This Women’s Day, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of Indian women who have dared to dream and defied all odds to turn those dreams into reality. From trailblazing entrepreneurs and visionary leaders to social changemakers and creative pioneers, these ten extraordinary women embody resilience, courage, and innovation.

Their journeys are not just personal triumphs but also a testament to the boundless potential of women in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for our nation. Through their inspiring stories, we honor their achievements and strive to ignite the same fire of determination in every woman across India.

Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics

Vineeta Singh, the founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, in India and beyond. Her journey began in Lucknow, where she excelled academically, earning gold medals in school and college. She later attended IIT Madras, where she discovered her passion for badminton, and IIM Ahmedabad, where she completed the Mumbai Marathon.

Despite receiving a lucrative offer in investment banking, Vineeta’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Fab-Bag, a beauty subscription service, before launching SUGAR Cosmetics in 2015 with her husband, Kaushik Mukherjee. SUGAR filled a gap in the Indian beauty market by offering vibrant, high-quality cosmetics for diverse skin tones at affordable prices, resonating with young Indian women.

Vineeta’s journey, marked by initial setbacks and lessons learned, reflects her commitment to innovation and empowerment. As an investor and judge on Shark Tank India, she continues to inspire others with her insightful feedback and championing of innovative ideas. Vineeta’s story underscores the importance of self-belief and perseverance in achieving remarkable success.

Viraj Ghelani

Introducing Viraj Ghelani, the seasoned comedy content creator who has seamlessly woven himself into the fabric of suburban Mumbai life. If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling at the quirks of suburban existence, chances are you’ve crossed paths with one of Viraj’s relatable videos. Particularly resonant with the Gujarati community, Viraj has become a familiar and beloved figure in the digital landscape.

Known for his contributions to Dice Media and FilterCopy videos, Viraj transitioned from the guy-next-door in web content to making his mark in Bollywood. Making his Dharma movie debut in “Govinda Naam Hai Mera” as Bhumi Pednekar’s boyfriend, Viraj has effortlessly extended his charm to the big screen.

Yet, beyond the screen, Viraj Ghelani remains a humble and passionate creator, drawing energy from his fans and finding inspiration in family bonds. His philosophy centers around embracing the present, acknowledging that every past experience converges to shape the cherished moments of today. This conversation unfolds the fascinating journey of Viraj, tracing his steps from the streets of Borivali to the grand stages of Bollywood.

Unnati Malharkar

In the world of fashion, where trends change like the wind, some individuals possess the unique ability to captivate audiences, shape styles, and inspire millions with their effortless flair. One such influential personality is Unnati Malharkar, a dancer, fashion influencer, and blogger whose creativity and distinctive style have made her a prominent figure in the industry.

Formerly started as a TikTok sensation and now an Instagram influencer, Unnati’s journey began like many others, but her undeniable talent and passion for dance and fashion set her apart from the crowd. She soon realized the power of self-expression through dancing. With a keen eye for detail and an uncanny ability to predict upcoming trends, she became a beacon of inspiration.

Her outfits effortlessly fuse chic couture with accessible pieces, making her style approachable for her followers. From trendy streetwear to elegant Indian wear, she flawlessly navigates the fashion landscape, encouraging her audience to experiment and embrace their own unique fashion identities.

Unnati Malharkar is more than just a content creator; she is a force to be reckoned with. Her creativity knows no bounds, and her impact on the digital landscape is undeniable. With each video she creates, she reminds us all the power of chasing our dreams, embracing our passions, and spreading happiness along the way.

Shreya Mahajan

Shreya Mahajan is the founder of The Social Sphere, a New Delhi-based marketing and PR agency specializing in creating innovative strategies for luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Alongside her entrepreneurial journey, she is a dedicated fashion and lifestyle content creator, sharing her passion for styling and personal expression.

Her journey began during the Covid-19 lockdown when Shreya started creating outfit inspiration content, giving life to her love for fashion. This creative exploration encouraged her to leave a stable corporate job and pursue a master’s in Fashion Marketing at Nottingham Trent University. Combining her marketing expertise, passion for fashion, and valuable internship experiences, Shreya launched her agency in March 2024.

