In the rapidly evolving business landscape of India, women entrepreneurs are emerging as powerful forces of change. The Trailblazers of 2024 showcases the top 10 women who are not only transforming industries but also redefining what it means to be a leader.

These dynamic individuals have built innovative companies, disrupted traditional markets, and inspired countless others with their vision and determination. Their stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership are setting new benchmarks and driving the future of India’s economy. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable women who are making an indelible mark on India’s business scene.

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.

Sonam Virag Gada – Co-founder – VIAM

Sonam Virag Gada is the co-founder of VIAM, a wholesale manufacturing business specializing in ladies’ handbags and clutches, based in Mumbai. Recently, she launched BAGZAPPERR, a D2C platform that marks her latest venture in the fashion space. Though she has a master’s in Psychology Counseling, Sonam was always drawn to fashion and creativity. Her journey into the world of design began in 2015, while she was interning as a counselor. Together with her husband, they co-founded VIAM, a dream they had envisioned as partners. After completing a course in Accessories Designing, they officially launched the brand in 2017 after getting married.

Aside from her business, Sonam enjoys exploring creative gifting solutions and offers corporate gifting services. She also loves to read inspiring books and believes in constantly learning new skills. This thirst for knowledge keeps her energized and driven to keep growing, personally and professionally.

Sonam’s message to other aspiring women entrepreneurs is simple: never stop learning. She believes in the power of growth and self-improvement, encouraging women to trust in their abilities and be open to new opportunities. For her, the journey is about continuously evolving.

Her success story is rooted in strong family support. Sonam feels fortunate to have in-laws who have embraced her as their own and a mother who has always been her backbone. These relationships, along with her passion and resilience, have helped her build her business from the ground up.

One of her major achievements is the user-friendly products she designs and the incredible team of artisans she works with. She takes great pride in supporting the Make in India initiative, with a commitment to creating employment opportunities for skilled artisans and helping their work reach a global audience.

As a testament to her success, Sonam is thrilled that VIAM has been nominated as one of the 500 best brands in 2024.

Meha Vashi, Co-founder – Nivalink Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

Meha Vashi is the co-founder of Nivalink Holidays Pvt Ltd, a boutique travel agency specializing in personalized holidays for individuals and groups. Catering to sophisticated travelers seeking finely tuned vacation experiences, Nivalink has become a reputable name in the travel industry. The agency’s journey began 24 years ago when Meha and her husband decided to establish a business that would cater to both Indian and international travelers. While her husband focused on developing the India and inbound travel business, Meha joined later, after a maternity break, to spearhead the international travel segment.

Meha’s competitive nature drives her inspiration from strong leaders like Indra Nooyi. Although the travel industry is rich with female professionals, Meha’s primary challenge was balancing motherhood with her professional ambitions. It wasn’t until her son moved to the US for further studies five years ago that she could fully dedicate herself to growing the business.

Outside of her professional life, Meha is known for her culinary skills, often delighting friends with her cooking. She finds solace in the music of Bollywood from the 70s and 80s, which serves as her retreat after a busy week. An avid reader, Meha has always kept herself updated and formed various perspectives on life. Recently, she has also enjoyed the relaxation offered by OTT platforms.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, Meha emphasizes that business should never solely be about making money. True fulfillment comes from customer satisfaction, the personal journey of entrepreneurship, and the ability to add value to people’s lives. According to her, success is a relative and non-competitive race where one sets their own goals and strives to improve continually. She believes that learning is omnipresent, and the ability to adapt, evolve, and innovate in changing times is crucial for building a sustainable business.

Meha Vashi’s story is a testament to the importance of dedication, balance, and continuous self-improvement in achieving professional and personal success.

Aliya Chotani, Fashion Designer

Aliya Chotani is a seasoned fashion designer with over 16 years of experience in the fashion industry. Her journey encompasses every facet of the field, from manufacturing and designing to distribution. Despite facing family pressure to become a doctor, Aliya followed her passion for fashion, a decision driven by her love for colors, fashion silhouettes, and the vibrancy of life itself. From a young age, she found inspiration in painting, and that artistic spark never left her.

Aliya’s career is a testament to her resilience and determination. She managed to carve out a successful career in a highly competitive market while also balancing the responsibilities of being a mother and running a household. For Aliya, the greatest challenge in her career has been understanding and reaching the perfect customer—a task that requires continuous effort and innovation. Promoting her business in a crowded market is another challenge, but she faces it head-on with creativity and perseverance.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Aliya is an avid reader and passionate traveler. She draws inspiration from the places she visits, incorporating the rich experiences and cultures she encounters into her designs. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for her son and family, cherishing the moments spent together.

Aliya believes in the importance of following one’s passion, no matter the obstacles. Her message to others is clear: “There will be many highs and lows, but never forget your passion. Do whatever you love.” She is her own hero, a woman who looks up to herself for strength and inspiration, embodying the spirit of self-belief and perseverance in everything she does.

Neetu Khanna, Founder – Bagwani Industries Pvt Ltd

Neetu Khanna, the founder of Bagwani Industries Pvt Ltd, has successfully carved a niche in the market with her Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Oils. Her company currently offers eight different types of oils and has expanded its product range to include beauty products for all skin types and baby oils.

