The GCCI Women’s Wing successfully organised the 12th Edition of ASTURI 2026, its flagship lifestyle exhibition dedicated to promoting women-led enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth. The event reaffirmed the Wing’s long-standing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them a vibrant platform to showcase their products, creativity and innovation.
ASTURI 2026 was inaugurated by noted film actress Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri M. K. Meena, Director MSME (Ministry of Goa); Shri Premraj Shirodkar, Director – Rural Development, GSRLM; Ms. Pratima Dhond, President – GCCI; Mr. Sangam Kurade, Vice President – GCCI; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General – GCCI; and Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor, GCCI Women’s Wing.
Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, highlighted the importance of ASTURI as a platform that enables women entrepreneurs to gain visibility, build networks and grow their enterprises. The exhibition was held under the leadership of Ms. Gouri Joshi, Event Chair – ASTURI 2026, with guidance from Mentor Mrs. Pallavi Salgaocar. The event coordination was efficiently handled by Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI, while Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson, GCCI Women’s Wing, proposed the vote of thanks.
ASTURI 2026 featured 100 stalls showcasing a wide range of offerings including food products, household items, clothing and wellness solutions, drawing enthusiastic participation and appreciation from visitors. Adding to the festive spirit, several competitions were organised for children and adults, including drawing, fancy dress, healthy dessert and duet antakshari competitions, making the exhibition engaging and family-friendly.
A major highlight of the event was the Asturi Queen Competition, held among women entrepreneurs to celebrate confidence, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Suvarna Salgaonkar was crowned Asturi Queen, while Ms. Daniella Vaz emerged as the Runner-up.
The exhibition concluded with a grand closing ceremony graced by Ms. Deepali Naik, Project Director, DRDA South Goa, as the Chief Guest. Overall, ASTURI 2026 stood out as a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment and the dynamic spirit of women-led businesses.
Sonam R. Korgaonkar’s journey into the world of makeup artistry is more than a career transition — it’s a story of passion rediscovered, of artistic identity reclaimed, and of a woman daring to rewrite her narrative. As we celebrate International Makeup Day on September 10, her path reminds us that beauty is not just surface-deep — it’s deeply personal, endlessly creative, and courageously transformative.
Once immersed in the structure and stability of the corporate and automobile sectors, Sonam always carried within her an unspoken fascination for beauty — not just the outer kind, but the kind that uplifts, empowers, and transforms from within.
It wasn’t until later in her career that she made the bold decision to follow her passion wholeheartedly. What began as a quiet interest in makeup eventually blossomed into a deeply fulfilling profession where creativity meets purpose. For Sonam, makeup is not just about technique — it’s about confidence, connection, and storytelling. Every client is a canvas, and every brushstroke is a step closer to helping them see themselves in their best light.
Why Bridal & Celebrity Makeup?
Her decision to specialize in luxury bridal and celebrity makeup came from a desire to do more than create looks — she wanted to create moments. Whether it’s the hush of a bridal suite or the fast-paced energy of a celebrity shoot, Sonam brings a deep sense of intention and artistry to every setting. For her, each assignment is about understanding a person’s essence — their story, their style, their spirit — and reflecting that with elegance and grace.
Being based in Goa has also profoundly influenced her creative lens. The tropical landscapes, golden light, and vibrant cultural fusion have helped shape a makeup style that is effortlessly luxurious and harmoniously natural. Working with destination brides from across the globe has taught her the delicate balance between glamour and authenticity — a signature aesthetic that has now become her hallmark.
Bridal makeup, she believes, is deeply personal. It needs to reflect not just the bride’s personality but also stand the test of time. With celebrity and editorial work, she enjoys the freedom to push boundaries and experiment — but even then, her approach remains thoughtful and refined. Whether it’s a glowing bride under the Goan sun or a celebrity walking onto a high-stakes set, Sonam’s work is rooted in creating beauty that feels elevated, not overpowering.
She recalls some of her most memorable projects as the ones where she could truly align her vision with that of her clients — where trust, creativity, and chemistry came together to create something unforgettable. One of her all-time favorite creations is her signature “sunset bridal look,” crafted especially for destination weddings. On the celebrity side, she thrives in high-pressure moments where artistry meets adrenaline.
