Breaking Barriers: Success Stories of Women Achievers Who Will Inspire You in 2024

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 2024, 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.

Shubhra Chadda, Founder – Chumbak

Shubhra Chadda stands as a beacon among India’s female fashion entrepreneurs, her journey marked by a vision that breathed life into the vibrant world of Chumbak. The inception of Chumbak dawned upon Shubhra when she identified significant gaps in the Indian market, particularly the absence of a destination where individuals could carry tangible memories from their travels.

In a bold move, Shubhra and her husband, Vivek Prabhakar, decided to sell their house to fund the launch of Chumbak, a quirky lifestyle store that has since evolved into a thriving venture within the fashion and lifestyle industry. Offering a distinctive collection catering to travelers, connoisseurs of aesthetics, and enthusiasts of Indian-themed souvenirs, Chumbak has grown into a prominent e-commerce platform encompassing a myriad of products. In 2020, reports showcased the brand’s expansive footprint, boasting more than forty branches scattered across India. Shubhra Chadda’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to filling market voids have not only manifested in the success of Chumbak but also solidified her status as an inspiring figure in the realm of Indian fashion entrepreneurship.

Itika Kamra, Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer

Itika Kamra is a dedicated content creator whose journey into the world of fashion and lifestyle content began five years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. What many saw as a time of uncertainty, Itika viewed as a blessing in disguise, a period that allowed her to transform her passion for fashion into a thriving career.

Before becoming an influencer, Itika had a successful career in the corporate world, boasting over eight years of experience and holding an MBA with a specialization in finance. Despite her achievements, she always received compliments on her style and the way she carried herself whenever she stepped out. These compliments inspired her to start sharing her fashion insights and lifestyle tips online.

“My mom has always been my inspiration and my biggest cheerleader,” Itika shares. Her mother had a keen eye for fashion, and her impeccable sense of style left a lasting impression on Itika. “The way she carried herself was tremendous,” she recalls, highlighting the deep-rooted influence her mother had on her personal and professional life.

Being an influencer and content creator, however, comes with its own set of challenges. The market is highly competitive, and establishing oneself in this space requires immense effort and dedication. “It looks very fancy, but the grass is always greener on the other side. It has its own pros and cons,” Itika explains. Despite the glamorous facade, the reality involves hard work and perseverance.

For aspiring content creators, Itika offers invaluable advice: “Consistency is key. Your channel or Instagram page should never be out of content. If you want to be seen and noticed, you should post consistently. If not a post or a reel every day, then at least stories.” She emphasizes that while competition is fierce, each person is unique, and it’s this uniqueness that will make them stand out. Itika Kamra’s dedication and talent have earned her numerous awards and recognitions in the industry. She was honored as a Fashion Influencer at the 14th Global Film Festival and named the Best Upcoming Lifestyle Digital Creator by SWLA. She has also served as a panelist at IPRCC 2023 for Exchange for Media and was a Guest of Honour at the India Designer Show. Additionally, she has been invited to serve as a jury member at IPRCC 2024, further solidifying her influence and impact in the fashion and lifestyle domain.

Itika’s journey has not been without personal hardships. She faced a life-altering challenge when she lost her mother two years ago. “My life turned upside down,” she reflects. There were moments when she considered giving up, but each time, she emerged stronger. Her mother’s words, “Try, try till you succeed,” became her mantra, driving her forward even in the toughest times.

“It’s important to never give up, no matter how hard it gets,” she advises. Itika’s resilience and determination have become a source of inspiration for many. Her message to fellow content creators is clear and powerful: “I grow, you grow, we grow.”

Neelam Mehta – ICF-trained Life and Leadership Coach

Neelam Mehta is an ICF-trained Life and Leadership Coach who has always been deeply passionate about psychology. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology, her fascination with human behavior and emotions has been a driving force in her life. Although her journey into this field faced a 12-year hiatus, the lockdown provided an opportunity for her to reignite her passion and resume her studies. This break allowed her to rediscover her purpose, ultimately leading her to the world of coaching.