Neetu’s journey began in her own kitchen. As a homemaker with a passion for cooking, she always used fresh ingredients, many of which came directly from her farm. This commitment to freshness led her to experiment with making her own oils at home. The positive feedback from her family and loved ones encouraged her to expand her range, ultimately leading to the establishment of Bagwani Industries.

Inspiration for Neetu comes from all caring mothers. She admires their dedication to their families and aims to be a medium through which they can achieve their goals of providing fresh and healthy food.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. One major obstacle has been raising awareness about the benefits of extra virgin cold pressed oils. Many people are accustomed to corporate oils and are unaware of the significant health advantages that cold pressed oils offer. Yet, Neetu sees this challenge as an opportunity. Once customers experience the benefits, they rarely turn back, leading to repeat orders and loyal clientele.

Beyond her professional life, Neetu enjoys engaging in creative activities such as painting and writing. She also cherishes spending time with her grandchild, who often visits her factory, much to her delight. Neetu values socializing and meeting with friends, balancing her work and personal life with grace.

Neetu’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs and homemakers is one of resilience and perseverance. “Don’t discourage yourself from failures and difficulties because with every challenge and failure you will learn something new,” she advises. Starting her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 47, Neetu is a testament to the belief that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

Her success story would be incomplete without acknowledging the unwavering support of her family. Neetu credits her husband for standing by her side and helping her navigate every situation, her children for pushing her out of her comfort zone, and the blessings from her mother-in-law and parents. She is also grateful for the trust her clients have shown in her from the very beginning.

Neetu Khanna’s journey from a homemaker to a successful entrepreneur is truly inspiring. Her dedication, creativity, and family support have been the pillars of her success, and she continues to be a role model for many.

Aaina Chawan – Founder – Face Workout Studio & The Calm and Co

Aaina Chawan is the founder of a Face Workout Studio in Prabhadevi and Juhu, Mumbai. After working with invasive companies, Aaina felt drawn to a natural, non-invasive, and chemical-free approach to wellness. This shift led her to research and study wellness extensively before establishing her studio.

Her journey has been inspired by her mother, who has maintained glowing skin for over 60 years without any interventions. Building her business from scratch was challenging but rewarding. Alongside her studio, Aaina supports other businesses through social media management, digital ads, and influencer marketing.

Aaina’s career path has been diverse—she started as an engineer, became a social media enthusiast, and ultimately found her passion in entrepreneurship. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Flow with it; it takes time, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

Sapna Mahajan, Dietician – Fat To Slim – Gurgaon

Sapna Mahajan is a dedicated dietician and nutritionist, passionate about helping individuals and groups achieve their health goals through personalized dietary plans. She works closely with her clients to promote overall wellness, manage chronic conditions, and support specific health objectives. Her journey into this field began with professional certification under the guidance of Shikha Agarwal Sharma, Fat to Slim.

Sapna draws inspiration from within, recognizing her own strengths as a powerful motivator. She acknowledges that finding inspiration within oneself can be a great source of resilience and drive. Balancing her professional life with her role as a homemaker is no easy feat, but Sapna thrives on the challenge, managing both with grace and determination.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple yet profound: “Start with passion, stay persistent, and keep learning. Your journey will have challenges, but each step forward brings you closer to your goals. Believe in yourself and your vision.” Sapna’s story is a testament to the power of self-belief, hard work, and continuous learning.

Shriem Agarwal, Influencer & Content creator, Founder – Trends and Bites

Shriem Agarwal, a dynamic influencer and content creator, has made a significant impact in the fashion, food, and lifestyle industry with her brand, “Trends and Bites.” What began as a modest Instagram page during the 2020 lockdown has evolved into a thriving business, offering a diverse range of products that cater to various tastes and occasions.

“Trends and Bites” has become synonymous with gourmet desserts and savory treats, each crafted with the precision of a certified nutritionist and pastry chef. Shriem’s culinary creations are not just about taste—they are a visual and sensory experience, designed to delight and satisfy. From artisanal cakes to bespoke confections, her products have garnered a loyal following, with customers eager to indulge in the unique flavors and impeccable quality that her brand promises.

But Shriem’s vision extends beyond just food. Recognizing the importance of aesthetics in today’s lifestyle, she has expanded her brand to include a range of home decor items and unique gifting solutions. Whether it’s a beautifully curated gift box or a stylish piece of decor, each product is thoughtfully designed to add a touch of elegance to any space or occasion.

In addition to her product line, Shriem is passionate about empowering others. Her coaching platform, “Dash of Skills,” is dedicated to mentoring aspiring bloggers and young entrepreneurs, offering them the tools and insights they need to succeed in the digital world. Her journey from a 17-year-old with no prior experience to a successful businesswoman is a testament to her creativity, hard work, and unwavering belief in herself.

Shriem’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to quality and authenticity. She continues to inspire her audience with her ability to balance creativity with business acumen, turning her passions into a flourishing enterprise that resonates with people worldwide.

Shriem’s journey into this glamorous yet demanding industry was unplanned but has been nothing short of transformative. She entered the field at just 17, navigating it with no prior experience or backing. Despite the challenges, her determination and authenticity have led to significant success, including collaborations with global brands and the launch of her coaching page, “Dash of Skills,” where she mentors aspiring bloggers and young entrepreneurs.

Her mother, a constant source of inspiration and critique, has played a crucial role in shaping Shriem’s journey. Shriem’s message to others is clear: stay true to yourself, trust the process, and never shy away from hard work. Her story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of believing in oneself.