Goa Tycoon - MAY ISSUE 2023

Editorial

Dear readers,

Welcome to the May issue of our Goa Tycoon emagazine. This month, on the cover, we have featured Viola Rodrigues, the founder of Vola Art Escape, an art studio based in Candolim. Through the course of her career spanning more than 12 years now, Viola has done hundreds of paintings for countless clients in Goa and different parts of India. Her long list of clients include starred hotel chains like The Taj Group and Hyatt Hotels. Read the feature inside to know more about her journey, the future plans she has for her studio, and lots more.

Our inside pages feature stories on Major Milkshake, an advertising and marketing firm based in Panjim, and on VanillaKart, a start-up based at Fatorda which specialises in providing businesses with technology-enabled marketing solutions.

Stories on Centre Punch Studio, a pottery studio based at Arossim, and on Asier Solutions, an Ed-Tech start-up which specializes in teaching technical skills to children through STEM educational kits and comprehensive training modules also feature in this month's issue of our e-magazine.

A delegation from Goa Tourism, led by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully participated in the Arabian Travel Market 2023 held in Dubai earlier this month. The delegation engaged in several high-level meetings with CEOs of prominent airlines, tourism authorities, hospitality groups, and destination management companies, with a focus on exploring investment opportunities for infrastructure development in Goa and increasing tourist inflow. The Hon'ble Minister discussed possibilities of promoting Goa through flight + hotel packages.

Also, last month, The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen trade and economic ties between Goa and Cyprus. The signing ceremony of the MoU was held in Limassol, the second-largest city on the southern coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.  Madhumita Bhagat, the Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus was one of the key dignitaries present at the event.

As per the MoU, GCCI and LCCI will encourage "effective and systematic consultation and cooperation," particularly with regard to changes in trade and investment policy. Additionally, the trade bodies will support business delegations and trade promotion activities in their respective countries.

Well, that’s all I have for you all from my desk this month. I hope you enjoy reading this month's issue of Goa Tycoon. Do share it with your friends all across the world.

Until next month, cheers!

Jessyl Fernandez Editor

01 Vola Art Escape

02 Major Milkshake

03 VanillaKart

04 Centre Punch Pottery Studio

05 Asier Solutions

06 Mangal Analytics

07 JD Design Awards 2023

Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'Almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blogbased website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.

Editorial Team

Chief Editor

Jessyl Fernandez

Content Manager

Steve Antao

Content Curators

Prataya Sarkar

Dr. Valerie Pereira

Richelle Brito Carvalho

Dr. Denise Rodrigues

Rohini Gonsalves

Sales & Marketing

Donald Fernandez

Graphics & Layout

Shashank Parab

Social Media Manager

Saviola Dias

For advertising queries: 9370502124 / 9209005127

ItsGoa Media Group

Nordic Intent HQ - Floor 3, PDA

Colony, Porvorim, Goa 403521

Email : mail@itsgoa.com

Website: itsgoa.com

www.itsgoa.com

Vola Art Escape

Having done hundreds of customized sketches and wall murals for some of the most well-known hotels & casinos in Goa, Viola Rodrigues, the founder of Vola Art Escape has over the past 12 years gone on to establish herself as the one of the most sought after artists in Goa.

Article by: Steve Antao

www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa

Images by: Viola Rodrigues

Viola: The Art Mogul of Goa

Step into the vibrant world of Vola Art Escape - an art gallery and studio that's making waves across India and beyond! Founded by the one and only Viola Rodrigues, a true visionary in the field of art, this creative hub has been pushing boundaries since 2010. With a passion for perfection and an eye for detail, Viola leads her team of talented artists to produce stunning, high-quality works that never fail to impress.

But Viola's journey to success wasn't an overnight sensation. No, she's been honing her craft since the tender age of 5, when she first started experimenting with colours, Sketches, and Paintings inspired by the latest fashion trends. Her father, Vernon Rodrigues, recognised her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Thanks to her parents' unwavering support, Viola has become a force to be reckoned with in the art world - a true inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.

The Studio

Vola Art Escape is a creative paradise where colours, cultures, and imagination unite to create stunning masterpieces that embody the beauty in every moment. Located on Candolim's bustling Main Road, near the Candolim Health Centre and the Lemon Tree Amarante, this gallery houses an awe-inspiring collection of Abstracts, Contemporary Art, Comprehensive Art, Detailed

Birds - Artwork Done For Aiden By Best Western, Vagator

Doodling and other traditional Indian Art Forms for purchase.

As you wander through the gallery, you'll be captivated by the live artists at work, breathing life into their vivid creations. You can even commission Personalised Portraits, Customised Sculptures, and Murals, all with the help of the incredibly talented Viola and her team. With an unwavering commitment to detail, Viola takes the time to understand your unique vision, creating bespoke masterpieces that exceed your expectations every time.

What makes Vola Art Escape stand out is their ability to craft tailor-made Wall Murals and Canvas Paintings that perfectly match your specific design, size, and budget requirements. As their motto declares, "YOU NAME IT. WE PAINT IT." From corporate events to private parties, birthdays to weddings, they've got you covered. Vola Art Escape is your one-stop-shop for all things artistic, bringing your wildest dreams to life with every brushstroke.

The Story Behind The Name ‘Vola’

The word ‘Vola’ means to fly high, which is exactly what Viola wants for herself and her clients. Vola Art Escape is a total escape from the dull and gloomy perspective of modern life, where creativity and adventure open up like a Pandora's Box. Viola started this adventure because she was tired of people being interested more in finances than in creativity. For her, survival skills and money juggling are for circus performers, not for someone with a burning desire to succeed.

Viola’s Team

Viola's team is composed of a vibrant group of over 25 talented artists who are spread across India, all working together under the VAE brand. With 5 professional artists located in Europe and the Middle East, they cover a diverse range of art forms, ensuring that Vola Art Escape can cater to all of their clients' artistic needs both in Goa and across India.

