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.
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.
Bhavya Nathani – Co-founder – Talent Lab and Strategy Head at Stanley Communications
Bhavya Nathani is a dynamic force in the luxury PR and marketing world, co-founder of Talent Lab and Strategy Head at Stanley Communications, a prominent Delhi-based agency. At Stanley, she crafts creative campaigns for high-end brands, but her influence goes beyond that—Talent Lab is her passion project, dedicated to mentoring young professionals in PR, marketing, and luxury brand management. With her background in Psychology and Sociology, Bhavya brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the nuances of human behavior and applying them effectively in her strategies.
Her journey began in 2019, and through a combination of hard work and the power of manifestation, she quickly rose to her leadership role. Bhavya credits her success to focusing on her goals and maintaining consistency, believing firmly that these values make anything possible. Inspired by risk-takers and innovators, she envisions a future where more women are at the helm of luxury brands in India, shaping the industry with their distinct perspectives.
Beyond her professional commitments, Bhavya is a dedicated mentor, actively working with young talent to help them build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. She also finds joy in travel and the occasional lively party to recharge her spirit. For aspiring women entrepreneurs and professionals, Bhavya’s advice is simple yet powerful: hold onto your vision, trust in hard work, and embrace what makes you unique. In her eyes, success isn’t solely about personal milestones; it’s about making a difference, helping others find their path, and fostering a culture of growth and innovation in the industry. Through her work at Stanley Communications and Talent Lab, Bhavya hopes to inspire the next generation, leaving an enduring mark on luxury PR and marketing.
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.
Dr. Jyoti Gupta, MD Dermatologist
Dr. Jyoti Gupta is an accomplished MD Dermatologist who has been running a successful skin and aesthetics center in South Delhi for the past decade. After completing her MBBS and post-graduation in M.D. from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Her passion for serving and caring for patients, coupled with her desire to make a positive impact on society’s health, has been the driving force behind her career.
Born into a family with four sisters and one brother, Dr. Jyoti faced challenges in obtaining the high level of education required for her profession. While her family was not well-versed in the medical field, her parents were always a source of inspiration, encouraging her to pursue her studies. Despite the difficulties in navigating the path to becoming a doctor, Dr. Jyoti’s determination and hard work ensured that everything eventually fell into place. Once she embarked on her medical journey, she found that things became easier as she progressed.
Beyond her profession, Dr. Jyoti leads a vibrant and active life. She enjoys yoga, Pilates, snooker, and is a globe-trotter who thrives on adventure sports, including scuba diving, skydiving, and rock climbing.
Dr. Jyoti’s message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is clear: one should be focused on their goals and resist distractions from social pressures, such as social media and external demands. Her approach to patient care is built on making genuine connections with patients, understanding their needs, and treating them with the utmost care and compassion. She emphasizes the importance of clarity of purpose and staying true to one’s professional values.
In her personal and professional success, Dr. Jyoti credits the support of her family and husband, who have been pivotal throughout her journey. Both she and her husband have taken turns prioritizing each other’s careers, creating a strong foundation of mutual support. Furthermore, Dr. Jyoti has cultivated a trusting relationship with her employees, ensuring that mistakes are addressed honestly and constructively to maintain high standards of care.
With a solid support system at both work and home, Dr. Jyoti feels confident and empowered, knowing she can rely on the right people to manage responsibilities effectively. This trust and balance have enabled her to build and run her business successfully, creating a thriving dermatology practice while maintaining harmony in her personal life.
Meghha Mehta, Child/Adolescent Development and Parenting Coach
Meghha Mehta is a professionally certified child/adolescent development and parenting coach, with 12 years of experience as a health and life coach and a special focus on parenting over the past three years. Her mission is to create positive, harmonious relationships between parents and their children, transforming homes into supportive spaces where everyone can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Meghha’s passion for children’s well-being and parenting has always been a central part of her life. After years in coaching, she realized that focusing on parent-child dynamics was where she could make the greatest impact. She believes that a strong, nurturing home environment is where we all return for safety and rest, and by improving these relationships, she helps families build lasting, meaningful connections. Through research based workshops, coaching sessions with parents and children/teens and her parenting program Conscious Heart Parenting she has worked with 100s of families over the years, to find their way back to harmony and joy.
Throughout her journey, Meghha has drawn inspiration from a wide range of mentors and thought leaders, over the years. And she continues to learn and study, to enhance her work. Being a highly perceptive and aware person, she has experienced the challenges of maintaining a high standard in the environment she creates for her children, but she finds the investment of time and energy to be immensely rewarding.
When she’s not working, Meghha enjoys writing, trying new crafts, and watching movies. She makes it a priority to set aside “me time” every day to reflect and recharge, ensuring her own well-being is supported so she can continue giving her best to her clients and family.
To aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, Meghha offers valuable advice: if you’re pursuing something new or different, be prepared for the long haul. It’s like training for a marathon—there will be unexpected challenges, but the joy and fulfillment that come from building something from scratch are worth every bit of effort.
Dr. Suruchi Puri, Dermatologist & Trichologist
Dr. Suruchi Puri is a renowned dermatologist specializing in trichology and aesthetics. With a deep-rooted passion for improving her patients’ lives, Dr. Puri has dedicated her career to providing exceptional care for skin and hair conditions.
Growing up, Dr. Puri was captivated by the beauty of skin and hair, leading her to pursue dermatology as a medical specialty. Inspired by her family, especially her mother, she developed a strong sense of dedication and resilience that has guided her throughout her journey.
Dr. Puri’s path to becoming a successful dermatologist was not without its challenges. She faced personal hardships, including the loss of her father and the illness of her sister, while also balancing the demands of her medical training, motherhood, and clinic management. Despite these obstacles, her unwavering determination and belief in her abilities propelled her forward.
Dr. Puri’s message to fellow women is clear: never give up on your dreams. She emphasizes the importance of passion, hard work, and perseverance in overcoming challenges. Her own journey serves as a testament to the power of these qualities.
Driven by her passion for her work, Dr. Puri finds immense satisfaction in helping her patients regain their confidence and well-being. Her dedication to her profession is evident in her long hours and unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care.
Throughout her career, Dr. Puri has achieved numerous milestones, including working with celebrities and receiving prestigious awards. These accomplishments have further fueled her passion and inspired her to continue making a positive impact in the field of dermatology.
Dr. Suruchi Puri is a remarkable dermatologist whose expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her patients make her a true inspiration. Her story serves as a reminder that with hard work, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible.
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.”