Inspired by her own transformative experience with life coaching, Neelam realized that she wanted to help others find clarity, motivation, and direction in their lives. She saw a gap where many people, though brimming with potential, lacked the push and safe space needed to truly pursue their dreams. Neelam is dedicated to bringing coaching into the mainstream, helping people understand that sometimes all they need is a little guidance rather than counseling.

Apart from her coaching practice, Neelam is a homemaker with a love for fashion. She holds a degree in fashion design and enjoys taking orders from friends and family, channeling her creativity into her designs. Additionally, she practices handwriting analysis, or graphology, further showcasing her diverse skill set.

Neelam’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple: “You can start late, look different, be uncertain, and yet succeed if you put your heart into it.” She believes that coaching is a powerful tool that everyone should experience, as it offers a partnership that helps individuals achieve their goals and lead more fulfilling lives.

Her journey is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and with passion and dedication, success is always within reach.

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.

Deepika draws deep inspiration from Sudha Murthy, admiring her for her simplicity in writing for children. Sudha Murthy’s focus on storytelling rather than using complicated language resonates with Deepika, and she has immense respect for Murthy’s roles as an entrepreneur, mother, wife, and speaker. Deepika believes that with a positive mindset and a smile, anything is achievable.

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.

Yasmin Kidwai – Entrepreneur, Ex Corporator, Podcaster & Documentary Film Maker

Yasmin Kidwai has navigated an extraordinary journey, marked by her multifaceted roles as a documentary filmmaker, an elected municipal Corporator, a culture entrepreneur, and a podcaster. Leading a company that specializes in event solutions, she seamlessly weaves these varied roles together, united by her unwavering commitment to creating an impact and making a difference in people’s lives.

Her inspiration comes from her grandmother, a woman who transformed her life against all odds. Despite being married at 15 in a burkha in Kashmir with little education, her grandmother became a powerful figure, serving as an MLA and a minister in Delhi. Yasmin carries this legacy forward, driven by a deep sense of purpose.

Challenges have naturally accompanied her journey, but Yasmin sees them as part of wearing multiple hats and balancing the demands of both her personal and professional life. Rather than obstacles, she views these challenges as opportunities for growth and adaptation.

Beyond her work, Yasmin takes joy in simple pleasures—reading, watching films, going on long walks, and traveling, each offering her a space to recharge and reflect. Her message to others is to embrace their own unique paths, never comparing their journey to anyone else’s, as no two experiences are the same.

Yasmin’s story is far from over, and with her dedication to leaving a lasting impact, she hopes that her success will continue to grow in meaningful ways.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager of Novotel

Lakshmi Sridhar is a highly respected hospitality professional with over 22 years of experience. As the General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach & The Bheemili Resort, she has significantly improved the prestige and efficiency of these properties. With a background at Accor, where she spent over 11 years, Lakshmi has consistently increased revenue and enhanced guest satisfaction through innovative strategies and effective management.

Lakshmi’s strategic vision and adaptability have been key to her success. At Novotel, she focuses on delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering team cohesion, and implementing innovative solutions. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including “Best Coastal Hotel” by Haute Grandeur, “Best MICE Hotel” by Andhra Pradesh Tourism, and the “Best Management Award” by the Labour Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Raised in Delhi in a Tamilian family and now settled in Visakhapatnam, Lakshmi brings a unique blend of cultural experiences to her role. Her commitment to excellence, strong interpersonal skills, and empathetic leadership make her a respected and influential figure in the hospitality industry.

Anuradha Sansar – Co-founder & CEO – Legend 1942 Luxe Perfumes

Anuradha Sansar is the co-founder and CEO of Legend 1942 Luxe Perfumes, a luxury fragrance brand curated by Amitabh Bachchan. This brand is unique in its mission to bottle the essence of India, bringing the country’s vibrant spirit to a global audience. Launched during a period of global uncertainty, Legend 1942 has emerged as a beacon of homegrown pride and passion, aiming to showcase India’s aromatic legacy on the world stage.

