Special Editions
Breaking Barriers: Women Entrepreneurs in India Who Will Inspire You in 2023
Published
2 years agoon
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.
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Special Editions
Women’s Day Special: India’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders
Published
20 hours agoon
March 6, 2026By
reporter
Volume IX
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba

Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Akanksha Chaturvedi Jain, Founder – Eduauraa

Akanksha Chaturvedi Jain is the Founder of Eduauraa, an ed tech platform focused on making quality education accessible to students across India. Through Eduauraa, she has worked toward building a learning ecosystem that reaches students at the grassroot level by combining digital learning, school digitisation, and community driven initiatives. Her vision has always been clear. Education should never be limited by affordability, background, or geography.
The idea for Eduauraa took shape while Akanksha was studying at Columbia University. She had initially gone there to study real estate, but during that time she began observing the growing education technology landscape. When she returned to India, she realized that many ed tech platforms were priced in a way that made them inaccessible for a large segment of students. Most models catered only to those who could afford premium learning tools. This gap led her to create Eduauraa, a platform designed with the belief that cost should never become a barrier to learning.
What started as a simple idea gradually evolved into a nationwide learning ecosystem. Eduauraa has now reached and empowered more than five lakh learners across India. One of the defining moments in the company’s journey came when Eduauraa was officially launched by the HRD Minister of India alongside the announcement of a strategic content partnership with ZEE5. Another significant initiative led by Akanksha was India’s largest education camp, where free education was delivered to more than one lakh students. These milestones strengthened Eduauraa’s mission of expanding access to quality learning.
Her work and leadership have been widely recognized. She has been featured by Forbes India, included in the Femina Fab 50 and Grazia Cool List, and appeared on the cover of ELLE India. She has also received the ZEE Education Excellence Award and the ET Inspiring Women Award. While these recognitions mark important achievements, Akanksha remains focused on the larger purpose of her work.
Her biggest inspiration has always been her parents, who supported her ambitions and encouraged her to maintain an open minded approach to life. Their belief in her helped her stay motivated even during challenging phases. Starting her company at the age of twenty two meant that she often faced skepticism. In many professional spaces, people underestimated her because of her age and because she was a young woman entrepreneur. Rather than letting these assumptions hold her back, she chose to let her work demonstrate her capability.
Outside of her professional life, Akanksha enjoys travelling, reading, and meeting new people. She describes herself as an extrovert who enjoys exploring different cultures and experiences around the world.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Passion and persistence are essential. Building a business requires constant dedication, belief in your vision, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when challenges appear.
For Akanksha, success is not defined by awards or titles. It lies in knowing that something she built is helping transform lives through education. And for her, the journey is only just beginning.
Niharika Dogra, Counselling Psychologist, Rehabilitation & Career Counsellor

Ms. Niharika Dogra is a Counselling Psychologist, Rehabilitation and Career Counsellor with over 16 years of experience across clinical, educational, corporate, and defense sectors. Through her work, she focuses on supporting individuals in navigating emotional challenges, career decisions, and personal growth while promoting greater awareness about mental well being.
Her interest in counselling began during her school years. She often observed that many students struggled with academic pressure and personal challenges but did not always have a safe space to express their feelings without judgment. This realization sparked her curiosity about human behavior, emotions, and the importance of psychological support. Over time, she discovered a natural inclination toward listening, understanding, and helping others work through their inner struggles. What began as empathy gradually developed into a sense of purpose, leading her to pursue counselling as a profession.
Over the past sixteen years, Ms. Dogra’s journey has been both professionally enriching and personally transformative. She has worked in diverse settings including clinical environments, educational institutions, corporate organizations, and defense establishments. Being the wife of an Air Force officer has also given her the unique opportunity to experience life across different Air Force Stations and interact closely with defense personnel and their families. In these environments, she has provided preventive counselling and emotional support, helping individuals cope with the psychological demands of military life.
Frequent relocations and exposure to new communities taught her adaptability and resilience, qualities that strongly influence her work today. Throughout her career, she has conducted workshops in schools and universities, delivered lectures including on All India Radio, and consistently contributed toward spreading awareness about mental health and emotional well being. These experiences have deepened her understanding of human resilience and strengthened her commitment to creating supportive spaces for people seeking guidance.
Her greatest inspiration is her mother, a cancer survivor whose courage and resilience demonstrated that healing is not only physical but also emotional and psychological. She also credits her husband for his unwavering encouragement and belief in her journey. Her children continue to motivate her daily, reminding her of the importance of balance, compassion, and patience in both personal and professional life.
Outside her professional responsibilities, Ms. Dogra enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys travelling, listening to music, and occasionally creating video content to spread awareness about mental well being. Continuous learning remains an important part of her life as she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and perspective.
Her message to aspiring professionals is to begin with purpose rather than pressure. She encourages individuals to build competence before chasing visibility, remain patient with their growth, and uphold ethical standards in their work. Taking care of one’s own mental health while building a career, she believes, is equally important.
For Ms. Niharika Dogra, success is not defined by titles or milestones. Instead, it lies in the lives she has been able to support, the stigma around mental health she has helped reduce, and the safe spaces she has created for people to express themselves without fear. She believes that empathy, integrity, and resilience are the true foundations of lasting success, and her journey continues to evolve with that belief.
Deepal Parekh, Interior designer & Founder – DPDS – Deepal Parekh Design Studio

