Special Editions
Breaking Barriers: Women Entrepreneurs in India Who Will Inspire You in 2023
Nomita Jeswani, Mumbai Uncensored, 1st November 2023:
From the time when women weren’t even allowed to step out of the house and were just expected to take care of their house and family to the time now when women have started building their own businesses and achieved great heights, India has progressed a lot.
Today, women have made their mark in every industry, and they continue to expand with each passing day. They managed everything like warriors, even though breaking through all the taboos and patriarchy and coming forward was not an easy journey. They fought, they fell but never stopped and now are soaring in beautiful colours.
If you also want to start up something new but still lack the motivation, here is a list of such Women Entrepreneurs in India who will inspire you in 2023. Check it out!
- Janvi & Helly Jogatar
Janvi and Helly Jogatar are two sisters who came together to create TIESTA, a unique footwear company that believes in the power of customization. Helly, a seasoned fashion consultant brings her expertise to the table when it comes to creating stunning designs and improving the customer experience. Meanwhile, Janvi, who has a specialization in shoe design from FDDI, is responsible for the brand’s marketing, collaborations, and PR.
At TIESTA, they believe that no one size fits all. They specialize in creating luxury women’s footwear that is customized to fit perfectly. From Euro 32 to Euro 46, we cater to all sizes and types of feet, including those with broad, narrow, arch, flat, or LLD issues. Their customization options are endless, making it easy for customers without sacrificing comfort or quality.
With a full in-house staff of designers and producers, they have the assurance to create and deliver the most ideal and comfortable shoes. Also, they are a vegan, PETA-approved business that is committed to maintaining India’s long-standing legacy of shoemaking while also giving their craftsmen access to health benefits and a wonderful working environment.
Their brand’s overarching theme is MOVE YOUR WAY | MOVE WITH TIESTA. They recognize that everyone is different and has unique needs and believe that there is a certain freedom in embracing that diversity without making any compromises.
- Nidhi Shah
Nidhi Shah who was a teacher in an IB school went on a hunt for the perfect school for her six-year-old daughter, Amyra. However, the more schools she visited, the more uneasy she became about sending her to a guided and instructed environment. She feared that her unique interests and passions would not be nurtured and that she would be forced to adhere to a strict curriculum that might not cater to her learning style. she didn’t want her to lose her freedom to explore and experiment and worried that her pace of learning wouldn’t be respected.
So, she and her husband made the unconventional decision to embrace unschooling or self-led learning. They didn’t want to force our daughter into a conventional system that didn’t prioritize her individuality. Instead, they allowed her to learn at her own pace, follow her interests, and explore the world around her organically.
Their learning journey took them to off-grid places, where they learned about farming, waste management, and simple living from various tribes. They also explored different subjects like math, science, Hindi, art, and more, without a fixed curriculum or routine. They found that trusting the process and respecting our daughter’s pace has been the key to her learning success.
They faced criticism from those who do not understand their approach to learning. But they believed that their role as parents is to provide a safe and loving environment that allows their daughter to grow and learn in her unique way.
Overall, they are happy and content with the journey and hope to continue to support and nurture their daughter’s interests and passions, as she continues to grow and learn in her own way.
- Shruti Verma
Shruti Verma, the Group CEO & Co-Founder of Skoodos & Skoodos Ventures, Spherion Solutions Private Limited & SELIN Club, boasts over nine years of experience in the educational sector. Her career is characterized by an unwavering dedication to making quality education universally accessible. Holding a Master’s degree in International Business and International Marketing from the University of Jaen in Spain, she has leveraged her education to meticulously oversee execution and marketing strategies, resulting in the exponential growth of her companies.
Shruti’s journey in education was ignited by a profound belief in its transformative potential. Following her Master’s degree, she identified the need for innovation in the education sector. Leveraging her substantial background in management and marketing, she co-founded Skoodos with the goal of marrying business expertise with a commitment to egalitarianism, ensuring quality education for all.
Navigating the ever-evolving educational landscape has posed challenges, from staying ahead of industry trends to scaling operations while maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and educational excellence. These challenges have only reinforced her commitment to delivering the best possible educational experience.
Her entrepreneurial journey has imparted valuable lessons on the significance of market insights, customer-centricity, and adaptability. She emphasizes aligning a company’s growth trajectory with the dynamic demands of the industry, coupled with unwavering dedication, resilience, and adherence to core values.
Shruti’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs in the education sector is clear: never lose sight of the transformative impact your efforts can have. Challenges are opportunities for learning and growth. Stay committed, resilient, and passionate about your cause, for in education, you possess the power to change lives.
- Parul Kakad
Parul Kakad, known as “mumbaimummy,” is a revered mom influencer and the mother of four beautiful children. She embarked on a remarkable journey to celebrate the essence of motherhood through her platform. Little did she know that this endeavor would blossom into a thriving venture. With over four years of experience as a content creator, Parul has discovered that content creation encompasses much more than meets the eye.
Parul’s venture began with the encouragement of friends who recognized her unique position as a mother of four and her ability to share her experiences on motherhood and children. Their suggestion led her to embark on her path as a mom influencer, embracing the world of content creation.
For Parul, inspiration arises from the small moments in life that can influence one in both positive and negative ways. These moments serve as the seeds of thought and catalysts for change. They inspire her to choose her path of personal growth. The journey has had its share of difficulties, and as a woman, Parul understands the power of transforming challenges into strength.
Beyond her thriving business, Parul is on a self-healing journey. She recognizes that to help others heal, she must first heal herself.
Parul imparts a valuable message to aspiring women entrepreneurs: happiness resides within. Find your happy space, dedicate time to self-care, seek balance, and extend a helping hand to fellow women. The journey is not about competition but rather about collective growth within the realm of collective consciousness. Parul Kakad’s journey is a testament to the strength of embracing the little things in life and channeling them towards personal and collective empowerment.
- Payal Narang
Payal Narang is a Jolly Phonics Trainer and Teacher by profession who has done her education in child Psychology She started her journey in 2012 when she moved to India and was surprised that hardly any schools here had a phonics program.
She then started by spreading awareness about it and providing private classes to kids. By her instruction, children as young as 3-3.5 years old were able to begin reading on their own.
She started it small by providing home tuition to children. Since she always wanted to have a business, eventually she grew and was able to establish her centre with three classrooms and three teachers. Although the pandemic was a bit scarier for her, it led to better days as now her business has expanded, and she provides classes both online and offline and has a wider set of students
- Alpana Deo
Alpana Deo is a Houston-based teacher, author, blogger, voice-over artist, and podcast host. Her passion for writing started early on in her life, but it wasn’t until she became a mother that took her first steps into publishing. Writing for the Austin South Asian Local Newsletter was just the beginning, and soon enough, her blog “Mothers Gurukul” was born. With very little knowledge of website maintenance and SEO, she took the plunge into the blogging world, and today, she is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 200 English Blogs in India.
“Along with writing, I am also passionate about the voice-over industry. I won the Orange Flower Runner-up award in 2022 for the most empowering category. So after my second pregnancy, with limited free time, podcasts came to my rescue. To fulfill my love for public speaking and desire to help other moms, I started my English Show, Mother’s Gurukul Podcast, for other parents.” said Alpana Deo.
Alongside writing, she has a strong passion for the voice-over industry. she is blessed to be fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, which has allowed her to summarize many audiobooks in these languages. In 2022, she was honored to receive the Orange Flower Runner-up award in the “most empowering” category for her voice-over work. And in 2021, she launched her Hindi podcast “Baton Baton Mein,” where she talks about simple yet overlooked topics that are part of our daily lives. She also had the opportunity to interview various celebrities from different fields, including Lataa Sabberwal, Rekha Diwekar, and Dr. Swati Lodha.
As a voice-over artist, Alpana Deo has summarized numerous audiobook summaries in Hindi and Marathi. She firmly believes that with a strong desire and willingness to give one’s best effort, anyone can tilt the odds in their favor. Alpana considers every step taken towards her goal as a milestone. Despite facing visa limitations that barred her from working for a decade, she explored her hobbies and turned them into a career. Alpana acknowledges that although she has acquired a lot of knowledge, there is still a lot more to learn. Nevertheless, looking back, she feels content with her journey.
- Dr. Zahra Hussain
A Physiotherapist by profession and a Fashion Jewellery Business owner by passion has been running her clinic as a full-time physiotherapist for the past 11 plus years and parallelly owns an online jewellery brand where she sells her designs via Instagram, their website and does alot of exhibitions all over India.