Challenges Faced

Viola always had a dream of soaring high with her own business, but obstacles from people in the same field held her back. She found herself compromising on her work ethic and self-belief, but with sheer willpower and encouragement from loved ones, she redirected the negativity. In a world where life expectancy is limited, Viola refused to let negativity be the biggest hurdle to her ambition. Instead, she focused on optimising her skills and working with people who shared her passion.

Viola knows the harsh reality that art and finance don't always see eye-to-eye. Yet, she persists and compromises to make her brand shine, even if it means a temporary financial loss. But pleasing customers who don't always understand the true value of artwork can be a challenge.

Her Support System

Despite the hurdles, Viola's passion for art burns bright. She loves oil painting and acrylics, with a keen interest in contemporary and abstract arts, as well as Renaissance masterpieces. Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo are her role models, inspiring her successful journey in the art world.

But Viola's success wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of her family, friends, and especially her parents, who have played a crucial role in vetting her art. She also mentions the role played by her family friend Mr. Anshuman Sharma in the growth of her enterprise. Anshuman has helped Viola to scale up her business by introducing her to new clients and by providing her with a lot of guidance on how to navigate the various challenges of the business world.  Viola knows that connections and finances are important for any artist, but with the right support system, one can conquer any challenge and become a giant in the industry.

Major Clients

For over a decade, Viola has been weaving her enchanting artistry into the fabric of some of the most luxurious hotels, clubs, and casinos in the world. Her creations adorn the walls of esteemed establishments such as The Taj Group, Hyatt Group, and Radisson Blu, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience them.

Even amidst the chaos of the pandemic, Viola's passion for painting continued to soar, and her brainchild, Vola Art Escape, emerged as a ray of hope for art lovers. In 2020, Vola Art Escape sold over a thousand paintings across India, the Middle East, and Europe, proving that creativity knows no bounds.

Viola’s expertise of turning plain walls into breathtaking works of art has also attracted the attention of clients from the real estate industry .Her firm, Vola Art Escape, has collaborated with many architects, interior designers, and builders from across India to create bespoke artwork that blend seamlessly with the design brief and budget. From Personalised Portraits and Sketches to Customised Murals and Paintings, Viola and her team have transformed countless residential and commercial spaces into stunning visual experiences.

So, if you are a part of the real estate industry and looking for a specific design for your project, Vola Art Escape is just a call away. Their team of talented artists will turn your imagination into a stunning reality.

Viola’s ability to capture the essence of any design brief and budget with bespoke Sketches, Portraits, and Murals has earned her a place in the hearts of countless loyal clients, including Mr. Narayan Bandekar, who considers her a member of his family. With Vola Art Escape, there are no limits to what she can create. Her passion and talent for personalised artistry will transport you to a world of wonder and imagination, leaving you spellbound and yearning for more.

Milestones Achieved

Viola and her team at Vola Art Escape have been painting the town (and beyond!) with their incredible artwork for the past 12 years. With a paintbrush in hand and boundless creativity in her heart, Viola has accomplished some truly remarkable feats.

Her greatest triumph? Painting a whopping 100 Wall Murals for Seagram's Royal Stag in just 30 days. That's right, 100 stunning works of art in just a single month. But that's not all - Viola has also brought her artistry to the interiors of Aiden, a Best Western hotel property located in the enchanting Vagator. Her paintings can also be found in restaurants and hotels like Tomato's, Up-town, Ritz Classic at Patto, Hakka Shiwu at Vagator,  Beyond Dosa, Antares, Tequila Sunset, Nerul Eat Street, Oceana Restaurant Baga, Big Mouth, Cohiba, Boshan Hotel, La Amorosa, Rosetum Hotel Anjuna , Casa De Katson, Silversands, Godwin, and Calangute Castle.

Artwork Done For Aiden By Best Western, Vagator

The wall paintings for the Fonkuk Bakery which opened recently in Panjim was also done by Viola and her team from Vola Art Escape. At the moment, Viola is proudly working on 500 Canvas Paintings for The Golden Tulip resort situated in Candolim.

Viola's talent extends beyond the hospitality industry as well - she's also left her artistic mark on educational institutions like Paradise International School in Parra and St. Theresa School in Candolim.

Response From The Public

For Viola, creativity is the fuel that ignites her fiery passion and drives her towards success. Every brushstroke is a triumph, every canvas a masterpiece. But the naysayers, the doubters, and the critics can threaten to snuff out that flame.

Thankfully, the world has embraced Viola's work with open arms, showering her with love and support, and even introducing her to potential investors. Vola Art Escape is more than a business, it's an artistic utopia. They don't just create portraits and paintings, they cultivate aspiring artists and offer internships. And their unwavering commitment to empowering underprivileged communities is truly awe-inspiring.

To discover and uplift talented artists from all over India and beyond, Vola Art Escape holds the prestigious International Art Contest, complete with cash prizes and certificates of recognition. Viola's passion for art knows no bounds, and her dedication to empowering others is simply unparalleled.

Future Plans

Viola has big plans to conquer the Pan-India art scene with 1-2 more galleries and an all-in-one interior design studio connected with art. But that's not all, she wants to spread the creativity bug by opening art institutes across various cities where young artists can flourish and express themselves freely.

As a role model for budding artists, Viola encourages the youth to join her artistic movement, promising to provide them with the right platform to showcase their talents and grow as all-round artists. She believes that even a dish needs a pinch of salt, and her team will sculpt aspiring artists to perfection.

Her Message

Viola's advice to all the ambitious artists out there is to never give up on their dreams and passion for art, no matter what. She urges them to see the world not as an oyster, but as an exhibition of luxurious cultured pearls, and to work hard persistently, with imagination and a sense of adventure. However, she also cautions to navigate carefully during these rocky and turbulent times, where art can be an expensive investment and a lonely journey.