Signature Style
What sets Sonam apart is her bespoke approach. She begins each project with an in-depth consultation, tuning into the client’s vision, personality, cultural context, and even the energy of the event. From there, she meticulously selects the right shades, textures, and finishes to build a look that feels entirely authentic — never copied, never generic. No two brides are the same, and for Sonam, that’s where the magic lies.
As someone always ahead of the curve, Sonam is constantly researching and experimenting. Whether she’s attending global masterclasses, studying new techniques, or testing out products at international beauty counters, her commitment to growth is unwavering. She doesn’t just add products to her kit — she investigates them, tests them, and studies their performance over time before they make the cut.
Clients often recognize her work instantly — radiant, velvety skin that looks like it’s lit from within, soft-focus eyes in warm peach and brown tones, and harmonized lips and blush that create a seamless, ethereal glow. Her signature aesthetic has become synonymous with elegance that feels effortless and skin that looks like a second, more luminous version of itself.
Of course, the world of luxury weddings and celebrity work isn’t without its challenges. High-pressure environments, tight timelines, and sky-high expectations are the norm — but Sonam’s calm presence, precision, and preparation allow her to navigate them with grace. She sees these moments not as obstacles, but as opportunities to prove that beauty under pressure can still be beautiful.
Sonam sees her clients not just as customers, but as collaborators. She believes in listening deeply, co-creating, and delivering not just what the client asks for, but something even better — something that feels true to who they are while being aspirational in finish. It’s this delicate blend of vision and intuition that elevates her work beyond artistry — into experience.
During peak wedding season, her days are long and exacting, starting early and revolving around curating one flawless moment after another. Despite the physical demands, the reward lies in the joy she brings to her clients. That moment when a bride looks in the mirror and sees not just makeup, but her most confident self — that, Sonam says, is priceless.
Skincare is at the core of her process. She believes great makeup starts with great skin — clean, nourished, hydrated, and respected. Her product choices reflect this philosophy: from rich moisturizers to long-wear foundations that feel like air, and lipsticks that last without losing their charm. Her top three must-haves for any bride? A deeply hydrating moisturizer, a flawless yet weightless foundation, and a long-lasting lipstick that holds its ground from ceremony to celebration.
For Sonam, the most fulfilling part of her journey is witnessing the transformation — not just of appearance, but of emotion. Seeing a bride glow with happiness, or a celebrity light up with confidence, is her greatest reward. It’s in those smiles, those moments of quiet pride, that she knows her work is more than skin-deep.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Sonam dreams of taking her artistry global — collaborating with luxury beauty houses, working with international celebrities, and creating bridal masterpieces in iconic destinations across the world. Each new opportunity, she believes, is a chance to blend culture, creativity, and elegance in new and exciting ways.
To the young women looking up to her and dreaming of a career in beauty, Sonam offers this: stay passionate, be patient, and never stop learning. The beauty industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, but what sets you apart is consistency, authenticity, and your love for the craft. Success isn’t instant — it’s built brushstroke by brushstroke, day by day.
And if she could sum up her philosophy in one line, it would be this: “True makeup artistry celebrates and elevates a person’s natural beauty, leaving an impression that lingers beyond the mirror.”
“When food becomes more than just a meal — it becomes a movement.“
📸A Passion That Started with a Camera and a Craving
Pranali’s food journey began the way many do — with a love for food and a phone camera. What started as random food photos for fun turned into a full-fledged content creation career. Her Instagram soon filled with reels and photos of every delicious bite she captured.
More than just an explorer of cuisines, Pranali is a passionate home cook — especially when it comes to Goan recipes. From experimenting with basic ingredients to sharing simplified versions of traditional dishes, she makes cooking accessible for everyone. Her signature? That comforting, homely Goan fish curry and rice that’s always close to her heart.
🌟From Honest Reviews to Influencer Recognition
Pranali doesn’t just post — she curates. Her restaurant reviews focus only on the places she genuinely enjoys. “I’d never want to misguide my audience,” she says. Her honesty and consistency caught the attention of major platforms, leading to her empowerment as an influencer by ESG Goa and winning the Starbuzz Food Award.
