As India proudly celebrates its Republic Day, we turn the spotlight on 10 extraordinary women whose achievements embody the spirit of resilience, innovation, and leadership. These inspiring individuals have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also made significant contributions to shaping the nation’s progress.

From entrepreneurs driving economic growth to changemakers creating social impact, these women exemplify the power of determination and the essence of Indian pride.

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, is a renowned Indian entrepreneur celebrated for her impactful contributions to the healthcare sector. Her notable appearance on Shark Tank India has further cemented her status as an inspiring figure for budding entrepreneurs.

Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Namita Thapar belongs to a Gujarati family. Despite her affluent background, she has diligently carved a successful career path. Her academic journey includes a commerce degree from Pune University, a Chartered Accountancy degree from ICAI, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Namita began her professional journey as the Business Finance Lead at Guidant Corporation in the US. After gaining valuable experience, she joined her father’s company, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, as the CFO in 2007.

Under her leadership, Emcure Pharmaceuticals has seen remarkable growth, expanding its presence to 70 countries.

Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics

Vineeta Singh, the founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, in India and beyond. Her journey began in Lucknow, where she excelled academically, earning gold medals in school and college. She later attended IIT Madras, where she discovered her passion for badminton, and IIM Ahmedabad, where she completed the Mumbai Marathon.

Despite receiving a lucrative offer in investment banking, Vineeta’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Fab-Bag, a beauty subscription service, before launching SUGAR Cosmetics in 2015 with her husband, Kaushik Mukherjee. SUGAR filled a gap in the Indian beauty market by offering vibrant, high-quality cosmetics for diverse skin tones at affordable prices, resonating with young Indian women.

Vineeta’s journey, marked by initial setbacks and lessons learned, reflects her commitment to innovation and empowerment. As an investor and judge on Shark Tank India, she continues to inspire others with her insightful feedback and championing of innovative ideas. Vineeta’s story underscores the importance of self-belief and perseverance in achieving remarkable success.

Meghha Mehta, Child/Adolescent Development and Parenting Coach

Meghha Mehta is a professionally certified child/adolescent development and parenting coach, with 12 years of experience as a health and life coach and a special focus on parenting over the past three years. Her mission is to create positive, harmonious relationships between parents and their children, transforming homes into supportive spaces where everyone can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Meghha’s passion for children’s well-being and parenting has always been a central part of her life. After years in coaching, she realized that focusing on parent-child dynamics was where she could make the greatest impact. She believes that a strong, nurturing home environment is where we all return for safety and rest, and by improving these relationships, she helps families build lasting, meaningful connections. Through research based workshops, coaching sessions with parents and children/teens and her parenting program Conscious Heart Parenting she has worked with 100s of families over the years, to find their way back to harmony and joy.

Throughout her journey, Meghha has drawn inspiration from a wide range of mentors and thought leaders, over the years. And she continues to learn and study, to enhance her work. Being a highly perceptive and aware person, she has experienced the challenges of maintaining a high standard in the environment she creates for her children, but she finds the investment of time and energy to be immensely rewarding.

When she’s not working, Meghha enjoys writing, trying new crafts, and watching movies. She makes it a priority to set aside “me time” every day to reflect and recharge, ensuring her own well-being is supported so she can continue giving her best to her clients and family.

To aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, Meghha offers valuable advice: if you’re pursuing something new or different, be prepared for the long haul. It’s like training for a marathon—there will be unexpected challenges, but the joy and fulfillment that come from building something from scratch are worth every bit of effort.

In the dynamic world of Indian business, women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape with their innovative ideas and unwavering determination. SheLeads 2025 celebrates the top 10 inspiring women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and setting new benchmarks in various industries.

These trailblazers, with their unique vision and leadership, are not only building successful enterprises but also inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. From technology to healthcare, finance to fashion, meet the women who are redefining success and making a lasting impact on India’s business scene.

