The FLO Uttarakhand two-day exhibition, FLO Bazaar, drew over 2,000 visitors from Dehradun and neighbouring cities. FLO, known for its unwavering commitment to empowering and promoting businesses led by women entrepreneurs, curated this vibrant event to celebrate and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit within the region.
The exhibition featured an impressive range of businesses run by FLO members, alongside many other talented women entrepreneurs from across Uttarakhand. The stalls reflected the diversity and richness of local businesses, with offerings ranging from handcrafted goods, artisanal products, and homegrown brands to eco-friendly innovations.
Among the highlights were stalls featuring horticulture training, decorative plants grown locally, and eco-friendly incense sticks made from flowers donated to temples across Uttarakhand. The exhibition provided these women-led enterprises a dynamic platform to connect with customers, promote their products, and foster meaningful collaborations.
Day 1: A Grand Opening with Bollywood Glamour
The exhibition was inaugurated by the renowned Bollywood actress, Ms. Pooja Batra, whose star power and charm brought great energy to the event. Her presence attracted a large crowd, and she made it a point to visit every single stall, engaging with the entrepreneurs and encouraging them personally. She not only celebrated their hard work but also promoted their businesses to her extensive following on social media, amplifying their reach and visibility.
The first day concluded on a high note with a soulful Sufi performance, leaving the attendees mesmerised and setting a warm and celebratory tone for the rest of the event.
Day 2: Empowerment and Inspiration
The second day was graced by Sushree P. Renuka Devi, the DIG of Law and Order in Uttarakhand, as the Chief Guest. Her presence added an empowering touch to the event, as she encouraged participants to leverage government initiatives to expand their businesses. She assured the entrepreneurs of her support, offering guidance on how they could benefit from state-backed platforms and programs.
A delightful art and crafts competition was also organised on the second day by a FLO member, engaging children in a creative activity that added a playful spirit to the exhibition.
The event concluded with a powerful and energetic performance by Shiwani Bhagat and her band. As an emerging musical talent from Dehradun, her music filled the venue with joy, and attendees joined in celebration, dancing with the exhibitors and leaving with cherished memories of the successful two-day event.
This exhibition was a marketplace but it was also the prove to the strength, creativity, and determination of women entrepreneurs in Uttarakhand. It showcased the core values of FLO: fostering business, building connections, and creating opportunities. The event also served as a platform for local artisans to gain visibility and build relationships with customers who value sustainable, homegrown products.
With the resounding success of this two-day exhibition, FLO Uttarakhand has once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and ensuring that women-led enterprises continue to thrive. This collaboration between FLO Uttarakhand and the Uttarakhand Police marks a significant step forward in promoting women’s safety and empowering them with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves in today’s digital age.