Wandering through the streets inside the fort we were stopped by Bobby, who had a handicraft shop where she sells products produced by rural women, and who turned out to be an ardent feminist. She was very vociferous about wanting to empower women and for women not to have to be confined to their traditional roles. We asked her what her husband thought about this and she said he was unhappy about it to start with but now was ok. She has two daughters and is bringing them up to be like her, but had received a lot of criticism from her family. She’s studying for a BA at the university.
Hi Judy and Valerie,
We just traveled to India and we also met this girl. She told us this nice story about helping women in India, and that was quite convincing… We bought her some scarfs and items, and she gave us a discount in exchange to a nice review on tripadvisor.
In the evening, we discovered that 1. she doesn’t have a tripadvisor page ; 2. her association doesn’t have a single mention on internet (except on your site) ; 3. her story seemed largely inspired by Bellissima story (see the tripadvisor page of Bellissima Jaisalmer…), which is a famous store helping women, known for years, with many reviews, recommended by lonely planet, …
The next day, we met her again… in another store, selling the same cheap items as all the stores around (nothing “handicraft”…). The day before, we had quite a show, but this time it was a lot worse. She offered us a web of lies, explaining that she had opened this new store the same day, that Bellissima is also her family, it’s her brother, finally he is not angry, … Even though her picture, on the Bellissima tripadvisor page, goes with the mention “do not go to this girl, she is a fake, she has nothing to do with Bellissima and helping women”…
To prove her point, she showed us… your blog… stating “look, it’s true, I work for women”… She refused to gave our money back so we told her that we would keep our promise: let a review online.
Thanks for your very nice blog, and for sharing, but I think this article is providing her support in scamming nice people…
Best regards,
Marine & David
I know Bobby, have done for some time, and she is precisely what she says she is. She was connected with Belissima via her brother but has moved on to open her own business and work with women in a different area. She operates out of two different locations in the fort, or did until recently. She doesn’t have an internet presence because, like a lot of people in Jaisalmer, she is not internet savvy. There’s really nothing suspicious about any of this, but then Jaisalmer businesses are notorious for slandering one another. Not fair to attempt to drag down the reputation of an inspiring woman who’s only trying to help others.
Thanks for your comment. I myself have no view as I just went into her shop. But as someone posted this on my site I approved it as I have also approved yours. Thanks
I just been to her shop and got a very convincing story about helping rural women and studying to become a teacher (in 1.5 years, now is nov 2022)
I really hope this is legit she seemed very genuine. If not, i spent just less than 10$ so no big deal.
Enjoy India people <3