Tag: Women Entrepreneurs

Events in Goa

LeadHERShip 2025: Empowering Goa’s Women to Lead, Inspire, and Achieve

Tanisha Cardozo

On a rainy Tuesday evening, the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall in Panjim was filled with determination and drive as the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) hosted LeadHERShip 2025.

This inspirational event, held on August 18, 2025, was not just a seminar—it was a powerful platform dedicated to empowering women to rise as leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs in the Goan community and beyond.

Welcoming attendees to the program, Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, described LeadHERShip as more than a leadership initiative—it’s a movement. Applauding the audience for showing up despite the monsoon rains, she highlighted the collective commitment to advancing women’s roles in business, leadership, and society.

The event’s Chief Guest, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of women exploring leadership and entrepreneurship as viable, fulfilling career paths—encouraging them to look beyond conventional government roles and envision a future of impact and innovation.

The program featured engaging and practical sessions led by industry professionals and mentors:

  • “How to Start a Business” – Mr. Tushar Sawant from FiiRE offered practical insights into launching a startup in today’s market.
  • “Entrepreneurship & Its Benefits” – Delivered by Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor of the GCCI Women’s Wing, this session inspired attendees with stories of successful women entrepreneurs and the long-term impact of self-driven ventures.
  • Mock Interview Session – Led by Ms. Simran Dhond, this interactive session helped participants improve their job-readiness and interview skills.
  • Mentorship Insights – Ms. Gouri Joshi guided attendees on the value of mentorship, both as mentors and mentees, in personal and professional growth.

The event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication of the Women’s Wing Committee and the GCCI team. It was beautifully compered by Ms. Nandita Dayal, with speaker introductions by Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, and Ms. Clare De Souza.

Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, while the entire event was coordinated efficiently by Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.

LeadHERShip 2025 wasn’t just a day of talks—it was a celebration of women’s ambition, resilience, and leadership. It gave attendees the tools, motivation, and community support needed to take their next steps—whether into entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship.

As Goa continues to shape a more inclusive and dynamic business ecosystem, events like LeadHERShip play a critical role in bridging the gap between aspiration and action.

Business

Bhumi & Samiksha Pednekar Launch Premium Water Brand ‘Backbay’

Tanisha Cardozo

In a powerful blend of family values, environmental consciousness, and entrepreneurial ambition, Bhumi Pednekar, the acclaimed Bollywood actress, and her sister Samiksha Pednekar, a lawyer and business strategist, have launched Backbay, a premium Himalayan water brand poised to make waves in the Indian beverage industry.

Backbay isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy-in-progress. After two years of planning, the sisters have established a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Himachal Pradesh, directly sourcing natural mineral water from the Himalayan region. With a daily capacity of 45,000 boxes, the facility is powered by a largely women-led workforce, further underlining the sisters’ commitment to empowerment and equity.

Backbay’s initial offerings include 500 ml and 750 ml water bottles, priced at ₹150 and ₹200 respectively. The pricing positions it between high-end luxury bottled water (₹600) and premium plastic bottles (₹90), making Backbay a “premium yet accessible” choice for conscious consumers.

What sets Backbay apart is its Gable Top Paper packaging, a packaging style common globally but rare in India. Combined with bio caps, this eco-forward approach reflects the brand’s mission to minimize environmental impact. Bhumi proudly states that Backbay is the only Indian brand currently using this packaging model.

Backbay isn’t stopping at plain mineral water. Samiksha revealed that they are already developing flavored sparkling water in exciting variants like lychee, peach, and lime—targeting health-conscious and lifestyle-driven consumers.

With a vision of reaching ₹100 crore in revenue in four years, the Pednekars are serious about scaling their brand while staying true to their roots.

The launch of Backbay comes just ahead of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that holds deep personal meaning for the sisters. Bhumi shared touching memories of tying rakhis every year and how their late father’s absence only strengthened their bond.

Samiksha recalled how Bhumi shielded her emotionally during the most difficult times, becoming a pillar of strength. “She’s my strongest protector,” Samiksha said.

Their love is no longer just symbolic—it now powers a shared dream, a business, and a brand that’s set to redefine premium hydration in India.

Spotlight

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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.”

Human Interest

MS. PRATIMA DHOND ELECTEDAS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF GOA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

allycaralgoa

Ms Pratima Gaurish Dhond has been elected as the First Woman President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the term 2025 – 2027. Ms Pratima G Dhond will assume charge as the President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01.07.2025 at the end of the term of the current President Mr Shrinivas Dempo. She is the First Woman President in 117 years history of the Chamber.


With a passion for women’s empowerment, Pratima Dhond has dedicated her career to uplifting women through various initiatives and leadership roles. She’s been at the helm of the Women’s Cooperative Bank since 1993 and has chaired the Women’s Wing of GCCI for 8 years, launching the flagship event “Asturi” to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
As a Director of Wakao Foods and the Dhond Group of Companies, Pratima is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She’s also a seasoned Rotarian, serving as Charter President of Rotary Club of Miramar and holding various positions in the club.
With a national-level basketball background and alumni status from Peoples High School Panaji and Dempo Commerce College, Pratima is a true Goan powerhouse!
Personally, she’s married to businessman and social worker Gaurish Dhond and is blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. The Following 14 Member Managing Committee was also elected for the term 2025-27.

