricate paper strips. Once complete, the piece goes for framing before it’s finally packed and delivered.
Throughout the journey, Donna keeps her clients in the loop. Every update is a reassurance, and over time, this transparent approach has built deep trust between artist and audience.
🏡 The Nameplates That Became a Signature
Among all her creations, one product stands out: the nameplates. These quickly became Papersmith’s most loved and ordered items. There’s something deeply special about having your name beautifully quilled and placed at the entrance of your home or bedroom. During the pandemic, demand for these nameplates skyrocketed—with Donna crafting over 20 per month at one point. Even today, they remain a staple product and a symbol of the brand’s identity.
✍️ The Step-by-Step Creative Journey
Donna’s artistic process is meticulous. It starts with conceptualizing the idea—playing with font styles, motifs, and color palettes. Next comes the rough design sketch, which is then refined with client feedback. After final approval, she begins the intricate quilling work. Once the piece is complete, it’s framed and carefully packaged. This step-by-step structure helps Donna maintain consistency and a high standard of finish in every single piece.
📲 More Than Just Art—A Community
Papersmith isn’t just about paper—it’s about people. Donna goes the extra mile to keep her audience engaged through relatable content, polls, fun reels, and behind-the-scenes peeks on social media. This approach has helped build a community that feels seen, heard, and involved. The best part? When clients reach out months—or even years—later to say their artwork still brings joy, it reaffirms why she does what she does.
💼 Daytime Deadlines, Nighttime Designs
Juggling a full-time corporate job alongside running a creative business isn’t easy. Most of Donna’s weekdays are consumed by desk work. But creativity doesn’t follow office hours. Inspiration strikes unexpectedly—in a conversation, an image, or even a quiet moment. Donna notes these ideas down and explores them when time allows, often during evenings and late nights.
🌪️ Chaos, But Make It Beautiful
Creative work isn’t always tidy. Donna’s workspace often becomes a lively chaos of paper strips and tools, but within that mess lies magic. The actual artwork is always handled with the utmost care, and she finds humor in the clutter—like losing a tool seconds after setting it down. This chaos, she admits, is part of the adventure.
✨ The Dream? Not Fame—But Impact
Unlike many, Donna doesn’t dream of collaborating with celebrities. Her dream collaboration is more grounded—seeing her work featured in a prestigious magazine or on the desk of a respected editor. Such recognition would elevate the art of quilling and bring her handmade stories to a wider audience.
🌙 Creativity After Dark
Donna’s most inspired hours? The night. Back in college, nights were the only time she could create—and the habit stuck. Today, she still finds herself quilling through the night, completely immersed in her craft. These peaceful hours, when the world is quiet, are when she feels most connected to her art.
As a first-generation entrepreneur, Donna’s path was paved with trial and error. In the early days, she often overworked herself—skipping meals, staying up late, and pushing hard to keep up with demand. But time taught her the value of balance. Now, she takes intentional breaks, whether it’s reorganizing her studio or simply resting. This space helps preserve her creativity for the long run.
💬 Feedback That Fills Her Cup
What do clients love most about Donna’s work? Its precision. The clean lines, perfect curves, and overall neatness never fail to impress. That attention to detail is what makes every piece so treasured—and what brings customers back again and again.
Every review, whether a short thank-you or a heartfelt note, is a memory Donna holds close. Clients often write in to say the piece made someone cry with joy or lit up their home. These messages are more than testimonials—they’re emotional fuel that keeps her going on difficult days.
🌍 What’s Next for Papersmith?
Looking ahead, Donna hopes to grow Papersmith beyond Goa and India—to reach hearts across the globe. She dreams of conducting workshops, teaching others the art of quilling, and fostering a wider appreciation for this intricate craft. She envisions her handmade pieces finding homes all over the world, continuing to tell stories through the timeless beauty of paper.
Papersmith is not just a brand—it’s a labor of love, a journey of self-expression, and a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets purpose.
Rhea D’Souza didn’t set out to become a multi-hyphenate creator — but curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for storytelling led her exactly there. Based in Goa, Rhea is the creative force behind Grumpy Cat Bakes, Second Chances (a curated thrift page), and a fashion feed that resonates with thousands.
“Each hat I wear may seem different, but they all connect through creativity, storytelling, and building something that makes people feel good.”
Whether she’s styling a thrifted outfit, baking brownies from her kitchen, or balancing a day job in social media, Rhea brings authenticity to everything she touches.
🌴The Goa Influence
Goa’s vibrant culture, pastel skies, and laid-back rhythm are deeply embedded in Rhea’s aesthetic. The Portuguese architecture of Fontainhas, the flea markets, and beach sunsets inspire her styling choices and photo shoots alike. This coastal spirit brings a softness and storytelling vibe to everything she creates.
🍫Grumpy Cat Bakes — A Mood in Dessert Form
What started as casual brownie-making for friends evolved into Grumpy Cat Bakes, a home bakery named after her famously grumpy-looking (but loving) cat.
“On some days, I’m a big grumpy cat, but I still have so much to give — whether it’s love, or love through desserts.”
Her made-to-order treats are known for comfort, creativity, and heart — offering a sweet solution for any grumpy day.
💫Second Chances: A Thrift Store With Meaning
Faced with an overflowing closet from brand shoots, Rhea didn’t want her pre-loved pieces to go to waste. So she launched Second Chances, a space to extend the life of fashion pieces and make mindful style more accessible.
“Each piece carries a little story with it, ready to be continued by someone else.”
It’s not just about reducing waste — it’s about celebrating style that lasts, with heart.
🎯Balancing It All
Juggling a full-time job, content creation, baking orders, and running a thrift page is no small feat. Rhea relies on flexible planning, passion-driven prioritization, and a good content calendar.
“Each passion feeds into the other, keeping my creativity alive.”
Batch content creation, seasonal focus shifts, and listening to her energy help her manage the load while keeping joy at the center.
✨Staying Authentic
In an online world of trends and pressure, Rhea stays rooted in what feels real.
“I explore trends but always adapt them to my personal style. I think people relate more to content that’s wearable, comfortable, and real.”
Pinterest, fashion blogs, even a passerby’s outfit can become inspiration for her next look — but always with her own twist.
💭Dream Collaborations & Inspirations
From global brands like Zara and Dior Beauty to creators like Shubhra Vaity, Rhea’s dream partnerships reflect her blend of elegance, versatility, and authenticity.
🪄Advice for Aspiring Creators
Rhea’s advice is simple: start with what you have and build as you go.
“Before I had a tripod, I used a stool and a stack of books. The most important thing is to start — consistency and curiosity will take you far.”
💌The Reward? Real Connections.
What matters most to Rhea is the impact — the DMs from girls who feel more confident, the people who style her thrifted pieces, or smile at a brownie delivery.
“If one person feels seen or inspired by what I share, it’s all worth it.”