By the brand name of Cherry Blossoms Designs, she has made a successful business along side her fulltime medical practice. Her designs are worn by various celebs like the ravishing Sunny Leone, Jasmine Bhasin, Tina Datta, Elnaz Norouzi, Nikki Tamboli any many more and famous singers like Purva Mantri, Shalmali Kholgade and the most amazing Neha Kakkar! Neha has worn her jewellery in almost every episode of the current season of Indian Idol and many other shows she did.
Being a successful doctor, she was questioned a lot for venturing into the jewellery business, but she was so passionate about it that she did it anyway and is currently running a successful jewellery business! Not only is she a doctor and an entrepreneur, but also a mother of 2 beautiful small children. She has proved to be a great inspiration for all women looking to start or run an existing business and most importantly follow their dreams.
- Ramana Shah
HolidayArt, is a travel company founded by Ramana Shah in 2017. It is a travel company that specialises in hosting domestic and international tours across the globe.
From working in corporate jobs with Kingfisher Airlines to unwillingly working in the banking sector after its closure, Ramana has gone through a lot of struggles to earn her bread. Leaving the job and returning to travel industry almost after 6 years was not an easy task for her until her friend encouraged her to start up something of her own. And this came with the idea of starting her own travel company named HolidayArt. Doing it single handed especially when she was the first girl child in the family to start a business was difficult, but she was supported strongly by her friends and family. Her father being the most inspirational for her. She believes in going an extra mile for their customers. Customer delight is their mantra.
Her journey of ups and downs didn’t end up here. It was the pandemic that led to the downfall of her career again, but she didn’t lose any hope. She took it positively. She took the time of 2 years of zero business to learn more about travel and tourism and rebuilt. With tourism getting back to normalcy they are rising to achieve new heights.
- Sneha Paliwal
Sneha Paliwal‘s journey as an influencer began six years ago when she made her debut on Instagram as one of the first mommy bloggers. She stumbled upon this profession by chance when she started posting candid pictures of her daughter and herself on the platform after quitting her job and becoming a homemaker. Her posts quickly gained popularity among users, resulting in an increase in her followers.
Over time, Sneha’s social media presence grew by leaps and bounds, and businesses began to take notice. Today, she commands a following of more than 150,000 people on her Instagram page @highstreetmommy, and has collaborated with over 800 brands, including established names such as Myntra, Amazon, and Flipkart. Her stellar work in the industry even caught the attention of Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, who interviewed her for Hauterfly.
Sneha’s rise to success was anything but easy, especially since she was a newcomer to the industry without any connections. She persevered through the challenges of managing a nuclear family and shooting with children, and managed to strike a balance between her personal and professional life with remarkable skill. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, and her success story stands as a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
- Garima Gupta
Garima Gupta is a creative visionary, driven by her passion for designing unforgettable experiences for her clients. As the founder of Brand Kundal, based in Gurugram, Haryana, she is dedicated to creating exclusive bags and potlis that cater to the demands of the affluent clients she serves.
Garima’s journey began when she realized the need for exclusive bags and potlis in her own big family. She created her first design, which was coordinated perfectly with the wedding theme, and it became a turning point in her life. After the initial success, Garima decided to take it more seriously and enter the wedding industry.
Today, Garima’s vision for Kundal is to become a brand known for its exclusivity, available not only in India but also for international clients. She aims to give each product a modern twist while retaining the Indian heritage, creating designs that are contemporary and edgy.
Garima believes that every bag tells a story, and she wants to take the traditional need for potlis and clutches to another dimension by adding her unique touch. With her creative soul and dedication to her craft, Garima is sure to continue making waves in the industry and creating unforgettable experiences for her clients.
- Shraddha Sancheti
Shraddha Sancheti is a formidable force behind the House of Dhaatu, inspiring women worldwide. Her brand showcases stunning jewellery designs while embodying inclusivity and affordability. They idea appeared from a deep understanding of the disappointment that customers feel when they cannot afford a piece they adore. She created a space where anyone can purchase unique, affordable jewellery without sacrificing quality or design.
Shraddha persevered through the pandemic, leading her team with grace and respect for their safety and well-being. Her ambition came true as a result of her persistent dedication and devotion. Her ability to keep going in spite of difficulty serves as an example for people hoping to fulfil their aspirations.
She proves that the world needs more women like her, who harness their passion and turn it into a force for good. Her success serves as a beacon of hope for all those who seek to make a positive difference in the world. She is a true inspiration, and the House of Dhaatu is a testament to her indomitable spirit.
- Prof. Dr. Neha Yadav
An Assistant Professor of Marketing at FLAME School of Business in Pune, Prof. Dr. Neha Yadav has always been interested in researching women’s issues, particularly around feminine hygiene products. She was fascinated by the story of Aditi Gupta, the founder of Menstrupedia, an innovative menstrual education platform. Despite coming from a conservative background, Gupta was shocked by the lack of awareness around menstruation and founded Menstrupedia to educate and empower women.
Through her work, Gupta has challenged societal taboos and rituals surrounding menstruation, inspiring women to break free from outdated beliefs and perceptions. As a social entrepreneur, she has faced resistance and criticism but has persevered with strength and courage.
Prof. Dr. Yadav sees Gupta’s story as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs who are dedicated to social causes. She believes that these entrepreneurs have the power to bring about significant changes in society and looks forward to seeing the impact they will have on a larger scale.
- Chayanika Moulik
Chayanika Moulik is not just an artist, she’s a visionary. With a professional and educational background in Graphic Design and Literature, she has always pursued art in some form or the other, be it digital or traditional media.
She conducts art workshops named Art & Chai across the country where she shares her passion with others and helps them explore their creative side. The idea behind her workshops is to create a space where beginners can aspire to become artists and grown-ups can paint freely like a child.
Chayanika’s passion for art and her desire to share it with others is truly inspiring. Through her workshops, she helps people find a method in madness and calm amidst chaos.
- Dr. Rucha Rawal
An Assistant Professor in a renowned institute in Anand, Dr. Rucha Raval is also a mom blogger. She started blogging after her son, Parv’s birth. She believes to provide the information to moms-to-be and new moms from her own experiences. She also makes interesting content on mom and kid’s fashion.
She was pursuing her PhD when she concieved. Although it was very difficult, but with the support of her husband and parents and her dedication, she managed to complete her degree after her child’s birth. She has her unique style of parenting and believes more in providing practical knowledge and so does not force her child into the stereotyped education. Her content provides useful tips to the parents while dealing with the children.
- Arpita Mukherjee
Arpita Mukherjee is a mom influencer by the name @ikabir_yadav on Instagram past two and a half year. Her journey began five years ago on the popular short video app called “Tik Tok”. With the followers more than 1 million and a verified pet’s account, the platform provided her with the opportunity to work with celebrities including Siddharth Malhotra, Bpraak, Karanvir Bohra, Awez Darbar and also got featured in TheBetterIndia.
Taking a break from the platform due to her miscarriage, little did she know that her journey on the platform was destined till there only because of the disappearance of the app, erasing all her hard work. She always missed being an influencer, but motherhood became her priority specially in the times of pandemic.
Being blessed by having a great husband and friends who didn’t let her journey as an influencer end and motivated her to continue. She had a comeback on the social media, this time as a mom influencer. She now creates relatable, sarcastic, and funny reels on motherhood with 65000 followers and a reach of 136 million views. She has also collaborated with over 100 brands, including Myntra, Amazon, Firstcry, Fisher Price, Baby Chakra and POGO, and featured on the social media platforms of many prestigious brands. Balancing two kids and two pets has been challenging for her but she has been enjoying a fantastic journey so far.
- Nabila Malim
Nabila Malim is a remarkable entrepreneur who has carved her own path in the business world. She is the proud owner of two distinct firms: The Learning-Fitness-Hobby Centre (LHF Centre) and Hibah~Gifts|Beauty|Decor.
LHF Centre stands as a holistic destination, offering a diverse range of academic, fitness, and hobby classes. From maths, sciences, language lessons, and personality development courses to computer skills, her center provides a comprehensive learning experience. Fitness enthusiasts can find an array of exciting options available, namely Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Swimming, Bellydance, and more, catering to both children and adults. The center also offers a plethora of hobby classes, such as dance, art and craft, and candle making, fostering creativity and personal growth.