  1. Dr Sangam Kurade (Zuari Foods & Farms Pvt Ltd)
  2. Chandrakant Gawas (Shraddha Shipping Co Pvt Ltd)
  3. Harshvardhan Bhatkuly (Business Goa)
  4. Yatin Kakodkar (Apex Packing Products Pvt Ltd)
  5. Pallavi Salgaocar (Geno Pharmaceuticals)
  6. Rohan Bhandare(Chartered Accountant)
  7. Rajesh Dempo (Vision Dempo Hospitality & Estates Pvt Ltd)
  8. Dale Menezes (Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt Ltd)
  9. Roana Maria Costa (Alcon Constructions, Alcon-Victor Group)
  10. Satish Shinde (Astra Metal Systems Pvt Ltd)
  11. Vinesh Pikale (Chartered Accountant)
  12. Prasad Keni (Vergo Pharma)
  13. Manoj Patil (Armour Office Automation)
  14. Atreya Sawant (Atreya Engineering Works)

The New Committee will assume charge on 1st July, 2025.

Events in Goa

The 6th Edition of The Business Diva: Celebrating Goa’s Women Entrepreneurs

allycaralgoa

The 6th Edition of The Business Diva competition, organized by the Women’s Wing of GCCI (Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry), recently concluded with a grand celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship among women in Goa. The event, aimed at supporting and spotlighting women entrepreneurs, successfully brought together aspiring and established women business owners from all corners of the state.

The Business Diva competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform created with the vision to celebrate and uplift women entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and leadership. The event was held in collaboration with FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship), a renowned organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and received invaluable support from Mr. Tushar Sawant, Enterprise Development Manager at FiiRE.

The competition spanned over three months, starting with the announcement and culminating in an intense day-long finale. The entire process was meticulously organized, and the program saw a whopping 100+ nominations from women entrepreneurs across Goa. This overwhelming response showcased the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the state and the need for such platforms.

Categories and Rounds: Startup, Scaleup, and Rural Woman Enterprise

The competition was divided into three key categories:

  • Startup: For new ventures that have innovative ideas and the potential to scale.
  • Scaleup: For businesses that have already started and are looking to expand.
  • Rural Woman Enterprise: Specifically for women entrepreneurs in rural areas who are making a significant impact with their businesses.

After a careful review of the nominations, the first round of selection narrowed down the entries to 30 nominations. These candidates were then invited for the second round, a pitching session where they presented their business models, strategies, and visions. Ultimately, 5 finalists in each category were chosen to proceed to the finale.

The Business Diva platform was created by the Women’s Wing of GCCI with the aim of bringing forward the untold stories of innovation and impact by women entrepreneurs. It also serves as a space to create a supportive community of like-minded women, offering them opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This platform is not just about competition but also about celebrating the achievements and challenges of women in business, promoting an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.

The competition was open to all women entrepreneurs across Goa, both aspiring and established, providing them with an opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive recognition for their entrepreneurial journey.

The finale of the Business Diva competition took place on 27th May 2025 at the GCCI Hall in Panjim. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, with each finalist presenting her business and journey to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel of judges included:

  • Dr. R. Nirmala, Professor at Goa Business School, Goa University
  • Mr. Yogesh Mittal, CFO at Hughes Precision Ltd, Verna
  • Mrs. Ekta Agarwal, CEO of SS Technologies, Margao

The day-long program was packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and a deep dive into the businesses and ideas that the women brought forward. The grand award ceremony took place later in the evening and was graced by several dignitaries, including:

  • Padma Shri Smt. Shashi Soni, the Chief Guest
  • Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, as the Guest of Honour
  • Smt. Pratima Dhond, Vice President of GCCI, also as the Guest of Honour

The winners of the 6th edition of The Business Diva competition were as follows:

  • Category: Startup
    • Winner: Yasha Jain – Charmify
    • Runner Up: Isha Kher – Meraki Enterprises
  • Category: Scaleup
    • Winner: Shruti Mascarenhas – Ceracotta
    • Runner Up: Sunetra Pai Fondekar – Kalanetra
  • Category: Rural Woman Enterprise
    • Winner: Dr. Chetna Parab – Soulart Gift Store
    • Runner Up: Poonam Naik – Super Taste Papad

Each winner and runner-up was awarded a prestigious title that recognized their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The awards were a testament to their hard work and resilience in the competitive world of business.

The event was efficiently hosted by Rahila Khan and Gauri Borkar, both committee members of the Women’s Wing, whose efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Women’s Wing also expressed their gratitude to FiiRE for offering mentoring, funding, and growth opportunities to all the participants, enabling them to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.

A heartfelt congratulations was extended to all the winners, finalists, and participants for their courage and determination to come forward and showcase their entrepreneurial journeys. The Women’s Wing is proud to have hosted such an impactful event and is committed to continuing its mission to inspire and support women entrepreneurs across Goa.

With the success of the 6th edition of The Business Diva, the Women’s Wing of GCCI is already looking forward to the next edition of the competition in 2025. The event serves as a stepping stone for more women to venture into the world of entrepreneurship without limitations, and it is hoped that the winners will inspire other women to chase their dreams fearlessly.