Special Editions
Women’s Day Special: Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs of the Year – 2023
Making a mark in today’s competitive startup market is growing more and more difficult nowadays. This hyper-competitive environment has given rise to a number of new entrepreneurs, many of them being women.
Throughout history women have had to prove their capability to the world, and today’s world is no different. Women face a lot more challenges when it comes to starting a business than men, from looking after their families to handling societal pressure they face every obstacle like warriors. On this women’s day we have curated the stories of a few of such warriors of our country who crossed all the hurdles in their way to achieve what they have today.
We’re featuring Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs with their ideas and vision which will surely inspire you to do better in life.
1.Bhakti Mistry
Bhakti Mistry’s Bespoke Gifting Studio specializes in gift-wrapping for special occasions, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for gift recipients. Founded in 2018, Bhakti’s company offers a variety of gifts for events such as weddings, birthdays, and baby arrivals, among others.
Bhakti is passionate about making people feel special through her gift-wrapping abilities, and her goal is to spread joy and happiness worldwide by providing life-changing experiences. She takes pride in delivering exceptional goods and services to her clients, going above and beyond their expectations.
As an entrepreneur, Bhakti Mistry believes in continuous improvement and is grateful for her customers’ deep relationships and trust. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams.
Bespoke Gifting Studio is appreciative and blessed for everything that has occurred thus far, and Bhakti is excited to keep pushing herself to new heights.
2.Jinal Niser
Bling Thing Store, founded by Jinal Niser 1.5 years ago, is a fashion jewellery brand that offers a wide range of carefully selected, affordable jewellery for daily wear. Their products include classic designs such as the Wanderlust Necklace, Bling Drip Earrings, Runway Hoops, and Layered Chains, all with exceptional finishing.
Several celebrities, including Kriti Sanon, Jahanvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra and Sunny Leone, have been seen wearing and endorsing Bling Thing’s jewellery. The brand’s affiliation with the respected Femina Miss India 2022 platform, where all 30 contestants wore their jewellery for the semi-finals, was a significant accomplishment.
Before starting Bling Thing, Jinal Niser gained 14 years of corporate work experience, including marketing positions at major international corporations like Mattel Toys. Due to the pandemic and toy import regulations, her previous company had to shut down India operations and lay off 90% of its workforce. She then launched her line of designer jewellery to pursue her passion.
3.Gurmeen Shrivastav
Gurmeen Shrivastav, a Mumbai-based fashion designer, is creating sustainable Khadi clothes through her brand ‘Nayshaas Siyahi Sa Vastra’. Her new collection will be available in all sizes and ages, as she seeks to connect young Indians to their roots and culture. While most clothes are made in factories with minimal effort, Gurmeen is reaching out to people to try Indian-originated clothing, as traditional weavers are gradually being replaced by factories.
Gurmeen has decided to launch a collection towards “Organic Clothing and Sustainable Clothing” Her journey to introduce the modern aged millennials and GenZ is simple yet quite inspirational. “I have always been partial towards handloom clothing , and I really support those who are trying hard to build their own empire. These weavers have a great spirit to do something and so I decided to give them work and contribute my bit toward it”, said Gurmeen.
She believes that hand-loomed clothing represents India’s aged culture and traditions, and she wishes to maintain a connection to her roots. Despite taking longer to make than factory-made clothing, hand-loomed clothing, such as Khadi, is more sustainable and durable. Gurmeen’s brand has won hearts not only in India but also in various countries.
4.Aishwarya Kawle
Aishwarya Kawle is a self-made entrepreneur and founder of Whipsicles, a cosmetic brand that offers chemical-free skincare products. Despite limited financial resources, she manages the business with some help from her family. Communicating the brand’s environmentally friendly ethos to potential customers has been a challenge, but she perseveres in simplifying it so that people can understand the benefits.
Whipsicles’ products are priced higher than mass-produced alternatives due to their local production. Aishwarya acknowledges that reaching the correct audience is difficult, and marketing and advertising are not easy for small businesses like hers. Despite these challenges, she takes pride in the progress she has made and is inspired to continue. She believes that each day brings new difficulties, but this only adds to the value of her journey.
5.Devanshi Toshniwal
She is an inspiration to the young girls out there, as she hails from Rajasthan where becoming a businesswoman is still a taboo.
For years, people have been persuaded to drink processed juices from the market. That is, until Devanshi Toshniwal introduced OG juices and instigated faith in cold-pressed juices, reshaping many lives to have healthy lifestyles.
