Spotlight

From Style to Sweets: Rhea D’Souza’s Creative Journey Across Fashion, Baking & Thrifting


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

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.”

Social

Unleashing Creativity: 20th Annual Drawing Competition Celebrates Young Artistic Talent


The 20th Annual Drawing Competition, organized as part of Shri Sateri Devi’s Vardhapan Divas celebrations, was a resounding success. Held at Corjuem, this highly anticipated event brought together young artists from various age groups, providing a vibrant platform for them to showcase their creativity and talent.

A Legacy of Fostering Artistic Excellence
Over the past two decades, the Annual Drawing Competition has consistently provided a nurturing environment for children to express themselves through colors and creativity. The event has borne witness to exceptional artistic skills and innovative ideas, as participants demonstrate their unique perspectives and talents.

Celebrating Young Artistic Talent
This year’s competition saw enthusiastic participation from children across different age groups, each showcasing their artistic prowess. The event served as a wonderful opportunity for young artists to gain confidence in their abilities, as they proudly displayed their artwork for all to admire.

Empowering Future Generations
As the Annual Drawing Competition continues to inspire and empower young artistic talent, it remains a testament to the power of creativity and self-expression. By providing a platform for children to explore their artistic potential, this event plays a vital role in shaping the future of art and fostering a community that values and celebrates creativity.

Events in Goa

Rajeshri Creations Presents Triveni: A Celebration of Art and Connection


Rajeshri Creations is thrilled to announce its latest endeavor, Triveni, a unique initiative that seeks to connect hearts through the universal language of art. This exciting project promises to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and understanding through the shared experience of creativity.

What is Triveni?

Triveni, which means “confluence of three rivers” in Sanskrit, represents the coming together of art, culture, and community. This initiative aims to provide a platform for artists, art enthusiasts, and individuals from all walks of life to connect, share, and learn from each other.

Stay Tuned for More Details!

As Triveni prepares to launch, Rajeshri Creations invites you to stay tuned for updates on this exciting project.

Spotlight

The Lens of Life: Harsh Kamat’s Journey as a Photographer


In the world of photography, it’s not just about capturing moments, but also about telling stories that evoke emotions, spark connections, and leave a lasting impact. For Harsh Kamat, a talented photographer from Goa, his lens has been a window to the world, allowing him to document life’s beauty, complexity, and simplicity.

From his early days of experimenting with camera phones to his current projects and collaborations, Harsh’s photography journey has been a testament to his passion, creativity, and dedication. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Harsh’s world, exploring his inspirations, experiences, and perspectives on photography and life.

For Harsh, the spark that ignited his passion for photography was his father’s camera phone. “Those were the days when camera phones had just arrived in the Indian market, and my father had one,” he recalls. “I’d be super excited every time I would take it in my hand and take some pictures on the same.” This early fascination with photography laid the foundation for Harsh’s future endeavors.

As Harsh grew older, his interest in photography only deepened. He pursued his passion by taking courses and practicing regularly. “It’s the process of practicing regularly and experimenting that develops your skill,” he emphasizes. This dedication to his craft has enabled Harsh to develop a unique style that blends technical expertise with creative vision.

For Harsh, photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling stories that resonate with others. “I love to tell stories, and I love to shoot almost every day,” he says. This passion for storytelling has led Harsh to work on various projects, from documenting real-life stories to capturing the beauty of everyday moments.

Throughout his journey, Harsh has had the opportunity to work with several notable photographers and artists. One of his most significant collaborations has been with Common Thread Media, a media firm that works in the social development sector. “Working with Common Thread Media has been a highlight of my career,” Harsh says. “It’s allowed me to work on projects that promote social development and tell real-life stories.”

So, what inspires Harsh’s creativity? “I find inspiration in everyday moments,” he says. “Observing the world around me keeps my creative vision fresh.” This ability to find inspiration in the mundane has enabled Harsh to develop a unique perspective that sets his photography apart.

For those aspiring to follow in Harsh’s footsteps, his advice is simple yet profound: “Just go out there and click.” He believes that the key to success lies in perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn. “To be able to take up your passion as a profession, to be able to tell stories through your pictures, is an ultimate joy and privilege,” Harsh says.

As Harsh looks to the future, he is excited to explore new opportunities and challenges. “I want to let it flow like a river, not plan it,” he says. With his passion, creativity, and dedication, Harsh Kamat is sure to continue making a name for himself in the photography world.

Harsh Kamat’s journey as a photographer is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and dedication. Through his lens, he has captured the beauty, complexity, and simplicity of life, telling stories that evoke emotions, spark connections, and leave a lasting impact. As we gaze through Harsh’s lens, we are reminded of the importance of living in the moment, observing the world around us, and telling stories that matter.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Spotlight

Meet Shreya Sirsat, Founder of Chocolat Story


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.