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This is the 21st century and there is no denying the fact that women are creating a positive impact on their own lives as well as on society. Across different verticals, professions and roles, women are breaking stereotypes and emerging as true winners. Their journeys, personal or professional, are relatable but the fact that they have overcome hurdles and ignored irrelevant criticism, is truly inspiring. Careers that didn’t see much female traction back in the day are now increasingly pursued by women military, construction, independent business and more. With their natural instincts and business acumen, women are stepping into the world of business today more than ever.
Today, on International Women’s Day, Franchise India brings you stories of three such exceptional women who have turned around their lives with great business ideas and made a name for themselves in the mostly male-dominated hospitality industry in tier 2 cities.
BhagyashriJachakh- Pune
In 2007, while working as a customer service executive at a BPO, one day during lunch break, Bhagyashri overheard a conversation about an unhappy guest, who was missing home cooked meal and someone suggested that the guest should look for a service apartment.
That was the moment when Bhagyashri’s curious mind turned her into a shepreneur. Her journey began in the hospitality industry began in 2007 when she put up her first 2-bedroom serviced apartment in a building and by December 2007 she had 11 guest houses with 33 rooms that had made a turnover of INR 1.25 Cr.
She started looking for a standalone building and in December 2007 she booked one near the airport, now called Silver Crest. With an increasing consumer trend of booking accommodations online, she started looking for the perfect partner. This is when she associated with OYO, where she saw the occupancy rates increase and remain stable at 90%! She started getting more demand through online channels.
On her journey, Bhagyashri elaborates, “I have been in the hospitality industry for almost 10 years now and it has been an amazing journey. I believe that with the right mindset, support and determination a woman can achieve whatever she wishes for. I find pleasure in the smiles of my guests and my biggest success is retaining all my clients over the years. OYO has been a true partner and has been supportive of the way I want to run my property. The team has generated more corporate clients for my business and the turnover has consistently increased. Together we are focused towards doing our best and offering guests a truly amazing experience.”
Yolanda Marie Velho, Goa
Yolanda was running a fairly successful property in Panjim and working simultaneously as a radio jockey with All India Radio. She always felt that her property wasn’t reaching its full potential, and was concerned about its sustainability with so many similar offerings in the city for tourists; that is when she decided to explore working with OYO in 2017.
Yolanda recollects, “Around two years ago, Goa was literally painted red with OYO hoardings; signs everywhere. People all around were talking about this brand, so we also decided to try associating with it. At first, we only listed 7 of our rooms on OYO, but seeing the profits and the other benefits; we ended up registering all our rooms on OYO. They do a brilliant job of marketing our property; we see full occupancy for almost 20 days every month (non-peak season too), something that was tough to achieve in the past.”
Carol Ignatius Lobo, Goa
In 2014, Carol was juggling a full-time job as well as renting out her second home in Calangute to family and friends. While her earnings were fairly decent, maintenance and cleaning of the property was completely her responsibility.
A friend saw her plight and recommended OYO to her in 2016 and since then there has been no turning back for the ambitious, level headed and strong-willed entrepreneur.
Carol says, “Associating with OYO has been one of my best decisions so far, it has helped my hotel flourish. With the OYO brand association and with them helping market my hotel to tourists, we have almost 90- 92% occupancy throughout the year which is super.”
