In June 2017, Siya (Rafina) Shaikh, a determined and visionary entrepreneur, founded GoWomania LLP, a unique platform that supports and encourages women in Goa. Her mission was to create an online community that would provide Goan women with exposure, opportunities, and a platform to showcase their talents and skills. Little did she know that this initiative would eventually blossom into a thriving ecosystem that uplifts and empowers women entrepreneurs.
How was GoWomania started?
Siya's inspiration for GoWomania stemmed from her experiences in Pune, where she actively participated in a similar platform and witnessed the power of online communities in fostering growth and collaboration. Upon returning to her hometown, Goa, she noticed a void – the absence of a community where Goan women could display their talents and work. This became her driving force to create a platform that would fill this gap and provide Goan women with the recognition they deserved.
Moreover, during her pursuit of setting up a manufacturing plant, Siya encountered many women involved in crafting artifacts and handicraft items. This further reinforced her vision for GoWomania, aligning with the rich creative heritage of Goa.
What does GoWomania do?
The GoWomania platform focuses on guiding women entrepreneurs through three key stages of their business journey. The first stage involves creating awareness and exposure for their products or services. The online community of GoWomania plays a pivotal role in this stage, giving women a platform to showcase their talents and build a strong presence.
As their businesses grow and demand increases, women entrepreneurs often face the challenge of formalizing their ventures. GoWomania addresses this second stage by offering guidance and support for business registration, branding, and identity development. Their dedicated platform, Webn, serves as a powerful business networking tool, connecting like-minded individuals and providing valuable resources for business expansion.
Specialty of GoWomania -
GoWomania understands the importance of providing value to its members. The annual membership fee for Webn is nominal, ensuring that women get more value than they invest. By offering a robust network and access to various resources, GoWomania empowers women to take their businesses to new heights.
For Siya, purpose is the foundation of every venture. Understanding and identifying the "why" behind a business idea lays the groundwork for future success. GoWomania's USP lies in its three distinct verticals – the online community, the women-exclusive business networking platform (Webn), and the e-commerce platform (Goenkart). This comprehensive approach sets GoWomania apart from other networks, offering a holistic ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
Future for GoWomania -
Having witnessed the remarkable success of GoWomania in Goa, Siya aspires to extend this empowering platform to Pune, where she spent a significant part of her life. Her vision is to bridge the gap between the two states and foster a strong networking community for women entrepreneurs in Pune.
Success Stories -
The success stories of GoWomania are numerous, with countless women achieving great heights in their businesses. For instance, a home baker's journey from making a few cakes a month to baking more than 20 cakes per month exemplifies the transformational impact of GoWomania's support and guidance.
About the Founder -
Siya's journey as a first-generation entrepreneur began with financial constraints, leading her to a career in BPO in Pune. Her part-time job in sales allowed her to build a strong network and taught her the importance of networking for business success. This experience eventually led her to establish GoWomania and share her expertise with other women entrepreneurs.
Siya believes that being a woman brings inherent strength, resilience, and the ability to balance multiple roles. Women have the unique capacity to manage family, work, and personal life with grace and determination, making them invaluable contributors to society and the economy.
Sister Organizations -
To further support women entrepreneurs and promote local Goan products globally, GoWomania established Goenkart in 2020. This e-commerce platform offers a diverse range of products, making it accessible to a global audience and enabling Goan women to expand their reach and business prospects.
To Contact -
You can visit GoWomnia’s website https://goagowomania.com/ to learn more about them. You can also visit their Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/gowomaniagoa/?hl=en or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/gowomania/
To Conclude -
Siya extends a warm invitation to women in Goa and across India to be a part of the GoWomania movement. Emphasizing collaboration over competition, she encourages women to explore the platform's benefits and utilize its resources for personal and professional growth.
GoWomania LLP stands as a beacon of support, empowerment, and growth for women entrepreneurs in Goa and beyond. Its holistic approach, unique offerings, and commitment to women's success make it a trailblazing platform that continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless women in the business world.
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