Anuradha’s journey into the world of luxury perfumes is deeply rooted in her desire to express the rich cultural heritage of India through scent. Each eau de parfum in Legend 1942’s range is crafted with select ingredients that blend the country’s natural richness with its modern cultural landscape. This innovative approach has led to the creation of fragrances that transcend traditional gender boundaries, offering a unique, gender-fluid olfactory experience that is both timeless and contemporary.

Legend 1942’s perfumes are crafted from classic ingredients such as jasmine, lavender, saffron, sandalwood, rose, davana, and pink champaca. These scents are meticulously blended by a collective of passionate fragrance makers with over a century of experience. They work closely with farmers across India to source the finest ingredients, ensuring that each bottle of perfume is not only a product of ambition but also a testament to the country’s agricultural wealth.

The brand’s vision is to create a truly world-class luxury fragrance experience. Anuradha emphasizes the importance of the farmers at the heart of their production process, ensuring their welfare through access to education, financial resources, and technical support for cultivation. This commitment to sustainable practices and community empowerment is a core value of Legend 1942.

Legend 1942’s collection features three main variants: Flamboyance, Heritage, and In-DNA, each with sub-variants that symbolize yin and yang. This creates a fragrance wardrobe of six unique perfumes, each designed to evoke the spirit of India and resonate with the modern global citizen.

In collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan, who brings his vision and charisma to the brand, Legend 1942 is poised to make a significant impact on the global fragrance industry. Bachchan’s dedication to taking India’s aromatic legacy to the world, combined with Anuradha’s leadership and the expertise of their team, promises a bright future for Legend 1942 Luxe Perfumes.

Preeti Jagwani – Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer

Preeti Jagwani is a passionate Fashion and Lifestyle Influencer based in Kolkata, known for curating inspiring content and creating meaningful connections within the fashion community. Her journey into the limelight was inspired by Sushmita Sen, who has been her inspiration since childhood. It was this very spotlight that drew her into the fashion and beauty industry, paving the way for her remarkable achievements.

Crowned as Mrs. India 2021 and Mrs. National Universe 2021, Preeti is not only a beauty queen but also a dedicated Beauty Pageant Grooming Coach , helping others unlock their full potential. Her expertise extends to the realm of event management as an Event and Exhibitions Curator, where she orchestrates unforgettable showcases that leave a lasting impact.

Despite the challenges of being a mother to two angels, Preeti’s unwavering family support has been the backbone of her journey, helping her balance motherhood and a thriving career. With resilience and passion, she continues to inspire others through her work and her story.

Preeti shares a powerful message for women who want to explore their talents:
To every woman with a dream and a talent waiting to be shared—believe in the power within you. Your voice, your skills, and your creativity are unique gifts that the world needs. Don’t be afraid to step into the spotlight, because when you follow your passion, you inspire others to do the same. Embrace every opportunity, take bold steps, and remember that your potential knows no limits. The world is waiting to see the magic you create—go out there and shine.

Karishma Tanna, Founder – Urban Dancera

Karishma Tanna, is the Founder of Urban Dancera, a mumbai cases dance company and studio that specialises in wedding choreography , dance education and corporate shows.
From a young age, dance was her sanctuary—a space where she could escape, express, and evolve. Back then, the idea of dance as a profession was far from reality. She was immersed in the world of fashion, studying and working at GQ. It was during one of her regular dance classes, simply dancing for the love of it, that everything changed. Encouraged by her instructor to audition for a scholarship with the Terence Lewis Dance Company, and that opportunity became a game-changer.

She had to push her boundaries further and continued training in New York, where she learnt different styles, and the essence of dance as a global language. It was in those moments that she realized that dance is not just movement for her—it’s a powerful way to educate, entertain, and empower. This belief is the foundation of Urban Dancera.