For more information about Vola Art Escape and the various services it provides:

Call: 079723 55356

Vola Art Escape also has a huge fan following on social media with more than 22K followers on Instagram.

You can follow them on social media on:

Facebook: @volaartescape01

Instagram: @volaartescape

Article by: Steve Antao

Images by: Major Milkshake

Major Milkshake is a marketing and advertising agency based in Panjim, Goa. It was founded in 2017 by Fred D'Souza, who later partnered with Larrison Soares in 2020.

The company provides a wide range of advertising and marketing services to a host of high-profile clients including political parties, local businesses, sports events, vacation home rentals, and personalities within the entertainment industry.

The Owners

At the helm of Major Milkshake, Fred D'Souza and Larrison Soares, are both from Goa and hold years of experience in the fields of marketing and advertising. Fred holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and has previously worked in various marketing roles before starting Major Milkshake. He is passionate about thinking of ideas that may seem impossible to execute and then making them happen. Being born in the Kingdom of Bahrain and working there for a brief period has helped push his creative thinking to bigger boundaries for Goa. Client acquisition, business development and company growth are his key roles and finding unique ways to advertise brands are his favourite thing to do.

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Hi in ere in con en production and vi ual effec even ually led him o become a co-par ner in 'Major Milk hake'. Since hen, he ha been in rumen al in a i tin he a ency' clien in ucceedin in he competitive field of di i al marketin . Hi de i n and vi ual effec abili y ha been crucial in creatin unique ma erial which i con i en wi h he clien ' brand ima e.

Se vices P ovided

The major ervice provided by Major Milk hake include

Con en Creatio

Social Media Marketin

dverti in Political S ra e i in Platform Mana emen

Influencer Par ner hip & Collaboration

Tar e udience naly i & Se men atio Campai n S ra e y evelopmen & Implemen ation, nalytic & Reporting

par from hi , i al o mana e ni h life even , includin concep developmen and plannin , venue election and ne otiation, alen bookin and mana emen , production and lo i tic mana emen , promotion and marketin , and po -even analy i and reportin .

Fred D'Souza (left) & Larrison Soares (right), The Managing Partners Of Major Milkshake

Speaking about why his company was named Major Milkshake, Fred explains that the first name that was chosen for the company was 'Milkshake' because a milkshake is made up of unique ingredients that stand out by themselves and yet come together to form a brand new product. “That's what we believe the people in our team to be. Unique quality members who can do well alone but come together to do something more”, says Fred.

He adds that the word 'Major' was chosen because he and Larisson wanted an authoritative element in the name. Since they were starting out as underdogs in the industry at just 23 years of age, they wanted a word that commanded a little more impact to bring it together. The company was initially mistaken for being known for hosting only nightlife events but is registered for advertising, marketing, branding and events. “Even with our events, our key factor was always the advertising aspect of it, never the event,” says Fred.

Challenges Faced

Some of the challenges which Fred and Larrison faced when they just started Major Milkshake included securing funding, building a strong team, and establishing a solid client base. However, with perseverance, networking, and delivering exceptional results, they managed to overcome these hurdles.

Other Endeavours

During the peak of the second wave of the pandemic, Major Milkshake took a break from their regular work to support those in need of help and support. They organised various blood donation camps around the state as there was a critical need for blood supply at that time.

Their project of organising blood donation camps suddenly turned into an effort to save lives. They started working around the clock to help people arrange for beds, cylinders and oxygen concentrators.'' It took a lot of cumulative effort to help the people we did”, says Fred. As they approached the end of 2021, Fred and Larisson realised the strong potential they possessed to do good for society and wanted to permanently establish a way to reach out to people. This is when the two of them got together with some well-wishers and founded an NGO called Giving Goa Foundation. The NGO focuses on supporting education for the girl child and those battling mental health problems.

Future Plans

Public Response

When the Major Milkshake just started off, the public was initially intrigued by the company's unconventional approach to marketing. However, as time passed people observed the company's ability to create bespoke social media campaigns. This led to a growth in the reputation of the company, which subsequently resulted in a huge growth in its client base.

Fred says that the future plans he has for Major Milkshake are constantly evolving as the world is constantly changing. However, his main aim for the company is to just stand out and create new trends and innovations in the market that eventually becomes the new norm.

When asked what message he would like to say with aspiring entrepreneurs in Goa, this is what Fred had to say- “Nothing is too hard to achieve if you want it badly. When things are good is when you need to push harder, because it is really easy to become stagnant and then become irrelevant”.

View Of The Major Milkshake Office In Panjim

VanillaKart, founded in September 2021, is a startup which specialises in unconventional technologyenabled marketing. The startup, which is based at Fiire, a startup incubator at Fatorda, recognises the fact that small and new enterprises and businesses often struggle to afford traditional marketing methods, whether they are focused on digital marketing or older offline models. This constraint can lead to lost time and a slower growth trajectory due to difficulty in reaching customers. To address this challenge, VanillaKart offers affordable technology solutions that leverage their deep understanding of marketing architecture, allowing them to identify the most efficient and effective strategies for reaching customers.

Services Provided

VanillaKart offers around 10 different AI-driven technology software solutions that leverage their deep understanding of marketing architecture, allowing them to identify the most efficient and effective strategies for reaching customers.

Their offerings include one of the world's first AIdriven organisational chart database software, with over 10 million company organisation charts and 1.1 billion personnel records of individuals working in these companies. This extensive database also contains information on the CXOs of some of the largest organisations. The access to this valuable database is legally provided through various licensing options. They have recently onboarded innovative Influencer Marketing Software, providing access to an extensive network of over 230 million global influencers. The software's intuitive dashboard offers valuable insights, including the authenticity of each influencer's followers, their audience's interests, and more than 50 additional features to assist clients in selecting the perfect influencer for their promotional campaign. Additionally, they offer a diverse range of AI-powered solutions to enhance the digital presence of their clients and boost their marketing efforts.

