Special Editions
Entrepreneurs 40 Under 40: Recognizing Entrepreneurs who are Shaping the Future of India
The “Entrepreneurs 40 under 40”, an esteemed annual compilation by Mumbai Uncensored, recognizes and lauds the top 40 entrepreneurs under the age of 40, whose remarkable impact in the Indian startup ecosystem is making waves. Distinguished by their exceptional talent, creativity, and visionary prowess, these young entrepreneurs have successfully scaled businesses across diverse industries, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with.
Their innovative solutions to address societal and business challenges, coupled with the creation of job opportunities and contributions to the growth of the Indian economy, have positioned them as trailblazers in their respective fields. This accolade serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs and a joyous celebration of the achievements of these young and dynamic business leaders, who are propelling India towards a brighter future.
Aman Gupta, Co Founder and CMO of boAt Lifestyle
Aman Gupta, the visionary co-founder of the brand, boAt, has navigated the tides of innovation with his brand. With his boundless passion, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Gupta has set sail on a remarkable journey, making his company to become a dominant force in the audio and lifestyle industry.
Fuelled by his passion, aman embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between technology and fashion, giving birth to the boAt brand. Armed with an audacious vision, he set out to create products that would redefine the way people experienced audio, while seamlessly blending style and substance. Through his sheer determination, he built a team of like-minded individuals who shared his vision, forming a crew that would navigate the uncharted waters of the industry.
The journey was not so easy. In the early days, boAt struggled alot to find its place in a crowded market. However, his unyielding spirit and his ability to adapt to changing choices took the brand forward. He recognized the immense potential of e-commerce and social media, leveraging these platforms to connect directly with consumers.
He always had his commitment to quality and innovation. He understood that customers sought more than just products; they craved experiences. Under his guidance, boAt evolved into a lifestyle brand, extending beyond audio to incorporate fashion-forward accessories and personal care products. His vision for boAt as a complete lifestyle ecosystem resonated with consumers, who embraced the brand as a symbol of self-expression and individuality.
Today, boAt stands as a testament to Aman Gupta’s indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of innovation. The brand has become a household name, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to quality, style, and affordability. Gupta’s entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring visionaries, reminding us that with passion and perseverance, we can conquer the most formidable seas.
Adwaita Nayar, Co-founder of Nykaa and CEO of Nykaa Fashion
Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, started her beauty retail start-up in 2013, with her daughter Adwaita by her side. Adwaita’s millennial consumer understanding and digital marketing skills proved to be a valuable asset for the company, as Nykaa grew to become a trendy, young, and millennial brand. The company’s revenue for FY21 was an impressive Rs.2,453 crore. The company has also successfully launched 10 private brands in fashion and beauty, which generate more than 30% margins. The company currently has 96 Nykaa beauty stores, with a pure ecommerce marketplace strategy for its fashion business.
Nykaa had a successful IPO debut, with its stock subscribed by 80 times. However, Nykaa’s profits fell 59% to Rs.28 crore in Q3 of FY22 due to disruptions caused by the third wave of Covid-19. Adwaita’s brother, Anchit Nayar, took over the brick-and-mortar stores part of the business in 2017 after quitting his job as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley in the U.S. Anchit’s experience helped him build a first-class business, which contributed to Nykaa’s overall success.
Nykaa’s fashion business received criticism from the investor community during the IPO. However, Adwaita believes that Nykaa’s fashion business has an edge over its competitors by offering curated, premium, and trend-driven brands instead of being discount-driven and focused on the mass market. In addition to their commitment to creating a trendy brand, Nykaa also focuses on sustainability. The company has already started using good-for-you ingredients and sustainable packaging. As Nykaa continues to grow, it’s clear that Falguni Nayar, Adwaita Nayar, Anchit Nayar, and the entire Nykaa team are committed to offering their customers the best beauty and fashion experience while keeping an eye on sustainability.
Bhavish Aggarwal, Co-founder of Ola Cabs
Bhavish Aggarwal is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Ola Cabs, India’s largest cab-rental platform. He is known for his ability to identify market opportunities and disrupt traditional business models, which has led to the rapid growth of Ola over the years.
Aggarwal was born and raised in Ludhiana and went on to pursue a degree in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. He co-founded Ola Cabs in 2010, along with his friend Ankit Bhati, with the aim of providing a convenient and affordable transportation solution for people in India.
The early days of Ola were not easy. Aggarwal and Bhati faced numerous challenges, including the lack of funding and regulatory hurdles. Under Aggarwal’s leadership, Ola has grown to become India’s largest cab-rental platform, with operations in more than 250 cities across the country.
One of the keys to Ola’s success has been his focus on innovation. He has constantly pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the industry, introducing new features such as in-cab entertainment systems, cashless payments, and electric vehicles.
Aggarwal is also a strong advocate for sustainability and has made a commitment to transition Ola’s entire fleet to electric vehicles by 2030. This initiative has the potential to have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in India.
In conclusion, Bhavish Aggarwal is a remarkable entrepreneur and a true inspiration for aspiring business leaders. His ability to identify opportunities, innovate, and overcome challenges has led to the creation of a truly world-class company in Ola.
Divya Gokulnath, Co-founder of Byju’s
Divya Gokulnath, the co-founder of Byju’s, has played a key role in building the company into a $22 billion edtech startup. Despite never having intended to become an entrepreneur, Gokulnath has been instrumental in the growth of Byju’s. Initially, the company had to create awareness and educate the market about edtech, which was a relatively new concept in India at the time. However, today, Byju’s is one of the country’s most valued start-ups, with over $4 billion in funding.
Gokulnath has played a crucial role in adding to the growth of the company, with her contributions instrumental to Byju’s since its launch in 2011. During the initial few years when the firm operated in the offline space, Gokulnath was a teacher, delivering lessons to millions of students in multiple batches. She also took up the challenge of curating content and learning programs for students when the company moved online in 2015. She is actively involved in segmenting various subjects into different levels of learning, which implies curating curriculums according to the learning capacity of students.
Byju’s has enabled some 12,000 teaching jobs for Indian women in the last year alone. The start-up has also been profitable since inception, with 100% year-on-year growth and 86% renewal rates. The company believes in growing the business sustainably and is conscious of the capital it has, where to spend it and how much to spend. Byju’s is now gearing up for an IPO in the next 9-12 months, and they are looking at both possibilities of listing in India or the U.S.
Despite the challenges of balancing work and family, Gokulnath manages to make time for herself by exercising and spending time with her children. She also emphasized the impact that motherhood has had on her professional life, stating that it helps prioritize like nothing else, making her a highly valuable member of the workforce.
Manish Taneja, Rahul Dah and Suyash Katyayani co-founders of Purplle.com
In the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, fate brought together two enterprising individuals from small towns in India in 2011. Manish Taneja, one of the co-founders of Purplle.com, stumbled upon his business partner Rahul Dash as his flatmate from where the partnership began. Taneja, who was then working as an investment banker at Fidelity, and Dash, who had experience with Tata Group’s consumer initiatives, initially conceived the idea of a branded furniture retail platform. However, after realizing that it would require substantial capital, they shifted their focus to the beauty industry, which they deemed a more lucrative market.
In 2011, Purplle.com was born, with Taneja’s Fidelity colleagues providing their first seed funding. Suyash Katyayani, the third co-founder, joined the team in 2012.Although Purplle.com was launched two years before the more popular Nykaa.com, Taneja, Dash, and Katyayani remained confident in their ability to cater to the needs of consumers in smaller towns. Being themselves from small towns of India, they understood that women in those areas were aspirational but often lacked the financial resources to purchase high-end beauty products like M.A.C. so they decided to build a platform that seeked to fulfil their aspiration. As a result, over 60% of Purplle’s revenue is generated from Tier-II/III India.
In contrast to Nykaa, which has established physical stores, Purplle has relied on traditional distribution channels. The platform offers a broad range of brands, including Stay Quirky, Good Vibes, Carmesi, FACES Canada, and many more, produced by contract manufacturers in India. Taneja asserts that these brands are on par with leading international brands but are 20-30% less expensive. Private brands contribute 40% to revenue, generating 25-30% margins compared to 12-15% from established brands.
Since 2020, Purplle.com has attracted significant investments, including Rs.250 crore from Goldman Sachs and Verlinvest. The platform raised an additional $45 million in 2021 from Sequoia Capital, Bloom Ventures, and JSW Ventures, valuing the company at Rs.2,200 crore. The co-founders’ goal is to create an extensive omnichannel beauty business worth Rs.40,000-50,000 crore. With their innovative approach and dedication, it seems they are well on their way to achieving this lofty ambition.
