Hey there, Local Guides! 
I’m thrilled to join the @Globe_trotter_Ish’s Local Guides Connect challenge to empower women-owned businesses on Google Maps by shining a light on JK Motors & Premium Workshop in Vadodara & Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. This amazing business, owned by Ms Jiya Shailesh, is all about top-notch car services and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. I had the chance to chat with Ms Jiya, and her answers to my questions tell an inspiring story of passion, resilience, and community impact. Let’s dive in and show some love! 
Meet Ms Jiya Shailesh: The Heart of JK Motors 
JK Motors & Premium Workshop is a one-stop shop for car care, offering premium services, maintenance, repairs, body work, car spa, accident damage repair, tuning, customizing, car coding, engine work, tyre alignment, and roadside assistance. 
But what makes it truly special is Jiya’s journey as a woman entrepreneur. Here’s what she shared when I asked her about her story and vision:
- Can you tell us about yourself and how you started JK Motors?
Jiya Shailesh comes from a small town, Junagadh, where she was raised with strong values of dedication and hard work. After her marriage, she began her career managing Class 3 and Class 4 contractual manpower at a government hospital. Gaining valuable experience in operations and team management, she later started her own manpower supply business.
After the birth of her children, Jiya chose to step back from her business to dedicate her full time to her family.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Jiya reignited her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, she co-founded JK Motors, a multi-brand car service center, along with her partner Kamlesh. With Kamlesh bringing over 16 years of experience in the automobile field and Jiya contributing her strong management expertise, they successfully built and expanded the business.
In 2023, under Jiya’s leadership, JK Motors expanded to Ahmedabad with the opening of a second workshop, marking a major milestone in their growth journey. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of pursuing dreams at any stage of life.
- What inspired you to start this business, and what does it mean to you?
Jiya Shailesh’s journey as an entrepreneur had already begun when she ran her own manpower supply business. However, when it came to starting JK Motors, the inspiration stemmed from the growing need for reliable and high-quality car services in today’s world. As cars have become an essential part of everyday life for people, the demand for trusted automotive service centers has significantly increased.
Jiya, along with her partner Kamlesh, had been discussing the idea of opening a car service center for the past 3-4 years. The timing felt right, especially post-pandemic, as people were looking for more convenience and safety when it came to car maintenance.
To Jiya, JK Motors is not just a business venture but a way to contribute to a rapidly changing market. It’s about offering peace of mind to customers through reliable and professional car services. It also holds a personal significance, as it represents a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey - one that merges her previous management experience with the demands of a modern, essential industry.
- What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman entrepreneur, Jiya Shailesh has faced several challenges, many of which are common in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated, such as the automotive sector. One of the biggest hurdles was overcoming societal perceptions that women may not be suited for running a business, especially one in a technical field like car servicing.
Additionally, managing a growing business while balancing family responsibilities presented its own set of challenges. Jiya had to learn to navigate these complexities with determination and careful time management.
Despite these obstacles, Jiya has always remained focused on her vision. One of her key achievements has been the successful opening of a second workshop in Ahmedabad in 2023, marking a major milestone in the growth of JK Motors. She has worked hard to prove that with the right skills, experience, and dedication, any woman can succeed in business. Her ability to build strong partnerships - particularly with her co-founder Kamlesh, who has over 16 years of experience in the automotive field - has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Her answers show how she turned her passion into a thriving business, overcoming obstacles with grit and determination. Starting from Managing Manpower Supply at Hospital, she’s built a state-of-the-art workshop that’s now a trusted name in Vadodara & Ahmedabad. That’s the spirit of a true trailblazer! 
How Google Maps Powers JK Motors 
Google Maps is a game-changer for JK Motors, helping Ms Jiya connect with customers far and wide. Here’s what she said about its impact:
- How has Google Maps helped your business?