On the other hand, Hibah~GBD embodies Nabila’s passion for customized natural skincare products. This venture specializes in curating hampers that combine natural skincare, haircare, bodycare essentials, select makeup items, and scented candles. Each gift hamper is made with pure dedication to provide premium, personalized experiences while promoting the use of skin-friendly and eco-conscious products.
Her journey began at a young age when she discovered her love for teaching. Encouraged by her own teachers, she embarked on a path of continuous learning and growth, acquiring certifications and honing her skills to offer comprehensive courses. As a woman entrepreneur, she faced many challenges, balancing her business ambitions with family responsibilities, particularly as a mother. However, her unwavering patience and determination allowed her to persevere and succeed.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Nabila has encountered people who doubted her abilities due to her gender. Yet, she remained steadfast in pursuing her passions and integrating her loves into her business ventures. For her, these endeavors are not merely about earning money but about following her true calling and expressing her boundless passion. With strategic planning and bravery, she encourages women to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and create their own success stories, never letting gender stereotypes hold them back.
- Meghna Sompura
Meghna Sompura, the visionary force behind Adorn Art Creations, operates as a versatile Mix Media Artist. Her passion lies in artistry, and she seamlessly navigates various mediums, including acrylic paints, watercolors, textured art, clay work, resin art, and alcohol inks. Meghna’s creations extend into home decor and gifting, where her work brings joy and adoration to those who encounter it.
Her journey in the world of art began with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Sir J J School of Arts, Mumbai. Art and music have always held a special place in her heart, deeply rooted in her family’s artistic heritage. Meghna’s ancestry boasts sculptors and artists, nurturing her love and affinity for artistic expressions.
Inspiration comes from her father, Bhupendra Sompura, a music composer, her multi-talented uncle Suresh Sompura, and life coach Manali Mehta. Despite her remarkable journey, Meghna has faced her share of difficulties, including personal traumas and battles with depression and anxiety. She encountered obstacles and setbacks, but her unwavering spirit led her to establish her small art business, starting from scratch and handling every aspect independently.
Beyond her business, Meghna also takes on the role of a legal and accounting administrator for a NYC-based company to support her art venture. A devoted single mother of a 20-year-old multi-talented daughter, Maitri Joshi, who has been a shining light of positivity and inspiration in Meghna’s life. Maitri has been a constant source of support, always standing by her mother’s side in every aspect of life and now in her business.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Meghna emphasizes the importance of financial independence, resilience, and the belief that age is no barrier to starting anew. She encourages women to harness their capabilities, multitasking skills, and unwavering determination, ensuring that success becomes their lifelong companion.
- Unnati Shinde
Unnati Shinde, the Creative Head at Studio Link Pvt Ltd, oversees the operations of the design specialty studio established in 1978 by her late father, Mr. Vivek Shinde, and her uncle, Mr. Atmanand. Pioneers in Publicity Designing for Bollywood Movies, the studio boasts a longstanding history and has become a creative hallmark in the industry. With a portfolio that includes renowned films in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and other languages, they have created posters for iconic movies like Aashiqui, Angoor, Karan Arjun, and the web series Aashram, among others.
Born into a family of artists, Unnati holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from L.S Raheja School of Art. With exceptional artists as parents and a rich family heritage in various art fields, the choice to pursue a career in art came naturally to her.
Her journey has been inspired by her parents, especially her father, Vivek Shinde, and her mother, Lina, both remarkable artists. Uncles Ashish Sompura and Atmanand have also played influential roles. Legends such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh hold a special place in her artistic inspirations.
Beyond her role in the design studio since the past 17 years, Unnati is a fine artist with exhibitions at prestigious galleries like Jehangir Art Gallery and Nehru Centre. She also manages a small business, the ‘Busy Bags Project,’ offering handcrafted tote bags with quirky designs. Additionally, Unnati serves as a Telepathic Animal Communicator, acting as a messenger between animals and humans, addressing lost cases, emotional trauma, and general communication.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Unnati encourages them to follow the mantra of Dream-Believe-Achieve. She emphasizes trusting the process and having faith in the entrepreneurial journey.
- Rashi Hiten Savla
Rashi Hiten Savla is a professional fashion designer with a BSc in fashion design. Additionally, she is a passionate jewelry company owner and handcrafted accessories maker. During the pandemic, she started creating handcrafted accessories at home and decided to launch her own jewelry brand on Instagram called @Belle._co05. Belle means beautiful, and as someone who has always been fond of creating new designs, it seemed like the perfect fit.
Starting her own brand was not an easy task, but Rashi was supported by her parents, who always encouraged her to move forward and make her brand a success. After just one year, Belle._co05 became a successful business, and Rashi’s passion had turned into her profession. Her handcrafted accessories were worn by many celebrities, including Charul Malik, Annerivajani, Priyanka Udhwani, and Shivani Patel, among others. Additionally, Rashi has showcased her designs in many exhibitions across India.
Now, Belle._co05 is set to launch on Amazon and Flipkart, and Rashi’s dream is to make her brand popular all over India. She wants to make her family feel proud and sees this as just a small milestone towards achieving greater success. Rashi’s brand, Belle._co05, has transformed her life, and she feels ecstatic watching her small business grow. As someone who has always been passionate about creating new things and turning them into reality, Rashi believes that reaching one’s goals is possible if they dare to dream big.
- Shreya Patodia
Shreyaa Patodia is a visual artist based in Jaipur known for her mixed-media textured artworks. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in Visual Arts from Jaipur only. Just like any other middle-class Indian family, her family too thought that art can just be a hobby not a career option, but she managed to convince them. Her paintings have been exhibited at many reputed art galleries in India and her works are also in the collections of private collectors.
Shreyaa primarily uses mixed media and experiments with numerous mediums to create paintings with a variety of textures and patterns. The usage of textures along with various mediums like Black Japan and Mineral colors is the signature style that attracts. She uses textures and bold brush strokes to create a visual aesthetic to convey her thoughts. She also creates Mural/Wall Art and adds a creative appeal to commercial and residential spaces with her artworks. Her artworks are inspired by the characters, and stories from mythology, her travel experiences, and the people she meets.
Working as a freelancer since 2015, her initial days were quite tough when she could not find potential clients or art galleries. Facing though a lot of ups and down, she finally came up with her brand called Mityaa by Shreya. Mityaa by Shreyaa is a one-stop art solution for businesses and individuals.
Mityaa by Shreyaa is her attempt to make art accessible to all. Through her paintings, she hopes to connect with others and share her experiences. She, therefore, offers her artwork affordably so that anybody can have a piece of art in their home. And at Mityaa, she produces customized artwork to provide clients with their ideal pieces of art.
- Durga Thackeray
A 24-year-old pen drawing artist & fashion designer, Durga Thackeray creates mandalas, Zen tangles, and architectural drawings in Mumbai. She has been associated with art past 14 years and now creates her pieces under two brands.
Being from an artistic family herself, she lives for art more than for selling it. Initially, she stated by conducting workshops and brand collaboration. She created an art film based on her work as an artist and was featured in & on the cover of Rathala Review magazine and continued by starting her own YouTube & more. She ultimately launched her fashion label a year ago.
She believes one does not need huge investments & business models to build a brand. Start small, make do with whatever resources you have & work towards your passion with consistency & discipline is the ideation that she follows.
August Edition: In a nation where healthcare is both a challenge and a calling, a select few rise above the ordinary to redefine what it truly means to heal. Success Stories of India’s Top 10 Doctors: Honouring Impact & Innovation brings together a powerful lineup of medical professionals who have not only excelled in their fields but have also transformed lives through compassion, cutting-edge expertise, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.
From pioneering advanced treatments to building trust within communities, these doctors represent the evolving face of Indian healthcare—where impact meets innovation, and every success story inspires countless more.
Dr. Harleen Gandhi Kalsi, Founder – Meraki Dental Studio
Dr. Harleen Gandhi Kalsi is an aesthetic dentist, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Meraki Dental Studio in New Delhi. With a philosophy rooted in clinical excellence and personalized care, she has dedicated her career to helping people rediscover confidence through beautiful, healthy smiles.
Drawn to the unique blend of science, artistry, and human connection that dentistry offers, she found her calling in a profession that transforms not just oral health, but self-esteem and quality of life. Over the years, she has expanded her role beyond patient care, mentoring fellow dentists and contributing to the profession through lectures and educational programs.