The turning point for her to resort to healthy food habits came in her early 20s, when she underwent a weight loss program. As a result, she realised she needed to change people’s drinking habits for their own good. Being from a family of entrepreneurs, she planned to start a company offering 100% natural juices free of added sugar, preservatives, flavours, or colours. Starting from cleaning fruits, cold pressing, bottling and labelling, and delivering with an ice pack, the company is one of a kind, offering high vitamin juices. Devanshi’s initiative brings to light how a simple thought process is changing the dynamics of women’s entrepreneurship for a better future in India.
6.Anuraddhaa Singh
Anuraddhaa Singh’s “Throne of Medusas” is a D2C clothing brand that sells high-quality, inclusively designed clothing for women worldwide. The brand’s mission is to empower women to embrace their femininity and reject societal stereotypes through bold, glamorous dresses that fit every body type. Throne of Medusas also prioritizes sustainability and affordability, offering clothes made to last at more affordable prices.
India’s fashion industry is rapidly growing, and Throne of Medusas aims to disrupt it with its distinctive designs and direct-to-consumer sales model. Anuraddhaa Singh chose the name “Throne of Medusas” as a tribute to the Greek Goddess Medusa, who symbolizes the exclusion of women under patriarchal norms.
Anuraddhaa Singh envisions her brand becoming “Bolder, Bigger, Better!” in the next five years, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and determination.
7.Aditi Bhosale Walunj
In 2017, Aditi Bhosale Walunj co-founded Repos Energy along with her husband Chetan Walunj with a vision with a vision to help the world move towards a carbon neutral future by bridging the gap between supply and demand of clean energy using latest tech enabled solutions.
Aditi Says, “I knew I was destined for something more profound, that my impact on the world could be profound, but I had yet to discover what my calling was.
Aditi’s boundless imagination and insatiable curiosity always push the limits of what is possible. The result is more efficient energy distribution and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Through her TEDx talks and keynote speeches at different IIMs and business schools. As well as mentoring young entrepreneurs, she represented India at a tech summit in Paris among 14 startups. The young woman inspired countless people to think differently about the world around them and to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose when she was in her twenties.
The creativity and unwavering commitment of Aditi Bhosale Walunj to energy innovation make her a force to be reckoned with. The possibilities are endless for what she will accomplish in the future.
8.Swapnil Chaturvedi
Swapnil Chaturvedi is the founder of a Tech company, www.sasone.in and partner in Timesascent.com
In order to address business issues, SASone produces elegant software tools. They’re on a mission to develop top-notch, straightforward business utility software that will support organisations as they adapt to shifting market conditions and technological advancements.
The Times of India, India’s most widely read national daily, features a weekly recruitment-focused part called Times Ascent on Wednesdays.
The publication reaches senior executives from many businesses, HR specialists, and both active and passive job searchers. The print publication and website are part of the brand.She was also featured in Women Entrepreneur India Magazine as Top 10 Indian Women Leaders from Asia. She is an epitome of successful businesswomen in India and strves to become better and inspire millions everyday.
9.Kitu Pahuja
Making a mark in today’s competitive startup market is growing more and more difficult nowadays. This hyper-competitive environment has given rise to a number of new entrepreneurs, many of them being women.
One woman that’s trying to make her company known to the world is Kitu Pahooja, the founder of Laviche. Kitu worked as a school teacher before embarking on her own entrepreneurship journey. It all started in 2017, where she was intrigued by a question that her son posed to her. It was about the topic of Saponification. This led Kitu down a rabbit hole with regards to soaps and other bath-related products. She decided to dedicate her life towards the study of Ayurveda and the benefits of natural herbs, plants and fruits on the human skin and hair. This led her to start a company with the aim to bring fun, hygienic, and nourishing soaps to people of all ages.
Laviche, which started with humble beginnings, now has a massive variety of hygiene products, ranging from the company’s signature artisanal soaps, made from 100% natural ingredients and pure natural oils, to a number of scrubs, bath salts, lotions, body butters, hair gels, and beard oils.
The company also places focus on kid-friendly soaps inspired by various everyday food items, with an emphasis on making children excited to keep themselves hygienic and clean.
Another feather in Laviche’s cap is collaborations with big names such Sony YAY!, a kids entertainment brand that’s popular with young children, where popular characters Honey Bunny are featured in a Dessert Soap combo. Laviche’s food-inspired soaps are also featured in India’s largest toy store, Hamley’s. The company has also been featured in popular press websites like NDTV Shopping, Media Infoline, Lifestyle Asia, Femina, APN News, Adgully, and IDiva.
10. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, the founder of Avtar, is a visionary leader who has created India’s first diversity advocate and workplace inclusion expert. Avtar is known for its work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for women’s workforce participation, and is India’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh has led Avtar to venture into various areas of gender inclusion and career creation, including developing a comprehensive set of career enablers for companies, spearheading original research, creating India’s first diversity hiring portal, and building career intentionality among underprivileged girl children. She has won numerous awards for her work in diversity, including the Ministry of Women & Child Development’s #100Women Achiever Award and the Twitter #Web Wonder Women Award.
Under her leadership, Avtar conducts India’s largest gender analytics, the “Best Companies’ for Women in India,” and Corporate India’s largest Inclusion Index, the Working Mother & Avtar Most Inclusive Companies Index. Avtar’s interventions are based on primary research, and Dr. Saundarya Rajesh has personally trained and mentored over 10,000 leaders in the Indian corporate sector.
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On World Health Day 2025, Mumbai Uncensored proudly honors ten exceptional doctors who are transforming healthcare in India with their dedication, innovation, and expertise. From pioneering medical advancements to delivering compassionate patient care, these professionals are not just healers but also changemakers shaping the future of medicine.
Their relentless pursuit of excellence has redefined standards in healthcare, ensuring better accessibility, improved treatments, and life-saving interventions. As we celebrate this special day, we shine a spotlight on these inspiring doctors whose contributions continue to make a profound impact on countless lives.
Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, Aesthetic Doctor & Skin expert
Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, a visionary in cosmetic dermatology, has significantly impacted skincare through her ventures, ISAAC Luxe and SkinbyDrG. Her decade-long dedication emphasizes natural beauty and skin health.
Founded in 2012, ISAAC Luxe embodies Dr. Geetika’s commitment to luxury skincare, offering advanced treatments in elegant settings across major Indian cities. Her vision blends timeless skincare with modern technology.
SkinbyDrG, her skincare line, addresses the unique needs of Indian skin, providing accessible solutions tailored to local weather and skin types.
Dr. Geetika’s journey, marked by passion and excellence, has expanded ISAAC Luxe and introduced SkinbyDrG, impacting countless lives. Her achievements include the Times 40under40 award (2023), Times Business Award (2022), and Vogue Beauty Awards (2019). She actively shares her expertise at conferences and on platforms like India Today, Vogue, and NDTV.
Dr. Geetika’s influence extends beyond skincare, promoting self-care and wellness in India. Her holistic approach inspires others in cosmetic dermatology and entrepreneurship, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication.
Dr. Riddhi Doshi, Fertility specialist & IVF expert
Dr. Riddhi Doshi, a leading fertility specialist and IVF expert in Mumbai, has dedicated her career to helping couples navigate the challenges of infertility. As the founder of her IVF clinic, she specializes in advanced reproductive treatments such as IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, and fertility preservation, offering personalized, evidence-based care to those struggling to conceive.
Her journey into reproductive medicine was driven by the emotional toll infertility takes on couples. Witnessing their struggles firsthand ignited a passion for making parenthood possible for those who had lost hope. The ever-evolving field of fertility science, combined with the deeply personal impact of every successful case, continues to fuel her commitment to the profession.
What sets her clinic apart is its blend of cutting-edge technology and a compassionate, patient-centric approach. Beyond medical treatments, she emphasizes holistic fertility care, integrating lifestyle modifications and emotional counseling to support patients through their journey. With high success rates and a strong commitment to ethical, transparent protocols, her clinic stands as a trusted name in reproductive health.
Over the years, IVF has advanced tremendously, with innovations like time-lapse embryo monitoring, AI-assisted embryo selection, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). These breakthroughs have significantly improved success rates while making the process more patient-friendly. Despite these advancements, misconceptions about IVF persist. Many believe it’s a last resort or that it guarantees success in a single cycle, while others fear that IVF babies are weaker—myths that scientific research has long disproven.
Among her most memorable cases was a couple in their 40s who had faced multiple IVF failures at other clinics. With a customized approach and holistic interventions, they finally conceived. The moment they held their baby after years of struggle reaffirmed why she chose this path.
Beyond medical expertise, Dr. Doshi recognizes the critical role of lifestyle and diet in fertility. Poor nutrition, stress, and obesity can negatively impact reproductive health, which is why she incorporates dietary plans, stress management techniques, and even yoga into her patient care.
For aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals, her message is clear: medicine is not just a career; it’s a responsibility. In fertility treatment, empathy is just as essential as expertise.
