Biography of Rupali Kelshikar: Founder & Director of Woloo- Entrepreneur
Biography of Rupali Kelshikar:
Rupali Kelshikar, co-founder and director of Woloo, has
dedicated her career to addressing a pressing issue in India: the lack of clean
and hygienic public restrooms for women. Recognizing the challenges women face
when seeking safe toilet facilities, she launched Woloo, a platform that
empowers women by providing access to hygienic washrooms across the country.
Educational Foundations
Rupali’s educational journey began at the University of
Mumbai, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. She then pursued
further studies in Textile Management and Business Administration, gaining
valuable knowledge that would later inform her entrepreneurial ventures in the
fashion and sanitation industries.
Diverse Professional Experience
With over 20 years in the global fashion retail supply
chain, Rupali has a wealth of experience in buying, merchandising, and
operations. Before starting Woloo, she held significant positions, including
Country Head for an Italian fashion house, Gianel SRL, where she managed brands
like Armani and Diesel. This experience honed her skills in business
development and strategic management.
Biography of Rupali Kelshikar: Founder & Director of Woloo- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/hygienic restrooms for women/Woloo story
Launching Woloo
In January 2019, Rupali co-founded Woloo, which stands for
"Find a Loo." This innovative platform aims to onboard certified
toilets in retail locations, making them accessible to women, especially those
on the go. Woloo not only provides a necessary service but also empowers
janitors to become entrepreneurs, fostering respect and dignity in their work.
A Unique Approach to Sanitation
Woloo is more than just a sanitation service; it’s a
movement. By focusing on women’s needs, Woloo creates safe and hygienic powder
rooms, which are crucial for women of all ages. The platform combines
functionality with comfort, offering a welcoming environment where women can
attend to their hygiene needs with dignity.
A Broader Impact
Woloo’s mission extends beyond just providing toilets; it
aims to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation for women. The app
enables users to locate nearby facilities easily, making it a vital resource
for working women. Currently, Woloo operates in over 400 cities, providing
access to more than 30,000 washrooms and counting.
Commitment to Sustainability
Rupali’s commitment to social entrepreneurship is evident in
her previous venture, BAGFOREVER, which focused on creating reusable bags made
from recycled materials. This dedication to sustainability continues with
Woloo, as the platform emphasizes the importance of hygiene while promoting
responsible and sustainable practices in sanitation.
Funding and Growth Aspirations
Rupali and her co-founder, Manish Kelshikar, initially
sought ₹50 lakhs in funding for 4% equity to expand Woloo’s reach and enhance
its services. Although they did not secure a deal on Shark Tank India, the
exposure helped raise awareness about the critical need for women’s sanitation
solutions in India.
Empowering Women Through Innovation
Woloo exemplifies the power of innovation in tackling social
issues. By leveraging technology and focusing on women’s needs, Rupali and
Manish are making significant strides toward improving public hygiene. Their
initiative not only enhances the safety and dignity of women but also fosters
entrepreneurial opportunities within the sanitation sector.
A Legacy of Change
Rupali Kelshikar’s journey as a social entrepreneur reflects
her commitment to creating meaningful change. With Woloo, she is not only
addressing a fundamental need but also empowering women and promoting
sustainability. As Woloo continues to grow, it stands as a beacon of hope for
women across India, making access to hygiene a reality for all.
A timeline of Rupali Kelshikar’s journey with Woloo:
2000: Rupali earns a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the
University of Mumbai.
2005: Completes further studies in Textile Management and
Business Administration.
2015: Becomes Country Head for Gianel SRL, managing major
fashion brands.
January 2019: Co-founds Woloo to provide hygienic restrooms
for women.
2020: Woloo expands to over 400 cities, offering access to
30,000+ washrooms.
2021: Appears on Shark Tank India, raising awareness for
women's sanitation.
2024: Continues to innovate and promote sustainability
through Woloo and past initiatives.