Bhavna Mordani, Founder – House Of Homes

Bhavna Mordani is a certified floral designer and the visionary founder of House Of Homes, a luxury gifting and floral design company established in 2019 in Mumbai. Her work seamlessly blends creativity with elegance, crafting memorable experiences through bespoke gifts and intricate floral decor. Bhavna’s passion for nature, beauty and rich cultural heritage led her to pursue formal training in floral design at the London Flower School, UK and the Institute Of Floral Design, Mumbai. This deep-rooted love for the art form inspired her to create House Of Homes, a brand that embodies the fusion of artistry and luxury.

Her inspiration is drawn from the timeless beauty of nature and history and she finds profound guidance in Rumi’s words, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” Bhavna’s journey as a woman entrepreneur has not been without its challenges. Balancing personal and professional life while breaking through industry norms has tested her resolve, but these obstacles have only strengthened her commitment to her craft.

Beyond her professional achievements, Bhavna is passionate about fitness and she takes an active interest in nutrition, which she incorporates into her daily life. She is currently furthering her education at the Image Consulting Business Institute, Mumbai, where she is honing her expertise in image management and soft skills. As a mother of two daughters, aged 22 and 17, Bhavna balances her various pursuits with her responsibilities at home, adding another layer of fulfillment to her life.

Through House Of Homes, Bhavna finds immense joy in empowering women to become better versions of themselves & build an income right from the comfort of their homes, through the art of floral design and luxury gifting. She encourages them to embrace their dreams and stay true to their values, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.

She believes in the power of vision, passion and perseverance. Her success is not defined by a single destination but by a continuous journey of evolution, learning and inspiration. Each of her creation is a testament to her dedication, creativity and the beauty that drives her every day.

Bhavya Nathani – Co-founder – Talent Lab and Strategy Head at Stanley Communications

Bhavya Nathani is a dynamic force in the luxury PR and marketing world, co-founder of Talent Lab and Strategy Head at Stanley Communications, a prominent Delhi-based agency. At Stanley, she crafts creative campaigns for high-end brands, but her influence goes beyond that—Talent Lab is her passion project, dedicated to mentoring young professionals in PR, marketing, and luxury brand management. With her background in Psychology and Sociology, Bhavya brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the nuances of human behavior and applying them effectively in her strategies.

Her journey began in 2019, and through a combination of hard work and the power of manifestation, she quickly rose to her leadership role. Bhavya credits her success to focusing on her goals and maintaining consistency, believing firmly that these values make anything possible. Inspired by risk-takers and innovators, she envisions a future where more women are at the helm of luxury brands in India, shaping the industry with their distinct perspectives.

Beyond her professional commitments, Bhavya is a dedicated mentor, actively working with young talent to help them build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. She also finds joy in travel and the occasional lively party to recharge her spirit. For aspiring women entrepreneurs and professionals, Bhavya’s advice is simple yet powerful: hold onto your vision, trust in hard work, and embrace what makes you unique. In her eyes, success isn’t solely about personal milestones; it’s about making a difference, helping others find their path, and fostering a culture of growth and innovation in the industry. Through her work at Stanley Communications and Talent Lab, Bhavya hopes to inspire the next generation, leaving an enduring mark on luxury PR and marketing.

India’s fashion industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, and at the forefront are a new wave of entrepreneurs who are reshaping the style landscape. These emerging fashion game changers are blending creativity with innovation, challenging traditional norms, and making a significant impact on how India expresses itself through fashion. From sustainable designs to tech-driven solutions, these visionary entrepreneurs are setting new standards and redefining the future of fashion in the country.

In this article, we introduce you to some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the Indian fashion industry and explore how their innovative ideas and bold approaches are shaping the future of fashion in India. From disrupting the market with sustainable practices to creating unique designs that capture the essence of modern India, these visionaries are setting new trends and redefining the fashion landscape.

Namita Alexander

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, where style reigns supreme, one name that stands out is Namita Alexander. A celebrity stylist with a clientele that includes the likes of Jacqueline Fernandes, Diana Penty, Huma Qureshi, Chitrangda Singh, and Pooja Hegde, Namita has carved a niche for herself with her impeccable taste and creative flair. Her styling for the celebrity wedding of Rajkumar Rao and Patralekha went viral too. Having recently returned from the Oscars, she is now prepping for the Cannes film festival.