Her journey has been one of courage and perseverance. Coming from a small city and moving to Delhi after marriage, she entered one of the country’s most competitive markets without the advantage of a medical background or established network. Beginning her career in a corporate dental chain before transitioning into private practice, she eventually took a leap of faith and founded Meraki Dental Studio in 2016.
The path was far from easy. Three clinic relocations, the uncertainty brought by two COVID lockdowns, and the challenges of building a brand from scratch tested her resilience. Yet, every obstacle strengthened her conviction and helped shape Meraki Dental Studio into one of India’s trusted destinations for aesthetic dentistry.
One of her greatest inspirations is the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, whose courage and authenticity taught her the power of turning adversity into strength. As a woman entrepreneur and mother of twins, balancing the demands of family and a growing practice often felt overwhelming. Those experiences, however, taught her adaptability, patience, and the importance of a strong support system.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Harleen is passionate about education and travel. She regularly conducts workshops and lectures in aesthetic dentistry and aligner therapy, finding immense fulfillment in sharing knowledge and helping young professionals grow.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start with what you have, trust the process, and keep showing up consistently. Success, she believes, is not about perfection but persistence.
For Dr. Harleen Gandhi Kalsi, the greatest reward lies not in accolades, but in seeing patients smile with confidence, empowering fellow dentists, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.
Dr. Gaurav Vaid, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, & Founder of Swasthya Shastra
Dr. Gaurav Vaid is a Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, and the Founder of Swasthya Shastra, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation and wellness centre dedicated to helping people regain mobility, overcome pain, and achieve long-term well-being. With over 24 years of experience, his expertise spans physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, podiatry, movement science, sports rehabilitation, geriatric care, pain management, and preventive healthcare. Guided by the philosophy of “Treat the person, not just the pain,” Swasthya Shastra embodies its core values of being Coordinated, Connected, and Committed to helping people Discover Wellness.
His journey into rehabilitation was driven by a simple yet powerful realization: many people continue to live with chronic pain not because treatment is unavailable, but because they lack access to the right diagnosis, rehabilitation, and guidance. This inspired him to pursue advanced training across multiple disciplines, enabling him to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care that addresses the root cause of illness rather than just its symptoms.
Over the years, Dr. Vaid has treated thousands of patients from diverse backgrounds, with each case reinforcing his belief that successful rehabilitation requires personalized care, clinical expertise, and genuine empathy. Alongside patient care, he has remained deeply involved in professional education, public speaking, healthcare awareness, and medical writing, believing that educating society is as important as treating disease.
His greatest inspiration comes from his patients. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to recovery continue to motivate him every day. One of the biggest challenges in his journey has been building awareness about conservative rehabilitation in a healthcare landscape where surgery is often viewed as the first solution. Through consistency, ethical practice, and lasting clinical outcomes, he has steadily built trust and established Swasthya Shastra as a center for integrated rehabilitation.
Beyond healthcare, Dr. Vaid is passionate about writing on healthcare, geopolitics, and public policy. He contributes opinion pieces to newspapers, participates in strategic discussions, serves through Rotary initiatives, mentors young professionals, and actively promotes community health awareness.
His message to aspiring doctors is clear: medicine demands lifelong learning, unwavering ethics, and deep compassion. Clinical skills may make you a competent doctor, but empathy and honest communication are what patients remember most.
For Dr. Gaurav Vaid, success is measured not by accolades but by transformation—a patient walking pain-free again, returning to work, or reclaiming confidence after months of suffering. His vision is to continue building centers of excellence that combine science, innovation, and holistic care, making quality rehabilitation accessible to more people while helping them truly rediscover wellness.
Dr. Deepti Mehta, Founder – Dental Tree Clinic
Dr. Deepti Mehta is the founder of Dental Tree Clinic, a multi-speciality dental clinic, and a highly experienced dentist with over 22 years of clinical practice. With expertise in modern endodontics, cosmetic restorations, and paediatric dentistry, she is particularly known for creating anxiety-free dental experiences for children through positive behavioural techniques, preventive care, and specialized paediatric endodontic treatments. Under her leadership, Dental Tree Clinic offers comprehensive dental care, including root canal treatments (RCT), dental implants, orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and a wide range of advanced dental procedures. Her philosophy extends beyond treating teeth—she believes every patient, especially every child, deserves compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment.
For Dr. Mehta, dentistry was never simply a career choice—it was a calling. Looking back on her journey, she believes the profession found her just as much as she found it. That sense of purpose has remained the driving force behind every stage of her career.
She began her professional journey by working in charitable and private dental clinics, gaining valuable clinical exposure across diverse patient groups. Marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter, but rather than slowing her down, it strengthened her determination to grow professionally while building a loving family. In 2016, with the unwavering support of her husband, she established Dental Tree Clinic, transforming her vision of patient-centered dentistry into reality. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Dr. Mehta regularly attends continuing education programs, advanced workshops, and hands-on training to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry. Guided by the belief that every day is a learning day, she continuously refines her clinical skills and embraces new technologies to provide the highest standard of care.
Her greatest inspiration has always been her parents, who instilled in her the values of dedication, discipline, and hard work. She also credits her mentors and patients for shaping her professional journey. As the first person in her family to pursue dentistry, she had no established path to follow and built her career through determination, seeking mentors, and creating opportunities for herself. Balancing marriage, motherhood, and a demanding profession brought its own challenges, particularly when she welcomed her second daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic—eleven years after her first. Managing a newborn alongside a busy dental practice during such uncertain times strengthened her resilience and reinforced her belief that passion and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Mehta enjoys cooking, creating intricate mandala art, and spending quality time with her family and friends. These creative pursuits help her maintain balance and bring the same patience and attention to detail into her professional life.
Dr. Deepti Mehta encourages aspiring healthcare professionals to pursue their craft with passion, precision, and dedication. She believes that before becoming a skilled doctor, one must first become a kind and empathetic human being. By continually upgrading knowledge, embracing lifelong learning, and placing compassion at the heart of patient care, she believes every professional can build a career that is both successful and deeply meaningful.
Dr. Vinkle Gusain, Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Women’s Health Physiotherapist & Lactation Consultant
Dr. Vinkle Gusain is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, and Lactation Consultant with over 14 years of experience, specializing in preventive health, metabolic optimization, and longevity. Through her evidence-based approach, she helps individuals reverse metabolic age, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, and lifestyle disorders. By seamlessly combining clinical nutrition, movement, and lifestyle medicine, she has built an integrated model of care designed to focus on biological optimization rather than traditional rehabilitation.
Her journey began as a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, where she noticed a frustrating cycle: patients repeatedly returned with the same chronic concerns because the root causes were left unaddressed. Whether dealing with metabolic syndrome, difficult pregnancies, or chronic pain, she realized that nutrition and lifestyle architecture were the missing pieces. This inspired her to specialize in clinical nutrition and transition toward a comprehensive, integrated system of care focused on treating the whole person rather than just a diagnosis.
At the heart of her practice is a steadfast philosophy: true health optimization does not rely on fad diets, extreme detoxes, meal replacement shakes, or unnecessary supplements. Instead, Dr. Gusain empowers individuals to restore their health using familiar, home-cooked food, backed by rigorous science and personalized to optimize metabolism, balance hormones, and improve cellular health.
Over the years, Dr. Gusain has helped individuals reverse or manage conditions such as metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, PCOS, thyroid disorders, and digestive issues, while also guiding women through fertility optimization, pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum recovery. Her commitment to deep patient education has built a highly trusted, referral-based practice. This track record of life-changing transformations has recently driven the expansion of her clinical team, corporate wellness collaborations, and new healthcare initiatives.
Her greatest inspiration comes from her patients. Watching individuals regain vitality, couples achieve healthier pregnancies, and families embrace sustainable longevity reinforces her purpose every day. As a healthcare entrepreneur, she balances clinical excellence with scaling a modern practice, remaining fiercely committed to evidence-based science in an era often dominated by quick fixes and superficial social media trends.
Beyond her clinical practice, she is passionate about simplifying complex health concepts through high-impact educational content, staying at the forefront of scientific research, traveling, exploring regional food cultures, and spending time in nature.
Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is clear: solve real problems, earn trust through clinical outcomes, and stay patient. Sustainable success is built through consistency, integrity, and meaningful impact—not shortcuts.