Shreya finds inspiration in trailblazing women like Masoom Minawala and Falguni Nayar. However, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a woman, she faced societal pressures and subtle judgments for stepping away from a conventional career path to follow her dreams. Building a career in a competitive industry while defying norms required resilience, but staying aligned with her vision kept her motivated.

To aspiring digital creators and influencers, Shreya emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency. She encourages them to embrace their individuality, create meaningful content for their audience, and experiment with fresh ideas. According to her, growth may take time, but perseverance, strategy, and staying true to oneself build a loyal community.

Shreya describes her success as a work in progress. From leaving a corporate job at Deloitte to building her own business and nurturing a community, each step has been a testament to her determination. With the support of her family, mentors, and personal resilience, she has steadily moved closer to her goals. Shreya hopes her story inspires others to trust in their abilities and take bold leaps of faith toward their dreams.

Patralekha

Patralekha is a fashion stylist and influencer who has turned her passion for style and creative expression into a thriving career. Known for her ability to curate unique and personal looks for her niche clientele, she brings a blend of artistry and individuality to everything she does.

From an early age, she was the go-to friend for outfit advice and closet makeovers, always experimenting with colors, textures, and fresh ideas. Sharing her styled outfits on Instagram was a turning point—what began as a hobby quickly grew into a profession, fueled by admiration for her fashion sense and her ability to inspire confidence through style.

Drawing inspiration from global fashion icons and everyday people alike, Patralekha finds beauty in the way personal style reflects individuality. She believes that creativity thrives when authenticity meets boldness. Her journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges.

Breaking into the competitive fashion industry required resilience, especially as she worked to establish her voice in a space that often favors convention over innovation. Balancing the artistic side of styling with the practical demands of being a digital creator was another hurdle, but she’s met it head-on, staying true to her vision while navigating the pressures of engagement and validation.

When she isn’t styling, Patralekha channels her creativity into painting and creating unique artworks, another avenue where her artistic spirit shines. Her advice to aspiring creators is simple: stay original and focused. In a fast-paced digital world, she believes authenticity and persistence set people apart.

Her success is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and the joy of inspiring others to embrace their confidence through fashion. For Patralekha, fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about empowering people to feel good in their own skin.

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.

Beyond creating content, Iti is deeply involved in her daughter’s upbringing, which remains her top priority. She also explores new hobbies, from trying different forms of art to reading books that inspire creativity and growth. Being present in her family’s life and creating lasting memories together is essential to her.

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.

For Iti, success is not measured by numbers or accolades but by the smiles and laughter of her family when they watch her reels and the supportive comments from her community. Every time she brightens someone’s day or helps a fellow mom feel less alone, she considers it a success. Her journey is about discovering new facets of herself and finding joy in the everyday moments of motherhood.

Meghna Verma

Meghna Verma is a corporate lawyer, enrolled with the Delhi Bar Association, who has also gained experience as an educator. After living in Hyderabad, she returned to her hometown, New Delhi.

During the pandemic, she, like many others, felt the mental strain caused by social distancing. To maintain her well-being, Meghna ventured into the digital world, quickly building connections and discovering a passion for content creation.

Inspired by figures in fitness, motherhood, food blogging, and fashion, she loves trying new things and sharing her experiences. However, Meghna has faced challenges as an influencer, particularly the misconception that the role is easy and requires minimal effort. She knows the reality is different—balancing home responsibilities with external commitments demands discipline and the ability to improvise. Meghna emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong mental and physical health to meet the demands of a hectic schedule.

As a homemaker, she thrives on balancing her family life with pursuits outside the home. Meghna advises aspiring influencers to work with dedication, commitment, and passion, always promoting what they truly believe in. For her, authenticity and simplicity are key to making a real impact.