Rikant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip (EMT)
Rikant Pitti, the co-founder of EaseMyTrip (EMT) is India’s second-largest online ticketing platform that stands out as the only profitable online travel agent in the country. Rikant’s journey to success began as a 16-year-old, where he witnessed his father being overcharged by a travel agent, prompting him to take matters into his own hands. Rikant began booking tickets for his father from other agents, which soon extended to his father’s social circle and relatives, leading him and his brothers, Nishant and Prashant, to establish a small travel agency in 2005.
Initially, the Pitti brothers were non-IATA agents and ran the business part-time until they secured their IATA license in 2008, enabling them to deal directly with airlines, and EaseMyTrip took off. However, finding investors was a challenging task during India’s early startup ecosystem. Instead, the brothers focused on building their business, primarily catering to travel agents, and developing their technology. But with the arrival of Air Deccan, the business grew, and in 2011, EMT shifted its focus to wooing flyers directly, with a unique strategy of transparency that won customers’ trust. EMT chose not to play the discounting game, unlike its competitors, by eliminating hidden costs and convenience fees, which helped the company retain 86% of its customers.
Despite a pandemic-hit year in FY21, EMT continued to stay profitable, reporting a profit of Rs.61 crore with a high operating margin of 58%, even as revenue fell by more than half. EMT’s success is attributed to its lean operation, solid technology stack, and a lower employee base compared to competitors, ensuring high operational efficiency. Last year, EMT made its domestic listing debut and became a unicorn, a rare feat for a start-up.
With the online travel segment expected to double to $31 billion by FY25, EaseMyTrip has a vast runway for growth, given that almost 93% of its bookings come from individual travelers. Rikant and his brothers have their sights set on setting up their non-air ticketing business with recent acquisitions Traviate, Spree Hotels & Real Estate, and YoloBus, for a long-haul journey towards success.
Rishikesh S.R., Aravind Sanka and Pavan Guntupalli- co-founders of Rapido
In October 2015, three entrepreneurs – Rishikesh S.R., Aravind Sanka and Pavan Guntupalli – embarked on a mission to disrupt the ridesharing market in India dominated by giants like Ola and Uber. They recognized that not everyone in India could afford to book a cab and saw an opportunity in the untapped market of non-metropolitan cities. To cater to this audience, they hit upon an innovative idea – to use motorcycles as the primary mode of transportation for their ridesharing service. They reasoned that two-wheelers were much more affordable than cars and would make their service accessible to the masses.
Fast forward five and a half years, and their brainchild, Rapido, has become a formidable player in the ridesharing space, with a presence in 100 cities with 350,000 riders. Rapido focuses on catering to the needs of the non-metropolitan population, which constitutes more than half of its business. The company offers a range of services, including ride insurance, real-time tracking, and on-demand delivery of essential goods.
The company has empowered their riders by offering them instant payments and group insurance cover in case of hospitalization due to Covid-19. They have also embraced the shift towards electric vehicles and plan to electrify a significant portion of their fleet by 2030.
Rapido’s latest offering, a rental service, allows users to rent rides for up to six hours, expanding their reach beyond just point-to-point rides. Additionally, they have also added autorickshaws as a second form of transportation, tapping into a new market of drivers looking for opportunities outside their traditional space.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Rapido has managed to scale twice its size before the crisis, and the founders are confident that they will double their business by the end of March 2022. It is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and commitment to delivering affordable and accessible transportation solutions to the masses.
Shantanu Deshpande: Founder of Bombay Shaving Company
The 36 years old Shantanu Deshpande is the founder of Bombay Shaving Company, a grooming brand that has taken the Indian market by storm. As a graduate of IIM-Lucknow and former advisor at McKinsey and Co, Deshpande has brought his expertise to the table, creating a line of 60 hair and skin products that cater to all grooming needs. Whether you’re looking to rock a hipster beard like Virat Kohli or keep it clean-shaven, Bombay Shaving Company has got you covered.
The company was launched in 2016, with the aim of offering a premium shaving experience to those who were tired of using run-of-the-mill products. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include a range of grooming products, from trimmers to women’s shaving products. The company’s success can be attributed to its ability to diversify its consumer base and leverage strategic investments from competitors Reckitt Benckiser and Colgate Palmolive.
Although the journey has not been without its challenges, he has always remained resilient. He has had to navigate the price sensitive FMCG industry, as well as the shift to e-commerce and D2C business models. But the pandemic has brought about new opportunities, with more consumers moving online for their grooming needs.
With an annual recurring revenue of Rs.180-190 crore and plans to expand to 200,000 stores by year-end, Deshpande is poised to take Bombay Shaving Company to new heights. His goal is to build a Rs.25-crore-a-month business by the end of the year, with a 70-30 split between men and women’s products. As the company continues to grow and innovate, Deshpande’s vision of offering a premium grooming experience to all remains at the forefront.
Abhiraj Bhal Co-founder of Urban Company
Abhiraj Bhal is a young entrepreneur and co-founder of Urban Company, a leading platform for home services in India. Bhal’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and success over the years.
In 2014, Bhal, along with his two friends, Varun Khaitan and Raghav Chandra, founded Urban Company (formerly known as UrbanClap) to provide a reliable and convenient platform for home services. The company started with just a handful of services, including cleaning, pest control, and beauty services, but quickly expanded to include a wide range of services such as plumbing, carpentry, and appliance repair.
Today, Urban Company is more than just a platform, it’s a community of skilled professionals who are passionate about providing top-notch services to users. Each service provider undergoes rigorous training before joining the platform, ensuring that they have the skills and expertise needed to deliver exceptional service. The platform’s advanced algorithm matches service providers and customers based on a range of factors, including proximity, availability, and service requirements.
Bhal’s focus on innovation has been a key driver of Urban Company’s success. He has been constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the home services industry, introducing new features such as instant booking, transparent pricing, and a 30-day service guarantee.
In conclusion, Abhiraj Bhal is a dynamic entrepreneur and a true inspiration for young business leaders in India. His vision, innovation, and leadership have played a critical role in shaping the growth and success of Urban Company, and his commitment to entrepreneurship and mentorship has had a positive impact on the startup ecosystem in India.
Archit Chawla, Co-Founder of The Social Lions
Archit Chawla has emerged as a preeminent figure in Mumbai’s competitive digital marketing arena. As a co-founder of The Social Lions, his leadership has steered the agency to a prominent position, forging paths for more than a hundred global brands into the digital age. Chawla’s approach merges traditional marketing acumen with the latest in AI, demonstrating a keen foresight that keeps his agency and clients at the forefront of innovation.
His strategies are crafted from a deep understanding of the digital landscape, yet his execution remains uncluttered by industry jargon. This clear, confident methodology resonates within his team, driving The Social Lions to deliver results that speak through their efficacy and creativity.
His recent endeavors in integrating artificial intelligence into marketing strategies have not only heightened the performance metrics but also provided tailored customer experiences to clients across. His ability to demystify complex AI concepts and harness them for brands growth showcases his role as a visionary in the field in the year 2023.
In the dynamic world of marketing and advertising, Archit Chawla‘s name is synonymous with innovation, growth, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. His expertise is a beacon for aspiring marketers and a pillar for those he serves, making him a distinguished candidate for the ’40 under 40’ accolade.
Vikram Chopra and Gajendra Jangid- co-founders of Cars 24
Vikram Chopra, a Wharton School of Business dropout, was back in India following his inner calling when he stumbled upon a promising opportunity in the country’s used car market while chatting with his IIT friend, Gajendra Jangid. Jangid, who worked at Schlumberger, felt unfulfilled in his well-paying job and joined forces with Chopra to establish Cars24, now the largest used car marketplace in India with a 5% market share. The company reached unicorn status in November 2020 and recently raised $400 million, valuing the company at $3.3 billion.
Unlike classified platforms, Cars24 operates in both the consumer-to-business (C2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) segments, enabling seamless transactions between buyers and sellers. The company charges a commission of 4-5% per deal and generated operating revenue of $371.3 million in FY21. With a presence in West Asia, Australia, and Southeast Asia, Cars24 plans to achieve $2 billion in revenue by FY23 and a 20% market share in India’s used car market within the next five years.
Cars24 has 205 branches across 182 cities in India with over 1 lakh square feet of large-scale refurbishment facilities. The company invested $10 million in the MRLs and plans to scale up these labs with the recent funding round. Cars24 is reportedly profitable due to the unique nature of pre-owned cars and higher margins. The company also offers financing and a seven-day return policy for unsatisfied customers.