For Dr. Vinkle Gusain, success is measured by the ripple effect of healthier families and resilient communities. Her mission is to make advanced, evidence-based preventive healthcare accessible, sustainable, and deeply human—one family at a time.
Dr. Karanveer Garg, Dentist, Entrepreneur & Founder – Dr. Karan Dental Clinic, Samana
Dr. Karanveer Garg is a practicing dentist, entrepreneur, and founder of Dr. Karan Dental Clinic, Samana. Passionate about ethical dentistry and continuous learning, he believes that great patient care goes beyond clinical skills—it also requires innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the profession.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Garg has developed digital solutions to help fellow dentists simplify everyday practice. He created the Patient Management Tracker, a practical system that enables clinics to manage appointments, patient records, finances, and daily operations more efficiently. He is also the co-founder of DocLoop, a doctor-to-doctor networking platform built to help dentists connect with specialists, strengthen professional relationships, and collaborate more effectively.
His journey into dentistry has been one of growth and self-discovery. Like many students, he began his dental education without fully understanding the depth and possibilities of the profession. The defining moment came during his internship when he pursued fellowships in Aesthetic Dentistry and Implant Dentistry at D.Y. Patil University. Those experiences completely changed his perspective. He realized that dentistry is not just about treating teeth—it’s about restoring confidence, improving lives, and committing to lifelong learning.
As a first-generation dentist, Dr. Garg built his career from the ground up. Every milestone—from becoming a dentist and opening his own clinic to developing digital tools and co-founding DocLoop—has been driven by a desire to solve real-world problems. The initial months of private practice were slower than he had expected, but instead of viewing that as a setback, he used the time to learn, improve, and build solutions that could help not only his own clinic but also thousands of other dentists.
Outside dentistry, he enjoys fitness, technology, entrepreneurship, and creating educational content for the dental community. He strongly believes that the future of healthcare lies in combining clinical excellence with technology to improve the experience of both patients and healthcare professionals.
His advice to aspiring doctors is simple: keep learning, keep applying what you learn, and never compromise on ethics. He believes every doctor has a unique journey, and lasting success comes from consistency, integrity, and earning the trust of patients.
For Dr. Karanveer Garg, success is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Whether caring for patients, building digital tools like the Patient Management Tracker, or creating platforms such as DocLoop, his mission remains the same—to make a meaningful contribution to dentistry and leave the profession better than he found it.
Success in dentistry is measured by far more than clinical expertise—it is reflected in the ability to transform lives through compassionate care, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to oral health. Across India, a new generation of dental professionals is redefining the standards of patient care by embracing advanced technologies, evidence-based treatments, preventive dentistry, and personalized solutions. Their dedication is not only creating healthier smiles but also shaping the future of the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
In this special edition, Mumbai Uncensored celebrates ten exceptional dental professionals whose inspiring journeys exemplify excellence, leadership, and service. From pioneering cutting-edge procedures and mentoring the next generation of dentists to advancing research, community outreach, and patient education, these visionaries are making a lasting impact on the field of dentistry while setting new benchmarks for quality, ethics, and innovation across India.
Dr. Harleen Gandhi Kalsi, Founder – Meraki Dental Studio
Dr. Harleen Gandhi Kalsi is an aesthetic dentist, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Meraki Dental Studio in New Delhi. With a philosophy rooted in clinical excellence and personalized care, she has dedicated her career to helping people rediscover confidence through beautiful, healthy smiles.
Drawn to the unique blend of science, artistry, and human connection that dentistry offers, she found her calling in a profession that transforms not just oral health, but self-esteem and quality of life. Over the years, she has expanded her role beyond patient care, mentoring fellow dentists and contributing to the profession through lectures and educational programs.
Her journey has been one of courage and perseverance. Coming from a small city and moving to Delhi after marriage, she entered one of the country’s most competitive markets without the advantage of a medical background or established network. Beginning her career in a corporate dental chain before transitioning into private practice, she eventually took a leap of faith and founded Meraki Dental Studio in 2016.
The path was far from easy. Three clinic relocations, the uncertainty brought by two COVID lockdowns, and the challenges of building a brand from scratch tested her resilience. Yet, every obstacle strengthened her conviction and helped shape Meraki Dental Studio into one of India’s trusted destinations for aesthetic dentistry.
One of her greatest inspirations is the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, whose courage and authenticity taught her the power of turning adversity into strength. As a woman entrepreneur and mother of twins, balancing the demands of family and a growing practice often felt overwhelming. Those experiences, however, taught her adaptability, patience, and the importance of a strong support system.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Harleen is passionate about education and travel. She regularly conducts workshops and lectures in aesthetic dentistry and aligner therapy, finding immense fulfillment in sharing knowledge and helping young professionals grow.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start with what you have, trust the process, and keep showing up consistently. Success, she believes, is not about perfection but persistence.
For Dr. Harleen Gandhi Kalsi, the greatest reward lies not in accolades, but in seeing patients smile with confidence, empowering fellow dentists, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.
Dr. Shreya Shivangi, MDS Dentist, Aesthetic Dentist, Endodontist & Sleep Apnea Care Professional
Dr. Shreya Shivangi is an MDS Dentist, Aesthetic Dentist, Endodontist and Sleep Apnea Care Professional based in Noida. She is the Director at Heal Studio Healthcare and Lead Consultant at FaceStudio Clinics, where she brings together advanced dentistry, aesthetic care and a broader understanding of oral and airway health. Her areas of expertise include aesthetic and conservative dentistry, endodontics, smile designing, painless dentistry, TMJ care and Dental Sleep Medicine, with a particular interest in the dental management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
For Dr. Shreya, dentistry began as a profession but gradually became a deeply meaningful part of her life. She was drawn to the field because of its unique combination of science, precision and creativity. During her education, her interest in saving natural teeth and managing complex dental conditions led her towards Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. Her interactions with patients, however, taught her that dentistry extends far beyond clinical procedures. Fear, anxiety and insecurities often accompany patients into the dental chair, and understanding those emotions became an important part of her approach. As she puts it, dentists do not simply treat teeth—they treat people.
Her interest in Dental Sleep Medicine grew from the same philosophy of looking at the patient as a whole. Recognising the connection between oral health, the jaw, airway and overall wellbeing, she developed a keen interest in helping identify patients who may be experiencing issues related to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and guiding them towards appropriate care, including suitable oral appliance therapy.
Dr. Shreya completed her BDS from Manipal University and her MDS from Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental University, Navi Mumbai. During her postgraduate journey, she received the Richard Law Award grant from the Global Child Dental Fund in association with King’s College London. She has also undergone training in Laser Dentistry and completed an externship at the National University of Singapore. Her professional experience includes working as a consultant at Fortis Hospital, Jaypee Hospital and Primacare Hospital in Noida, where she gained exposure to diverse and complex cases.
Over time, her vision expanded from clinical practice to healthcare entrepreneurship. Through Heal Studio Healthcare and FaceStudio Clinics, she aims to create modern, patient-centric spaces where individuals can access advanced dental and specialist healthcare services under one roof.
Her journey has also involved learning to balance clinical responsibilities, entrepreneurship and the many demands that come with building something of her own. Her family and the inspiring women she has encountered throughout her career remain important sources of motivation. Each challenge has reinforced her belief that one does not need to have everything figured out before taking the next step.
Outside her professional life, Dr. Shreya enjoys travelling, exploring restaurants, riding, sports and spending time with family and friends. She also remains committed to continuous learning, believing that healthcare professionals must always remain students as medicine and dentistry continue to evolve.
Her message to aspiring professionals is straightforward: start with what you have, keep learning, embrace mistakes and continue improving. She particularly encourages women to build their own identity and professional confidence rather than measuring themselves against someone else’s definition of success.
For Dr. Shreya, success is ultimately measured by impact—the anxious patient who leaves feeling reassured, the person who regains confidence in their smile, or someone whose sleep-related concerns are finally recognised and appropriately addressed. Her vision is to continue building ethical, advanced and patient-focused healthcare services while increasing awareness about Dental Sleep Medicine and the role dentists can play in sleep apnea care.
