Tag: women in business

Events in Goa

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

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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.

#food

Exclusive Interview: Komal Bhatia, Founder of Paz Café, Goa

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In a candid conversation, Komal Bhatia, the visionary behind Paz Café, shares the inspiring story of her entrepreneurial journey, the values that drive her business, and the secrets to Paz Café’s success.

Komal’s love for creating warm and welcoming spaces led her to establish Paz Café, a haven where people can pause, connect, and find peace. The name “Paz” – meaning “peace” in Portuguese – pays homage to Goa’s rich heritage and laid-back vibe.

With a background in the corporate world, Komal took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for hospitality. Four years ago, she left her job to chase her dream, and Goa’s unique blend of travelers, artists, and entrepreneurs proved to be the perfect setting for her vision.

At Paz Café, Komal prioritizes authenticity, quality, and community. She focuses on creating an immersive experience, using fresh ingredients, and curating a space that fosters connections. Sustainability and ethical business practices are also at the forefront of her mission.

Paz Café embodies a unique blend of bohemian-chic and European charm, reflecting Goa’s relaxed yet vibrant energy. The cozy atmosphere invites customers to unwind and savor delicious food and drinks.

Paz Café offers an eclectic mix of all-day breakfast, healthy, and comfort food, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From artisanal sandwiches to specialty coffee and smoothie bowls, the menu caters to a diverse crowd.

The café is particularly famous for its mouth-watering chicken basil sandwich, mango smoothie bowl, and classic cold frappe.

Komal recounts the challenges she faced, including staffing and operational hurdles. She attributes her success to being hands-on, adapting quickly, and focusing on building a strong brand identity.

Paz Café has achieved notable recognition, including features in prominent publications like Gomantak Times, Curly Tales, and It’s Goa magazine. The café has also built a loyal customer base, with many recommending it as a must-visit spot in Goa.

In conclusion, Komal Bhatia’s inspiring journey and commitment to values-driven business have made Paz Café a beloved destination in Goa.

#food

Preserving Goan Cuisine and Culture: The Inspiring Story of Sonika Lotlikar, Founder of SouthMouth

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In a world where traditional recipes and cultural heritage are often lost in the midst of modernization, Sonika Lotlikar, founder of SouthMouth, is on a mission to preserve the authentic flavors and traditions of Goan cuisine. Her journey, which began with a passion for cooking and a desire to showcase her cultural heritage, has inspired countless food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.

Sonika’s journey into the world of food entrepreneurship was not a conventional one. With a background in government and media, she never thought she would end up cooking for a living. However, after quitting her job, she decided to take the plunge and start her own business. With the encouragement of her mother, who shared her passion for cooking, Sonika began experimenting with traditional Goan recipes and ingredients.

SouthMouth, which gets its name from the fact that the chefs and recipes are from South Goa, was born out of Sonika’s desire to create a brand that showcased the essence of Goan cuisine and culture. Starting with packaged pickles and masalas, Sonika soon expanded her product line to include traditional Goan delicacies, salads, and snacks.

For Sonika, preserving traditional recipes and culture is not just about business; it’s about passion and love for her heritage. She believes that food is an integral part of any culture, and that it has the power to evoke emotions and create nostalgia. With SouthMouth, Sonika aims to take people on a culinary journey through Goa, showcasing the state’s unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

Sonika is committed to using only the freshest and healthiest ingredients in her products. She believes that food should not only taste good but also be good for you. With a focus on sustainability, Sonika ensures that her business practices are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Sonika’s journey has not been without its challenges. From facing financial difficulties to managing a one-woman show, she has had to overcome numerous obstacles to keep her business afloat. However, her passion and commitment to her vision have kept her going. Sonika’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay true to their vision, do their research, and never give up on their dreams.

As SouthMouth continues to grow and expand its product line, Sonika remains committed to her vision of preserving Goan cuisine and culture. With plans to launch new products and collaborate with other food enthusiasts, Sonika is excited to take her business to the next level. For her, the ultimate goal is to make SouthMouth a household name, synonymous with authentic Goan cuisine and culture.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Spotlight

Meet Shreya Sirsat, Founder of Chocolat Story

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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.