Deepal Parekh is an interior designer and the founder of DPDS – Deepal Parekh Design Studio. With a career spanning more than two decades, she has built a reputation for creating thoughtful and timeless spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Her design philosophy centers on the belief that a home should reflect the personality, lifestyle, and story of the people who live in it.
Design and art have always been an intrinsic part of her life. From a young age, she found herself naturally drawn to colours, materials, and the way environments influence emotions and experiences. What began as a personal passion gradually evolved into a professional calling. Over time, she realized that interior design is not simply about beautifying spaces. It is about creating environments that feel meaningful, personal, and deeply connected to those who inhabit them.
Throughout her journey in interior design, Deepal has developed a philosophy rooted in simplicity and intention. She believes that every element within a space should have purpose and that thoughtful restraint often creates the most powerful impact. Her approach begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle, sensibilities, and vision. Whether designing residential homes or boutique commercial spaces, her goal is always to create interiors that feel timeless, layered, and emotionally connected to their users.
Her inspiration often comes from everyday experiences. Travel, art, architecture, and craftsmanship all influence her design sensibility. She is particularly drawn to natural materials, textures, and spaces that evoke warmth and authenticity.
Like many women in entrepreneurial fields, her journey has not been without challenges. Establishing credibility in a competitive industry while balancing professional ambition with personal responsibilities required resilience, especially during the early years of building her studio. These experiences ultimately strengthened her confidence and helped shape the clarity and conviction she brings to her work today.
Beyond her professional life, Deepal enjoys travelling and exploring art and different cultures, which continuously inspire her creative perspective. She also has a deep love for cooking, which she views as another form of creative expression. Much like interior design, cooking allows her to experiment with flavours, textures, and presentation while bringing people together around shared experiences.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but meaningful. Follow your passion with patience and persistence. Success is rarely immediate. It is built over time through dedication, continuous learning, and staying authentic to your vision.
For Deepal Parekh, success is not measured only through recognition or accolades. It lies in the impact of the spaces she creates and the relationships she builds with her clients along the way. Each project represents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and craft something meaningful. The most rewarding moment, she believes, is seeing a space come alive and knowing that it truly resonates with the people who inhabit it.
Shivani Jain, Founder – Tisharth by Shivani

Shivani Jain is a fashion designer whose journey reflects passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of design aesthetics. Her work focuses on creating clothing that allows women to feel confident, comfortable, and expressive through what they wear.
From a young age, Shivani was naturally drawn to garments and design. She had a keen eye for aesthetics and enjoyed experimenting with styles and silhouettes. This passion led her to start her own label at the age of just nineteen. Beginning a business at such a young age came with its own challenges, but it also gave her the opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve as a designer.
After working on her label for several years, Shivani took a sabbatical and began assisting her husband in his buying agency. While the experience helped her understand the business side of the fashion industry, her true passion always remained in design. The desire to create and express herself through fashion eventually brought her back to the field she loved the most.
In 2016, she launched her brand Tisharth by Shivani, a western wear label designed for women who appreciate stylish, well crafted clothing. Through this label, she focuses on creating designer pieces that remain accessible and affordable. One of the challenges she has faced in her journey is establishing the brand as one that offers designer quality without designer level pricing. Balancing quality, creativity, and affordability requires careful planning and dedication, but it remains central to her brand philosophy.
For Shivani, inspiration can come from many different sources. Rather than following a single role model, she finds inspiration in everyday life, creativity, and most importantly, in the desire to help women feel confident about themselves. Her ultimate goal is to design clothing that makes women feel good about who they are.
Beyond her work as a designer, Shivani enjoys spending time dancing, travelling, and reading. She also loves karaoke evenings filled with music, laughter, and friends. These moments allow her to relax, recharge, and stay creatively inspired.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple yet powerful: keep working towards your goal. Success may not come instantly, but dedication and consistent effort eventually lead you there. Believing in your vision and continuing to move forward, even when challenges arise, is what makes the difference.
Looking back at her journey, Shivani believes that success comes when you put your heart and soul into what you do. One of her dreams was to see her work reach international runways, and she proudly achieved that milestone. For her, that accomplishment stands as a reminder that when passion and hard work come together, dreams can truly turn into reality.
Manat Lamba, Co founder – Yellow Blossom

Manat Lamba is the Co founder of Yellow Blossom, a platform that has become known for giving homegrown brands an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with customers who appreciate unique, independent labels. What began almost by chance has now grown into a strong platform that has supported more than 400 brands over the past decade.
Her entrepreneurial journey began after spending four years working at Ernst and Young. While she gained valuable corporate experience there, she eventually felt the pull to build something of her own. In April 2015, she launched her clothing brand Maisara, driven by a passion for design and quality. Around the same time, her partner was exploring the idea of starting an events business. A casual conversation between them led to the idea of hosting an event to launch their respective ventures. That single event became the starting point of Yellow Blossom, which was formally established in September 2015. Looking back, Manat often describes the moment as one of those unexpected turns in life that end up shaping everything that follows.
Over the years, her journey has been exciting, creative, and constantly evolving. Market conditions, consumer preferences, and industry trends continue to change, and adapting to those shifts has been an essential part of her entrepreneurial experience. Through both Maisara and Yellow Blossom, she has always prioritized quality above all else. While maintaining high standards often brings its own challenges, she believes that quality ultimately builds long term trust and loyalty.
For the past three years, she temporarily paused the operations of Maisara due to the growing saturation in the clothing market. However, the overwhelming number of people encouraging her to revive the brand has reaffirmed her belief that quality and authenticity still matter. Today, the revival of Maisara is already in progress. At the same time, Yellow Blossom continues to grow steadily, with plans underway to expand into cities beyond Delhi.
Rather than pointing to a single individual as inspiration, Manat believes her motivation comes from an inner desire to build something meaningful and lasting. Her goal has always been to create a brand that people recognize, trust, and connect with. She hopes that years from now she will be able to look back with pride at what she has built and perhaps even pass that legacy forward to her daughter.
As a woman in business, she acknowledges that women are sometimes still taken less seriously in professional spaces. However, she also believes women bring a remarkable strength to the table, particularly their ability to manage multiple roles at once. Being a business owner while also balancing responsibilities as a daughter, sister, and mother requires resilience and adaptability, qualities she believes deserve greater recognition.
Outside of work, Manat has recently begun experimenting with content creation, something she finds both enjoyable and refreshing. However, the most important part of her life is her seven year old daughter, who she describes as the center of her universe. Once her workday ends, her time is devoted entirely to being a mother, which she considers the most fulfilling role she plays.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but honest. Starting something new can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but perseverance, resilience, and belief in your vision can carry you through the difficult phases. Entrepreneurship requires the ability to face failures, learn from them, and stay grounded during moments of success.
For Manat, the greatest strength behind her journey has been the support system around her. The encouragement of family, friends, and loved ones has played a significant role in helping her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. She believes that while business success requires hard work and determination, having people who believe in you can make all the difference.
Pragati Sanjay Baghel, CEO & Founder – Active Tribe

