Founders’ Fiesta – ‘Following Your Passion’
Shelma Furtal shows us how it’s done.

Some say following your passion is fun—but not practical for business. They argue it may be close to your heart but won’t necessarily lead to wealth or long-term sustainability. Shelma Furtal thinks otherwise

The KE members gathered early on the morning of 6th September 2025 at The Bowring Club for this month’s Founders’ Fiesta session. After a hearty breakfast, our member Carol D’Souza led us in prayer, setting the tone for the inspiring story that followed—that of Shelma Furtal, Partner at Shreya Travels.

From the Hills of Bangalore to the Helm of Shreya Travels
Born in September 1981, Shelma grew up in a close-knit Catholic neighborhood in Bangalore, where life was simple and charming. Her fondest childhood memories include walking to school with friends through narrow lanes and railway tracks, and spending time amidst birds and butterflies on nearby hillsides.
She studied at Sacred Heart and later pursued Psychology at St. Agnes College, Mangalore. While her mother encouraged her to continue her studies, Shelma felt a strong pull towards the travel industry. Determined to follow her passion, she completed her IATA course in 2002.

Climbing the Ladder with Grit and Grace
Her first role in a travel agency saw her issuing tickets manually—just before the travel world began its digital transformation. She quickly adapted, mastering systems and processes as technology evolved. Each new role added to her skillset: from local ticketing to handling international itineraries, visas, and eventually, corporate travel.

Shelma’s professional foundation was built on resilience, a willingness to learn, and an unrelenting drive to exceed expectations.

A Leap of Faith: The Birth of Shreya Travels
In 2023, after years of gathering experience and insight, Shelma took the entrepreneurial plunge and became co-owner of Shreya Travels.
The early days were tough. The business struggled to break even and salaries were hard to meet. But Shelma’s commitment never wavered. Her hands-on approach, client-first mindset, and belief in service over profit slowly but surely began to shift the tide.

Still Soaring
Today, Shelma continues to steer Shreya Travels with the same dedication and passion that have defined her journey from the very start. She credits her success not just to her own determination, but also to the unwavering support of her family and husband, who stood by her decision to follow her dream.
From humble beginnings in Bangalore to running her own travel agency, Shelma’s story is a powerful reminder that with persistence, service, and self-belief, passion can indeed become a thriving profession.

To close the session, Mr. Robinson D’Souza presented a memento to Shelma, thanking her on behalf of KE for sharing her inspiring journey. Finally, our member Vilina Sequeira delivered the vote of thanks, marking the end of a truly uplifting Founder’s Fiesta.