Roohi Baweja

Roohi Baweja is a luxury fashion and lifestyle influencer, an editor in the fashion & lifestyle beat in the Luxurious lifestyle newspaper ‘Zoom Delhi’. With a background in interior design and computers, Roohi has also gained experience working with Amul India in the administration and HR departments.

A year ago, she embarked on her journey into the world of fashion influencing, and since then, her presence has grown significantly. Roohi has had the privilege of being associated with various prestigious fashion and lifestyle brands. She’s been a part of FDCI Couture Week, sharing the front row with celebrities and renowned designers such as Bobby Deol, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Sonam Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Neha Dhupia, Jay Sean, Sonakshi Sinha, Sabyasachi, Dolly J, Rohit Bal, and Gaurav Gupta.

Roohi is also known for showcasing the latest collections from international luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Valentino, and Bulgari. She regularly visits these high-end stores to present their newest pieces to her audience, bringing global fashion trends directly to her followers.

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.

Preeti Jatia, Founder and Creative Head – Fayon Kids

Preeti Jatia, the founder and creative head of Fayon Kids, has built a premium kidswear brand that embodies style, comfort, and elegance. What began as a personal endeavor to design the perfect dress for her daughter’s first birthday has now evolved into a flourishing business that caters to children, teens, and even adults through its sub-brand, LabelbyFayon. With a background in interior and textile design, Preeti discovered a gap in the market for premium kidswear and turned her passion into a full-fledged brand, specializing in both Indian and Western attire with an emphasis on customization.

Inspired by her daughter, who was the muse for Fayon Kids, Preeti has poured her creativity and dedication into every aspect of the brand. Despite the challenges of entering a competitive market and managing the intricacies of customization services, she has remained resilient, learning and growing with each hurdle. Balancing her roles as a businesswoman and a mom, she finds joy in exploring new places, drawing inspiration from her travels to bring fresh ideas to her collections.

Preeti’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in her own experience: believe in your vision, stay persistent, and never hesitate to ask for help. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and staying true to your passion. For her, success is not just about the destination but the journey—a journey fueled by hard work, adaptability, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is a stepping stone to something greater.

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.

Shafali Grover, Founder – Blushing Couture

Shafali Grover, the creative mind behind Blushing Couture, is a passionate fashion designer whose journey into the world of design was inspired by her artistic childhood. From handcrafting utensils from mud with her grandmother to creating ensembles for her dolls and decorating temples and dollhouses, she found joy in creating beauty from a young age. Her artistic flair was recognized early, with her art teacher always considering her a favorite student. By the fifth grade, she knew fashion design was her calling, driven by her love for creating beautiful things with passion.

After studying fashion design, Shafali honed her skills working with India’s renowned designer Ritu Kumar and later pursued higher studies in fashion marketing in Milan. Listening to her artistic soul, she founded Blushing Couture in 2021, a brand born from her vision of spreading joy through handcrafted, storytelling ensembles.

Shafali’s inspiration stems from her belief that challenges are integral to growth. She embraces difficulties as opportunities for learning and sees them as part of her journey toward achieving bigger goals. Her mantra is to take life one day at a time, embracing new experiences and striving to create a beautiful world.

Outside her professional endeavors, Shafali is a devoted mother to her five-year-old daughter and cherishes the time spent with her. She finds balance and fulfillment in being present for her family while passionately pursuing her dreams.

Blushing Couture is a brand dedicated to promoting positivity and celebrating craftsmanship. In a world overshadowed by machinery, Shafali emphasizes the value of handmade creations. Her designs are infused with love, care, and soul, ensuring that every outfit radiates positive energy and adds a magical touch to the wearer’s special day.

Shafali encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start working on their dreams. She believes the universe aligns to create a path for those who dare to follow their passion.

For Shafali, success is not just about professional milestones but about aligning her career with her soul’s expression. She considers herself fortunate to create a life from her vision board, crafting ensembles that bring joy and smiles to her clients. Blushing Couture’s mission is to promote handmade artistry, offering a platform to artisans and directing their creativity toward making exquisite, meaningful products.

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.