VanillaKart's advanced AI-based Video Chatbots revolutionises the service experience of their customers. Their AI-driven Phantom Busters simplify social media management by automating various

actions across multiple platforms. Additionally, their suite of five unique AI-driven lead generation tools, known as Blasters, can turbocharge the marketing campaigns of clients by reaching over a million potential customers within a month, ensuring maximum reach and engagement for their business.

Founder’s Profile

At the helm of affairs of this amazing startup is its founder Ms. Farheen Sayed. Farheen is an accomplished entrepreneur with a successful history of starting and running innovative startups. She holds a degree in Software Engineering from Goa University and a degree in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Healing from California Hypnotherapy Institute.

Farheen's career began after she completed her graduation from Goa University. In 2016, she founded Brushflicks, a digital platform that allows content creators to upload, share, and monetise their content. In 2017, she founded Boxifer, a clean-tech product that transforms acrylic plastic waste into unique packaging boxes using integrated IoT technology. She has been featured in over 80+ magazines and newspapers and also works as a columnist for the business section of Goa’s leading daily O’Herald. Farheen is also a blockchain enthusiast and skilled trader with over four years of experience in forex and cryptocurrency trading. She has also authored a book titled 'Trading with Japanese Candlesticks'.

Farheen's passion for entrepreneurship and innovation has earned her a lot of recognition. In 2017, she was awarded the Chief Minister’s Startup Award. She is also the brand ambassador of the Chief Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (CMRY). Her company Boxifer represented India in CleanTech on World Environment Day 2018. She has also won the ‘Gems Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award and the ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award by Norbert in 2018.

The Idea Behind Starting VanillaKart

Over the last 10 years, Farheen has built multiple startups where she has failed in many and succeeded in a few. This has helped her to identify a massive pain point in the startup ecosystem.

“Most of the startups struggle with marketing and sales massively because they do not know how to go about it or due to budget constraints. Unfortunately, most of the digital marketing agencies drill a hole in your pocket”, says Farheen.

She adds that in a research study done by her team where they asked business owners about what they understand by digital marketing, a majority spoke about social media marketing, Facebook ads, Google ads and lead generation. “So the goal of every business is to generate leads and convert them into customers, but the only obstacle they face is the budget. It is great if you've been using the traditional, popular marketing tactics that every other business in your industry trusts. However, these strategies tend to plateau after a while. They can also become expensive for a typical marketing budget”, she says.

Vanilla Kart has set out to disrupt the marketing industry by introducing novel approaches to these traditional marketing techniques. Vanilla Kart aims to provide an edge to traditional marketing tactics by leveraging its understanding of the architecture of social media marketing channels. “We have developed technology that enables high-impact marketing at lower budgets, making it more accessible for startups to generate leads and convert them into customers. We believe that our approach can help startups stand out in a crowded market and achieve their marketing goals more efficiently and cost-effectively”, says Farheen.

Farheen Being Awarded The ‘GEMS Entrepreneur Of The Year’ Award By GEMS Foundation.

The Story Behind The Name Of The Startup

As Farheen brainstormed for ideas for the name of the company, she knew that she wanted something that would convey her company's commitment to cutting-edge technology, while also being memorable and catchy. After many discussions, she decided on the name ‘VanillaKart’. "The name VanillaKart was inspired by the idea of a blank canvas, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful and unique”, says Farheen. “Vanilla is a simple and pure flavour that can be combined with a multitude of other ingredients to create endless possibilities. Similarly, VanillaKart was designed to be a platform for startups and businesses to create and execute their unique marketing campaigns using the latest technology. The word ‘kart’ in the name was a nod to the fast-paced world of marketing and the need for speed and efficiency”, she says.

Clients Served

As a budget-friendly marketing solutions purveyor, VanillaKart’s purview of clients is not limited to a select few sectors. Their long list of clients includes top-tier brands such as Jyothy Labs, IIM-Bengaluru's NSR CELL, Olymp Trade, XM, and other prominent fintech behemoths. They have also served renowned companies like English Mitra, Franchise India's UClean and Fab India. Furthermore, they cater to a plethora of SME and pharma entities. Their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional marketing services has earned them an esteemed reputation as a dependable partner for businesses across diverse industries.

Challenges Faced

Farheen says that managing people is a significant challenge, especially when it comes to running the affiliate program offered by VanillaKart. “In an affiliate program, affiliates are paid commissions for each successful sale they make”. As a startup, VanillaKart has to date successfully onboarded over 25,000 sales affiliates from different parts of the country. However, with the target of onboarding 50,000 more affiliates in the next three months, the challenge of managing this large team of people becomes even more complex", she says.

“One of the critical aspects of people management is ensuring that each affiliate is adequately trained on the products, sales process, and the program's policies and procedures. With such a vast team, we need to develop a comprehensive training program that is easily accessible and understandable for everyone”, says Farheen.

“Another challenge is managing the performance of affiliates to ensure they meet the expected sales targets. We have to track the performance of each affiliate, identify areas of improvement, and provide necessary feedback and support", she says.

She adds that her company needs to ensure that all affiliates adhere to ethical standards and guidelines while promoting products. “This requires developing and implementing effective monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure compliance. In conclusion, managing a vast team of sales affiliates is a significant challenge, especially when trying to scale up quickly. However, with effective people management strategies, we are trying to overcome these challenges", she says.

