Michael Bevan D’Silva (left) and Simon Rodrigues, the main organisers at the Goan community market at Goa Mandovi at the Hounslow high street on February 5.
THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
An estimated 500 people visited the first-ever Goan community market at Goa Mandovi at the Hounslow high street on February 5.
This market was organised by Michael Bevan D’Silva (founder of United Goan Affiliation UK) and Simon Rodrigues (co-owner of Amigos Nite, London Bar Stock Exchange, Goa Mandovi, Maka Tik Naka, Red Hot Chilly Pepper and Thali Stop).
The market had 12 vendors selling religious statues imported from Italy, Goan household items, Goan delicacies, dried fish, ornaments, handicrafts and much more.
D’Silva and Rodrigues said this market was designed for all Goans who don’t have enough funds to start their own business and those looking out for a platform to launch a business of their own.
“This market was supported by all Goans. We had almost 500 people visiting the market and some vendors sold out their items even before closing time,” said D’Silva.
“There were people from Swindon, East London and North London as well. This market will be held every Sunday and we feel that it will only get better in the upcoming weeks,” he added.
One vendor, Zivio Mascarenhas, director and owner of www.ambotik.com, said they had a good response with both existing customers who purchased as well as meeting new ones.
“It was lovely to experience the diversity of the Goan community who produced their own products and brands. It truly fosters the business perspective and shows our brethren their Goan heritage and roots.”
“We will continue to explore avenues for wholesale distribution of our range of pickles and masalas (Hickles) as we are looking for individuals or business owners to stock our products,” said Mascarenhas.
Another vendor, Whirl Pereira, runs a business ‘World of Whirl,’ is an independent consultant for Body Shop at home, makes her own handmade soy-wax fragrance candles, hampers, gift sets etc and also works for the NHS full-time as a Respiratory Practitioner.
“The Goan Community Market is a great platform to showcase all our Goan small business owners. I was grateful for the opportunity and was happy to meet and greet my fellow vendors and my customers,” said Pereira.
“I am looking forward to continue with my pop-up shop every week as it’s a great opportunity to reach wider audiences and also a huge networking opportunity. I thank the organisers of the Goan Community Market for providing us with this platform.”
Asked about the response from customers, Pereira replied: “I wouldn’t say it was overwhelming but I believe in humble beginnings. You need to start to reach your goals. It won’t happen in 1 or 2 sittings. Entrepreneurship is an art of consistency, passion and patience and I am on this journey. I am a proud Goan showcasing my commitment and determination towards my artwork.”
Ronald and Alifa Fernandes, who have set up the ‘Fernandes Goan Outlet’, had also set up a stall at the Goan Community Market.
“It was great pleasure to see our Goans supporting our local business and the response from customers was good. We will be setting up our stall every week,” said Roland.
Another vendor, Ferina, had set up her stall ‘FeriCrafts’ to sell handmade items.
“Customers were very impressed with my products and could not believe they were handmade. I was over the moon. Only one negative feedback I received was from some elderly people who could not read the directions well, as they were expecting some videos in Konkani and some signboards outside the marketplace. Otherwise, everything was perfect, well-organised and well-planned. All thanks to the organisers,” said Ferina.