Success in dentistry is measured by far more than clinical expertise—it is reflected in the ability to transform lives through compassionate care, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to oral health. Across India, a new generation of dental professionals is redefining the standards of patient care by embracing advanced technologies, evidence-based treatments, preventive dentistry, and personalized solutions. Their dedication is not only creating healthier smiles but also shaping the future of the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
In this special edition, Mumbai Uncensored celebrates ten exceptional dental professionals whose inspiring journeys exemplify excellence, leadership, and service. From pioneering cutting-edge procedures and mentoring the next generation of dentists to advancing research, community outreach, and patient education, these visionaries are making a lasting impact on the field of dentistry while setting new benchmarks for quality, ethics, and innovation across India.
Dr. Garima Goel Kaushik, Micro-Endodontist, Restorative Dentist, & Smile Designer – Asya Dental & Aesthetic Clinic
Dr. Garima Goel Kaushik is a Micro-Endodontist, Restorative Dentist, and Smile Designer practicing at Asya Dental & Aesthetic Clinic, Mohali. Passionate about conservative and precision-driven dentistry, she specializes in complex root canal treatments, restorative dentistry, and smile designing. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. By combining advanced technologies such as dental operating microscopes, CBCT imaging, and digital workflows with meticulous clinical expertise, she focuses on delivering treatment that is precise, minimally invasive, and biologically sound.
Her fascination with dentistry stemmed from its unique blend of medicine, artistry, and precision. What captivated her most was the intricate complexity of every tooth—how two seemingly identical teeth could require entirely different treatment approaches. This curiosity led her to the field of microscopic endodontics, where she discovered that slowing down, magnifying the field, and respecting the tooth’s natural anatomy could significantly improve outcomes. Today, that philosophy forms the cornerstone of her practice, where preserving healthy tooth structure is always prioritized over unnecessary intervention.
Over the years, Dr. Kaushik has evolved from a young clinician eager to learn into a dentist deeply committed to excellence and thoughtful treatment planning. Every challenging case has reinforced her belief that the most conservative solution is often the most sophisticated one. While she embraces modern technology, she views it as a means to make better clinical decisions rather than an end in itself. Equally important to her is patient education. Through social media and digital platforms, she shares clinical cases, microscopic procedures, and educational content, helping patients understand the science and precision behind modern dentistry while promoting informed decision-making.
Dr. Kaushik draws inspiration from clinicians who relentlessly pursue excellence and from women who have built successful careers without compromising their values. As a woman balancing clinical practice, entrepreneurship, continuous education, content creation, and motherhood, she has experienced the challenges of wearing multiple hats. Rather than allowing these responsibilities to limit her ambitions, they have strengthened her resilience. She believes true confidence comes not from being the loudest voice in the room, but from consistently refining one’s skills and standing firmly behind the quality of one’s work.
Outside dentistry, she enjoys painting, calligraphy, writing, visual design, and creating educational content—creative pursuits that naturally complement her work as a smile designer. Motherhood has also reshaped her perspective, reinforcing the importance of empathy, patience, and creating an environment where patients feel genuinely cared for.
Her advice to aspiring professionals is clear: don’t chase success—chase mastery. Focus on becoming exceptionally good at your craft, invest continuously in your skills, and let the quality of your work define your reputation. For women especially, she believes ambition and compassion, family and career, strength and kindness can all coexist.
For Dr. Garima Goel Kaushik, success is measured not by recognition but by the trust of her patients and the confidence they gain through thoughtful, conservative care. Her vision is to build a reputation founded on precision, honesty, and preservation—transforming smiles one tooth, and one patient, at a time.
Dr. Ruchika Kulkarni, BDS General Dentist, Founder – Dentocare Multispeciality Dental Clinic
Dr. Ruchika Kulkarni is a BDS General Dentist with 10 years of experience and the founder of Dentocare Multispeciality Dental Clinic in Pune. Coming from a family of dentists in Nagpur, dentistry was a childhood dream for Dr. Ruchika. What began as an early fascination with the profession has evolved into a fulfilling career centred around creating healthy smiles, building patient trust and providing ethical dental care.
Her professional journey began in 2016 as an Assistant Dental Surgeon in Nagpur. Those early years were instrumental in developing her clinical foundation—from learning patient communication and assisting in implant cases to overcoming the nervousness that naturally comes with entering clinical practice. Mentorship, curiosity and perseverance helped her gradually grow into the clinician she is today.
Marriage brought her to Pune in 2018, where she faced the challenge of starting afresh in a new city. As a relatively new practitioner in a metropolitan environment, finding the right opportunities was not easy. Eventually, she took on the responsibility of managing an entire corporate dental chain. What initially felt overwhelming became an important leadership experience, and through her efforts, she helped improve the department’s output by 53%.
She later took the entrepreneurial leap of establishing her own clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic—a particularly challenging time to start any healthcare practice. Despite the uncertainties, she remained committed to building Dentocare steadily and ethically. The clinic has since grown through patient trust and consistent work, with Dr. Ruchika having treated more than 800 patients at her own practice. She also remembers starting with around 40 orthodontic patients in the first year of the clinic, a milestone that gave her confidence that the practice was gradually finding its place.
Her greatest inspirations are her parents and family, who have supported and guided her throughout her journey. Beyond clinical dentistry, she is passionate about educating patients about oral hygiene, preventive care and the importance of maintaining healthy oral habits. Community service and social work are also important parts of her life, reflecting her belief that healthcare professionals have a responsibility beyond the clinic.
Outside dentistry, Dr. Ruchika enjoys travelling, yoga, painting, dancing and exploring wildlife. These interests provide a balance to her professional life and allow her to continue exploring her creative and adventurous side.
Her message to aspiring dentists is to remain true to themselves, work hard while thinking smart, and never stop upgrading their skills. She believes young dentists should focus not only on clinical excellence but also on educating society about oral health, maintaining strong ethical values, communicating effectively with patients and embracing modern technology.
For Dr. Ruchika, success is ultimately measured through the smiles she creates. The greatest reward is seeing a patient complete treatment with a healthy, satisfied smile and knowing that she has made a meaningful difference. Her journey from Nagpur to Pune, from assisting in clinics to managing a dental chain and eventually building her own practice during a pandemic, is a testament to her belief that challenges can become stepping stones when met with perseverance and faith in one’s potential.
Dr. Mehul Khakharia, Orthodontist, Implantologist, Founder – Madhav Dental
Dr. Mehul Khakharia is an Orthodontist, Implantologist, and the Founder of Madhav Dental, Jamnagar, a centre that has become synonymous with ethical dentistry, advanced technology, and patient-first care. Alongside his wife, Dr. Swati Khakharia, he has transformed a humble beginning into one of the largest and most technologically advanced dental hospitals in the Saurashtra and Devbhoomi Dwarka region.
His journey began with a simple dream—to become a doctor and serve society. Raised in a humble family, Dr. Khakharia completed his schooling in a government school, where financial constraints were a constant reality. Recognizing his potential, his teachers voluntarily offered him free tuition classes, a gesture that would change the course of his life. Although he secured fifth rank in his school, he narrowly missed admission to MBBS. Rather than viewing it as a setback, he embraced dentistry and joined the Government Dental College & Hospital, Jamnagar, a decision he now believes shaped his true calling.
After completing his BDS, he worked for a year to finance his postgraduate education, combining his savings with a bank loan to pursue an MDS. Returning to Jamnagar, he spent years consulting across multiple clinics before, on 6th March 2005, he and his wife established Madhav Dental with a clear vision—to provide world-class, ethical dental care under one roof.
Over the past two decades, that vision has grown remarkably. Madhav Dental became the first ISO-certified dental hospital in the entire Saurashtra and Kutch region, the first clinic in the region to install an in-house OPG , and later the first to introduce an in-house CBCT system. Today, it is the largest dental hospital in Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka district, equipped with six state-of-the-art dental chairs, advanced digital technology, world-class sterilization protocols, and a dedicated team of nearly 25 professionals. Despite Jamnagar’s modest population, patients travel from across Gujarat and overseas, drawn by the clinic’s reputation for technology, ethics, and compassionate care.
Dr. Khakharia credits his mother, sisters, and teachers as his greatest inspirations, instilling in him the values of honesty, perseverance, and hard work. Building his practice required financial sacrifices, long working hours, and years of consistent effort, teaching him that lasting success is never achieved overnight.
Beyond clinical practice, he is passionate about spreading oral health awareness through social media. His educational content has reached millions, helping reduce dental anxiety and encouraging preventive care. Away from dentistry, he enjoys adventure sports and is a certified solo paragliding pilot, with plans to pursue a solo skydiving certification.