Brainstorming With Her Team Mates For Ideas

Farheen Speaking At The Young Entrepreneurship Bootcamp At BITS-Pilani

Farheen’s Message For Aspiring Entrepreneurs In Goa

Farheen advises aspiring entrepreneurs in Goa to not be afraid to take risks and to keep learning and growing. “It is important to have a clear vision for your business and to surround yourself with a strong network of mentors, advisors, and likeminded individuals who can help and support you in growing your business”, she says. She adds that it is also important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field that you are in and to continuously improve your skills and knowledge through education and training. “Don't be afraid to fail as every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep pushing forward towards your goals. Remember, success is not a destination but a journey, and it takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to achieve your dreams”.

As A Panellist At WIEF IdeaLab

Craft business

Centre Punch Studio

Started in late 2022 by pottery artist Simone Rego, CentrePunch Studio at Arossim is an amazing place to learn the art of pottery-making.

Article by: Steve Antao

Images by: CentrePunch Studio

www.itsgoa.com

Simonie Rego: A Pottery Artist Carving Nature's Beauty Into Clay

Simonie Rego is a talented pottery artist based in Arossim, South Goa, whose passion for pottery was ignited during her college days. Born and raised in Arossim-Cansaulim, Simonie completed her primary education at St. Thomas High School in Cansaulim and her secondary education at Carmel College for Women in Nuvem. She pursued her Bachelor's in Fine Arts at the Goa College of Art, Altinho, and later obtained a diploma in interior design from JD Institute of Fashion Technology in Panjim.

After completing her higher education, Simonie Rego took a small step into the world of wall murals and art classes. However, her true calling for pottery remained dormant until a lack of potters in South Goa inspired her to pursue it. Her journey into the world of pottery was an unconventional one, and her mentor was a jack-of-all-trades who taught her skills such as metal beating and stained glass. Simonie discovered her love for pottery amidst this array of skills, and she decided to pursue it full-time.

Simonie Rego's studio is located right beside her residence in Arossim, South Goa. She started operating her studio in November 2022, and it houses a traditional wood fire kiln and an electric kiln. The studio is a small but vibrant space with an abundance of plants and a variety of pottery works.

Her preferred medium is terracotta, and her designs are characterised by delicate cutwork and intricate patterns.

Simonie Getting A Slab Ready To Be Worked Upon

Simonie Rego, Founder, Centre Punch Studio, Arossim

Nature is Simonie's primary source of inspiration, and she takes impressions of leaves from her garden to incorporate into her designs. Simonie believes in exploring all possibilities but only after learning the basics properly. Her teaching philosophy centres around discipline, consistency, and practice. Currently, she conducts weekend hand-built pottery workshops where she teaches different techniques, and students get creative with their own designs.

Firing pottery is a challenging process, and Simonie Rego uses both the wood fire kiln and electric kiln to fire her pottery. The electric kiln gives a consistent colour, while the wood fire kiln produces varying colours from one piece to another. Sometimes, even after spending days working on a single piece, it may break during the firing process. However, Simonie takes these challenges in stride and continues to experiment and create.

Simonie Rego's passion for pottery and her dedication to the art form have made her a wellknown pottery artist in South Goa. Her love for nature, intricate patterns, and textures are visible in every piece she creates. People can find out more about Simonie Rego's work on her Facebook page, "Simonie Rego," and her Instagram page, "centre_punch_studio." And for those who want to experience her work up close, Simonie Rego's studio is always open to visitors.

By

Simonie Rego's future plans for her pottery studio and classes involve creating more works and conducting more workshops. Her advice for those who are interested in starting with pottery is to be consistent, take breaks when required, experiment and explore, and not get demotivated when things don't go as planned.

Starfish style pottery done by Simonie

Handmade Pottery Workshop Conducted

Simonie

Asier Solutions

Asier Solutions is an innovative Ed-Tech company operating from Fiire, a start-up incubator based at Fatorda. Founded in the year 2019, the company specialises in teaching technical skills to children through its expertly crafted STEM educational kits and comprehensive training modules. Their cuttingedge approach provides children with a fun and engaging way to learn important technical skills, empowering them to become the inventors and problem-solvers of the future.

In addition to their STEM educational kits and training modules, Asier Solutions also offers assistance to schools in setting up their own robotics labs. Their team of experts guide schools right from the starting point, helping them in areas like selecting the appropriate equipment and software, designing the layout of the lab, and providing comprehensive training to teachers and students. The company believes that by providing schools with the necessary tools and knowledge, they can help bridge the gap in technical education and prepare the next generation for success in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Services Provided

Asier's expertly crafted STEM educational kits for children cover a variety of subjects including Robotics, Basic Electronics, Internet of Things (IoT), Arduino Programming, Agriculture, Smart Cities and Medicine. Each of these products have variants based on different levels, catering to the learning needs of children and students of all ages and skill levels.

Additionally, Asier Solutions offers workshops and sessions in Diploma and Degree colleges, providing students with hands-on training in technical skills. Their cutting-edge approach provides children and students with a fun and engaging way to learn important technical skills, preparing them for success in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Founder's Profile

Asier Solutions Is the brainchild of Ms. Sunaya Shirodkar, the founder of Asier. She has done her master's in Electronics and Instrumentation from Goa College of Engineering.

Polytechnic Students Who Attended A Robotics & Micro-Controlling Workshop Conducted By

Asier Solutions

She holds over 7 years of experience as a professor in an engineering college in the Department of Electronics and Telecommunication. Through her career as a professor, she has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of technical education.

Ms. Shirodkar has been recognised for her contributions to the field of education and innovation. She was selected as the Regional Mentor of Change by NITI Aayog, the policy think-tank of the Government of India. She has also been named the Mentor of the Month twice by AIM NITI Aayog, a program aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among school and college students.

Ms Shirodkar strongly believes in the concept of "learning by doing" and emphasises the importance of hands-on experience in the learning process. Her vision for Asier Solutions is to provide children and students with a fun and engaging way to learn important technical skills.