Despite challenges such as demonetization, GST roll-out and Covid, Cars24 aims to accelerate car ownership in India by making pre-owned cars the driving force in the next 10-15 years. Chopra believes that Cars24 is where Flipkart was 15 years ago and Amazon was 25 years ago, with a technology-led playbook and a focus on delivering a seven-star customer experience.
Pragati Bhatia, Founder – Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear
Pragati Bhatia is the creative mind behind Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear and a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to crafting the epitome of comfort in sleepwear and loungewear. From morning coffees to slipping into slumber, her creations envelop you in unparalleled comfort, blending couture with cozy elegance that beckons you to surrender.
Pragati’s passion for fashion and apparel ignited the spark to start her own business, driven by a desire to create something remarkable and influential. As a young entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges, including navigating the vast landscape of industry knowledge and taking responsibility for every aspect of her business. Through exhaustive research and resource allocation, she struck a balance between commerce and creativity, overcoming obstacles with determination and resilience.
She envisions Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear as a transformative force in shaping the future of India. Her goal is to redefine the perception of sleepwear and loungewear, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care and personal expression. Through collaborations with artisans, she promotes Indian craftsmanship and contributes to a more conscious fashion industry, inspiring a society that values well-being and style.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Pragati advises meaningful problem-solving. Setting and achieving incremental goals, rather than fixating on a grand vision, builds a solid foundation for success. Maintaining a work-life balance as a young entrepreneur is crucial. Setbacks and failures have also been an integral part of Pragati’s journey, teaching her resilience, adaptability, and the value of perseverance. Through failures, she has emerged stronger, armed with invaluable insights and a heightened sense of purpose.
Pragati Bhatia, a trailblazing entrepreneur, continues to redefine comfort and style in sleepwear, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and society. Her passion, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Pragati Bhatia is a visionary entrepreneur and the creative mind behind Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear. With a passion for fashion and an unwavering dedication to crafting the epitome of comfort in sleepwear and loungewear, she has become a trailblazer in her industry.
Driven by a desire to create something remarkable and influential, Pragati embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. However, being a young entrepreneur presented her with numerous challenges. She had to navigate the vast landscape of industry knowledge and take responsibility for every aspect of her business. Through exhaustive research and resource allocation, she found a delicate balance between commerce and creativity. With determination and resilience, she overcame obstacles along the way.
Pragati envisions Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear as a transformative force in shaping the future of India. Her goal is to redefine the perception of sleepwear and loungewear, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care and personal expression. She believes in the power of collaborations with artisans, promoting Indian craftsmanship, and contributing to a more conscious fashion industry. By doing so, she inspires a society that values well-being and style.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Pragati offers valuable advice on meaningful problem-solving. Instead of fixating on a grand vision, she emphasizes the importance of setting and achieving incremental goals to build a solid foundation for success. She also recognizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance as a young entrepreneur. Setbacks and failures have been integral parts of her journey, teaching her resilience, adaptability, and the value of perseverance. Through these experiences, she has emerged stronger, armed with invaluable insights and a heightened sense of purpose.
Pragati Bhatia continues to redefine comfort and style in sleepwear, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and society. Her passion, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike. With each creation, she pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sleepwear and loungewear, making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals seeking comfort, elegance, and self-expression.
Aditi Srivastava, Co-founder and CEO, Pocket Aces
Aditi is a visionary leader who is passionate about solving boredom through entertainment. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Pocket Aces, she has led the organization to remarkable growth and success since its inception. Under her stewardship, Pocket Aces has stayed true to its core mission of entertaining India’s youth while expanding its reach across different sub-brands: FilterCopy (short-fiction), Gobble (lifestyle), Nutshell (infotainment), and Dice Media (premium long-form web series), and Clout (Talent Management Agency).
Aditi firmly believes in the power of women’s leadership and has always encouraged women to take up leadership positions in the workforce. Her efforts have been reflected in the composition of her team, with 40% of the leadership team and 50% of the overall creative team being women who have earned their positions on merit. Her dedication has gained her significant recognition in the business world. Aditi’s leadership skills and business acumen have also been acknowledged by Stanford GSB, where she represented Pocket Aces in their highly selective Seed Transformation Program in 2019-20.
Under Aditi’s leadership, the Pocket Aces team comprises a blend of experienced industry professionals and innovative digital thinkers, making them well-suited to seize the massive growth opportunities in the entertainment industry. Aditi has played a crucial role in bringing the company to its current state and will continue to drive its expansion. Moreover, working alongside her is a diverse and highly qualified management team who will oversee the production of premium content and ensure profitability at scale.
Prior to Pocket Aces, Aditi set up the Intellecap Impact Investment Network, the world’s largest angel network investing in for-profit businesses dedicated to creating a positive social impact across India and East Africa. Before that, she spent over 5 years at Goldman Sachs in New York, specialising in quantitative equity research, trading, and portfolio management. She graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University, majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She is a CFA (USA) charter holder and a Shaper in the World Economic Forum Global Shaper Mumbai Hub. She serves on the advisory board of Jibu, an affordable clean drinking water enterprise in East Africa.
Aditi’s entrepreneurial journey is a true inspiration to young aspiring leaders who dream big. She has successfully navigated the challenges of running a business while staying true to her values and beliefs. Her success is a testament to her grit and determination. Aditi’s journey serves as a shining example of what women can achieve when given the opportunity to pursue their dream goals. She is an engaging speaker and her insights and experience as a women entrepreneur are invaluable resources for anyone looking to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.
Manan Shah
Manan Shah is a name synonymous with the vibrant pulse of Mumbai’s nightlife scene. Hailing from the city that never sleeps, Manan has made it his mission to craft extraordinary experiences that redefine the boundaries of fun and entertainment. With a background at Bombay Scottish School and the University of York, his passion for organizing events took flight.
Manan’s journey began with a particular incident that ignited a spark within him. After being unreasonably denied entry to a club, he made a bold promise to himself: if the club wouldn’t let him in, he would bring the club to him. This egotistical notion soon evolved into a desire to revolutionize the nightlife industry and create unparalleled experiences for the city.
Starting at the tender age of 18, Manan faced difficulty gaining support from his parents and the challenges of gaining trust in the market. However, his relentless determination paid off. Over time, he organised over 500 remarkable events, collaborating with renowned artists and even producing his own show against all odds. These milestones filled him with a deep sense of fulfilment and motivated him to become the go-to person for those seeking unforgettable weekends.
Manan’s advice to aspiring individuals is simply to believe in yourself and your dreams, and with unwavering persistence, success will follow. Despite the sacrifices required in the hospitality industry, he remains committed to his mission. While challenges may arise, he finds solace in knowing that giving his best is enough to overcome any hurdle.
As Manan Shah, the mastermind behind Mumbai’s nightlife, continues his audacious journey, he invites dreamers to embrace risks and let their passion guide them. With each event, he pushes the boundaries, forever reshaping the city’s nocturnal landscape. His unwavering belief in himself and his vision shines through, ensuring that Mumbai’s nights are eternally illuminated with unforgettable experiences.
Shreya Bajaj Shah is an entrepreneur with a mission to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals to thrive in the digital age. As the co-founder of Easy Hai, a digital literacy platform, she has been providing adults and seniors with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the online world with confidence.
Shreya’s entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she noticed the struggles her family members faced in utilizing their smartphones effectively. This realization led her to start Easy Hai to help people of older ages to shop online and make digital payments. Little did she know that this small-scale initiative would quickly gain popularity and evolve into a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture.
One of the initial challenges she faced was her lack of a formal teaching background. However, she turned this obstacle into an opportunity for collaboration and learning. By inviting her family members and learners to provide feedback, she refined her teaching methods and ensured that the content was relatable and easily understood. She embraced technology and utilized platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp to connect with participants from different locations. She also optimized class schedules to accommodate the availability of learners, ensuring greater engagement during sessions.
Through her dedication and perseverance, Shreya achieved significant milestones with Easy Hai. The platform has touched the lives of over 14,000 individuals, helping them gain digital literacy and empowering them in the digital age.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Shreya advises following one’s passion, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, building a strong support network, staying adaptable, and focusing on excellence. She emphasizes the significance of striking a realistic work-life balance by being mindful of priorities and making conscious decisions about time and energy allocation.
Shreya Bajaj Shah’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and digital empowerment. Through Easy Hai, she is transforming lives, bridging the digital divide, and paving the way for a more inclusive and digitally-enabled society.
Alakh Pandey, Founder and CEO of physicsWallah
Alakh Pandey, the founder, and CEO of physicsWallah, is a remarkable figure in the field of education. His teaching style is loved by many young students who struggle with difficult exams. He is not only a renowned physics teacher but also a popular YouTuber and motivational speaker.
