On the occasion of Women Entrepreneurs Day, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Women’s Wing, in collaboration with DRDA South, successfully organized the UdyamStree Loan Fair. The event brought together 10 leading banks, including Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Goa Urban Cooperative Bank, Punjab National Bank, Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, and The Bicholim Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd, alongside aspiring women business owners, to facilitate access to finance and mentorship for women-led enterprises.
The programme witnessed participation from over 100 attendees, including representatives from various banks, state officials, and members of the GCCI Women’s Wing Committee such as Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson; Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar; Deepali Naik; CA Swatee Rane; Ms. Clare De Souza; Ms. Gouri Joshi; Ms. Lavanya Shet; Adv. Adbrona Vaz; Ms. Nandita Pinto Dayal; and Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.
Ms. Sandra Fernandes welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of Women Entrepreneurs Day and the role of UdyamStree Loan Fairs in strengthening the economic ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The Chief Guest, Ms. Ranjita Pai, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women, urged banks to streamline credit facilities for women-led enterprises and highlighted various government schemes supporting women entrepreneurs.
During the fair, each participating bank presented a concise overview of its loan products, focusing on interest rates, collateral requirements, and fee structures. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with bank representatives in one-on-one sessions to discuss tailored financial solutions. Adv. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chair of GCCI-WW, proposed a vote of thanks, and CA Swatee Rane compered the event, ensuring a smooth and informative programme.
The UdyamStree Loan Fair successfully provided women entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and financial access necessary to scale their businesses, reaffirming GCCI Women’s Wing’s commitment to empowering women in the economic landscape.
In a story that proves patience, perseverance, and purpose always pay off, Ragini Das, co-founder of Leap.club, has been appointed Head of Google for Startups, India.
What makes this journey particularly inspiring is that 12 years ago, Ragini didn’t clear Google’s final interview. Instead, she joined Zomato, where she learned and grew, eventually co-founding Leap.club, a women-focused professional network that empowered thousands of women to connect and excel in their careers.
After Leap.club paused operations in June 2025, Ragini took time off to rest, travel, and rediscover herself. Soon after, she discovered a role at Google perfectly aligned with her experience and passion for supporting founders. She describes it as a “full-circle moment”, the same company that once rejected her now welcoming her as a leader.
Ragini’s story is a reminder that rejection isn’t the end; it can be a redirection to something bigger. Her journey from setback to success underscores the power of resilience, learning, and staying true to one’s purpose.
Goa is rapidly evolving into one of India’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, and the launch of the Goa Startup Policy 2025 marks a significant leap forward in that journey. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), this forward-thinking policy aims to foster innovation, generate employment, attract investment, and promote entrepreneurship across the state.
Goa already boasts 696 DPIIT-recognised startups — one of the highest per capita in the country — and the new policy sets even more ambitious goals. By 2028, Goa aims to establish 1,000 startups, create 10,000 jobs for Goans, help 100 startups secure venture funding, and enable partnerships between 50 startups and government departments.
The policy is spearheaded by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, who is actively working to create an innovation-first culture across sectors. It takes a holistic approach — offering support not just to founders, but also to students, educational institutions, women entrepreneurs, and incubators.
The Campus Innovation Scheme is a standout initiative under the policy, offering grants to student innovators for entrepreneurial and research-based projects. These grants will cover costs related to prototype development, encouraging students to become job creators, not just job seekers.
To build a future-ready workforce, the Skill Enhancement Scheme reimburses startups for AI and tech-related upskilling. Additionally, the government will collaborate with private entities to establish IT labs, Maker Labs, and Innovation Centres in educational campuses and industrial parks.
The policy places a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship. Women-led startups working on innovative ideas will be eligible for monthly allowances, mentorship, and funding support through a dedicated program. Another initiative — the Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme — will provide financial support to startups attending government-endorsed exhibitions and trade shows, enabling better visibility and networking opportunities.
Crucially, the policy fosters an ecosystem approach. It encourages partnerships with accelerators, investors, educational institutions, corporates, government bodies, and market platforms, creating a collaborative network that supports startups through every stage of growth.
By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and skill development, the Goa Startup Policy 2025 is building the foundation for a globally competitive, future-facing economy. Goa is not just aspiring to be a startup hub — it is setting itself up to become India’s Creative Capital, where technology meets talent, and ideas become impact.
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.”
The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), established on 3rd September 1908, proudly celebrates 117 years of unwavering service to Goa’s economy. As one of India’s oldest regional chambers, GCCI has been a constant in the state’s transformation—from the Portuguese colonial period to post-liberation development. Over more than a century, it has consistently advocated for pro-business policies, strengthened Goa’s industrial base, and nurtured its social fabric.
Under the leadership of its first-ever woman President, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, the Chamber steps into its 118th year with renewed energy and direction. Throughout its journey, GCCI has been a dynamic bridge between businesses and government, influencing policy, infrastructure, and institutional development. Its contributions span diverse sectors including trade, tourism, shipping, mining, manufacturing, IT, and sustainability.
Central to GCCI’s mission is support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—the bedrock of Goa’s economy. Through mentoring, training workshops, and strategic partnerships with institutions like GIM and EDC, the Chamber has built a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its Women’s Wing continues to empower women-led enterprises through signature events such as Asturi and Business Diva. Initiatives like the ‘Leaders@GCCI’ series have brought national thinkers to the state, encouraging dialogue that connects local challenges to global trends.
GCCI is also deeply invested in sustainable business practices and has played a proactive role in aligning academic programs with industry needs. A notable initiative is the launch of the B.Com (Retail) course at S S Dempo College, enabled by GCCI’s Retail Committee, highlighting its commitment to skill development.
Among its milestone contributions, GCCI’s involvement in formulating the Goa IT Policy and supporting infrastructure like the Manohar International Airport at Mopa has been pivotal. Through MoUs with international chambers, GCCI continues to foster global business linkages and knowledge exchange.
As it moves forward, GCCI remains committed to driving inclusive and sustainable growth. With a focus on women-led enterprises, innovation, and strategic collaboration, the Chamber reaffirms its role as a key driver of Goa’s progress and a symbol of enduring leadership.
