Gouri Joshi's journey through life has taken her from being a successful lawyer to becoming a passionate entrepreneur in the world of handlooms. Her story was one of perseverance, passion, and a deep-rooted love for Indian craftsmanship.
Gouri's educational and professional background was deeply rooted in the field of law. She had studied law at the prestigious Mahadevrao Salgaocar College of Law in Miramar, Goa, and practiced for 15 years in the corporate sector. However, her heart yearned for something more, something that would allow her to pursue her childhood dream.
Gouri came from a family deeply involved in the handloom business. Her grandparents' home in Karnataka was a hub of creativity, with numerous looms and weavers working together to create beautiful sarees. Gouri was always drawn to the rhythmic sound of the looms and harbored a deep desire to contribute to the handloom industry.
Life took Gouri on a different path for a while, leading her to pursue a career in law, get married, and become a mother. However, her love for handlooms never waned. Whenever she traveled, she would seek out small villages, meet local weavers, and connect with weaver societies and cluster heads. It was during these journeys that Gouri realized the need to create a platform for handloom enthusiasts, a place where the rich stories behind each saree could be shared and cherished.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unexpected changes in Gouri's life. She had stopped practicing law and became a stay-at-home mom. It was during this time that she realized the struggles faced by many women in making ends meet. In an effort to provide them with a platform for visibility and support, Gouri started a Facebook page exclusively for women entrepreneurs. The page quickly gained traction, and it now boasts a community of over 8,000 women from across India and even abroad.
Inspired by her passion for handlooms and her desire to support women entrepreneurs, Gouri founded her own brand called BhaWeYa - Bhartiya Weaves and Yarns. The brand aimed to revive the love for handlooms and promote the incredible craftsmanship of weavers across India. BhaWeYa became a platform for weavers, where Gouri would coordinate with artisans, master weavers, and weaver societies from different states to create customized sarees for her clients. The brand operated on a unique payment model, only requiring full payment when the product was in the hands of the customer.
Gouri's mission with BhaWeYa extended beyond commerce. She wanted to educate people about the value of handlooms and the distinction between handloom and power loom sarees. She believed that handlooms had a unique charm, providing visibility to the weavers and creating a sense of heirloom that could be passed down through generations. Gouri aimed to instill a sense of pride in customers to invest in good quality handloom sarees and preserve the rich cultural heritage they represented.
As an entrepreneur, Gouri found solace and inspiration in connecting with other like-minded individuals. She believed in the power of collaboration and the importance of networking. Gouri actively engaged with other entrepreneurs, offering support and guidance whenever possible. She recognized the strength and resilience of women in Goa, where she lived, and believed that there were endless opportunities for women in business.
Looking ahead, Gouri aspired to delve into the manufacturing aspect of handlooms. She envisioned learning weaving from scratch, investing in looms, and creating her own line of handloom sarees. While she did not have a specific roadmap for the future, Gouri trusted that her passion and dedication would guide her toward new opportunities and ventures. She was eager to explore the manufacturing side of handlooms, gaining hands-on knowledge of the craft she held so dear.
Gouri's entrepreneurial journey had taught her valuable lessons about following her passion and treating work as more than just a job. She believed that when one's work aligns with their passion, it becomes a source of fulfillment and joy, transcending the boundaries of time and monotony.
As Gouri reflected on her journey, she realized the immense support she had received from her two daughters. They had become her moral compass, guiding her through the intricacies of dealing with weavers, embracing technology, and navigating the ever-evolving business landscape. Gouri cherished their presence and recognized the invaluable lessons she had learned from the next generation.
Emotionally connected to her work, Gouri understood the boundless potential that lies within every woman given the opportunity to pursue her dreams. She firmly believed that women possessed tremendous strength and resilience, especially in the welcoming and progressive environment of Goa. The state had always celebrated and empowered women, allowing them to explore various paths in both the professional and entrepreneurial realms.
As Gouri continued her entrepreneurial journey, she remained optimistic about the future. She acknowledged the support she received from the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, which provided her with visibility and networking opportunities. She represented her brand proudly, wearing the sarees she sold and effortlessly blending her personal and professional lives.
With her indomitable spirit, Gouri inspired countless women to follow their passions, embrace their entrepreneurial aspirations, and contribute to the preservation of India's rich handloom heritage. Through BhaWeYa, she aimed to create a lasting impact, encouraging individuals to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship woven into each saree.
And so, Mrs. Gouri Joshi's story continues to be a tale of resilience, determination, and a profound love for handlooms. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for those who dared to dream, reminding them that with passion, perseverance, and a touch of entrepreneurial spirit, they too could weave their own success stories in the colorful fabric of life.
Gouri Joshi,
Founder of BhaWeYa
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