Olavina Oota: First women runcafé in Bengaluru banks on ‘hygiene and authenticity’

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: One comes across a plethora of stalls, be it the tasty panipuris, sizzling sweet corns, or the thirst quenching watermelons.

One can also look at Vasantha, Sudha, Rajamma and Sowmya, led by Pushpalatha in a small ‘café’ setup working with a smile on their faces to serve authentic Dosas, Idlis in the morning, “Oota,” and Mudde in the noon and ending with hot Chapatis for Dinner.

These women are part of Karnataka’s first “Akka Café.” Inaugurated during Women’s Day on March 8, ‘Akka Café,’ is established as part of the National Livelihood Mission Karnataka, under the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship.

Reports say that this initiative looks to establish over 200 such cafes across the state, in a move to promote women entrepreneurship. Pushpalatha’s team, who initially served homelyfood, had a bumpy journey to where they are.

“We’ve had to deal with familial issues. The ones who had been to work were not incentivized properly, thus the formation of the self-help group,” Pushpa said.

Little did they know they would go on to run the first women run café in the state, and set an example for others.

“We’re happy to be part of history, and to set a role model for women who want to venture into businesses,” she said, as she continued billing customers’ meals.

A week after the inauguration, the café has cashed in around Rs. 10,000, according to Pushpalatha. After carrying this historic achievement on her shoulders, Pushpa offered a piece of advice for those in crossroads in their life.

“Empower yourself by working on something you like, and gain autonomy,” she signed off.

Akka Café is open through the week from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. Reports say that 200 such outlets will be open across the state.