Alakh’s journey began when he dropped out of college where he was studying Mechanical Engineering at Harcourt Butler Technical University in Kanpur. However, he didn’t let that setback define him. Instead, he became a sensation on YouTube. His simple and effective approach to complex topics attracted a large following.
Driven by his vision and compassion, Alakh started physicsWallah to address the financial burden faced by students seeking quality education. He wanted to empower those who couldn’t afford expensive courses to pursue their dreams. His mission is to revolutionize the education system and provide a platform for students to achieve their goals.
His dedication and passion have earned him numerous accolades and achievements. He was honored with the ‘Rising EdTech Startup of India’ award in the Rise Start-up to Unicorn Conclave 2021.
According to him, perseverance, persistence, and determination are key to reaching great heights in any field. He encourages students to adopt these qualities to accomplish their goals. Under his leadership, physicsWallah aims to improve the learning outcomes of more than 250 million students by 2025. He personally selects and hires highly skilled and talented teachers to maintain the quality of education provided by his company. With a vision to revolutionize education, he aims to leverage hybrid learning and make education affordable and accessible to everyone. He envisions a future where students from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.
Azhar Iqubal, Co-founder & CEO of Inshorts.
Azhar Iqubal, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from India, has made waves in the world of news with his innovative company Inshorts. Born and raised in Bihar, Azhar embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would redefine how the younger generation consumes news.
In 2013, Azhar, along with his classmates Anunay Pandey and Deepit Purkayastha from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, noticed a growing trend among millennials – a disinterest in reading lengthy news articles due to time constraints. Recognizing this challenge, they set out to create a solution that would provide quick news summaries in a concise format. Thus, the Facebook page News in Shorts was born, offering readers news stories limited to just 60 words.
Building upon the success of their Facebook page, Azhar and his co-founders launched the Inshorts app. Today, Inshorts stands as India’s highest-rated English news app, boasting over 10 million active users. The app’s goal is to rekindle the younger generation’s interest in reading news by delivering concise, curated updates that can be easily consumed on the go. His innovative ventures have attracted the attention of investors, with Inshorts raising a total of $64 million in funding, including a recent funding round of $35 million.
For his future, Azhar emphasized his commitment to organic growth strategies, focusing on product innovation, content improvement, and user retention. Azhar envisions global expansion, aiming to establish a worldwide presence and make news and information accessible to people around the globe.
Azhar’s journey is a testament to the power of identifying a problem, adapting to market needs, and offering innovative solutions. According to him, by understanding the needs of the masses and developing products that cater to those needs, entrepreneurs can truly make a meaningful impact.
Jennifer Mulchandani, CXO of Acture Media.
Meet Jennifer, a multi-faceted entrepreneur juggling roles as the CXO of Acture Media, a mother and a content creator. Her path has been diverse, from launching a designer label to finding a passion for advertising. Presently, she chronicles her life on Instagram, proudly amassing a following of 36,000 followers and engaging in partnerships with prominent brands such as Uniqlo, Mac, and Swiggy.
Jennifer’s journey with Acture began from a realization—businesses need more than conventional marketing. Acture stands out by offering an integrated approach, focusing on data and results. Jennifer emphasizes the essence of being a partner rather than a service provider, fostering impactful growth for clients.
Navigating entrepreneurship’s uncertainties, Jennifer has faced the challenge of burnout. Despite the struggle, her focus on goals keep her on track. A significant milestone is Acture’s remarkable growth, expanding from Mumbai to Delhi and Dubai within a year and a half.
Acture Media aims to guide entrepreneurs and create a space for socially responsible brands. Jennifer envisions a community fostering successful businesses and contributing to positive societal change.
Jennifer’s advice echoes resilience—never give up, plan smartly, and seek mentorship. Surrounding oneself with motivating individuals and maintaining flexibility are vital.
Balancing work and life, Jennifer prioritizes family, implementing a strict no-phone policy during quality time. Her positive mindset and early morning routine contribute to maintaining equilibrium.
Jennifer faced setbacks, notably with her fashion label, Je Couturier. Despite its closure, the experience taught her to separate emotions from decisions, understand that failure isn’t permanent, and confronting fears leads to growth—a compass guiding her success at Acture Media.
Swati Mishra
Swati Mishra, a fashion luminary, has woven her vision into “SWATI MISHRA,” a label that transcends fashion to offer an experience. Established in 2016 in New Delhi, India, her brand specializes in high-fashion clothing with a focus on comfort and quality. With a unique ability to craft designs that resonate with today’s women, Swati’s hallmark lies in creating effortlessly stylish and comfortable “occasion wear” for diverse body types. Her brand, SWATI MISHRA, epitomizes the celebration of femininity through premium fabrics and couture finishes.
A childhood passion for fashion design paved her path, culminating in the launch of her label. Challenges have been a part of her entrepreneurial journey, including the unexpected disruption of Demonetization in India. However, Swati’s unwavering determination and commitment to her vision have driven her forward.
Swati takes pride in being recognized nationally and internationally for her work, including private showcases in New York and London, as well as participation in London Fashion Week. She envisions her brand as a harbinger of change, offering her vision of India to the world. Her commitment to pushing boundaries and making her mark in fashion history is evident.
Swati’s advice to budding entrepreneurs centers on market awareness, understanding the audience, and embracing the lessons from mistakes. Despite the challenges, Swati successfully manages two full-time businesses and maintains work-life balance by planning and prioritizing self-care.
The COVID-19 setback didn’t deter Swati. She believes failure only occurs when one gives up and used the experience to deepen her understanding of her business.
Exciting plans await, including new collections and fashion shows, alongside a commitment to giving back to the community and championing important causes. Swati leaves her audience with a simple yet profound message: prioritize happiness and be gentle with yourself throughout the journey.
India’s fashion industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, and at the forefront are a new wave of entrepreneurs who are reshaping the style landscape. These emerging fashion game changers are blending creativity with innovation, challenging traditional norms, and making a significant impact on how India expresses itself through fashion. From sustainable designs to tech-driven solutions, these visionary entrepreneurs are setting new standards and redefining the future of fashion in the country.
In this article, we introduce you to some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the Indian fashion industry and explore how their innovative ideas and bold approaches are shaping the future of fashion in India. From disrupting the market with sustainable practices to creating unique designs that capture the essence of modern India, these visionaries are setting new trends and redefining the fashion landscape.
Namita Alexander
In the glamorous world of Bollywood, where style reigns supreme, one name that stands out is Namita Alexander. A celebrity stylist with a clientele that includes the likes of Jacqueline Fernandes, Diana Penty, Huma Qureshi, Chitrangda Singh, and Pooja Hegde, Namita has carved a niche for herself with her impeccable taste and creative flair. Her styling for the celebrity wedding of Rajkumar Rao and Patralekha went viral too. Having recently returned from the Oscars, she is now prepping for the Cannes film festival.
Namita was formerly a journalist working with NDTV. Though she had always been drawn to fashion, it wasn’t until 2017 that she stumbled upon an opportunity that would change her life forever. A close friend, who happened to be a celebrity, sought Namita’s advice for an important event. Little did she know that this casual suggestion would mark the beginning of her styling journey.
For the next six months, Namita found herself advising her friend on various outfits and styles. It was during this time that she realized her knack for fashion and the potential it held. As fate would have it, a golden opportunity presented itself at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Namita was entrusted with styling Diana Penty and her appearance at the festival won the title of “Best Dressed” across multiple platforms.
Encouraged by her resounding success, Namita decided to transform her creative calling into a full-fledged business, and Namita Alexander Styling Ltd. was born. Her hashtag #StyledByNamitaAlexander is widely searched to discover new designers and see some different ways of styling clothes. Namita always respected fashion as her art form. In 2022 she Co-founded My Almari with her two partners. My Almari is an e-commerce platform that is revolutionising the way luxury goods are bought and sold.
Namita has learnt invaluable lessons along the way. Now as a fashion entrepreneur, she believes in taking each day as it comes, and planning her calendar to the minute to keep up when her dates are booked months in advance.
She underscores the significance of patience and hard work, as they are the key ingredients for long-term success. In a highly competitive industry, Namita emphasises the need to have a distinct voice and the ability to package and sell that voice in a way that resonates with others.
Namita Alexander’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and seizing opportunities. As she continues to make waves in Bollywood’s fashion landscape, she remains an inspiration to aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs, a beacon of creativity and unwavering determination in the face of challenges.