Pragati Sanjay Baghel is the CEO and Founder of Active Tribe, India’s first intimate hygiene brand created specifically for men who lead high-sweat, active lifestyles. Her community includes weight lifters, marathoners, runners, cyclists, bikers, and hikers—men who push their physical limits yet often stay silent about recurring hygiene concerns. Active Tribe was built to turn that silence into awareness, understanding, and bold conversations that India has avoided for too long.
Interestingly, the idea did not begin in intimate hygiene. The company initially launched as a men’s makeup brand, but while building that audience Pragati kept receiving messages asking for solutions to private-area issues. Concerns like balanitis, candidiasis, ringworms, itching, and sweat-induced infections kept surfacing. What struck her was not just the frequency but how normalized the suffering was simply because men felt they “should not talk about it.”
After studying the Indian market and global alternatives, she realized the category was untapped not because the need didn’t exist, but because the subject remained taboo. Looking deeper at the lifestyles of highly active men, she understood how sweat, friction, and humidity were fueling recurring infections. That insight defined Active Tribe’s vision: “If no one wants to solve it because it’s taboo, that’s exactly where innovation belongs.”
The journey has been demanding and deeply transformative. The company was registered in March 2025, followed by months of formulation research. Custom development was costly, so Pragati immersed herself in ingredient science—studying antifungal actives, pH balance, and sweat biology. She collaborated with a cosmetic scientist and a lab in Bangalore to build effective formulations before moving into manufacturing, packaging, and brand identity. “When you build from scratch,” she says, “you don’t just create a brand—you create a new version of yourself.”
As a woman leading a men’s intimate hygiene brand, skepticism was inevitable. Some questioned why a woman would enter this category. Her answer is clear: health is not gendered. If men can build menstrual hygiene brands without interrogation, women should be equally free to build for men. Coming from a background where women are still expected to stay in “safe lanes,” Pragati’s journey is seen as bold—but she believes silence overstayed its welcome.
Outside business, Pragati is disciplined about fitness and trains daily. She is a runner, weightlifter, and a passionate satvic cook who prepares mindful, oil-free, sugar-free meals in clay pots. Fitness built her body, satvic food built her mind, and entrepreneurship, she says, has built her soul.
Her message to entrepreneurs is simple: start before you feel ready, build before people understand, and keep going long after the applause ends. Choose problems others hesitate to touch. Active Tribe is more than a product line—it is a necessary conversation finally being voiced. And for Pragati, this is only the beginning of a much larger journey.
Dhwani Shah, Life & Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist

Dhwani Shah is a Criminal Lawyer turned Life and Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, TEDx Speaker, and co founder of RudraKavya and Vidhyutaraa. Her work today centers on transformation, helping individuals break limiting patterns, heal emotional wounds, and rise with clarity and confidence. At RudraKavya, which she describes as poetries of transformation, the philosophy is simple yet powerful. Break the patterns, heal the wounds, and rise with clarity. She believes clarity only comes after a person feels safe enough to confront their truth. At Vidhyutaraa, meaning the lightning star, she leads strategy by building brands that are driven not only by content but by conviction. For her, power matters, but authenticity is unstoppable.
Her journey began in the field of law, where she trained to argue and defend cases in courtrooms. Over time, she realized that the toughest battles people face are not legal ones but internal ones. Self doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs often become the real obstacles in a person’s life. This realization changed her path. Instead of leaving law behind, she redefined it. She shifted her courtroom to the human mind, where she now challenges limiting beliefs, questions fear, and supports individuals in reclaiming their strength.
Dhwani describes her journey as powerful rather than perfect. She has experienced setbacks, emotional lows, and failures that tested her resolve. Yet she believes progress is not always linear. Even when life moves three steps forward and two steps back, it is still movement. From courtroom arguments to the TEDx stage, each phase of her life has shaped her voice and purpose. She now leads with empathy, speaks with clarity, and believes vulnerability can be a source of strength rather than weakness.
Her inspiration comes from every version of herself that refused to give up. As a woman, she has faced moments where softness was mistaken for weakness and where confidence was seen as intimidating. Instead of shrinking, she chose to embrace both strength and gentleness together.
Beyond her profession, Dhwani enjoys travel, nature, adventure, and movement. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer and a trained skier, she finds joy in both discipline and freedom. She also organizes community gatherings that create safe spaces for connection and growth.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Choose collaboration over competition. The sky is vast enough for everyone to rise. For Dhwani, success is not defined by perfection. It is defined by consistency, resilience, and the courage to remain authentic.
Advocate Monica Dochania, Advocate, Independent litigator, Solicitor