His message to aspiring professionals is simple: never let your background define your future. Stay ethical, keep learning, dream big, and remain committed to creating value. According to him, success and financial rewards naturally follow those who earn people’s trust.
For Dr. Mehul Khakharia, the greatest achievement is not awards or recognition but the confidence thousands of patients have placed in him over the years. From a government school student with limited resources to building one of the region’s most respected dental institutions, his journey is proof that integrity, perseverance, and compassion can transform not just careers—but countless smiles and lives.
Dr. Ridhima Uppal, Head Dental Surgeon & Owner – Dr. Ridhima’s Dental Gallery
Dr. Ridhima Uppal is the Head Dental Surgeon and Owner of Dr. Ridhima’s Dental Gallery, with 16+ years of experience in dentistry. An MDS in Periodontology and a Fellow in Contemporary Endodontics from D.Y. Patil, Navi Mumbai, she has built her career with a deep-rooted passion for dentistry and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
For Dr. Ridhima, becoming a medical professional was never a question. She had wanted to pursue medicine from the very beginning, and dentistry eventually became the field in which she found both purpose and fulfilment. Sixteen years later, her passion for the profession remains as strong as ever. Her journey has been shaped by hard work, perseverance, faith and, above all, the blessings and support of her parents.
Being the daughter of highly educated parents came with its own expectations. Growing up alongside a special sibling also taught her responsibility, resilience and dedication from an early age. As a woman, building a professional identity that stood out within her family was both challenging and deeply rewarding. She believes that being able to fulfil the expectations of her parents while also living up to her own aspirations has been one of the most meaningful part of her journey.
Her greatest inspiration has always been her mother. A strict but deeply supportive parent, her mother taught her an important lesson that continues to guide her: never give up on something you truly want. Looking back, Dr. Ridhima feels that the discipline and direction her mother instilled in her became the foundation for every chapter of her life.
Her commitment to dentistry extends beyond clinical practice. She remains an enthusiastic learner and enjoys reading extensively about different areas of dentistry, constantly expanding her knowledge and keeping herself updated. Outside work, she loves travelling whenever she can, watching movies and comedy shows, and maintaining a disciplined gym routine.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple: stay consistent and never give up on the life you dream of creating. She believes that success is rarely achieved through one dramatic moment; it is built through showing up repeatedly, even when progress feels slow.
For Dr. Ridhima, success itself is a journey rather than a destination. She does not claim to have reached an endpoint. Instead, she sees herself as someone continuing to build the life and career she has chosen, with the hope that the journey brings her the joy, fulfilment and success she aspires to achieve. For her, the most important thing is to keep moving forward—with passion, perseverance and gratitude.
Dr. Sanket Avhad, Oral & Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Dr. Sanket Avhad is a Prosthodontist with a passion for restoring not just smiles, but also function and confidence. His journey in dentistry has been shaped by a combination of clinical precision, creativity, continuous learning and the belief that every difficult phase can become an opportunity to grow.
After completing his junior college from Ruparel College, Dr. Avhad pursued his BDS from YMT Dental College and later completed his MDS from Yogita Dental College. He chose Prosthodontics because it brings together the aspects of dentistry he finds most rewarding—science, precision, creativity and the ability to create a tangible difference in a patient’s life.
His professional journey has been marked by both achievements and challenges. He has received prizes at national conferences and has two patented designs to his credit, reflecting his interest in innovation beyond conventional clinical practice. He is also deeply interested in digital dentistry and works with digital workflows that allow him to plan cases, design surgical guides and create temporary prostheses using advanced software.
Behind these achievements, however, lies a journey that has demanded resilience. One of the most difficult periods of his career came when he lost both his clinics and faced significant financial stress. Starting again was not easy, but the experience taught him that setbacks do not have to determine the direction of one’s future. It taught him patience, adaptability and, most importantly, the courage to begin again.
Throughout this journey, his family, mentors and patients have remained important sources of inspiration. He is particularly grateful to his mentors, Dr. Pradeep Taide and Dr. Vinayak Shirsekar, whose guidance has contributed significantly to his professional development. His partner, who is also a dentist, has been another constant source of strength. After dating for eight years before getting married, the couple continues to support each other professionally and personally.
Outside dentistry, Dr. Avhad enjoys playing table tennis and the guitar, reading books and keeping himself updated with the latest developments in dentistry through research articles and professional literature.
His message to aspiring doctors is simple: keep learning, remain patient and never allow setbacks to convince you that you have failed. Every professional journey is different, and there is no need to measure yours against someone else’s.
For Dr. Avhad, success is not defined solely by awards, patents or professional milestones. It is also about having the courage to fall, learn from the experience and stand back up. His journey is a reminder that difficult phases do not define a person—the strength, resilience and determination with which they emerge from those phases do.
Dr. Meghna Rohit, Laser Dentistry Specialist, General Dentist & Forensic Science graduate
Dr. Meghna Rohit is a Laser Dentistry Specialist, General Dentist, and Forensic Science graduate with over 11 years of clinical experience. An Outstanding Award winner in Laser Dentistry, she is the Founder and Lead Practitioner at Crown Dental Clinic, Bandra West, Mumbai, where she is committed to delivering advanced, minimally invasive, and patient-centered dental care. With expertise in laser-assisted gum procedures, root canal treatments, and comprehensive dentistry, she believes that modern technology combined with compassionate care can transform the patient experience.
Although she initially aspired to pursue medicine, life led her to dentistry—a decision she now considers one of the best turning points in her life. She quickly discovered that dentistry perfectly combined science, precision, artistry, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s confidence and well-being. That passion has continued to guide her throughout her professional journey.
Her career has been built on continuous learning and perseverance. Before establishing her own practice, Dr. Meghna spent five invaluable years training and working alongside some of Mumbai’s most respected dentists, gaining extensive clinical expertise and learning the finer aspects of patient care, practice management, and professional ethics. In one of the most defining chapters of her life, she launched Crown Dental Clinic during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic while also embracing motherhood. Building a dream practice during such an uncertain time required courage, resilience, and unwavering determination, making the clinic a testament to her perseverance and vision.
Dr. Meghna credits her mentor, Dr. Aditya Kokate, for shaping her approach to dentistry, teaching her not only clinical excellence but also patient relationship management, leadership, and the importance of running a successful practice with integrity. She also acknowledges the invaluable support of her family. Her mother-in-law played a vital role in helping her balance entrepreneurship with early motherhood, while her parents and sister have remained constant pillars of encouragement. Above all, she credits her husband as her greatest source of motivation, whose daily reminder—“No matter what is planned for you, get up, show up, and give it your all”—continues to inspire her through every challenge.
Outside her clinic, Dr. Meghna enjoys practicing yoga and Pilates, travelling to experience different cultures, and spending quality time with her daughter. She considers motherhood her most fulfilling role, believing it has made her both a stronger individual and a more compassionate healthcare professional.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals is simple yet powerful: don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin. Start today, embrace the journey, and grow through every challenge. Success is built not through perfection but through consistency, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.
For Dr. Meghna, success is not measured only by professional achievements but by the trust of her patients, the confidence she restores through her work, and the ability to pursue her dreams while embracing every role life has to offer. She firmly believes that showing up every day with purpose, passion, and perseverance is the true foundation of lasting success.
Dr. Shruti Rathi, Periodontist, Implantologist, Founder – Rathi Dental Care
Dr. Shruti Rathi is a Periodontist, Implantologist, and General Dentist with over 16 years of experience dedicated to redefining the dental care experience. As the founder of Rathi Dental Care in Thane, she has built a practice centered on comprehensive, painless, and patient-focused dentistry. Specializing in dental implants, gum disease treatment, laser dentistry, smile rehabilitation, and preventive care, she believes that every patient deserves to feel comfortable, informed, and confident from the moment they walk into the clinic.
Interestingly, her inspiration to become a dentist came from her own childhood fear of dental visits. Rather than letting those memories discourage her, she used them to shape her vision of a different kind of practice—one where patients associate dentistry with comfort instead of anxiety. Today, nothing is more rewarding to her than seeing a nervous patient leave with a smile, surprised that their treatment was painless and stress-free.
