Touching Lives --- Asha Arondekar

Picture : Asha Arondekar Photographer : Alisha FernandesInterview taken for Evescape Magazine.

Regardless of your education, talent or training becoming a successful businesswoman heavily depends on how well you work with others. As the saying goes, “She who would lead, must first be willing to serve.” No matter the commodity, all businesses are ultimately based on the art of dealing with people. Even if you’re the best at what you do, you can’t be a successful businesswoman if no one wants to deal with you.

The mantra is let your unique, fabulous self be your advantage and well Asha Arondekar a well known Goan Businesswoman and socialite knows this well. Belonging to a family serving the Indian Navy, her upbringing was in a complete disciplined environment which indeed contributed greatly to her values and in becoming what she is today. Born in Goa, she completed her education from Pune University and holds a Masters degree in Bio- Chemistry.

“I remember it was in Pune when Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw visited my college. She gave us an inspirational speech and it was indeed a turning point in my life,” recalls Asha who floated her own enterprise at a young age of 19, along with two other friends. “It was a new experience. But once into it, I never looked back.” she reveals.

The Orchid Awards are to be held in November this year. “Well Orchid Awards came into existence because I’ve often seen that a very few women are recognised in Goa. I felt the need for these awards to felicitate the Goan Women and their efforts in the society.” she tells.

A jovial Asha, besides her enterprising skills has carved a niche for herself by crafting out the Orchids Women achievers awards in a bid to applaud women in Goa who have excelled in various fields of activities. “The Orchids Awards derived it’s name from my Pharmaceutical company, the Orchids Group. I’m the cofounder of the company as well as the cosponsor for the awards.” she tells.

This year, the Orchid Awards will complete it’s third year, “The awards has various sets of criteria like individual struggle, success, work for the society, etc. Let me make it clear that these awards aren’t for earning goodwill for business prospects but for my personal satisfaction.” claims the successful businesswoman who has recently ventured into the spa business with her venture named “Tatva Spa” which has about eight centres, all over Goa.

Asha feels the Page3 culture has definitely enveloped women in many ways, “This trend is gaining pace in Goa now and it’s nice to see that women are  now more conscious about their personal grooming and about the way they present themselves. Earlier, it was ladies dressing up only for occasion or functions. Today, women believe in pampering themselves rather than waiting for an occasion or so.” she says.

To Asha, a woman of substance is incorporating certain aspects in one’s personality like confidence; self belief and the right attitude. The only area of concern, according to Asha is that the women are usually self made. “Most of the Goan women are self made. However, at times they don’t receive the required support from their family and that’s what leads to their downfall.”

In yet another initiative, Asha along with some friends organised celevrating Goan Girl Achievers wherein 12 girls from various streams of activities have been featured in a calendar.

“Girls are a treasure; and that’s what we aim to show through this Calendar. It has most of the famous Goan girls from age 13 to 19 years. I truly believe that girls have a more emotional quotient which indeed gives them an edge over the other sex. Thus, a girl alaways deserves all the respect and honour’ claims the entrepreneur.