Advocate Monica Dochania is a practicing advocate, independent litigator, solicitor, and legal advisor based in New Delhi. Her journey into law was not linear but deeply intentional. Before entering the legal profession, she worked across diverse sectors including immigration services, the hotel industry, and international delegations and exhibitions. In her early twenties, while working in sales, marketing, and business development within corporate environments, she developed a growing interest in agreements, contracts, and legal frameworks. That curiosity gradually turned into conviction, and in 2015 she decided to appear for the law entrance examination conducted by the University of Delhi. She cleared the exam and began pursuing her LL.B. from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
Academically, her journey reflects versatility and determination. She completed her B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Delhi, followed by a postgraduate degree in Nanotechnology from Maitreyi College. She also pursued a course in website and web development before eventually transitioning into law. After graduating in 2018, she enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, cleared the All India Bar Examination in 2019, and became eligible for a permanent license from the Bar Council of India. Since then, she has been practicing before District Courts across India and the Delhi High Court. Her areas of expertise include civil and criminal matters, commercial and corporate law, immigration law, property disputes, consumer law, labour law, and family law. She also serves as a Legal Advisor to the United Human Rights and Social Justice Council, contributing to the protection of constitutional rights and social justice.
For Monica, life itself is her greatest teacher and inspiration. She believes resilience, patience, and self-awareness shape professional growth. As an independent woman in a male-dominated environment, she acknowledges facing societal skepticism and resistance, yet she remained committed to building her identity from the ground up.
Beyond litigation, she mentors students in career counselling, engages in social initiatives, writes journals and legal articles, and even participates in fashion ramp walks as a creative pursuit. Her message is clear. Success requires constant effort, self-belief, and determination. Every setback is part of growth, and self-motivation remains the true foundation of achievement.
Sanya Devina Madan, Product Designer & Founder – Prettylilclayz

Sanya Devina Madan is a Product Designer, author of the poetry collection Life Was the Poet, She Just Listened, a budding counselor, and a creative entrepreneur. She is also the founder of prettylilclayz, a handcrafted jewellery brand where emotions are transformed into wearable stories. Across every role she holds, her work is rooted in meaning. She does not simply create products or words. She creates spaces for feeling, reflection, and healing.
Her journey began with observation. From a young age, she was deeply attuned to emotions, to silences, and to the untold stories people carried behind their smiles. Writing became her first refuge, long before it became a published book. Counseling grew naturally from lived experience and from understanding what it means to search for safety and understanding. Design and handcrafted jewellery evolved into her language of expression, blending art with emotion in tangible form.
Her path has not been without storms. Growing up with dyslexia and navigating intense mental battles shaped her resilience early in life. Adolescence tested her confidence and sense of security. Experiences of harassment at a young age shook her foundation temporarily, but she refused to allow pain to define her identity. Instead, she chose healing over hiding and growth over bitterness. What once felt isolating became empathy. What once felt frightening became fierce self-awareness. That conscious decision to transform adversity into purpose reshaped her life.
Her inspiration comes first from the women in her family, especially her mother, whose quiet strength and steady resilience modeled what grace under pressure looks like. Her father provided unwavering safety and reassurance, allowing her to grow without shrinking. Supportive friendships and family built a foundation of security that empowered her to rise with composure and clarity.
Beyond her professional titles, she is a dancer at heart. Movement feels like reclaiming freedom. She believes jewellery can hold memory, art can heal, and softness can be powerful.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple. Your struggles are structure, not stains. Begin before you feel ready. Protect your peace. Build your dream with intention. Success, for her, is measured not by accolades but by healing, courage, and impact. And she believes her journey is only beginning.
Special Editions
Women’s Day Special: India’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders
Published
2 days agoon
March 6, 2026By
reporter
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba

Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands. From her inaugural collection at 19 to the establishment of ‘House of Masaba,’ her journey underscores the profound impact of persistence on the road to success.
Mishael Martina Cardoza, Filmmaker

Mishael Martina Cardoza is a filmmaker currently working on her independent short film Maternity Break, a deeply personal project that explores the emotional landscape of motherhood and career identity. Her journey into filmmaking has been shaped by persistence, pauses, and a deep commitment to honest storytelling.
She began her career as an intern Assistant Director in commercials, learning the craft from the ground up on busy production sets. Long hours, constant observation, and proving herself repeatedly became part of her training. The path was not glamorous, but storytelling always felt like home. Her dream of becoming a director began at the age of eight. Sitting in a director’s chair once felt impossible, yet she held onto that vision and started as an intern Assistant Director, gradually building experience across commercial productions.
Then came motherhood.
Mishael consciously chose to take a three year pause from professional filmmaking to be fully present for her child. During this time, she stepped into a new creative space as a mom content creator while also exploring freelance creative work. While motherhood brought immense fulfillment, there was also a quiet void within her. She missed directing. She missed telling layered human stories.
That inner conflict led to the creation of Maternity Break, a short film that examines the emotional week before a mother’s maternity leave ends. The story does not focus on the decision itself but on the invisible negotiation that happens internally. The film explores the anxiety, guilt, hope, financial concerns, societal pressure, and the emotional pull between career identity and motherhood. Cinema often portrays motherhood through gentle montages and soft music, but rarely captures the emotional complexity of postpartum transitions. Maternity Break attempts to bring that hidden reality to the screen. It is a film about the journey within, rather than the final choice.
Her greatest inspiration is her mother, whom she describes as the person who absorbed society’s criticism so that her daughter could continue dreaming freely. Growing up, she watched her mother stand firm against doubts and expectations placed on women who choose unconventional paths. That quiet strength shaped her outlook on life and work.
As a woman in the film industry, especially now as a mother, the challenges have been layered. Production spaces are demanding, and structural support for new mothers remains limited. Even when industries celebrate progress for women, the reality for mothers behind the camera is still evolving. When established actors like Deepika Padukone openly negotiate call times to balance motherhood and work, it highlights how complex this balance can be even at the highest levels. For filmmakers without visibility or backing, the challenge becomes even greater.
Mishael firmly believes that passion does not disappear after marriage or motherhood. A creative calling does not shrink simply because life expands.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful. Dreams do not expire because life changes. Every comeback has its own timing, and it should never be measured against someone else’s timeline.
For Mishael, Maternity Break is more than just a short film. It is a conversation. She is crowdfunding the project so it can remain honest and independent, giving space to the emotional reality of motherhood that is often left unseen.
Her journey is still unfolding. But one truth remains unchanged. The girl who dreamed of becoming a director at eight years old never stopped believing she would return to that chair.
Dr. Sarah Zaidi, IVF specialist and gynecologist

