Women’s Day Special: Success Stories of 10 Inspiring Women Who Dare to Dream

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.

Ekta Saigal Lulla, Founder – Weddings by ESL and ESL Events

Ekta Saigal Lulla, the founder of Weddings by ESL and ESL Events, never planned on becoming a wedding industry trailblazer—it just happened, like a series of “beautiful accidents.” From luxury hotels to wedding planning, she built a global brand known for crafting spectacular events that blend grandeur with deeply personal touches.

Her biggest inspiration is her father, whose selfless hard work shaped her values. While her journey has been fulfilling, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy. Yet, her passion and resilience have helped her navigate every challenge.

Starting with a three-member team in 2011, she transformed Weddings by ESL into a powerhouse, curating everything from intimate 70-guest ceremonies to extravagant 35,000-guest celebrations. She has collaborated with top designers like Rohit Bal and Vikram Phadnis and worked with renowned artists like Arijit Singh and Badshah. Her eight-year partnership with Aamby Valley is a testament to her ability to build lasting relationships.

For Ekta, weddings aren’t just about decor and logistics—they’re about bringing dreams to life. She ensures every detail aligns with her clients’ vision while maintaining a balance between creativity and practicality. Over the years, she has also embraced sustainable practices, blending opulence with eco-consciousness.

Beyond work, she finds joy in travel, music, and fitness. She believes self-care is key to excelling in both personal and professional life. “You can give your best to work and family only when you take care of yourself,” she says.

As weddings evolve into more intimate and experiential celebrations, Ekta welcomes the change. With her commitment to excellence and balance, she continues to redefine event planning, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Dr. Meenu Sethi, Founder and Director – Skyn Stories

Dr. Meenu Sethi’s journey to success is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and passion for dermatology. As the Founder and Director of Skyn Stories by Dr. Meenu Sethi, with two thriving branches in Gurgaon, she has built a reputable practice centered around patient care, innovation, and expertise.

Her love for healthcare began in childhood, eventually leading her to specialize in dermatology, where she honed her skills in aesthetics and laser treatments. Starting with a small cabin, she gradually expanded her practice, overcoming challenges with the unwavering support of her family, patients, and mentors.

Beyond her profession, Dr. Sethi finds balance through yoga, meditation, and continuous learning. She believes that success is not merely measured by professional achievements but by the positive impact one makes on people’s lives. With a commitment to personalized care, she helps her patients achieve healthy, radiant skin, boosting their confidence and well-being.

Her message to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful—stay focused, work hard, and never stop learning. Passion, perseverance, and compassion are the key ingredients to making a meaningful difference in any field.

Vijayalaxmi, Renowned Artist

Vijayalaxmi is a fine artist whose creative journey is deeply rooted in spirituality. With over 15 years of experience, her work transcends colors and canvases, becoming a medium through which she connects with the divine. “Art found me, not the other way around,” she says, reflecting on how painting has been an integral part of her life since childhood.

A self-taught artist, Vijayalaxmi draws inspiration from the beauty of the world and the emotional depth art can evoke. She admires the legacy of old masters, marveling at their ability to transform a blank canvas or a raw piece of stone into timeless masterpieces. Despite lacking formal training, she has earned recognition through immense dedication and perseverance. For Vijayalaxmi, the journey itself has been the most rewarding part.

Art is not just her profession but her way of life and form of worship. She spends her days immersed in creation, learning, and self-discovery, with each piece bringing her closer to a divine connection. “Through art, I worship Him. It’s how I connect with my creator,” she explains. She finds immense satisfaction in observing the profound emotional connection viewers establish with her Mahadev and Shakti paintings, deeply resonating with their spiritual essence. For her, painting is not just an artistic practice but a form of spiritual discipline—a divine sadhana expressed through her brush.

To aspiring artists, her advice is simple: stay true to yourself and your craft. “Hard work always pays off. Authenticity is your biggest strength. Don’t compromise on that.” She believes success is not a destination but a constant process of evolving, learning, and finding joy in creation.

Her journey as an artist has been one of transformation. “I am not creating art; art is creating me,” she says. With every stroke of her brush, Vijayalaxmi inspires others to embrace their passions and allow creativity to guide them.

Ankita Narsey, Founder – Oaktree Personal Finance and The GlobeHoppers

Ankita Narsey is a Mutual Fund Distributor and Holiday Planner, running two businesses—Oaktree Personal Finance and The GlobeHoppers. She helps her clients make smart investment decisions while also curating unforgettable travel experiences, blending her passion for finance and travel into a meaningful career.

Her journey began with a love for financial planning and a desire to help people secure their future through investments. At the same time, her passion for travel inspired her to turn planning holidays into a business. Combining these two fields allows her to make a positive impact on her clients’ financial stability and personal happiness.

Ankita draws inspiration from Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss AMC, for her resilience and leadership in the finance industry. In the travel space, she looks up to entrepreneurs who have redefined the way people explore the world through personalized experiences.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Managing two professions requires excellent time management and multitasking. As a woman in the finance industry, earning trust in a male-dominated field was initially difficult, but her persistence, knowledge, and commitment to her clients helped her build strong relationships over time.

Outside of work, Ankita is a full-time mother who enjoys traveling, reading, playing badminton, and spending time outdoors. Physical fitness is a priority for her, and she ensures exercise is part of her daily routine.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is clear: Stay persistent, adaptable, and focused on your clients. Building trust and maintaining a client-first approach are key, whether in finance or travel. Challenges will come, but with continuous learning and belief in your vision, success is achievable.

Ankita’s journey is one of constant growth and fulfillment. She takes pride in helping her clients secure their financial future while creating dream vacations for them. Seeing her clients achieve their goals, whether it’s a well-planned investment portfolio or a memorable holiday, makes all her efforts worthwhile.

Amulya Chitkara, Founder – SAGA

Amulya Chitkara is a PR professional and the founder of SAGA, a marketing agency with offices in Delhi and Mumbai, along with a production studio in Gurgaon. Her journey into the world of public relations wasn’t planned—it was a serendipitous turn of events that led her to discover her true calling.

Starting her career as a social media manager in Delhi during COVID, Amulya had no formal degree in PR—just curiosity, hard work, and a touch of luck. But what began as an unexpected opportunity soon turned into an undeniable passion. She quickly realized that PR isn’t just about visibility; it’s about crafting narratives that leave a lasting impact.

A defining moment in her career was working at Indulgeo Essentials under the guidance of its founder, Ms. Supriya—the last boss she ever had. Her mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Amulya’s understanding of brand storytelling, strategic communication, and the power of meaningful relationships. Even today, Supriya’s influence remains a driving force behind Amulya’s journey.

With SAGA, Amulya has built a dynamic agency that provides end-to-end solutions for brands and creators, spanning PR, marketing, and production. Over the years, she has worked with some of the most renowned brands and individuals, leading high-impact campaigns and securing high-profile collaborations. She believes that PR is not just about making noise—it’s about building credibility, trust, and long-term influence.

For Amulya, inspiration comes from the people around her—her peers, industry leaders, and the creators she interacts with daily. She firmly believes that our surroundings shape who we become, and every connection brings an opportunity to learn and grow.

Dipika Dixit

Deepti Arora

Dr. Kanika Deewan

Dr. Nikita Surve