Namita was formerly a journalist working with NDTV. Though she had always been drawn to fashion, it wasn’t until 2017 that she stumbled upon an opportunity that would change her life forever. A close friend, who happened to be a celebrity, sought Namita’s advice for an important event. Little did she know that this casual suggestion would mark the beginning of her styling journey.

For the next six months, Namita found herself advising her friend on various outfits and styles. It was during this time that she realized her knack for fashion and the potential it held. As fate would have it, a golden opportunity presented itself at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Namita was entrusted with styling Diana Penty and her appearance at the festival won the title of “Best Dressed” across multiple platforms.

Encouraged by her resounding success, Namita decided to transform her creative calling into a full-fledged business, and Namita Alexander Styling Ltd. was born. Her hashtag #StyledByNamitaAlexander is widely searched to discover new designers and see some different ways of styling clothes. Namita always respected fashion as her art form. In 2022 she Co-founded My Almari with her two partners. My Almari is an e-commerce platform that is revolutionising the way luxury goods are bought and sold.

Namita has learnt invaluable lessons along the way. Now as a fashion entrepreneur, she believes in taking each day as it comes, and planning her calendar to the minute to keep up when her dates are booked months in advance.

She underscores the significance of patience and hard work, as they are the key ingredients for long-term success. In a highly competitive industry, Namita emphasises the need to have a distinct voice and the ability to package and sell that voice in a way that resonates with others.

Namita Alexander’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and seizing opportunities. As she continues to make waves in Bollywood’s fashion landscape, she remains an inspiration to aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs, a beacon of creativity and unwavering determination in the face of challenges.

Preeti Jatia, Founder and Creative Head – Fayon Kids

Preeti Jatia, the founder and creative head of Fayon Kids, has built a premium kidswear brand that embodies style, comfort, and elegance. What began as a personal endeavor to design the perfect dress for her daughter’s first birthday has now evolved into a flourishing business that caters to children, teens, and even adults through its sub-brand, LabelbyFayon. With a background in interior and textile design, Preeti discovered a gap in the market for premium kidswear and turned her passion into a full-fledged brand, specializing in both Indian and Western attire with an emphasis on customization.

Inspired by her daughter, who was the muse for Fayon Kids, Preeti has poured her creativity and dedication into every aspect of the brand. Despite the challenges of entering a competitive market and managing the intricacies of customization services, she has remained resilient, learning and growing with each hurdle. Balancing her roles as a businesswoman and a mom, she finds joy in exploring new places, drawing inspiration from her travels to bring fresh ideas to her collections.

Preeti’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in her own experience: believe in your vision, stay persistent, and never hesitate to ask for help. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and staying true to your passion. For her, success is not just about the destination but the journey—a journey fueled by hard work, adaptability, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is a stepping stone to something greater.

Divya Aggarwal, Founder & Designer – By Divya Aggarwal

Divya Aggarwal, Founder & Designer of her namesake luxury couture label is on a mission to preserve India’s rich heritage, culture, and craftsmanship through her unique designs. After majoring in Fashion Designing and a minor in Design Management, from Parsons School of Design in New York, she gained valuable experience with brands like KAZO and BL International.

With over 5 years of industry experience, she launched her own label, combining contemporary aesthetics with timeless traditions. Divya’s label blends modern style with traditional Indian fashion, breaking away from common trends and her designs showcase a mix of global fashion influences, featuring distinctive prints, vibrant colors, and visionary designs.

The label aims to set a new standard for Indian fusion and traditional wear, offering bespoke couture that reflects individuality and creativity. While evoking the very spirit of India with blouses, lehengas, and traditional adornments, Divya Aggarwal also hinges on western modernity with fusion skirts, corsets, and jackets. Her collections boast a variety of colors, designs, and prints, allowing for versatile styling and long-lasting wear due to its classic designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

In essence, Divya Aggarwal’s couture label is poised to set trends and make a lasting impact in the world of fashion by bringing forth a unique fusion of urban relevance and timeless Indian charm, promising to be a trendsetter with its alluring and finely crafted creations.