The Idea Behind Starting Asier

Sunaya's curiosity and passion for making technical concepts more accessible drove her to start Asier Solutions. She recognised the importance of having strong fundamentals and simplifying complex concepts to help children and students explore new subjects and technologies with confidence.

An Instructor From Asier Engaging Young Minds With Fun & Interactive Activity Sheets

The Story Behind The Name Of The Startup

The name of Sunaya's company, Asier, holds a special meaning. The word 'Asier' means 'the beginning' in Spanish. Sunaya chose this name as a symbol of the beginning of her journey as an entrepreneur and the beginning of the learning journeys of students who use Asier's educational kits and programs. By providing a strong foundation in technical skills and promoting hands-on learning, Asier Solutions serves as a starting point for students to explore new subjects and technologies.

However, with time and effort, Sunaya has been able to help educate parents and students about the benefits of STEM education. By emphasising the importance of developing cognitive skills at a young age and providing hands-on experience with technical concepts, Asier Solutions has been able to show parents and students the value of STEM education. As a result, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of STEM education in recent years, and more parents are seeking out programs and resources to help their children develop these skills. Asier's commitment to making STEM education accessible and engaging has helped to pave the way for this increased interest and understanding, and the company is well-positioned to continue to be a leader in this field in the years to come.

Clients Served

Asier's long list of clients includes a diverse range of individuals and organisations, from schools to individual tech enthusiasts. The company's educational kits and programs are designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities and technical skills training for a wide range of students, from young children to diploma and degree students.

Support Received From Fiire

Challenges Faced

Starting a business can be a challenging experience, especially for someone like Sunaya who comes from an academic background. The transition from academia to entrepreneurship can be difficult, as there are many new concepts and jargon to learn and navigate.

Also, it is not uncommon for innovative concepts like STEM education to take time to gain wider acceptance and understanding in the market. As Asier's founder, Sunaya found it a bit challenging to gain acceptance for her products and services from the market when she tried to promote them in the Goan market. This was primarily because the concept of the products she was offering was very new and unfamiliar to a majority of people in Goa.

According to Sunaya, Fiire has offered a lot of support to her in scaling up her startup. “They have been instrumental in providing me with a good mentor who helped me understand how to create value and determine the valuation of my company,” says Sunaya. Sir D.S. Prashant, the CEO of FiIre in particular, has been a supporter who challenges my thinking and encourages me to grow as an entrepreneur. He embodies all the qualities of an ideal guru.”

A Student At A 3D Printing Workshop Conducted By Asier Solutions

“The entire team at Fiire has been responsive to my needs and dedicated to seeing Asier Solutions grow.” she says having access to a supportive community of experts and entrepreneurs has been invaluable for us at Asier, enabling us to learn from others' experiences and overcome challenges”, she adds.

Future Plans

Asier's vision for the future is to bring technical knowledge and education to students all over the world. The company is committed to empowering young people with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly technological and digital world. By leveraging technology and developing new products and services, Asier Solutions can reach students in even the most remote and underserved areas of the world. The company's goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or location, has access to the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Sunaya’s Message For Aspiring Entrepreneurs In Goa

Sunaya advises aspiring Goan entrepreneurs to be consistent in adding value to their company and to have a clear intention of making their vision a reality.

“Starting a business can be a challenging and daunting task, but by consistently adding value to their company, entrepreneurs can build momentum and create a positive impact in the marketplace”, she says. “This can involve developing new products or services, improving existing ones, or finding innovative ways to solve problems for customers”.

“However, adding value alone is not enough. Entrepreneurs must also have a clear intention of where they want to take their business and how they plan to get there. This requires setting clear goals, developing a strategic plan, and taking consistent action to achieve those goals. By combining consistent value creation with a clear intention, entrepreneurs can stay focused, overcome obstacles, and ultimately achieve success in their business ventures”, she adds.

For more information about Asier Solutions and the various services they provide:

Call: 9049110210

Visit: www.asiersolutions.com

Instagram: @Asiersolutions

Mangal Analytics and Research Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (MARC) is a financial analytics and market research firm based in Panjim. The firm, which is the brainchild of Mr. Ashutosh Kharangate, started operations in August 2010. It was initially incorporated as a partnership firm under the name ‘Mangal Advisory Services’. With the expansion of its portfolio in 2015, the company started functioning as ‘Mangal Analytics and Research Consulting’ and has positioned itself very strongly in the market, delivering specialised services in three key verticals- Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Analytics, and Market Research.

Poised to bring about ‘Mangal’ for all stakeholdersclients, employees, partners, and society in general, MARC has emerged as one of the fastest-growing management consulting and business advisory services providers in India. MARC’s USP lies in serving an enterprise throughout its life cycle. The firm strives to be useful to a business before its birth, during its growth, and later at maturity, thereby adding to its economic growth. The company aims to empower small and medium scale businesses with proper and the most appropriate financial and analytical techniques and provide businesses with strategic advice that will enable them to overcome pain points and evolve toward success”, says Ashutosh who serves as the CEO of the company

MARC is headquartered in Goa in a 2000 sq ft office at the iconic CMM building at the scenic Rua de Ourem in Panaji. They have 7 other offices in Indore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Kochi, Kolkata, and Agartala. In 2021 MARC incorporated MARC Global Inc in the USA with Anita Ganti, an ex-WIPRO and Texas Instruments Executive on their board.

Services Provided

MARC’s plush portfolio covers a wide range of bestin-class services that are delivered by a team of expert professionals including chartered accountants, strategic planners, engineers, company secretaries, LLBs, and MBAs. The firm provides services across two major verticals - Transaction advisory and Management Consulting. Transaction advisory covers services in Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Feasibility Studies, and Profitability Analyses while Management Consulting Service offerings are focused on providing real-time support to improve the accounting, financial, and operational systems of a business. Here’s a glimpse of the major offerings:

Project Feasibility Services:

As an effort to reduce failures, MARC’s team conducts thorough research on the whole concept of the business. This research entails making an assessment of revenue one can generate over the next 3-5 years. It also includes a detailed assessment of costs, both initial and operational. Hence, it becomes easy to gauge Profitability & ROI, before commencing any business.