Viraj Ghelani
Introducing Viraj Ghelani, the seasoned comedy content creator who has seamlessly woven himself into the fabric of suburban Mumbai life. If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling at the quirks of suburban existence, chances are you’ve crossed paths with one of Viraj’s relatable videos. Particularly resonant with the Gujarati community, Viraj has become a familiar and beloved figure in the digital landscape.
Known for his contributions to Dice Media and FilterCopy videos, Viraj transitioned from the guy-next-door in web content to making his mark in Bollywood. Making his Dharma movie debut in “Govinda Naam Hai Mera” as Bhumi Pednekar’s boyfriend, Viraj has effortlessly extended his charm to the big screen.
Yet, beyond the screen, Viraj Ghelani remains a humble and passionate creator, drawing energy from his fans and finding inspiration in family bonds. His philosophy centers around embracing the present, acknowledging that every past experience converges to shape the cherished moments of today. This conversation unfolds the fascinating journey of Viraj, tracing his steps from the streets of Borivali to the grand stages of Bollywood.
In the world of fashion, where trends change like the wind, some individuals possess the unique ability to captivate audiences, shape styles, and inspire millions with their effortless flair. One such influential personality is Unnati Malharkar, a dancer, fashion influencer, and blogger whose creativity and distinctive style have made her a prominent figure in the industry.
Formerly started as a TikTok sensation and now an Instagram influencer, Unnati’s journey began like many others, but her undeniable talent and passion for dance and fashion set her apart from the crowd. She soon realized the power of self-expression through dancing. With a keen eye for detail and an uncanny ability to predict upcoming trends, she became a beacon of inspiration.
Her outfits effortlessly fuse chic couture with accessible pieces, making her style approachable for her followers. From trendy streetwear to elegant Indian wear, she flawlessly navigates the fashion landscape, encouraging her audience to experiment and embrace their own unique fashion identities.
Unnati Malharkar is more than just a content creator; she is a force to be reckoned with. Her creativity knows no bounds, and her impact on the digital landscape is undeniable. With each video she creates, she reminds us all the power of chasing our dreams, embracing our passions, and spreading happiness along the way.
Shreya Mahajan
Shreya Mahajan is the founder of The Social Sphere, a New Delhi-based marketing and PR agency specializing in creating innovative strategies for luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Alongside her entrepreneurial journey, she is a dedicated fashion and lifestyle content creator, sharing her passion for styling and personal expression.
Her journey began during the Covid-19 lockdown when Shreya started creating outfit inspiration content, giving life to her love for fashion. This creative exploration encouraged her to leave a stable corporate job and pursue a master’s in Fashion Marketing at Nottingham Trent University. Combining her marketing expertise, passion for fashion, and valuable internship experiences, Shreya launched her agency in March 2024.
Shreya finds inspiration in trailblazing women like Masoom Minawala and Falguni Nayar. However, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a woman, she faced societal pressures and subtle judgments for stepping away from a conventional career path to follow her dreams. Building a career in a competitive industry while defying norms required resilience, but staying aligned with her vision kept her motivated.
To aspiring digital creators and influencers, Shreya emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency. She encourages them to embrace their individuality, create meaningful content for their audience, and experiment with fresh ideas. According to her, growth may take time, but perseverance, strategy, and staying true to oneself build a loyal community.
Shreya describes her success as a work in progress. From leaving a corporate job at Deloitte to building her own business and nurturing a community, each step has been a testament to her determination. With the support of her family, mentors, and personal resilience, she has steadily moved closer to her goals. Shreya hopes her story inspires others to trust in their abilities and take bold leaps of faith toward their dreams.
Patralekha
Patralekha is a fashion stylist and influencer who has turned her passion for style and creative expression into a thriving career. Known for her ability to curate unique and personal looks for her niche clientele, she brings a blend of artistry and individuality to everything she does.
From an early age, she was the go-to friend for outfit advice and closet makeovers, always experimenting with colors, textures, and fresh ideas. Sharing her styled outfits on Instagram was a turning point—what began as a hobby quickly grew into a profession, fueled by admiration for her fashion sense and her ability to inspire confidence through style.
Drawing inspiration from global fashion icons and everyday people alike, Patralekha finds beauty in the way personal style reflects individuality. She believes that creativity thrives when authenticity meets boldness. Her journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges.
Breaking into the competitive fashion industry required resilience, especially as she worked to establish her voice in a space that often favors convention over innovation. Balancing the artistic side of styling with the practical demands of being a digital creator was another hurdle, but she’s met it head-on, staying true to her vision while navigating the pressures of engagement and validation.