Dr. Sarah Zaidi is an IVF specialist and gynecologist with nearly a decade of experience dedicated to helping couples achieve the dream of parenthood. With a strong academic background in gynecology and years of clinical practice, she chose to specialize in fertility care after realizing how many women silently struggle with infertility. While many women can conceive naturally, there are countless others who face emotional, social, and financial barriers that make the journey to motherhood extremely difficult.
This realization shaped Dr. Zaidi’s purpose. For her, fertility treatment is not just a medical service but a deeply human journey. Being part of a couple’s path to parenthood, supporting women who have been trying for years, and witnessing the moment when hope turns into reality gives her a profound sense of gratitude. She considers it a privilege to support women ranging from their early twenties to even their fifties who are seeking the chance to become mothers.
Dr. Zaidi is currently associated with Indira IVF, one of India’s largest fertility networks. She serves as the Executive Director at Indira IVF Dadar and also holds the role of Cluster Business Head for Mumbai and Maharashtra. Over the years, the organization has contributed to nearly 1,80,000 successful pregnancies across India, and Dr. Zaidi takes immense pride in being part of a team that works tirelessly to support childless couples and bring happiness into their lives.
Her greatest inspiration comes from her parents, particularly her father. A senior professional himself, he believed deeply in serving society with honesty and kindness. Through his example, Dr. Zaidi learned that true success lies in helping people without expecting anything in return. His belief in giving back to society continues to guide her work and her values.
Dr. Zaidi believes that the foundation of any successful career rests on four essential pillars: clarity of thought, hard work, dedication, and discipline. She encourages young professionals to be clear about their goals and purpose in life, because clarity allows individuals to plan their path forward. However, she emphasizes that there is no substitute for consistent effort and commitment.
Reflecting on her journey, she also believes that values are shaped at home. Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. Watching her parents live with discipline, compassion, and integrity shaped her own approach to life and work.
For Dr. Sarah Zaidi, medicine is not just a profession. It is a lifelong commitment to helping others, restoring hope, and being part of one of the most meaningful moments in a family’s life.
Komal Parnami, Energy healer, manifestation coach & tarot consultant

Komal Parnami is an energy healer, manifestation coach, and tarot consultant who works with individuals seeking clarity, healing, and spiritual guidance. Her work focuses on helping people understand their emotional and energetic patterns so they can move forward in life with greater confidence, awareness, and positivity. Through consultations and spiritual practices, she guides people toward personal growth and a deeper connection with themselves.
Her interest in the spiritual and occult world began at a very young age. As a school student, she was fascinated by horoscopes and would regularly read the daily predictions published in newspapers. What started as curiosity slowly developed into a deeper attraction toward the mystical sciences. During her college years, an important turning point came when her uncle recognized her natural inclination toward the subject. He encouraged her to explore occult sciences more seriously and told her that she had the potential to grow in this field.
Motivated by that encouragement, Komal began formally learning and training in spiritual practices. She found a mentor who guided her through the process of understanding energy healing, manifestation practices, and tarot reading. Through continuous learning and regular practice, she gradually developed the confidence and skills required to guide others. Over time, what started as a personal interest evolved into her professional calling.
For Komal, the journey has been deeply meaningful. She believes that anyone who becomes a healer must first experience life’s own challenges, because personal struggles help develop empathy and understanding for the pain others carry. These experiences allow her to connect more deeply with the people who come to her for consultations. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is hearing from clients who share how her guidance helped them navigate difficult situations or find peace within themselves.
Her greatest inspiration comes from her parents and from individuals like Ratan Tata, whose life reflects generosity, humility, and service to society. Their values have influenced her outlook toward life and work. Rather than seeing situations as difficulties, she prefers to view them as opportunities for learning and growth, believing that every challenge carries a hidden blessing.
Beyond her professional life, Komal is also a homemaker who values spending time with her child and family. These moments keep her grounded and balanced.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple yet meaningful. Follow what you truly love. When passion drives your work, discipline and dedication follow naturally.
At the core of her philosophy is a deep belief in the universe and its guiding energy, which she trusts to lead every journey toward its rightful path.
Preeti Jatia, Founder & Lead Designer – Fayonkids

Preeti Jatia is the Founder and Lead Designer of Fayonkids, a luxury children’s wear brand grounded in culture, craftsmanship, and conscious design. Through Fayonkids, she has built a brand that thoughtfully blends tradition with modern sensibility, creating clothing that celebrates both beauty and comfort for children.
Her entrepreneurial journey was shaped by instinct and clarity of purpose. She recognized a gap in the children’s wear market where style often overshadowed comfort and practicality. Instead of compromising, she chose to integrate both elements seamlessly. Fayonkids emerged from her vision to design pieces that feel elegant yet effortless, honoring the needs of children while resonating with mindful parents who value quality and detail.
Building Fayonkids has been a journey of steady growth and refinement. Preeti approached it with patience, passion, and a strong belief in soulful design. Each collection reflects her dedication to thoughtful craftsmanship and cultural depth. Over time, the brand has expanded not only in reach but in creative maturity, remaining aligned with its original philosophy while evolving in design language and expression.
Her inspiration comes from inner resilience and from women who rise quietly with grace and strength. As a woman entrepreneur, she has encountered moments of being underestimated, managing multiple responsibilities, and proving that creative leadership requires discipline and strategic thinking. Rather than discouraging her, these experiences strengthened her conviction and sharpened her focus.
Outside her professional sphere, Preeti is deeply drawn to wellness, spirituality, design philosophy, and creative storytelling. She views creativity as an everyday practice, not just a profession. For her, curating beauty in daily life is an extension of the same mindset that shapes her brand.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear. Trust your voice. Stay consistent and disciplined. Be willing to evolve without losing your essence. Do not dilute your originality to meet expectations.
For Preeti, success is not a singular achievement. It is a continuous process of growth, self-awareness, and authenticity. Each stage of the journey adds depth, and that ongoing evolution is what she values most.
Rashmi Bindra, Textile & fashion designer

