GoenKart a ‘vocal for local’ platform, focused on women entrepreneurs: GoWomania Founder Rafina (Siya) Shaikh

In these modern times, when entrepreneurship is budding as a new sector for success, it can sometimes be difficult to enter the emerging field of entrepreneurship, and figure out the steps to be taken. To ease out the journey of many such women, who may find it difficult to work as entrepreneurs or even take the first step towards the same, GoWomania Goa, which is an initiative by a group of women entrepreneurs to provide a social platform to encourage, guide, and build a support system for aspiring women entrepreneurs, has been taken.

This platform can into existence to build skill sets in women in order to explore entrepreneurship opportunities by building skill sets as well as a strong motivated mind set.

GoWomania Goa was founded by Rafina (Siya) Shaikh, who is also the founder of GoenKart, which was founded in the year 2020, and is Goa’s first local multi-product, multi-brand shopping cart, and is an all-women entrepreneurs’ platform. Its mission is to support and encourage women entrepreneurs who do not have a strong support system, by building a vocal for local platform, focused on women entrepreneurs.

Rafina (Siya) Shaikh started her career as a civil engineer and later moved to Pune to pursue her career. She is a social entrepreneur who has created a great impact on women entrepreneurs in Goa, helping them start, and grow their businesses.

She also runs Goa Metal Composites which is into manufacturing of fibre doors and allied products. 10 years of marketing and networking experience has helped her to achieve her goal of empowering women.

She is best described as a passion-driven person whose mission to support Goan women entrepreneurs has led to her create a powerful platform that will serve as a milestone for women entrepreneurship in the state.

Speaking with Sonakshi Datta of Incubees, Rafina (Siya) Shaikh answered a few questions about GoenKart, posed to her.

How did GoenKart’s journey begin?

Our journey with GoenKart began in 2020, as I connected with local women through our parent platform, GoWomania. Witnessing the quality of their products ignited a passion to provide them a platform. Empowering these talented local women became my priority, and GoenKart emerged as a dedicated space to showcase and elevate their exceptional creations, fostering a sense of community and economic empowerment.

Through this venture, we celebrate the rich tapestry of local talent, supporting and amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs in our region. GoenKart is more than a marketplace; it’s a testament to the strength and creativity of our local community.

What makes GoenKart an easy option for women entrepreneurs to sell their products?

GoenKart stands out as an accessible choice for women entrepreneurs due to several key factors. First and foremost, it provides a user-friendly platform that simplifies the selling process, making it easy for entrepreneurs to showcase and market their products. Additionally, GoenKart emphasizes community support, offering a space where women can network, collaborate, and learn from each other.

The platform also provides valuable resources and guidance, aiding entrepreneurs in navigating the business landscape. With a focus on local talent, GoenKart ensures visibility for products, fostering a supportive ecosystem that encourages women to confidently and conveniently sell their creations.

What is the range of products available on your website?

 The range of products includes handmade crafts, accessories, home decor, and local packed food.

What makes GoenKart a must-try for buyers?

In summary, GoenKart provides a unique shopping experience that combines the charm of locally crafted goods, the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, and the convenience of an accessible and diverse online marketplace.

As a young startup, what challenges has GoenKart faced? How do you overcome them?

While specific challenges faced by GoenKart may evolve over time, those which we face are- market recognition, that is establishing brand awareness and gaining traction in a competitive market can be a challenge. GoenKart might overcome this by implementing effective marketing strategies, leveraging social media, and collaborating with local influencers.

Next are the logistical issues. Managing inventory, shipping, and fulfillment efficiently is crucial. Implementing streamlined logistics processes and partnerships with reliable delivery services can help address these challenges.

 Lastly, technology and website optimization can also be an issue, as ensuring a seamless and secure online platform is vital.

Where do you see GoenKart in the next 5 years?

 GoenKart aims to broaden its reach by attracting a larger customer base, both locally, and potentially regionally and nationally. The platform might also expand its product offerings to include an even more diverse range, catering to a broader audience and evolving consumer preferences.

Additionally, implementing technological advancements and user experience improvements could be a focus, ensuring the platform remains contemporary and user-friendly.

How does GoenKart meet its marketing concerns?

 For sustained success, what GoenKart focuses on is regularly analyzing the effectiveness of the strategies, and adapting them, based on feedback and market trends.