When she isn’t styling, Patralekha channels her creativity into painting and creating unique artworks, another avenue where her artistic spirit shines. Her advice to aspiring creators is simple: stay original and focused. In a fast-paced digital world, she believes authenticity and persistence set people apart.
Her success is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and the joy of inspiring others to embrace their confidence through fashion. For Patralekha, fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about empowering people to feel good in their own skin.
Iti Khinchi
Iti Khinchi is a mom blogger and digital creator known for sharing the humorous and relatable aspects of motherhood through her engaging reels and content. She connects with other mothers by offering a light-hearted perspective on the everyday chaos of parenting, turning the often challenging moments into shared experiences filled with laughter and support.
Iti’s journey into mom blogging began when she found motherhood to be more complex than she initially thought. Seeking a creative outlet to navigate this new chapter of her life, she started documenting her experiences and venting her frustrations. What began as a personal project quickly grew into a platform where she could connect with other moms. Her reels, capturing the hilarity of daily parenting moments, resonated with many, marking the start of her successful career as a mom blogger.
The community of moms Iti has connected with serves as her biggest inspiration. Each mother’s unique story and struggle remind her that she is not alone, and their resilience and creativity continually motivate her. As a woman, Iti has faced the challenge of balancing personal and professional life amidst high societal expectations. However, she has found that embracing her imperfections and sharing them openly has been key to building a genuine and supportive community.
Beyond creating content, Iti is deeply involved in her daughter’s upbringing, which remains her top priority. She also explores new hobbies, from trying different forms of art to reading books that inspire creativity and growth. Being present in her family’s life and creating lasting memories together is essential to her.
To aspiring digital creators and influencers, Iti emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s story. Authenticity, she believes, is what resonates most with people. She encourages others not to fear sharing the messy, imperfect parts of life, as real connections are forged in those moments. Patience is also crucial—success doesn’t happen overnight. Iti advises focusing on building a community rather than just a following, as the rewards will naturally follow.
For Iti, success is not measured by numbers or accolades but by the smiles and laughter of her family when they watch her reels and the supportive comments from her community. Every time she brightens someone’s day or helps a fellow mom feel less alone, she considers it a success. Her journey is about discovering new facets of herself and finding joy in the everyday moments of motherhood.
Meghna Verma
Meghna Verma is a corporate lawyer, enrolled with the Delhi Bar Association, who has also gained experience as an educator. After living in Hyderabad, she returned to her hometown, New Delhi.
During the pandemic, she, like many others, felt the mental strain caused by social distancing. To maintain her well-being, Meghna ventured into the digital world, quickly building connections and discovering a passion for content creation.
Inspired by figures in fitness, motherhood, food blogging, and fashion, she loves trying new things and sharing her experiences. However, Meghna has faced challenges as an influencer, particularly the misconception that the role is easy and requires minimal effort. She knows the reality is different—balancing home responsibilities with external commitments demands discipline and the ability to improvise. Meghna emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong mental and physical health to meet the demands of a hectic schedule.
As a homemaker, she thrives on balancing her family life with pursuits outside the home. Meghna advises aspiring influencers to work with dedication, commitment, and passion, always promoting what they truly believe in. For her, authenticity and simplicity are key to making a real impact.
Roohi Baweja
Roohi Baweja is a luxury fashion and lifestyle influencer, an editor in the fashion & lifestyle beat in the Luxurious lifestyle newspaper ‘Zoom Delhi’. With a background in interior design and computers, Roohi has also gained experience working with Amul India in the administration and HR departments.
A year ago, she embarked on her journey into the world of fashion influencing, and since then, her presence has grown significantly. Roohi has had the privilege of being associated with various prestigious fashion and lifestyle brands. She’s been a part of FDCI Couture Week, sharing the front row with celebrities and renowned designers such as Bobby Deol, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Sonam Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Neha Dhupia, Jay Sean, Sonakshi Sinha, Sabyasachi, Dolly J, Rohit Bal, and Gaurav Gupta.
Roohi is also known for showcasing the latest collections from international luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Valentino, and Bulgari. She regularly visits these high-end stores to present their newest pieces to her audience, bringing global fashion trends directly to her followers.
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Gargi
March 8, 2023 at 7:00 am
Beautiful,empowered Indian women,Best wishes on your onward journey💐💐
Girija Pillay
March 8, 2023 at 3:33 pm
Congratulations to all young entrepreneurs who made a name for themselves in this competitive world . Keep it up n inspire many more.