Rashmi Bindra is a textile and fashion designer with over four decades of creative experience. Alongside designing, she curated and organised bridal trousseau exhibitions and wedding events, bringing together designers, jewellers, and wedding planners under one cohesive vision.
Her love for design began at a very tender age. She was always fascinated by cuts, colors, and silhouettes. As a child, she would imagine dresses and discuss them with her mother, who would stitch outfits based on her ideas. Watching her mother work with fabrics, yarns, and weaves deeply shaped her understanding of textiles and craftsmanship. That early exposure built the foundation of her creative instinct.
During her school years, she frequently won painting competitions, often inspired by nature. That artistic inclination gradually translated into a passion for textiles from different regions of India. While pursuing commerce in college, she simultaneously continued her interest in design and later completed a textile designing course from South Delhi Polytechnic.
Studying in Delhi exposed her to renowned stores and elevated her aspirations. She free lanced for 11 years for Jagdish Stores in Karol Bagh, designing and hand painting towels, bed linen, and bedspreads. Over time, she collaborated with designing houses across Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh, expanding her experience across diverse markets.
Hailing from Chandigarh , she began creating bridal trousseaus for brides to be. After marrying an army officer, she had the opportunity to travel extensively across India. Each posting became a learning ground. She conducted textile classes, trained students, and helped many shape their careers. Simultaneously, she curated bridal exhibitions while always preserving her own creative identity by showcasing her designs.
In 2017, her life took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That phase could have broken her spirit, but instead, it redirected her energy. While medical treatment supported her physically, art became her emotional healing. During that period, she created pieces that gradually evolved into Taraash, a label she built along with her daughter Anushca Bindra. Taraash now dresses brides, bridesmaids, and elders or the young ones of the families, and has had the honour of customising beautiful sarees for eminent personalities such as Dr. Jai Madaan. The journey reflects over 40 years of dedication, thousands of customising ,allowing her to connect with multiple generations , earn their trust & watch them Smile on holding their dream.
Beyond fashion, Rashmi is actively involved with Sahayata Charitable Society, an NGO dedicated to supporting cancer patients and spreading awareness that cancer is curable. Having walked that path herself, she believes strongly in inner strength and the power to heal.
Anushca Bindra ,her daughter ,the Marketing head , an MBA from ISB, her message to aspiring entrepreneurs,is practical and grounded. Business demands perseverance in real world terms, not just passion. It requires solutions, adaptability, and the ability to make things work even when they do not fall into place easily. Studying the market is essential. While creating from personal strength is important, the product must also meet the needs of the audience. An amazing idea without market alignment will struggle to sustain.
She believes the world is constantly evolving, so one must remain nimble and open to feedback. Collaboration builds something holistic, yet authentic. Growth is never a straight line. There will always be ups and downs, even in an upward journey.
For Rashmi Bindra, age is never a limitation. At 60, she firmly believes there is still much to learn, much to create, and much to give.
Special Editions
Women’s Day Special: India’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders
Published
2 days agoon
March 5, 2026By
reporter
Volume VIII
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba

Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Riccha Singh, Founder – Life Partners Destiny

Riccha Singh is an entrepreneur who works across multiple spaces, blending business with community-driven initiatives. She curates lifestyle exhibitions, owns a petrol pump, and leads a social venture called Life Partners Destiny, a Rajput matrimony platform designed to create meaningful connections within the community.
Life Partners Destiny is a venture especially close to her heart. The idea emerged from recognizing a genuine need for a trusted and well-managed matrimony platform within the Rajput community. Riccha manages the technical side of the platform, ensuring its smooth functioning and efficiency. For her, this initiative is not just about running a digital platform but about contributing to society in a meaningful way. By combining technology with purpose, she has helped create a space that brings people together and strengthens community bonds.
Her second initiative, Hidden Treasures, is a lifestyle exhibition that began almost by chance. What started as a casual idea with a friend, driven by a shared curiosity to discover unique brands and products, gradually evolved into a full-fledged exhibition. Hidden Treasures now showcases carefully curated brands and products to the city, supporting small businesses and celebrating creativity. Over time, it has grown into a platform that highlights distinctive offerings while adding a fresh perspective to the urban lifestyle space.
Riccha describes her journey as both fulfilling and transformative. Through Destiny, she realized that entrepreneurship is not only about building businesses but also about creating opportunities to give back to society. With Hidden Treasures, she experienced the excitement of watching a simple idea grow into something widely appreciated. The overwhelming response and support have made the journey deeply rewarding.
Her biggest inspiration is her mother, who, despite choosing to focus on home and family, always encouraged her to dream big and pursue her ambitions. As a woman, Riccha believes the real challenge lies in balancing multiple roles at once, managing personal responsibilities alongside professional aspirations. However, she views these experiences as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and spending time with friends. These moments help her unwind and bring fresh inspiration.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Start with passion and do not hesitate to take the first step. Success, she believes, comes through persistence and learning along the way. For Riccha, success is not a final destination but a continuous journey of growth, purpose, and meaningful contribution.
Dr. Ritu Khemani, Founder & Lead Physiotherapist – Recura Physio