Mussarat Merchant, Founder – Label Frow

Mussarat Merchant is the visionary behind Label Frow, a Western wear clothing brand that brings international fashion trends to women in India. Specializing in occasion-based clothing and custom-made pieces, Label Frow ensures a perfect fit while promoting sustainability by maintaining low inventory and reducing waste.

Determined to create her own fashion brand, Mussarat pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business from the Raffles Institute in Singapore and completed a styling course at Central Saint Martins in London. Her passion for fashion stems from the women in her family, who loved to dress up and were influenced by Western styles, instilling in Mussarat a deep appreciation for the art of fashion.

Mussarat draws inspiration from Victoria Beckham, admiring her brand’s minimal and versatile designs, and aims to elevate Label Frow to a similar level of excellence. Additionally, she looks up to Simon Porte Jacquemus, the founder and creative director of Jacquemus, for his innovative marketing and creative content strategies.

As an entrepreneur, Mussarat has faced several challenges, particularly starting young and without industry connections. She has navigated daily struggles and learning opportunities, and being an introvert has made networking difficult. While she believes that working under an established mentor could have provided valuable experience, learning from her own mistakes has been a significant part of her journey.

Outside of her business, Mussarat enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and traveling to experience new cultures. These activities help her relax and stay inspired.

Mussarat’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on building the right connections and networks, as relationships are crucial in the industry. She also encourages embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.

Starting Label Frow during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging but opportunistic. Mussarat used the downtime to collaborate with influencers, celebrities, and stylists, which helped build brand awareness. Today, Label Frow is recognized for its unique, stylish, occasion-based clothing, showcased by celebrities like Kriti Sanon, Ananya Pandey, Jacqueline Fernandez, Jhanvi Kapoor, and Sonakshi Sinha, as well as fashion influencers like Komal Pandey, Sakshi Sindwani, and Sonam Babani. The brand has also been featured in prestigious magazines such as Cosmopolitan India and Grazia India. Additionally, Label Frow is available on Nykaa Fashion, Myntra Luxe, and Aza, further expanding its reach. Mussarat is proud of how far Label Frow has come and continues to strive for excellence.

Shafali Grover, Founder – Blushing Couture

Shafali Grover, the creative mind behind Blushing Couture, is a passionate fashion designer whose journey into the world of design was inspired by her artistic childhood. From handcrafting utensils from mud with her grandmother to creating ensembles for her dolls and decorating temples and dollhouses, she found joy in creating beauty from a young age. Her artistic flair was recognized early, with her art teacher always considering her a favorite student. By the fifth grade, she knew fashion design was her calling, driven by her love for creating beautiful things with passion.

After studying fashion design, Shafali honed her skills working with India’s renowned designer Ritu Kumar and later pursued higher studies in fashion marketing in Milan. Listening to her artistic soul, she founded Blushing Couture in 2021, a brand born from her vision of spreading joy through handcrafted, storytelling ensembles.

Shafali’s inspiration stems from her belief that challenges are integral to growth. She embraces difficulties as opportunities for learning and sees them as part of her journey toward achieving bigger goals. Her mantra is to take life one day at a time, embracing new experiences and striving to create a beautiful world.

Outside her professional endeavors, Shafali is a devoted mother to her five-year-old daughter and cherishes the time spent with her. She finds balance and fulfillment in being present for her family while passionately pursuing her dreams.

Blushing Couture is a brand dedicated to promoting positivity and celebrating craftsmanship. In a world overshadowed by machinery, Shafali emphasizes the value of handmade creations. Her designs are infused with love, care, and soul, ensuring that every outfit radiates positive energy and adds a magical touch to the wearer’s special day.

Shafali encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start working on their dreams. She believes the universe aligns to create a path for those who dare to follow their passion.