🧩Balancing Content Creation with a Full-Time Job
Behind every polished reel is a long process: scripting, shooting, retakes, editing, and posting — all handled by Pranali herself. Balancing this with a 9–5 job is no small feat, but she takes it all in stride with patience and passion.
⏳The Challenges and the Cheers
The life of a content creator isn’t always glamorous. The struggle behind perfect shots, the pressure to post consistently, and the hope that content isn’t misused — these are part of the reality Pranali faces. Yet, it’s her supportive family and friends who keep her going.
🚀The Future Is Flavorful
With more collaborations on the horizon and a growing audience who trust her taste, Pranali is just getting started. As she puts it, “All I think about is food and just food.”
Weekend Trip… As soon as the news breaks of a weekend trip, well you tend to plan all sorts of things, what it take, what not to take. What you will require, what you will not.! But hell, one of the biggest mistake atleast girls that is we do is that we tend to overpack like a lot of things, like seriously like a lot of things.
However, best ways to pack for the weekend trip would be to stick to basics and at the same time to look daunting!
Selecting the Right Bag – First of all, Chuck Suitcase out of this Trip! Remember, this is a weekend Trip, so select a small backup that will be able to carry your essentials in it!
What’s On Your Travel Itinerary? – Whenever you pack, consider the itinerary that will help you pack for the trip the best. Suppose you are going for an adventure trip like that of trekking, swimming, taking heels wouldn’t serve the purpose at all. So avoid taking them!
Selective Clothes Only – Try to take selecting clothes only. You could take a couple of shorts or troussers and the same could be mixed matched with the t-shirts, try to include bright colors in your wadrobe also whites and blacks look great! But pack only clothes if you are going to wear them, be true to yourself.
Have a Final Look – Here you can take a final look and deduct unneccesary clothing, systematically packing clothes will help you to wear them directly without having to iron them again. Also, remember when you plan to go for trips like these, wear always the heaviest shoe rather than packing them. This saves the pain of carrying them on your back.
To end with, remember pack only essentials. If there is space in your bag pack, great! you could pick a souvenir for yourself and for me too!
So it is tuesday now, you could plan a quick trip this weekend and at the same time go through these tips! Do Like and Share Your Feedback. Happy Weekend Travelling!
Hope you are doing well this week! I had a wonderful last week – a lot hectic with work but the weekend done right with the San Joao Celebrations! And so I am back in action this week! Interacting with a couple of friends of mine, I got to learn several people including me, sometime or the other lose motivation in life – That driving force that keeps you going. In such circumstances, one needs to get some quick tips that will get you back in action motivated and going.
TIP 01 – GET GOOD REST
On days, when you realise it is not your day or things may not seem like going. Make Sure You get a Good Night Rest. This is one of the best ways to recover, heal and feel energised as this will provide you the right amount of time to get your body, soul and mind active and going.
TIP 02 – PLAN YOURSELF
One of the biggest reasons why we feel less productive or less motivated is the fact that we haven’t planned. So make sure you plan your day, write down a to – do list and make sure you get the same checked from that notepad of yours. This will keep you engage yourself to perform actions that will result into your end product which will motivate you to do better things.
TIP 03 – ORGANISE YOUR LIVING SPACES
This is one of the many things, everyone takes for granted. But if you ask me this is one of the most important thing that sets the mood for your work. Thus, organising things, clothes at home and papers, stationary at your workplace will injest in you a new energy and a fresh mindset which will encourge you to work even more.
TIP 04 – PRETEND THAT THIS IS YOUR GAME
Too often, when we feel less motivated and going we always take the back seat and hope that things may fall in their place gradually. But Instead of doing that, be the change, Dress Up and Show that you can be the boss and no matter what you can turn tides like nobody else can do. This cheat trick a lot of times worked for me, so well this is a tried and test tip. You too can try this one!
This is Your Moment, Pull Yourself Up and Rock it like a rockstar! Have the most productive weekend this week.
TIP 01 – GET GOOD REST