Divya Aggarwal, Founder & Designer – By Divya Aggarwal
Divya Aggarwal, Founder & Designer of her namesake luxury couture label is on a mission to preserve India’s rich heritage, culture, and craftsmanship through her unique designs. After majoring in Fashion Designing and a minor in Design Management, from Parsons School of Design in New York, she gained valuable experience with brands like KAZO and BL International.
With over 5 years of industry experience, she launched her own label, combining contemporary aesthetics with timeless traditions. Divya’s label blends modern style with traditional Indian fashion, breaking away from common trends and her designs showcase a mix of global fashion influences, featuring distinctive prints, vibrant colors, and visionary designs.
The label aims to set a new standard for Indian fusion and traditional wear, offering bespoke couture that reflects individuality and creativity. While evoking the very spirit of India with blouses, lehengas, and traditional adornments, Divya Aggarwal also hinges on western modernity with fusion skirts, corsets, and jackets. Her collections boast a variety of colors, designs, and prints, allowing for versatile styling and long-lasting wear due to its classic designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
In essence, Divya Aggarwal’s couture label is poised to set trends and make a lasting impact in the world of fashion by bringing forth a unique fusion of urban relevance and timeless Indian charm, promising to be a trendsetter with its alluring and finely crafted creations.
Mussarat Merchant, Founder – Label Frow
Mussarat Merchant is the visionary behind Label Frow, a Western wear clothing brand that brings international fashion trends to women in India. Specializing in occasion-based clothing and custom-made pieces, Label Frow ensures a perfect fit while promoting sustainability by maintaining low inventory and reducing waste.
Determined to create her own fashion brand, Mussarat pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business from the Raffles Institute in Singapore and completed a styling course at Central Saint Martins in London. Her passion for fashion stems from the women in her family, who loved to dress up and were influenced by Western styles, instilling in Mussarat a deep appreciation for the art of fashion.
Mussarat draws inspiration from Victoria Beckham, admiring her brand’s minimal and versatile designs, and aims to elevate Label Frow to a similar level of excellence. Additionally, she looks up to Simon Porte Jacquemus, the founder and creative director of Jacquemus, for his innovative marketing and creative content strategies.
As an entrepreneur, Mussarat has faced several challenges, particularly starting young and without industry connections. She has navigated daily struggles and learning opportunities, and being an introvert has made networking difficult. While she believes that working under an established mentor could have provided valuable experience, learning from her own mistakes has been a significant part of her journey.
Outside of her business, Mussarat enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and traveling to experience new cultures. These activities help her relax and stay inspired.
Mussarat’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on building the right connections and networks, as relationships are crucial in the industry. She also encourages embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.
Starting Label Frow during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging but opportunistic. Mussarat used the downtime to collaborate with influencers, celebrities, and stylists, which helped build brand awareness. Today, Label Frow is recognized for its unique, stylish, occasion-based clothing, showcased by celebrities like Kriti Sanon, Ananya Pandey, Jacqueline Fernandez, Jhanvi Kapoor, and Sonakshi Sinha, as well as fashion influencers like Komal Pandey, Sakshi Sindwani, and Sonam Babani. The brand has also been featured in prestigious magazines such as Cosmopolitan India and Grazia India. Additionally, Label Frow is available on Nykaa Fashion, Myntra Luxe, and Aza, further expanding its reach. Mussarat is proud of how far Label Frow has come and continues to strive for excellence.
Ananya Arora – Fashion Stylist, Founder- Bolt PR
Ananya Arora has built a remarkable career in fashion, drawing on years of experience across diverse roles within the industry. Her journey has allowed her to work with multiple brands, giving her valuable insights into every layer of the fashion business, from design and production to marketing and retail. This hands-on experience has given her the flexibility and adaptability to tackle evolving trends and challenges with ease. Beyond her skills, Ananya’s network is a testament to the connections she has cultivated—enabling her to navigate the fashion world effectively.
Her move into PR felt natural after years of success as a stylist and fashion label owner. Working with brands in this capacity revealed the powerful role she could play in marketing and storytelling, eventually inspiring her to take on PR as a full-time endeavor. Ananya’s own journey has not been without challenges.
A mother to a five-year-old daughter and a committed runner and fitness enthusiast, Ananya has found ways to balance her passions with family life. Her inspiration comes from other women who manage this balance gracefully. Though she feels she may have taken longer than she’d like to prioritize her goals, when she finally did, she gave it her all, bringing her interpersonal skills and transparency to the forefront. It’s her ability to make genuine connections and stay true to her clients that have allowed her to build a sought-after PR agency in just three years. Ananya believes that whenever you set out on a new journey, giving it your full commitment is the key to creating something meaningful.
Anshu Dhawan, Founder – PearlSmith
Anshu Dhawan is a name synonymous with style, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in the fashion industry. As the founder of PearlSmith, a brand known for its innovative and enchanting designs, Anshu has made her mark by blending timeless elegance with modern trends. Her journey into fashion began with a push from her best friend, Shruti, who encouraged her to explore Instagram, setting the stage for her influential career.
PearlSmith is a reflection of Anshu’s vision for fashion that resonates with contemporary tastes. The brand celebrates creativity, offering intricate accessories and bold statement pieces that capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts. Anshu’s entrepreneurial spark was further fueled by her husband, whose journey from a laid-back individual to a disciplined and successful entrepreneur inspired her to launch PearlSmith.
As a fashion and lifestyle influencer, Anshu has collaborated with esteemed brands like Dyson, Nykaa, and Lakmé, making luxury fashion accessible to her audience. Despite challenges, her unwavering commitment has driven her success, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when her influence surged, leading to significant brand collaborations and the launch of PearlSmith’s website.
Anshu’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in the fashion world.
Vinita Wadhwani, Founder – QOUI
Vinita Wadhwani’s story is one of passion, creativity, and determination. As an interior designer by profession and a fashion enthusiast at heart, she found a way to bring her dreams to life by creating her own clothing brand, QOUI. This leap from designing spaces to crafting unique fashion pieces wasn’t easy, but it was a natural step for someone as driven and creative as her.
Starting QOUI was far from straightforward—it was a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and moments of doubt. But Vinita embraced every hurdle as a learning experience, using each one to grow stronger and more determined. Launching her brand was more than just a milestone; it was a reflection of her resilience and her ability to turn her vision into reality.
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Vinita spent nearly ten years working in her family business. That experience shaped her work ethic and taught her the importance of persistence, something that has been a constant in her journey. Yet, she always knew her true calling lay in design and fashion. Eventually, she decided to take the leap and build something of her own, a decision that changed her life.
When she’s not busy running QOUI, Vinita makes time for her health and well-being. Working out at least four times a week keeps her energized and helps her stay balanced, even with the demands of managing a business. Travel is another passion of hers—it’s a way to recharge, explore new cultures, and draw inspiration for her work. Every place she visits adds a new layer to her creativity and perspective.
Vinita’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling. Her story shows that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to turn your dreams into reality. As she continues to grow with QOUI, she’s excited to see where the journey will take her next.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital influence, India’s Top Mom Influencers 2024 are at the forefront, redefining the roles of motherhood and social media presence. These trailblazing women are not just sharing parenting tips and lifestyle hacks; they are shaping trends, inspiring communities, and driving significant conversations on important social issues.
As they navigate the dynamic world of online influence, these moms are seamlessly blending personal experiences with professional expertise, making their mark as powerful voices in the digital realm. This year, we delve into the stories and strategies of the leading mom influencers who are setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Sneha Paliwal, Highstreet Mommy
Sneha Paliwal, a working mother and prominent figure in the mom influencer community, offers invaluable advice on parenting, self-care, fitness, and fashion, establishing herself as a sought-after industry influencer. Over the past six years, Sneha’s journey on Instagram has seen her become one of the platform’s first mommy bloggers. By sharing candid moments with her daughter, her authentic content quickly gained a substantial following.
Navigating the challenges of being a newcomer without industry connections, Sneha’s rise was marked by resilience and grace, successfully balancing her roles as a homemaker and a professional. Despite initial hurdles, her Instagram page, @highstreetmommy, now boasts over 2,00,000 followers and has led to collaborations with over 800 brands, including Myntra, Amazon, and Flipkart. Bollywood actress Sunny Leone even recognized Sneha’s impactful work, featuring her in an interview for Hauterfly.
For Sneha, her children are the driving force behind her decisions. Inspired by their daily lives, she creates content on @highstreetmommy that resonates with mothers, providing practical guidance to navigate the challenges of motherhood with ease. Sneha Paliwal’s journey is a testament to her commitment to authenticity, inspiring countless others on their motherhood journey.
