Hy Local Guides, 
As part of @Globe_trotter_Ish’s Let’s Empower Women Owned Businesses on Google Maps and Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses - Challenge : #PRIDE, I am glad to introduce a woman business owner who took her cafe to the next level of diversity with her Friend.
Let’s Meet Aswathy L Mohan.
Aswathy L Mohan, a passionate home baker, turned her love for cakes & desserts into a thriving business. Starting with a small home-based baking unit, her recipes and dedication to quality quickly gained popularity. Started a cloud based boba tea business with Ganesh Subramaniam and encouraged by loyal customers. She took a bold step and opened Cafe Boba Queen, a cozy spot known for its different varieties of boba, decadent desserts, some Continental, Italian cuisine and warm ambiance. Through hard work, creativity, and a keen business sense, they transformed the Café into a beloved community hub, proving that passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
Let’s hear what she has to say:
- What inspired you to start an inclusive ownership business?
Answer : As a woman entrepreneur, we have the power to shape not just a business but a community. Building an inclusive business isn’t just the right thing to do-it’s also a key to long-term success. Surround yourself with diverse voices, create a space where everyone feels seen and valued, and lead with authenticity. Challenges will come, but stay true to your vision, listen to your community, and keep learning. Your leadership matters, and by fostering inclusivity, you’re paving the way for a better future for all.
- As your cafe is LGBTQ+ friendly, how do you welcome customers inclusively?
Answer : Our Team is a diverse group, so customers of all spectrum are welcomed to our cafe, irrespective of their gender or culture.
- How Google Maps helped your cafe? Have any success stories?
Answer : Definitely Yes ! Google maps provides clear guidelines about the food we serve, our customer feedbacks, our working hours, etc which helps in boosting the business throughout the 3 years.
- As you are the only woman in the ownership of the cafe, how do you think a person or a group can run a business inclusively?
Aswathy and Ganesh at an Event where their cafe won the best Cafe and Pizza in Kerala.
Answer : Running a business inclusively, whether as the only woman owner or as part of a diverse team, requires intentional actions to create an equitable environment for employees and customers.
Thank you Aswathy for giving me such a wonderful interview and having a diverse ownership of your business.
How can you look if a business is LGBTQ+ friendly?
- Look for Gender neutral bathrooms - if a business have gender neutral bathrooms, then the business is LGBTQ+ friendly
- Look for any poster or signs - if a business have poster or signs of LGBTQ+ related, then probably the buisness would be LGBTQ+ friendly.
- LGBTQ+ related menu items - if a businesses (probably cafes or restaurants), have LGBTQ+ related menu items ( would be around for pride month). Then the businesses would be LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Ask staff or Owner - An easy way to find if a business is LGBTQ+ friendly is to ask the staff or the owner if it is available.
- Word of mouth - you can also find LGBTQ+ friendly businesses by word of mouth through other local guides.
Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses series
- Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses - Meet Leo, Rajesh & Anders
- Beat the Heat Challenge & Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses
- Support Women Owned Businesses & support local LGBTQ+ friendly businesses - Daksha
- Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses & Chai Pe Charcha
- Support Women Owned Businesses & Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses - Kripa & Renju
Share Unique stories of Diverse Women Owned cafes or restaurants or even community spaces like this which is LGBTQ+ Friendly.
#Mapsforall
#Pride