Google Maps has played a crucial role in the growth and success of JK Motors. As a business with multiple locations, it has been an essential tool for helping customers find the nearest workshop quickly and easily. For many people, convenience is key when it comes to car services, and Google Maps makes it easier for potential customers to discover JK Motors and navigate to the workshops without hassle.
The ability to keep the business locations updated on Google Maps ensures that customers always have access to the correct information, such as working hours, directions, and contact details. Additionally, the reviews and ratings on Google Maps have helped build credibility and trust for the business, attracting new clients and maintaining a positive reputation.
- What features of Google Maps do you find most useful for your business?
For JK Motors, several features of Google Maps have been incredibly useful in ensuring smooth operations and enhancing customer experience. Some of the key features include:
- Business Location Listing & Navigation : The ability to list both workshop locations and ensure that they are easily found by customers has been invaluable. Google Maps helps potential clients navigate to the nearest service center with ease, reducing any chances of confusion.
- Customer Reviews & Ratings : The review system on Google Maps allows customers to leave feedback about their experiences. This not only helps build trust and attract new customers but also provides valuable insights into areas that can be improved. Jiya and her team use the feedback to continuously enhance services and address customer concerns.
- Google My Business Insights : This tool provides valuable data on customer searches, including how people found the business and where they are located. It also helps customers easily find the nearest JK Motors workshop, making it a very effective tool for promoting the business and ensuring visibility.
These features have helped JK Motors streamline customer experience, improve visibility, and optimize logistics, ultimately contributing to the business’s growth.
These features, like Business Listing, Updates, Reviews & Ratings, have made a real difference. It’s amazing how Google Maps helps local businesses shine! 
Tips and a Message for the Community 
Ms Jiya also shared some wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs and a heartfelt message for us:
- Do you have any tips for other women entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses?
Jiya Shailesh believes that determination, self-belief, and a willingness to learn are key to entrepreneurial success. Her advice for women starting or growing their businesses is:
Believe in Yourself: Confidence is crucial — trust your abilities even when faced with challenges or doubt from others.
Start Small, Think Big: Build a strong foundation first, and scale steadily with a long-term vision.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay updated with new skills and industry trends to stay competitive and informed.
Balance and Prioritize: Manage your time wisely between business and personal responsibilities; don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.
Never Give Up: Challenges are part of the journey — persistence and resilience are key to achieving your goals.
- What would you like to say to the Local Guides community about supporting women-owned businesses?
Jiya Shailesh encourages the Local Guides community to actively support women-owned businesses in their neighborhoods. She believes that supporting women entrepreneurs can be as simple as purchasing their products, using their services, or recommending them to others. Jiya emphasizes that support is not always about financial transactions — collaborations, service exchanges, and partnerships can also help both businesses grow, creating a win-win situation.
She also advises women entrepreneurs to use free and easily available technologies to promote their businesses. Tools like Google Maps, Google Sheets, Google Pay, and other free applications can help manage, market, and expand a business effectively without heavy investment. Jiya believes that building a supportive community and using smart tools can together create a strong foundation for growth.
Why This Matters? 
Women-owned businesses in India are on fire, projected to grow by 90% in the next five years and create 150-170 million jobs by 2030, according to reports from IBEF and Google-Bain & Company! 
Women currently own about 20% of MSMEs, driving economic growth despite challenges like limited funding, as noted by Statista and IFC studies. Supporting businesses like JK Motors strengthens our communities and builds a fairer future. 
Customers rave about JK Motors on their Google page (JK Motors)). Check out these reviews:
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“Best Place in Ahmedabad to get your car serviced and repaired ! Very Friendly and Cooperative People ! Loved the Response Style to the Customer.” – Prashant Varma
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“Personal and committed service: We listen to what you have to say and are always pleased to offer advice.”
These shout-outs show why JK Motors is a local gem! 
Let’s amplify Ms Jiya Shailesh’s journey and inspire more women to chase their dreams. 
Thanks for joining me in celebrating women entrepreneurs. Together, we’re making a difference, one post at a time!
I also hope so.