For Shafali, success is not just about professional milestones but about aligning her career with her soul’s expression. She considers herself fortunate to create a life from her vision board, crafting ensembles that bring joy and smiles to her clients. Blushing Couture’s mission is to promote handmade artistry, offering a platform to artisans and directing their creativity toward making exquisite, meaningful products.

Ananya Arora – Fashion Stylist, Founder- Bolt PR

Ananya Arora has built a remarkable career in fashion, drawing on years of experience across diverse roles within the industry. Her journey has allowed her to work with multiple brands, giving her valuable insights into every layer of the fashion business, from design and production to marketing and retail. This hands-on experience has given her the flexibility and adaptability to tackle evolving trends and challenges with ease. Beyond her skills, Ananya’s network is a testament to the connections she has cultivated—enabling her to navigate the fashion world effectively.

Her move into PR felt natural after years of success as a stylist and fashion label owner. Working with brands in this capacity revealed the powerful role she could play in marketing and storytelling, eventually inspiring her to take on PR as a full-time endeavor. Ananya’s own journey has not been without challenges.

A mother to a five-year-old daughter and a committed runner and fitness enthusiast, Ananya has found ways to balance her passions with family life. Her inspiration comes from other women who manage this balance gracefully. Though she feels she may have taken longer than she’d like to prioritize her goals, when she finally did, she gave it her all, bringing her interpersonal skills and transparency to the forefront. It’s her ability to make genuine connections and stay true to her clients that have allowed her to build a sought-after PR agency in just three years. Ananya believes that whenever you set out on a new journey, giving it your full commitment is the key to creating something meaningful.

Anshu Dhawan, Founder – PearlSmith

Anshu Dhawan is a name synonymous with style, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in the fashion industry. As the founder of PearlSmith, a brand known for its innovative and enchanting designs, Anshu has made her mark by blending timeless elegance with modern trends. Her journey into fashion began with a push from her best friend, Shruti, who encouraged her to explore Instagram, setting the stage for her influential career.

PearlSmith is a reflection of Anshu’s vision for fashion that resonates with contemporary tastes. The brand celebrates creativity, offering intricate accessories and bold statement pieces that capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts. Anshu’s entrepreneurial spark was further fueled by her husband, whose journey from a laid-back individual to a disciplined and successful entrepreneur inspired her to launch PearlSmith.

As a fashion and lifestyle influencer, Anshu has collaborated with esteemed brands like Dyson, Nykaa, and Lakmé, making luxury fashion accessible to her audience. Despite challenges, her unwavering commitment has driven her success, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when her influence surged, leading to significant brand collaborations and the launch of PearlSmith’s website.

Anshu’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in the fashion world.

Vinita Wadhwani, Founder – QOUI

Vinita Wadhwani’s story is one of passion, creativity, and determination. As an interior designer by profession and a fashion enthusiast at heart, she found a way to bring her dreams to life by creating her own clothing brand, QOUI. This leap from designing spaces to crafting unique fashion pieces wasn’t easy, but it was a natural step for someone as driven and creative as her.

Starting QOUI was far from straightforward—it was a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and moments of doubt. But Vinita embraced every hurdle as a learning experience, using each one to grow stronger and more determined. Launching her brand was more than just a milestone; it was a reflection of her resilience and her ability to turn her vision into reality.

Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Vinita spent nearly ten years working in her family business. That experience shaped her work ethic and taught her the importance of persistence, something that has been a constant in her journey. Yet, she always knew her true calling lay in design and fashion. Eventually, she decided to take the leap and build something of her own, a decision that changed her life.

When she’s not busy running QOUI, Vinita makes time for her health and well-being. Working out at least four times a week keeps her energized and helps her stay balanced, even with the demands of managing a business. Travel is another passion of hers—it’s a way to recharge, explore new cultures, and draw inspiration for her work. Every place she visits adds a new layer to her creativity and perspective.

Vinita’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling. Her story shows that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to turn your dreams into reality. As she continues to grow with QOUI, she’s excited to see where the journey will take her next.