She draws her inspiration from people who dare to pursue what they love and push through their struggles. Her mother, a Bharatanatyam dancer, was her first inspiration —not just in dance, but in resilience. Her teachers were a force of nature and played a huge role in her dance journey. As a woman navigating the dance industry, she’s faced her share of challenges. At Urban Dancera, they believe in breaking barriers, not just for themselves but for the next generation of dancers. She stands for equality, creativity, and the freedom to express oneself. Her belief in equal roles for women and men in the field is reflected in her approach to her work.

Beyond dance, her creativity is fueled by other passions—fitness, fashion, and travelling. These various creative pursuits make her vision clear. Karishma’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs and dancers is simple: Start with what you have, stay true to your vision, and embrace the hard work. Success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about the impact you make along the way. This year marks a pivotal chapter for Urban Dancera. We have exciting developments on the horizon, and while she can’t reveal much, she says this: the best is yet to come. We are here to educate, entertain, and empower. Our journey is evolving, and we’re ready to create even more unforgettable experiences in the future!

Smriti Agarwal, Founder – Femme Forward & Gift Your Emotions

Smriti Agarwal is the passionate force behind two inspiring initiatives: Femme Forward and Gift Your Emotions. With a warm smile and unwavering dedication to making a difference, Smriti’s journey is both heartwarming and impactful.

Femme Forward, a platform Smriti created, addresses unspoken challenges related to women’s empowerment. Initially unsure if people would share their stories, Smriti has been overwhelmed by the support and openness from both women and men. This initiative has brought many societal issues to light, encouraging everyone to unite and take action, starting with changes at home. Notable figures like Ratan Kaul and Seema Verma have participated in this platform, further highlighting its significance.

In addition to Femme Forward, Smriti founded Gift Your Emotions, a brand specializing in personalized gifts with a unique twist—poetry. Each gift is meticulously crafted to capture the recipient’s story and emotions in a way that no other brand does. This innovative approach has earned recognition from platforms like Wedding Sutra, highlighting the brand’s distinctive charm.

Smriti draws inspiration from women who aspire to achieve great things despite facing discrimination and unequal opportunities. Her journey has not been without challenges, but her dedication to making a positive impact keeps her moving forward. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Never lose hope. One day, hard work will definitely pay off.”

For Smriti, true success will come when she sees positive changes in society. Her efforts with Femme Forward and Gift Your Emotions are steps toward that goal, bringing people together through shared stories and heartfelt gifts. Smriti Agarwal is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the desire to make a meaningful difference.

Kinjal Shah, Founder – The Media Manifest

Kinjal Shah is an accomplished Public Relations consultant with over a decade of experience across various sectors and genres. She excels in strategic communications, branding, ideation, media relations, crisis communications, social media, and developing unique strategies. Kinjal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Markets and has a strong passion for investment and finance. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing and has worked with one of India’s leading communication agencies, Adfactors PR, for more than five years.

Throughout her career, Kinjal has managed communications for sectors such as Fintech, Real Estate, Technology, Venture Capital, Automobiles, and Startups. She has worked with prominent clients including EbixCash, Sarvatra Technologies, Strata, CoinDCX, IDfy, Mswipe, Minus Zero, and the Internet and Mobile Association of India.

Kinjal’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her work led to the founding of The Media Manifest (TMM). TMM focuses on comprehensive brand communications, ensuring that clients’ messages resonate with their target audiences and drive sustained engagement. The mission of TMM is to deliver precise brand perception for clients by enhancing their visibility to the appropriate audience, building a strong company image, and fostering synergies that support clients in achieving their long-term objectives.

TMM’s strategy embraces innovation and adaptability, continuously evolving with the media landscape to deliver dynamic, engaging, and impactful content across multiple platforms. The firm primarily focuses on the startup and VC community, confident that their VC Connects program bridges the gap between promising startups and potential investors, facilitating partnerships that drive innovation and growth.