She Leads 2024: Top 10 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Reshaping India’s Business Landscape

In the dynamic world of Indian business, women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape with their innovative ideas and unwavering determination. SheLeads 2024 celebrates the top 10 inspiring women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and setting new benchmarks in various industries.

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

Dr. Aarti Bhasin, Cosmetologist

Dr. Aarti Bhasin is a distinguished figure in the field of cosmetology, celebrated for her expertise and dedication. Her exemplary work has garnered numerous awards in cosmetology, skincare, and wellness, underscoring her influence and excellence in these fields. Bhasin`s journey into the world of skincare and cosmetology was influenced profoundly by her brother, a respected dermatologist.

This early experience ignited her passion for helping others achieve healthy, radiant skin, and instilled in her the belief that ‘‘If my skin looks good, I can handle anything. Bhasin has faced several challenges, particularly as a woman balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Her brother’s dedication and expertise served as a continuous source of inspiration, motivating her to persevere and excel.

Bhasin’s life extends beyond her professional achievements. She values spending quality time with her family and friends, recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, she is dedicated to continuous learning, regularly engaging in reading, workshops, and professional development courses to stay ahead in her field.

Bhasin’s message is clear: Stay passionate and dedicated to your goals. Continuous learning and seeking knowledge are essential to staying ahead. Balancing professional and personal life is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment. Bhasin attributes her success to hard work, continuous learning, and a robust support system. Her journey has been marked by determination, a love for her work, and a deep desire to help others.

The encouragement from her family, particularly her brother, has been a cornerstone of her achievements. Bhasin, success is not just about professional accomplishments but also about making a positive impact on others’ lives and building lasting relationships.

Bhavna Mordani, Founder – House Of Homes

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

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

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

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

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

Rinku Nagda, Founder – Shaadi Sakhi Exhibitions

Rinku Nagda, the visionary founder and owner of Shaadi Sakhi Exhibitions, has carved a niche for herself in the exhibition organizing industry. Her company creates an innovative platform for clients, providing them with a vibrant marketplace where potential buyers and exhibitors come together in a shoppers’ paradise. Shaadi Sakhi Exhibitions, part of the service industry, is known for offering a unique space for designers and exhibitors to showcase their products, ensuring a memorable shopping experience for attendees.

Rinku’s journey into the world of exhibitions began almost a decade ago, at a time when online shopping had yet to dominate the market. Living in the Matunga-Sion area, Rinku noticed a gap – the absence of local designer exhibitions. People like herself had to travel long distances to purchase high-quality designer items. Sensing an opportunity, she decided to invest her time and resources into creating something closer to home. Thus, Shaadi Sakhi was born, filling a void and attracting a loyal clientele.

Throughout her journey, Rinku has drawn inspiration from her husband, who has been her constant source of support and encouragement. She acknowledges his role in pushing her forward, even during the challenging days, for which she remains deeply grateful. In the early stages of her business, Rinku faced significant challenges, particularly in gaining the trust of exhibitors. To make her first exhibition successful, she offered participants upgraded cabins at reasonable rates, a strategy that paid off as the event was a huge success. Word of mouth spread quickly, and Shaadi Sakhi gained traction in the industry.

The post-COVID era presented new difficulties for Rinku, as large gatherings were still restricted by government regulations. Despite these challenges, she managed to navigate the situation, organizing exhibitions that adhered to all safety protocols while still attracting significant footfall. Her resilience and adaptability during this time are a testament to her dedication and business acumen.

Balancing work and family life is no small feat, especially for Rinku, who is the mother of twin daughters and lives in a joint family. Yet, she has consistently managed to maintain this balance, successfully handling the demands of her growing business while prioritizing her family. Her ability to do so highlights her exceptional time management skills and commitment to both her personal and professional responsibilities.

Beyond her exhibition enterprise, Rinku co-founded Wibe the Women Tribe, an empowering group of over 40 women entrepreneurs from various fields, including doctors, lawyers, and bakers etc. This initiative highlights her commitment to supporting and uplifting other women in business, fostering a network of collaboration and growth.

Rinku’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: be consistent and always show up. She believes that regardless of experience, consistency is the key to success in her line of work. Showing up for clients, building trust, and creating goodwill are essential to thriving in the business world.

Rinku’s success story is not just about reaching a destination but about embracing the ongoing journey of entrepreneurship. She believes there is always room for growth and encourages others to never shy away from even the smallest tasks if they matter to their clientele. This mindset has been central to her success, and she continues to approach each challenge and opportunity with the same passion and dedication that has defined her journey so far.

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.

Tanya Gupta – Founder -Crafty Genes

Tanya Gupta is a passionate craftpreneur and craft educator who has transformed her love for creativity into a flourishing business. Through her venture, @crafty.genes, Tanya offers a wide range of craft workshops for both kids and adults, available in both online and offline formats. She also organizes unique sip and paint parties, ensuring that each event is a fresh and exciting experience for participants.

Her journey into the crafting world began unexpectedly. Armed with a Master’s degree in Interior Designing, Tanya initially found herself working in an office environment, far removed from the world of arts and crafts. However, a chance encounter with a Decoupage workshop sparked a fascination that soon turned into a full-blown passion. Intrigued by the art form, she delved into learning various crafts, from decoupage to resin art and alcoholic inks. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a mission to master as many craft forms as possible, leading her to practice and eventually teach these skills.

At Crafty Genes, Tanya not only shares her expertise through workshops but also creates and sells handmade, customizable products, perfect for gifting. Her dedication to continuously learning and expanding her craft repertoire is what sets her apart in the industry.

Tanya draws inspiration from women who break stereotypes and challenge societal norms. Although she acknowledges that she hasn’t faced the same struggles as many other women, she remains committed to forging her own path in a patriarchal world.

In addition to running her business, Tanya is involved in a few other pursuits. She is passionate about learning new skills and upgrading herself, dedicating time to socializing. She also enjoys traveling, which helps her stay inspired and balanced. These activities not only enrich her life but also contribute fresh perspectives to her business.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Nothing should stop you. Nothing can stop you apart from yourself. Never give up on your dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem. Every small step towards your dream is a stepping stone.”