After completing her BDS in 2010 and MDS in Periodontology in 2014, Dr. Rathi further expanded her expertise as a Research Associate at Indiana University, USA, contributing to research on bone regeneration. Her professional journey has taken her through leading practices in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Mumbai, exposing her to a wide range of clinical cases and patient needs. She has also earned international certifications in implant and laser dentistry while contributing to national and international scientific publications. Establishing Rathi Dental Care remains one of the defining milestones of her career, bringing together advanced technology with ethical, personalized care.
One of the greatest challenges she has faced is changing people’s perception of dentistry. Fear and misconceptions often prevent patients from seeking timely treatment, so she made it her mission to create an environment where empathy, education, and minimally invasive technology work together to build trust. Through patient-centered communication and modern treatment techniques, she has helped countless individuals overcome their fear of dental care.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Rathi is passionate about oral health education. She regularly creates awareness through social media, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives, believing that prevention is the foundation of lifelong dental health. She also enjoys exploring innovative technologies and systems that continually improve patient experience.
For Dr. Shruti Rathi, success is measured not by the number of procedures performed but by the confidence she restores through healthy smiles. Her vision is to make quality dental care more accessible, fear-free, and compassionate, proving that clinical excellence and genuine human connection can go hand in hand. Her advice to aspiring dentists is simple: never stop learning, embrace technology, practice with integrity, and always remember that behind every treatment is a person who has placed their trust in you.
Dr. Ashwini Gundawar, General Dentist, Founder – Vista Vita Dental Clinic
Dr. Ashwini Gundawar is a General Dentist and the founder of Vista Vita Dental Clinic, where she is dedicated to providing ethical, compassionate, and high-quality dental care. Guided by a patient-first philosophy, she strives to create an environment where every individual feels comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their treatment. For Dr. Gundawar, dentistry is not just about treating teeth—it is about restoring smiles, building trust, and improving lives.
Her journey into dentistry was inspired by a genuine passion for healthcare and a desire to help people smile with confidence. After completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), she gained valuable experience across both clinical and corporate settings. These diverse experiences broadened her understanding of patient care, professionalism, leadership, and communication, while strengthening her vision of delivering truly patient-centered dentistry. Inspired to bring that vision to life, she established Vista Vita Dental Clinic, creating a practice built on trust, compassion, and clinical excellence.
Dr. Gundawar’s professional journey has been one of continuous learning, perseverance, and growth. Every stage—from academics and clinical practice to corporate exposure and entrepreneurship—has shaped her into the professional she is today. Building a dental clinic from the ground up came with its share of challenges, but every satisfied patient and every smile restored has reaffirmed her purpose and passion for the profession.
Her greatest source of inspiration has always been her family, whose unwavering support gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Like many women entrepreneurs, she has had to balance the responsibilities of managing a growing practice while maintaining her personal and family life. There were moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, but resilience, determination, and an unwavering focus on her goals helped her overcome every obstacle.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Gundawar is passionate about promoting oral health awareness and educating patients about preventive dental care. She also values the management and communication skills she gained through her corporate experience, applying them to create a positive patient experience and an efficient, collaborative work environment. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, believing that a healthy work-life balance enables her to care for her patients with greater energy and empathy.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals is simple yet powerful: believe in yourself, keep learning, and never let fear stop you from taking the first step. Success is built through consistency, patience, and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges. Every small effort brings you one step closer to your dreams.
For Dr. Ashwini Gundawar, success is measured not by milestones alone but by the positive impact she creates in the lives of her patients. Every smile restored, every fear overcome, and every patient who leaves her clinic with renewed confidence reminds her why she chose dentistry. As she continues to grow both personally and professionally, her mission remains unchanged—to serve her community with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to creating healthier, happier smiles.
Dr. Shivangi Rushi Pathak – Dentist & Digital Content Creator
Dr. Shivangi Rushi Pathak is a Dentist, Digital Content Creator, and Digital Marketing enthusiast who is redefining the way oral healthcare is communicated in the digital age. Through her educational content, she spreads awareness about oral health, preventive dentistry, and smile care while also encouraging healthcare professionals to embrace digital branding and personal growth. Through her Instagram page, @smileglowsecrets, she shares practical oral healthcare tips, smile care advice, and educational content that empowers people to make informed decisions about their dental health.
After completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2017, Dr. Pathak began her career as a practicing dentist. However, motherhood marked a turning point in her professional journey. Taking a career break to care for her daughter could have been a pause in her aspirations, but she chose to see it as an opportunity. During this period, she immersed herself in learning digital marketing and content creation, transforming a career break into a phase of growth, reinvention, and self-discovery. Today, she successfully balances clinical dentistry with creating educational content that reaches and empowers thousands of people online.
Her journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Returning to dentistry after motherhood was not without challenges, but she came back stronger, equipped with new skills and a fresh perspective. By combining her clinical expertise with digital communication, she has made oral health education more accessible while building a meaningful personal brand that inspires both patients and fellow healthcare professionals.
Dr. Pathak credits her family and her mentor, Dr. Priya Porwal, as her greatest sources of inspiration. Their encouragement motivated her to think beyond conventional career paths and embrace new opportunities. Like many women, she has balanced the responsibilities of motherhood, family, professional life, and personal development. Moments of self-doubt were inevitable, but she believes that perseverance, continuous learning, and the courage to keep moving forward transformed those challenges into strengths.
Beyond dentistry, she enjoys creating digital content, exploring the latest trends in digital marketing, practicing Mandala art, and investing in personal development. She believes that creativity and lifelong learning not only enrich her personal life but also help her become a better healthcare professional.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple: never let your current circumstances define your future. Keep learning, keep upgrading your skills, and never hesitate to start again. Success is not an overnight achievement but the result of consistency, patience, and the willingness to evolve.
For Dr. Shivangi Rushi Pathak, success is measured not by awards or titles but by the lives she positively influences. Her journey demonstrates that a career break does not define one’s future—it can become the foundation for a stronger comeback. Through dentistry, digital education, and lifelong learning, she hopes to inspire others to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace change, and believe that the best chapters of their lives are always yet to be written.
Dr. Arundhati Joshi, Founder – Baysmiles Dental Clinic, General Dentist, Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Arundhati Joshi is a General Dentist specialising in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry and the founder of Baysmiles Dental Clinic at Kemps Corner, Mumbai. Her journey into dentistry was not exactly what she had originally imagined. She had always aspired to become a gynaecologist and even secured admission to an MBBS programme. However, her father had always envisioned her as a dentist, and eventually, dentistry became the profession in which she found her purpose.
Dr. Joshi completed her BDS from Government Dental College, Mumbai, and later earned an opportunity to pursue an MSc in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester. Unfortunately, just two days before the course began, health issues forced her to step back. Rather than allowing the setback to define her journey, she continued to pursue her interest in advanced dentistry. With the support of her mother, she successfully completed a fellowship in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry from UCL Eastman, London.
Her professional journey began at Naval Health Station and later took her across multiple private clinics and trusts throughout Mumbai. For nearly 12 years, she worked continuously, gaining experience, building her skills and earning the trust of patients. It was only after this extensive period of professional groundwork that she took the step towards establishing her own practice.
With the encouragement of her husband and brother, Dr. Joshi founded Baysmiles Dental Clinic at Kemps Corner. She believes that building a successful practice is not simply about clinical expertise—it is about honesty, consistency and earning the trust of every patient who walks through the door.
Her husband has been one of her greatest inspirations and mentors, while Dr. Saisha Mistry remains someone she deeply admires and looks up to professionally. Their influence, along with her own experiences, has reinforced her belief that sincere effort, hard work, passion and skill eventually take you where you are meant to be.
Her journey has not been without setbacks. Losing a year during college due to unavoidable circumstances was difficult at the time, but she now looks back at it as one of the experiences that shaped her resilience. Today, she feels she is exploring many facets of dentistry and is closer to the professional life she once imagined for herself.
Alongside her private practice, Dr. Joshi is also associated with TIFR as a consultant and contributes her expertise to charitable trusts. For her, some of the most rewarding moments come not from professional recognition but from the happiness she sees in her patients and the goodwill generated through her work.
For Dr. Joshi, a successful dental practice is ultimately built on one foundation: trust. Her journey is a reminder that a delayed path is not necessarily a wrong one. Sometimes, persistence through unexpected turns leads you exactly where you were meant to go. And for her, every happy smile is a meaningful measure of that journey.
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Alpana Deo
March 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm
Thank you so very much for featuring me and my journey. I hope it will inspire many women to make a career out of their hobbies.
I am honored to share the platform with other talented women.