Sunitee, a former flight attendant turned mom influencer, has navigated a remarkable journey fueled by passion and resilience. Her fascination with the glamour and travel industry initially led her to a decade-long career with top airlines like Emirates, Jet Airways, and Indigo. However, the most magical transition in her life came with motherhood. Embracing her new role, Sunitee took a break from her aviation career to spend precious time with her son, Azaan.
As her son grew, Sunitee found herself reluctant to return to a traditional job. Instead, she began sharing pictures and videos of her son on social media, breaking stereotypes and misconceptions about motherhood. Her genuine and relatable content resonated with many, and her account quickly gained traction and appreciation. Today, Sunitee proudly identifies as a mom influencer, contributing to a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Sunitee’s primary inspiration is her son, Azaan. Blogging provides her with the flexibility to work on her terms, allowing her to decide the dates to shoot, post, and manage her online presence. This autonomy is something she cherishes, as returning to a structured job would not offer the same luxury.
Apart from her role as a content creator, Sunitee is also a full-time mom and hosts events for luxury brands in the city. She balances these responsibilities with grace, finding fulfillment in both her professional and personal life.
To aspiring mom bloggers, Sunitee offers candid advice. She acknowledges that being a mom influencer is challenging, with constant pressure to create engaging content. However, she emphasizes the importance of inner peace and happiness in one’s work. The industry is fast-paced, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to avoid disappointment. Sunitee encourages ignoring negativity, having faith, and practicing patience. She highlights the societal challenge of being put in a box, expected to adhere to traditional roles. For this generation of moms, acceptance of change is vital, and Sunitee is a proud advocate for this revolutionary era.
Sunitee’s journey as a mom influencer is a testament to her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her son and her craft.
Krittika D. Leekha
Krittika D. Leekha – a new mother and the co-founder and social media & PR manager of the label Mishé gives us an insight into her personal and professional life and the striking balance between the two.
Mishé, a brand that creates conscious clothing using Japanese techniques, was established by a team of three dynamic women: Krittika, her sister Bhumika Mukhi- the creative head and founder, and her mother, Minaakshi Ahluwalia- the Indian wear designer and head of accounts. Together, they have achieved significant milestones, including winning the Lakme Fashion Week GenNext award in 2020.
Blogging wasn’t a part of Kritikka’s original plans, it began with her sharing her personal experiences with various services and products on social media. Throughout her pregnancy, the content and feedback she shared was genuine, heartfelt and thus successfully captured the interest of her audience. People began to reach out to her seeking recommendations and brands started approaching her for promotions. The positive impact on their businesses boosted her confidence and solidified her role as a credible influencer.
Speaking of influence, Kritikka has been greatly influenced by her mother, Minaakshi. Having mastered the perfect balance between being a homemaker, a mother of three and her entrepreneurial spirit, she has been an undeterred source of inspiration for Kritika and her siblings. Not only that, also having watched her mother be a passionate cook, a fitness enthusiast, manage the books and manage to design the traditional wear for Mishé, Kritikka credits the strength and versatility of the brand entirely to her mother, Minaakshi.
Following her mother’s footsteps, Kritika too manages to strike the near perfect balance between her personal and professional life.
A devoted mother, Kritikka enjoys reading, practices yoga and Pilates and indulges in new and different cuisines and places. With an eagerness no less than her mother’s, she’s taken on the task to learn the German language.
Her journey has not been one without challenges. “There were times when everything seemed to go wrong no matter what. Needless to say, I was mentally exhausted and with very little optimism. But giving up was never an option. I sought therapy, deep dived into healing, practiced affirmations daily and manifested all of my goals”, Kritikka said.
Today, she stands tall as a happy, strong and beautiful mother, a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief, an inspiration no less to her daughter and so many others.
To aspiring mom bloggers, Krittika’s word of advice would be to stay true to their opinions and content and to always post with genuine love.
Ruby Shah
Ruby Shah is a dedicated Mommy Influencer who has made a significant impact in the parenting and lifestyle space. Her journey into this field began during the lockdown, a time when she found herself deeply engaged in various activities with her daughter, Inaya, while also maintaining her fitness routine. Recognizing the potential in her daily routines, her friends encouraged her to share her experiences more broadly. Motivated by their encouragement and her belief in the importance of a balanced approach to parenting and self-care, Ruby ventured into the world of influencing. She wanted to show others that staying fit and enjoying meaningful time with your children is not as challenging as it might seem.
Ruby’s greatest inspiration has been her brother, who taught her the value of perseverance and self-belief. His guidance instilled in her the understanding that it’s never too late to pursue a goal and that giving one’s best effort is essential. This mindset has been a driving force in Ruby’s journey, helping her overcome the various challenges she has faced as a woman in her field. Despite the obstacles, Ruby remains proud of the progress she has made, believing that true success lies in the positive impact she creates.
Beyond her work as an influencer, Ruby is a devoted full-time caregiver, finding immense joy in nurturing her two daughters. Her passion for influencing has led her to build a strong community of 44k followers, collaborate with over 100 brands, and earn recognition in Gujarati Midday with a full-page article.
Ruby’s journey has not been without challenges. After losing two pregnancies, she recently delivered her second daughter. Despite the joy of this addition to her family, she has faced insensitive comments from people who suggest that her family would only be “complete” with a son. Ruby is determined to change this outdated perspective, advocating that daughters are just as valuable as sons. She firmly believes that both girls and boys are equal, and that true fulfillment comes from the love and joy children bring, regardless of gender. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, self-belief, and perseverance, as she continues to inspire others and challenge societal norms.
Arpita Mukherjee
Arpita Mukherjee, widely recognized as @ikabir_yadav on Instagram with an impressive following of 148k, is a renowned content creator who has mastered the art of balancing her multifaceted talents with her role as a Mom content creator. Based in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, Arpita’s journey into content creation began by chance on the “Musical.ly” app, which later evolved into TikTok, before she turned her passion into a flourishing career.
In addition to her creative pursuits, Arpita authentically embraces motherhood, offering her audience a candid look into the joys and challenges of parenting. Her heartfelt content resonates with mothers, fostering a sense of community among those who appreciate the delicate balance between family life and personal passions. With her children often featured, she shares the journey of motherhood with creativity and sincerity, making her relatable to fellow parents.
Beyond parenting content, Arpita’s artistic talents extend far beyond motherhood. She excels in painting, acting, pottery, and dancing, while also being fluent in seven Indian languages. Not only is she a digital powerhouse, but she was also a state-level tennis player, showcasing her versatility and dedication to excellence in all facets of life. Her influence is further highlighted through collaborations with celebrities like Siddharth Malhotra, Bpraak, Karanvir Bohra, and Awez Darbar. Arpita’s dedication to meaningful causes, such as advocating for the adoption of indie dogs, earned recognition from TheBetterIndia, showcasing her commitment to using her platform for good.
Her achievements include being named the Emerging Women Influencer and Digital Creator – Mumbai 2023 by The Success Today, and her appearance on Sweden Television’s popular series Homecoming further underscores her global reach. Arpita Mukherjee’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring content creators, particularly as a Mom content creator. Her success is rooted in authenticity, relatability, and a passion for continuous growth. In her advice to fellow creators, Arpita stresses the importance of believing in one’s vision, staying resilient through challenges, and maintaining a relentless commitment to self-improvement.
Radhika Goyal
Radhika Goyal’s story is a remarkable example of commitment and reinvention. For 16 years, she thrived as a fashion designer, working with wholesalers across India. However, when the 2020 lockdown brought her business to a standstill, Radhika faced a pivotal decision: wait for normalcy or carve out a new path. True to her entrepreneurial spirit, she chose the latter and launched MicDropMom in June 2020.
During the lockdown, Radhika was captivated by mom bloggers on Instagram who shared their parenting journeys. Inspired, she began documenting her own experiences with her two daughters, then aged 2 and 9. She filled her days with creative activities and healthy recipes, making mini videos that soon caught the attention of fellow mothers seeking advice. This led to the official launch of MicDropMom, a platform that quickly became a hub for parents looking for ideas on keeping their children engaged while managing their well-being. Her content, ranging from diet tips to educational activities, resonated with many, leading to collaborations that solidified her place in the mom-blogging community.
Radhika’s journey is deeply influenced by strong women, including her mother and global icons like Oprah Winfrey and Sushmita Sen. She embodies their relentless pursuit of success, discipline, and commitment to uplifting others. Waking up at 4:30 a.m., Radhika dedicates quiet hours to writing for her blog before her family wakes, maintaining her focus and dedication.