Mr. Ashutosh With His Team At MARC

Financial Analytics: The efforts are invested to aid businesses in achieving more profitability. The client’s financial statements and other records are assessed to identify loopholes and suggest ways and means of improving profitability. MARC also specialises in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which enable protection against income leakages while ensuring smooth operations. MARC also outsources global financial analytics as it also holds expertise in developing complex financial models for its clients across diversified sectors.

Mergers and Acquisitions: MARC has been able to obtain an eye seizing prominence in the market as an end-to-end Merger & Acquisition Services provider. It represents the SME in an M&A transaction and protects its interest. This could be in terms of representing it to an investor, valuing it, handling diligence, or assisting in drafting agreements.

Internationalisation: MARC empowers businesses to find and explore inbound and outbound markets across borders. Depending on the product/service, MARC’s counterparts look for the right match after thorough research and suggest the best strategy for entry into a new territory.

After becoming a CA, Ashutosh began working under his father. However, after a few years, he felt that the audit work he was doing was not giving him the joy and satisfaction that he expected it would.

Due to this, Ashutosh decided to explore a career in finance. Working for an amazing company in Goa called Kineco, Ashutosh came across a process called due diligence which was done to ensure that the company invested in did not have major issues which could cause an investment to go down the drain. “This was my eureka moment”, he says. “I realised that it’s the Big4 that has the best Due Diligence practices and luckily, I was selected at PwC as an Associate Due Diligence/Transaction Advisory Services in Mumbai”.

Ashutosh worked with PwC for almost 4 years after which situations led him to leave everything and come back to Goa. “They say when things don’t go your way, you make a way and hence I decided to take an entrepreneurial plunge and incorporated Mangal Analytics & Research Consulting Pvt. Ltd, a due diligence consultancy firm”, he says. “I knew that there were several first-gen and second-gen entrepreneurs who had tremendous potential to grow and needed good advice on profitability and business strategy, and I could assist them with that” he adds.

Founder’s Profile

After topping his college in the university B.Com exams, Ashutosh decided to answer the Chartered Accountancy exam. He cleared his inter-CA exam on the first attempt and created some sort of a record as he was the only student to have cleared among the 231 students appearing in Goa.

During the first 2 years, Ashutosh was working out of client locations and business was growing through word of mouth, but all his clients were non-Goans. “Goans weren't very keen on availing our services”, he says. “We took on a project from an Italian MNC that wanted to explore the possibility of bringing gynaecology and derma products to India. It was more of market research and project feasibility. After successful submission, two wonderful things came out of it. One, the client was extremely pleased which gave us tremendous confidence that we could deliver to a well-informed client and secondly, it gave us a new service offering which is our niche today” he says.

After this, things just kept getting better for Ashutosh and his company. His company moved from their 200 sq ft office to a much bigger 2000 sq ft. office. His team size also increased and his client base crossed 250+ entities in a short span of time.

Mr. Ashutosh Kharangante, M.D MARC

The Idea Behind Starting MARC

During his 4 year stint at PwC, Mumbai, Ashutosh worked with several private equities and venture capitalists. During that time, he also worked with several SMEs. This made him understand the vibrant SME sector in India and the issues faced by most SMEs in India, in terms of survival and growth. Working with Kineco Pvt. Ltd. in Goa was a pivotal moment for him as it ignited in him a keen interest in the field of financial analysis and inflamed his passion for popularising Goa in the landscape of Business Business Advisory. This gave birth to Mangal Analytics and Research Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (MARC) named after his mother, Mangal who played a significant role in shaping his life and career.

Public Response

When Ashutosh started Mangal Analytics, many of his friends who were CAs as well as his close family members were sceptical about the commercial viability and success of his company. Many of them felt that there is no market in Goa for business advisory services, let alone due diligence. Even when Ashutosh was leaving PwC, he remembered his partner telling him that it shall be difficult for him to sustain the lifestyle as he had reached a certain level. He also remembers a few early client meetings wherein he faced a lot of ridicule and was written off.

“As per them, I did not add any value, and ‘they knew it all’”, says Ashutosh. “So it was a little challenging in the beginning. I used to have a nice hot coffee and sleep it off and believe that the next day would be a brighter one. It also helped to have a few wellwishers who I could call upon whenever self-doubt crept in or I just needed that boost of energy. But I saw potential in what I was offering when no one else did, and now, after years, we are still standing strong and growing”, he adds.

Clients Served

MARC’s rich clientele envelops several leading and reputed names including Monginis’ master franchise in Goa, Magsons – the largest chain of superstores in Goa, Marriott, Planet Hollywood, Taj, Fomento Group, Tito’s, Alcon Group, Optel Vision Inc, Astra Group of Companies, Dr. Batra’s, and many others. Not to mention, the firm is also appointed by other larger firms outside Goa to execute due diligence and project feasibility transactions across the country.

“These partnerships have not only enabled us to showcase our expertise in the industry but have also allowed us to gain valuable experience and insights", says Ashutosh.

“However, at our core, we understand that every client, regardless of their size or stature, deserves our utmost attention and dedication. We strive to provide every client with the same level of professionalism and service, regardless of the scope of their project or the extent of their requirements”, he says.

Challenges Faced

After the demise of his mother, Ashutosh decided to return back to Goa to be close to his family. As it was a sudden decision, it meant learning ‘on the job’. “The biggest challenge I faced after moving back to Goa was people'' says Ashutosh. “I gained a lot of knowledge from interactions with people from all walks of life. When I restarted my career in Goa, most decisionmakers were in the age group of 60 years and above, and it was difficult for them to take a young man seriously”, he says.