Dr. Ritu Khemani is the Founder and Lead Physiotherapist at Recura Physio, where evidence-based rehabilitation meets personalised, compassionate care. Driven by a deep curiosity about how the human body heals, adapts, and performs, she built her career around the belief that recovery is not merely about relieving pain, but about restoring function, confidence, and quality of life.
Her journey into physiotherapy began during her academic training and early clinical exposure, where she recognised that meaningful rehabilitation extends beyond symptoms. This understanding shaped her purpose-driven approach—one that prioritises long-term outcomes, patient education, and individualised care over quick fixes.
Over the years, Dr. Khemani’s professional path has been defined by continuous learning and clinical evolution. Working with patients across age groups and conditions refined her rehabilitation strategies and strengthened her clinical reasoning. Founding Recura Physio was a natural progression—creating a space where personalised treatment plans, scientific rigour, and patient empowerment come together.
She draws inspiration from clinicians and entrepreneurs who balance scientific excellence with empathy, and from her patients, whose resilience and trust reaffirm her commitment to the profession every day.
As a woman entrepreneur in healthcare, Dr. Khemani has navigated challenges such as establishing authority, balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities, and overcoming societal expectations. These experiences strengthened her leadership, resilience, and confidence in her expertise.
Beyond her clinical practice, she actively engages in professional development and knowledge sharing within the physiotherapy community. She also prioritises fitness, mindfulness, and time with family, believing balance is essential to sustained excellence.
Dr. Khemani’s message to aspiring professionals is rooted in purpose and persistence: success is built through consistency, adaptability, and integrity. Starting small, learning continuously, and trusting one’s value are key to long-term growth.
For her, success is measured not by titles or recognition alone, but by impact. Helping individuals move better, live pain-free, and regain trust in their bodies is the true reward—and the journey, she believes, is still unfolding.
Namrata Lalwani, Mahjong Instructor – Founder – Let’s Get Our Mahj On!!

In a world where traditional games are often seen as nostalgic pastimes, Namrata Lalwani is redefining Mahjong as a modern symbol of strategy, confidence, and community. As the founder of Let’s Get Our Mahj On!!, she has transformed her passion into a thriving platform that empowers women through the timeless art of Mahjong.
What began as small learning circles has evolved into a vibrant community of confident players. Namrata’s journey has been driven by persistence, clarity of vision, and a deep belief that Mahjong is far more than a game — it is a tool for mental agility, bonding, and self-assurance.
Her classes are known for their structured teaching approach, warm atmosphere, and a strong foundation in rules and scoring. From guiding beginners through their very first East Round to mentoring advanced players with strategic depth, she ensures that every student feels supported and empowered.
When asked what inspires her, Namrata speaks about the transformation she witnesses daily — hesitant learners becoming confident decision-makers at the table. Her greatest motivation is the community she has built and the friendships that blossom through the game.
Her inspiration comes from strong women who build something of their own from scratch — women who create spaces instead of waiting for one. She believes that passion combined with discipline creates magic.
Beyond regular classes, Namrata curates premium Mahjong events — high teas and luxury game afternoons — where the vibe is elegant, energetic, and empowering. She has created not just players, but a community.
Her message to new entrepreneurs:
“Start before you feel ready. Perfection is built in the process. There will be doubts, slow days, and challenges — but consistency will outshine talent. If you believe in what you are building, show up for it every single day.
Passion gives you direction, but discipline builds your dream. Stay consistent, stay authentic, and focus on impact over applause.”
Today, Let’s Get Our Mahj On!! stands as more than a brand — it is a growing movement that celebrates skill, builds confidence, and encourages self-growth. And according to Namrata, this is only the beginning of a much larger vision for Mahjong in modern India. It is about turning a traditional game into a modern lifestyle experience.
And this is only the beginning.
Pall Oberoi, Live show anchor & makeup artist

Pall Oberoi is a live show anchor and makeup artist who has built a dynamic career around communication, stage presence, and passion for public engagement. Over the years, she has carved a distinctive identity in the world of live hosting while also balancing a professional career in government service.
Her journey began in 2006 when she stepped into the world of modeling. During that time, someone noticed her strong speaking skills and offered her an opportunity to host an event. That moment became the starting point of her career as a stage anchor. What began as a single opportunity soon grew into a passion for live hosting and public speaking.
Since then, Pall has hosted numerous shows across India. Her work has included television hosting as well, with three TV shows to her credit. Over the years she has anchored several prestigious government events and large scale concerts alongside renowned artists such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Rekha Bhardwaj, Himesh Reshammiya, Tochi Raina, and Abhijeet. These experiences helped her establish a strong reputation as a confident and engaging stage presenter.
At one point, her career took a different direction when she was selected as a Rajasthan Administrative Service officer. She later cleared several banking examinations and eventually moved into a position as a Gazetted Officer with a Central Government organization. During this phase, anchoring took a back seat as she focused on her administrative career.
However, in 2024 she hosted a large scale event for more than two thousand people. That experience reminded her of the energy and joy she felt while being on stage. Realizing that she deeply missed that creative spark, she decided to restart her hosting career alongside her professional responsibilities. Since then, she has successfully re established herself in the field, working with major organizations and brands including the Adani Group, Walmart, IDFC, HDFC, and British Telecom. She has also become a popular name for hosting NRI weddings and special events.
Pall draws her greatest inspiration from her mother, who has been her constant source of encouragement and strength. She credits her family, including her husband and in laws, for supporting her professional journey and respecting her choices. She believes that when women focus on developing their skills while maintaining clear personal boundaries, they can navigate any industry with confidence.
Apart from her work on stage, Pall continues to serve as a Gazetted Officer in a Central Government organization. Hosting events remains a passion that fuels her love for communication and public interaction.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful. Never give up, even during times when support seems limited. If you stay committed to your path and continue working with dedication, people eventually begin to believe in your vision.
As someone who has experienced multiple professional roles over fifteen years, from model and anchor to administrative officer and government professional, Pall believes that self belief is the most important ingredient for success. She is also a mother of two and strongly encourages other mothers to remember that motherhood does not mark the end of personal dreams. Instead, it can become the beginning of a new and expanded journey.
Dr. Divya Kharat, MDS – Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Founder – The Poona Aesthetics