The transition from fashion designer to mom blogger was challenging, especially balancing household responsibilities with professional commitments. Despite the overwhelming demands of blogging, Radhika’s passion for her work keeps her motivated. This passion is evident in her growth, both personally and professionally, as she continues to inspire others.
In January 2024, Radhika expanded her entrepreneurial journey by launching The Sari Culture, a brand that promotes India’s rich handloom heritage. Her audience, long admirers of her saree style, warmly embraced this new venture, leading to global orders. The Sari Culture represents a significant milestone, blending her love for fashion with her appreciation for Indian culture.
Beyond her professional achievements, Radhika is a dedicated mother and fitness enthusiast. She finds solace in working out and reading, activities that help her recharge. Radhika is also actively involved in Career After Family, where she mentors women, guiding them toward financial independence and personal growth.
Radhika’s message to aspiring mom bloggers is one of encouragement and determination. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, authenticity, and staying connected with one’s audience. For Radhika, blogging is not just a profession but a journey of continuous learning and growth. She remains dedicated to her craft, always approaching her work with the same passion and dedication she had when she first started.
In Radhika Goyal’s journey, we see the power of reinvention and the importance of staying true to one’s passions. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience required to navigate life’s challenges while pursuing one’s dreams.
Mona Aashish
Blogging has always been Mona Aashish’s dream passion. From researching how and where to start, she embarked on her blogging journey after her daughter, Maanvi, was born. Initially, brands began approaching her for baby product shoots, and with small beginnings, Mona gradually transitioned into collaborating with larger, well-known brands. Today, she is grateful for the opportunities that have come her way.
Throughout her journey, Mona has drawn inspiration from many, yet she proudly recognizes herself as her own source of motivation when it comes to hard work and the lessons learned through hustle. Like any human, she has faced her share of negligence and rejections, but her persistence and consistent effort have kept her moving forward. Every day, she continues to learn and grow, striving to achieve her goals.
Mona is not only a blogger but also a homemaker, wife, and mother. She skillfully balances these roles while dedicating herself to her passion and career. She gives equal importance to her duties at home and her responsibilities as a mother, taking pride in her ability to manage everything with grace.
Her message to others is powerful: never underestimate your potential. Women, and especially mothers, are capable of achieving far more than they may think. Mona believes that while being a mother is no easy task, handling it all with determination and strength is something commendable.
Her journey to success is ongoing, and she is committed to reaching the dreams she has set for herself. Mona is driven to create a meaningful life for her daughter, teaching her the value of hard work through her own actions. She aspires to continue growing, influence people positively through her work, and be recognized for the impact she creates in her field.
For Mona Aashish, success isn’t just about the milestones she’s achieved so far—it’s about the path she is still carving out for herself, her family, and those who look up to her.
Deepali Gambhir Gupta
Deepali Gambhir Gupta, a dedicated IT Spanish Language Expert, has seamlessly transitioned into the world of mom blogging, driven by her passion for content creation and imparting parenting knowledge. Before becoming a mother, Deepali was deeply fascinated by the fashion and makeup industry, dreaming of becoming a makeup artist. However, the responsibilities of motherhood led her to set aside this dream.
Inspired by mom influencers like Shreyaa Siddharth Arora and Sunitee Siddqui, Deepali found a new path in sharing her experiences and insights as a mother. This journey into mom blogging has allowed her to combine her love for content creation with her desire to support and inspire other mothers.
Aside from her professional career, Deepali enjoys creating content, reading articles, writing quotes, and cooking for her two daughters. She believes that mothers are an inspiration themselves and encourages fellow moms to relive their childhood alongside their children, fostering independence and growth in the process.
Deepali’s journey is a testament to the idea that motherhood doesn’t hinder career growth but can, in fact, inspire it. Every day, she navigates new challenges, but her passion for growing with her children fuels her drive to succeed. For Deepali, her children are the spark that ignites her passion and allows it to flourish.
Her message to aspiring mom bloggers is simple yet profound: “Mothers are themselves an inspiration. Relive your childhood with your child’s childhood, and you’ll find that together, you can achieve great things.”
Jessica Walia Suri, Mom influencer, brand manager & yoga teacher
Jessica Walia is a mom influencer, brand manager and yoga teacher with a unique passion for storytelling and authenticity. She works diligently to build and shape brand identities, guiding products from concept to launch with a deep focus on connecting them with their audience in a meaningful way. Alongside her career, Jessica’s journey into yoga, which began as a personal hobby, has evolved into her becoming a teacher. Encouraged by her husband, this shift added a new layer to her life, enriching her approach to both brand development and personal growth.
Jessica’s inspiration comes from the strength and resilience of mothers. She deeply admires their ability to balance the demands of work, family, and personal passions, finding motivation in their ability to navigate it all with grace. This inspiration fuels her drive to break barriers and fully embrace her own journey with purpose and confidence.
As a woman, Jessica acknowledges the challenges of being constantly on the go. She’s learned the value of slowing down and savoring each moment, allowing experiences to sink in fully. This mindfulness has been key to both her personal and professional growth.
Outside of her work, Jessica is fully immersed in the exciting and joyful journey of being a first-time mom. Balancing the demands of her career with motherhood has been a whirlwind adventure, but she treasures every memory she’s creating with her husband and child. The laughter, chaos, and joy of this phase in her life are cherished deeply.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is to embrace their inner strength. Jessica believes that women are natural multitaskers, but it’s equally important to take a breath and enjoy the journey. She encourages others to own their unique path and celebrate each step along the way.
Jessica’s success is built on passion and her ability to balance it all. Splitting her time between Europe and India, she navigates the excitement and challenges of her career and motherhood with grace. Each day is a new opportunity for growth, filled with unforgettable memories and moments. For Jessica, this vibrant, ever-changing journey is one she wouldn’t trade for anything.
Jessica’s inspiration comes not only from her mother but also from her father, who has been an equal pillar of strength in her life. Her dad has always reminded her that with patience and love, you can overcome anything, while her dad often said, “In silence, you find your strength, and with love, you find your light.” These powerful words have guided Jessica through every challenge, shaping her approach to life.
She feels blessed to have both her parents as her foundation, their unwavering support and wisdom always pushing her forward. Now, as Jessica sees so many young mothers balancing everything with grace, it’s eye-opening and inspiring. They, too, have become a source of strength and motivation on her journey.
Sweta Rajput
Sweta Rajput is a dedicated homemaker who has created a warm and happy home for her family. Her passion for capturing the little moments in life led her to start mom-blogging, where she documents her child’s journey, cherishing every milestone and precious moment. What began as a personal project has evolved into a heartfelt blog that resonates with many mothers, offering a glimpse into the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Inspired by the incredible women who gracefully juggle multiple roles, Sweta has faced her own share of challenges, particularly in balancing personal time with the demands of family life. Despite societal pressures and the constant juggling act that comes with being a mother, she has remained resilient, using each challenge as a lesson in determination and growth.
Beyond her role as a homemaker, Sweta finds joy in various activities that enrich her life. She enjoys yoga, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, discovering new places, and indulging in craftwork and stitching. Dressing up for fun and creating short videos are some of the ways she expresses her creativity, turning ordinary moments into delightful experiences.
Sweta’s journey as a mom-blogger is marked by her authenticity and genuine desire to connect with others. She encourages aspiring mom-bloggers to be true to themselves, sharing their real experiences, both the ups and downs, to inspire and help others. Her belief in the power of consistency and self-belief is a testament to her success, proving that when you stay true to yourself and remain persistent, great things can happen.
Pooja Daruka
A dedicated working mom, Pooja Daruka has successfully built a thriving platform on Instagram called Decoding Mommylife, where she shares her passion for parenting and early childhood development. Her journey into blogging began as she navigated the challenges and joys of motherhood, realizing that her professional skills and thirst for knowledge could be channeled into something deeply impactful.
Driven by a commitment to understanding and supporting her child’s needs, she immersed herself in research on parenting, child development, and early childhood education. This exploration became a personal mission to provide reliable, practical advice to other parents facing similar challenges. Her platform quickly resonated with a wide audience, growing to 100,000 followers in just 1.5 years.
Pooja collaborates with experts in various fields of parenting, including doctors, pediatricians, child nutritionists, and psychologists, to ensure the information shared is authentic and credible. Her expertise and insights have been recognized beyond Instagram, with her work being featured in publications like the Times of India. Articles focused on understanding toddler development and managing toddler tantrums have further established her as a trusted voice in the parenting community.