“Also, what I offered was unique for them. Hence, it took time for them to accept that the services offered by me were of value to them. Goans too, in general, were not comfortable sharing their finances with a Goan for reasons of confidentiality. It took quite some time and effort to build trust”, he adds.

His Pillars Of Support

Ashutosh always had some angels who supported him at different phases of his journey. His professor from college, Mr. Nikhil Varerkar became a strong pillar for him in his early days after returning to Goa. “He was my sounding board when it came to venting out my frustrations of all kinds”, says Ashutosh. “Also, my shareholder and director, Mr. Satish Shinde, who was one of my earliest clients, has been of rock-solid support from day one. I am always inspired by his energy and positive spirit. Whenever I need a boost of energy, I call upon him. My cousin, Dr. Tejas Kamat is another person who also inspires me and keeps me going. My family too has played their part in understanding and supporting me. In addition, there are many other people who would not want to be publicly acknowledged but have played a huge role in whatever I am today”, he says.

Future Plans

MARC is following a clear roadmap for expanding its footprints in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. During the last 18 months of Covid, MARC opened 7 offices across India, expanding their reach across the country. They plan to collaborate with other traditional consulting and CA firms and provide their clients with niche business advisory support. In addition, MARC is today serving reputed consulting firms in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Europe, etc. They are keen on making Goa and India the hub of execution of complex analytics for the world. “This will enable us to support ‘Make (Service) in India’. We are also working on our own fintech product aimed at helping MSMEs understand finance better”, says Ashutosh.

His Message

Ashutosh says that entrepreneurship is a marathon. “There will be days when you will feel super low. Everything will seem like it's crumbling. Your landlord will serve you a notice to leave the premises, your best employee would resign taking 3 others along, and your client who gave you 30% of your business would leave. But, never give up. Believe in the power and hope of tomorrow. Go slow on a day that seems to have gotten out of hand. But keep making progress. Keep your passion alive. It doesn’t matter if you are not an entrepreneur; get up to do things that will make you happy and the world a better place. We only live once”, he says.

Fashion with an Edge

The fashion show event at the JD Design Awards 2023 saw young fashion designers paying rich tributes to emotions, their heroes, indigenous tribes, and art and culture through their amazing collections.

Fashion With An Edge - JD Design Awards 2023 In Goa Receives Thunderous Applause

JD Design Awards 2023 wrapped its final event in Goa with a fashion show that was inspirational. The collections presented had a story attached to it. Here the young fashion designers paid tribute to emotions, their heroes, indigenous tribes, the art and culture, basically anything that sprung their creativity to life. The show was attended by luminaries from the fashion industry, premium brands, influencers and the media.

The event commenced after the lighting of the lamp by Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Managing Trustee - JD School of Design and JD Institute of Fashion Technology; Ms. Sandra Agnes D'Souza, Director South - JD Institute of Fashion Technology; Ms. Shweta Mariyappanavar, Vice Principal, JD School of Design, Goa and Ms. Neysa Vas, HOD, JD School of Design, Goa.

The future of design is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing garments, they require to be crafted in a way that tells a story. The fashion design aspirants of JD School of Design (Affiliated with Goa University) and JD Institute of Fashion Technology presented a comprehensive range of advanced designs that unleashed ground-breaking ideas. From intricate detailing to incorporation of technology, the show opened the doors to innovation.

The purpose of JD Design Awards is to mobilise the youth of our country and shape experiences. The curated design extravaganza showcased next-gen talent from Goa who have a passion to become future fashion industry leaders.

The Winners Of JD Design Awards 2023 Fashion Show Were:

Siddhi Shirodkar, was awarded a Special Jury Award for her collection La Vida which paid tribute to famed cartoonist and painter Late Mario Miranda.

Shreya Gadag was awarded Best Commercial Pret Wear for her collection Vatsalya that paid an ode to the courage of mothers.

Ashlyn Rodrigues won Best Sustainable Collection for her collection Beyond the Catch that was dedicated to the bravery of the fishermen.

Lysandra Beverly Mascarenhas who was awarded the Best Design Collection for her collection - The Virtues of Ghor which is an aesthetic documentation of the history and heritage of the Lambani tribe.

Aloysia Ana Nunes received Best Design Collection (Runner-Up) for her collection Fuso Staordinario which was inspired by surrealism and exaggerated designs which paid tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli.

Nehal Narendra Zaveri was awarded Best Design Collection for her collection Samhita which is a fusion of Indo-western style that paid tribute to fashion designer Angel Chen.

Wayde Francisco De Sa - Reflection

Dhanashree Pratap Singh - Soil To Soul

Tejas Fadte - Poderalo Konso

Apart from the fashion show, the first and second year fashion design students from JD School of Design and JD Institute of Fashion Technology put up art installations - Karigarkriti which paid tribute to artisans and their work; La bella Simonetta that paid tribute to Sandro Botticelli's 'Portrait of a Young Woman'; The Grandeur of Misr was inspired by the jewellery worn by the Pharaohs and Queens of Egypt and Josephine la beaute, which paid ode to fashion of the Regency Era.

Kudos to the budding design superstars for bringing their A-game to JD Design Awards 2023 that left the audience spellbound. The design industry is at a threshold of change and it is imperative to create spaces that allows them to express their creativity in an unhinged manner and provides them with a direction. The purpose of the design awards is to ensure that design aspirants receive a platform that gives them 360 degree exposure and opens a wide door for networking and getting noticed by the industry experts.

Lysandra Beverly Mascarenhas shared, "JD School of Design, Goa has given me a platform to showcase my collection, 'The Virtues of Ghor.' I wanted to present the Lambani tribe and it is a big deal for me that their inherent talent of embroidery was appreciated."

Sanchia D'Souza - Yantras