Dr. Divya Kharat is an MDS in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics and the owner of The Poona Aesthetics, a state of the art dental clinic specializing in Orthodontics and Dental Implants.
Dentistry fascinated her from the very beginning because it blends science, precision, artistry, and transformation. Orthodontics, in particular, captured her interest because of its ability to permanently transform a person’s smile and confidence through structured, well planned treatment. The idea of creating lasting impact inspired her to pursue this specialty. She began her professional journey in 2016 after graduation and went on to complete her post graduation in Orthodontics, graduating as a topper from MUHS University.
Starting out in a new city without an established base was not easy. She had no external backing, only her education, skills, and determination. She began with a single chair clinic where every patient and every case mattered deeply. For five years, she focused on ethical practice, quality care, and consistent effort. Slowly, trust began to build. That trust became the foundation for growth. Today, The Poona Aesthetics stands as a premium dental center equipped with advanced technology and personalized care. The journey from one chair to a specialized center was built entirely on consistency and belief.
Her inspiration comes from the constant desire to become better than she was yesterday. She believes in quiet growth and steady improvement. As a young woman establishing herself independently, she had to repeatedly earn credibility. Starting fresh in a new city meant working twice as hard to prove her expertise. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, she chose to treat them as stepping stones.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Divya is deeply passionate about animal welfare. She spends her free time caring for stray animals and dreams of opening a shelter for abandoned and injured animals in the future. For her, compassion extends beyond professional success.
Her message to aspiring professionals is clear: start small if you must, but start. Do not wait for perfect conditions. Build credibility through consistency, stay ethical, and trust the process. Success is built quietly through discipline, resilience, and self belief.
Her story is not defined by infrastructure or recognition, but by the journey from a single chair clinic to a trusted center of excellence built on courage and perseverance.
Shweta Rohira, Actor, Host, Artist, Entrepreneur, Author, Professional book reviewer & content creator

Shweta Rohira is a multifaceted creative professional who has built a distinctive presence across several fields. She is an actor, host, artist, entrepreneur, author, professional book reviewer, and content creator. Over the years, she has created a unique space for herself in the media and creative industry by combining storytelling, communication, and artistic expression. Whether she is hosting meaningful conversations, reviewing books with honesty and depth, creating art, or producing engaging content, her work reflects a deep commitment to creativity and connection.
Her journey began with curiosity and the courage to explore different possibilities. Acting introduced her to the world of storytelling and performance, which gradually opened doors to other creative avenues. From there, her natural inclination toward communication and connection led her into hosting, writing, and entrepreneurship. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, she chose to build momentum through continuous learning, experimentation, and reinvention.
Shweta’s professional path has never been linear. It has been shaped by achievements, pauses, transformations, and powerful lessons. Through every stage, she discovered that success is not defined by constant highs but by resilience, authenticity, and the willingness to keep moving forward. Each experience strengthened her understanding of her purpose and her own potential.
Her greatest inspiration has always been her mother. Watching her mother navigate life with quiet strength, compassion, and dignity deeply influenced Shweta’s outlook. She learned from her that true strength does not always seek attention but reveals itself through consistent actions and grace, even during difficult times.
Like many women carving their own paths, Shweta has faced moments when her abilities were underestimated and her choices questioned. She also experienced life altering challenges that required her to pause, heal, and rebuild herself from within. Recovering after a serious accident became not only a physical journey but also an emotional and spiritual one. It required rediscovering confidence, reclaiming purpose, and learning to trust life again. These experiences reshaped her understanding of resilience. Today, she carries those experiences not as burdens but as symbols of strength and growth.
Beyond her professional work, Shweta values mindfulness and personal growth. She enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures, which continuously inspire her creativity. Music, wellness practices, and meaningful conversations with loved ones form an important part of her daily life. She also dedicates time to mentoring and working with school going children by conducting painting, calligraphy, and handwriting workshops, experiences that keep her connected to creativity and innocence.
Her message to aspiring professionals is to believe in their vision even when others may not see it yet. She encourages people to build their value, remain patient with the process, and allow themselves the freedom to grow and redefine success on their own terms.
For Shweta Rohira, success is not measured only through recognition or achievements. It is found in living fully, appreciating each moment, and embracing life with gratitude, awareness, and joy.
Sneha Burman, Celebrity manager & influencer marketing entrepreneur

Sneha Burman is a celebrity manager and influencer marketing entrepreneur who has steadily built her place in the entertainment and media industry through determination, learning, and resilience. Her journey began with a strong academic foundation in media and entertainment. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Media from Kolkata and later moved to Mumbai to pursue a Master’s degree in Entertainment, a step that opened the doors to the fast paced world of the industry.
At just nineteen, Sneha began her professional journey with Zee in Mumbai. She joined as an intern for reality shows, gaining early exposure to the workings of television production. Alongside this, she also started working on wedding events to gain practical experience and earn additional income. These early years were demanding but deeply formative. They helped her understand the pace, competitiveness, and dedication required to succeed in the entertainment industry. Through this period, she discovered her passion for management, coordination, and working closely with talent.
The unexpected arrival of the COVID pandemic brought her back to Kolkata, which turned out to be a significant turning point in her career. She joined SVF Entertainment, one of the biggest production houses in the region, where she worked as a celebrity and influencer manager. The experience allowed her to grow professionally while managing prominent personalities from the Bengali entertainment industry. At SVF, she developed the confidence to handle large teams, manage professional relationships with celebrities and influencers, and navigate the demands of the industry with maturity.
Building on this experience, Sneha took a bold step toward entrepreneurship. At the age of twenty eight, she launched her own influencer marketing agency, 11Eleven Media and Marketing, in Kolkata. Through this venture, she aims to create impactful collaborations between brands, influencers, and public personalities while continuing to grow within the entertainment ecosystem.
Sneha draws her greatest inspiration from her mother. Watching her mother face life’s challenges and raise a family with strength and determination shaped Sneha’s outlook on resilience and courage. Those experiences taught her to remain strong and grounded in difficult situations.
In the early stages of her career, being young and new to the industry sometimes led people to underestimate her. However, she relied on her intuition, observation, and quiet confidence to navigate challenges. Instead of reacting loudly, she learned to move forward with grace and focus.
Outside of work, Sneha enjoys travelling and exploring new destinations. Being a water lover, she particularly enjoys sea adventures and coastal experiences whenever she travels. For her, travel offers both relaxation and inspiration.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple. Stay confident, trust your instincts, and continue moving forward despite external noise. Believing in your own strength, she believes, is the first step toward building something meaningful.
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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.