Through Decoding Mommylife, Pooja aims to be a reliable resource for parents, offering actionable advice and support in their parenting journeys. While success is a long journey, her story is still unfolding, with much more to achieve. The transformation into a mom blogger is not a reinvention but a fuller expression of who she has always been—driven by a deep desire to connect, educate, and empower others.
Dipika Dixit
Dipika Dixit is an educationist and a passionate Kathak practitioner. Her journey into mom-blogging began with her love for writing, initially penning down movie reviews. When she became a mother, she started journaling her experiences and thoughts on motherhood. Over the past seven years, Dipika has dedicated herself to promoting positive parenting through her blog.
Before transitioning to education, Dipika held the position of HR Manager and worked with renowned organizations such as Taj Hotels, Adobe, and Paradigm Retails. Post-marriage, she shifted her focus to education, working in engineering and management colleges, where she continues to inspire others.
Every mother Dipika encounters serves as her inspiration. She believes that motherhood is an essential part of life that cannot be taught in schools or colleges. According to Dipika, mothers need time to evolve in their roles, just like their children. Her journey has not been without challenges. She has broken several family taboos, from dealing with superstitions like “nazar” to sending her son to school at a young age. Her innovative approach to parenting has now become an example for others in her family.
Apart from her professional life, Dipika enjoys practicing Kathak and cycling with her son. Traveling is a cherished family tradition. Dipika’s message to aspiring mom bloggers is simple yet profound: “Be happy because a happy mother is a prerequisite for a happy child.”
Dipika started her blogging journey in 2017 and has since shared the joys and challenges of motherhood with a wide audience. She collaborates with renowned brands, seamlessly blending work, life, and parenting. Dipika holds an MBA and prides herself on her authenticity. Her vibrant journey can be followed on her Instagram account @motherstories_by_deepika.
Komal Khandelwal
Komal Khandelwal is a homemaker turned mom blogger and digital content creator who has carved out a niche in the online world by sharing her journey as a mother through engaging reels and promotional videos. Her passion for mom-blogging began naturally after the birth of her son, Advik, as she started capturing and sharing the special moments of motherhood. What began as a personal endeavor quickly resonated with other mothers, leading her to dive deeper into the world of content creation. Over time, this hobby transformed into a passionate pursuit, where she found joy in connecting with others through her experiences.
Komal draws her inspiration from the community of mothers around her, who continually share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Their resilience and strength motivate her to keep going, even when faced with challenges. As a woman, she has had to balance the demands of motherhood, household responsibilities, and her blogging career. She has faced difficulties in finding time for herself, managing societal expectations, and navigating the technical aspects of digital content creation. Despite these hurdles, she has persevered, driven by her desire to make a meaningful impact on other mothers.
Beyond her digital endeavors, Komal is a full-time mom, committed to managing her household and ensuring the well-being of her family. She enjoys reading, learning new skills related to digital media, and connecting with other mothers both online and in her community.
To aspiring mom bloggers, Komal’s message is clear: start with passion and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of sharing real experiences, being true to oneself, and embracing the learning process. For her, success is not defined by numbers or followers but by the impact she makes on other moms who engage with her content. Consistency, perseverance, and staying true to her values have been key to building a meaningful digital presence. As her journey continues to unfold, Komal is excited to keep growing, learning, and connecting with more amazing moms along the way.
Sonali Chatterjee
Meet Sonali Chatterjee, a dynamic full-time mother, yoga teacher, and influencer who has gracefully balanced her passions with the demands of motherhood. Sonali ventured into mom-blogging because she finds joy in sharing her life’s experiences—the highs, the lows, the achievements, and the lessons learned. She believes that her story might inspire someone out there, and she uses social media as a powerful tool to connect and motivate others.
Sonali’s inspiration comes from everything and everyone that helps her lead a better life and become a better human being. This positive outlook drives her to share her journey with others, offering a glimpse into her world where she strives to balance her role as a mother and her professional aspirations.
As a woman, Sonali has faced challenges, particularly in trying to give her full attention to both her passion and her child. However, with the unwavering support of her partner, she has managed to strike a balance, ensuring that her child’s needs are met while she pursues her dreams. Although her social media posts have yet to reach a broad audience, she remains undeterred. Sonali firmly believes that success will eventually come to those who persist with enthusiasm and a sportsman’s spirit.
Beyond her professional life, Sonali is a creative soul who enjoys painting, singing, and makeup tutorials in her free time. She believes in keeping herself engaged, as she considers an idle mind to be dangerous.
Her message to aspiring mom bloggers is simple yet powerful: “Don’t stop, even if you’ve tried multiple times without recognition. Don’t give up on your passion or hobbies just because you’re a woman. You can balance your child’s needs in one arm and your responsibilities in the other. You are capable of doing multiple things at once because you are a beautiful and incredible creation of God. Always believe in what you do and love what you do. Things will definitely fall into place at the right time.”
Sonali’s journey is a testament to her dedication and resilience. She started as a yoga teacher with just two students, but through her unique teaching style and unwavering dedication, she grew her student base to over 50 in just three months—without any formal promotion. She also organized a yoga camp for a society of over 1,000 residents, showcasing her commitment to spreading the benefits of yoga.
In addition to her success in yoga, Sonali was a finalist in the Haut Monde Mrs. India contest and participated in the acting talent hunt show “Kalakarz,” which was telecasted on DD National in 2005. Despite recently facing severe health issues that have kept her on bed rest for the past four months, Sonali’s inner strength remains unshaken. She is determined to overcome this battle and return to her passions with even greater vigor.
Sonali Chatterjee’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and an unyielding belief in the power of passion and dedication. She is a true inspiration to all women who juggle multiple roles and strive to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
In a world where breaking barriers has become synonymous with women’s empowerment, the success stories of exceptional women achievers continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations. In 2025, we shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals who have defied odds, shattered stereotypes, and carved out their own paths to success.
Join us as we celebrate the women who are not only achieving greatness but also inspiring others to dream big and break their own barriers.
Iti Khinchi
Iti Khinchi is a mom blogger and digital creator known for sharing the humorous and relatable aspects of motherhood through her engaging reels and content. She connects with other mothers by offering a light-hearted perspective on the everyday chaos of parenting, turning the often challenging moments into shared experiences filled with laughter and support.
Iti’s journey into mom blogging began when she found motherhood to be more complex than she initially thought. Seeking a creative outlet to navigate this new chapter of her life, she started documenting her experiences and venting her frustrations. What began as a personal project quickly grew into a platform where she could connect with other moms. Her reels, capturing the hilarity of daily parenting moments, resonated with many, marking the start of her successful career as a mom blogger.
The community of moms Iti has connected with serves as her biggest inspiration. Each mother’s unique story and struggle remind her that she is not alone, and their resilience and creativity continually motivate her. As a woman, Iti has faced the challenge of balancing personal and professional life amidst high societal expectations. However, she has found that embracing her imperfections and sharing them openly has been key to building a genuine and supportive community.
To aspiring digital creators and influencers, Iti emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s story. Authenticity, she believes, is what resonates most with people. She encourages others not to fear sharing the messy, imperfect parts of life, as real connections are forged in those moments. Patience is also crucial—success doesn’t happen overnight. Iti advises focusing on building a community rather than just a following, as the rewards will naturally follow.
Deepika Bhalla – Author & Entrepreneur – Bharata Ji Di Hatti
Deepika Bhalla is an author and a businesswoman, balancing her role in her family’s jewelry business, Bharata Ji Di Hatti in Amritsar, with her passion for writing. She is the author of the children’s book Story of the Ordinary. Writing has always been a part of her life, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she took the leap and submitted her manuscripts to publishing houses. To her surprise, a Pune-based publisher accepted her work, and from there, her journey as an author took off.
As a hands-on mother and a professional, Deepika acknowledges the challenges that come with balancing multiple roles. Time is often divided between family responsibilities and her creative pursuits, but she sees this as part of the journey. The struggle to find time for writing or completing tasks is a familiar one for many women, but Deepika views it as a part of life’s unpredictability and flexibility.
Her message to women entrepreneurs is that life doesn’t always follow a set plan. Deepika’s own path is a testament to this—she moved from Mumbai to the small town of Amritsar, leaving behind an active career plan, and faced a period of uncertainty about what to do next. Seventeen years ago, there were no clear career opportunities for her, and it felt like she had to start from scratch. This challenging phase taught her that success isn’t always linear, and sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.
Deepika encourages women to remain open to new opportunities, even if they lead in unexpected directions. Flexibility and the willingness to start afresh are key, as you never know which path will lead to your success story. For Deepika, the journey from uncertainty to fulfillment was not easy or predictable, but it was guided by a belief in divine timing. She firmly believes that what is meant for you will never pass you by.
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