Women’s Day Special Feature: 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.

Tanisha Panwar

Tanisha Panwar is a visionary entrepreneur redefining brand storytelling through her holistic creative marketing agency based in Agra. As the CEO and Co-Founder, she helps businesses unlock their true potential through strategic planning, visual storytelling, and performance optimization. In addition, she is the Founder of Peek-A-Boo, a creative venture that captures the magic of behind-the-scenes moments from grand Indian weddings while crafting bespoke invites and statement boards.

From a young age, Tanisha knew she was meant to carve her own path. While she once aspired to be an actor and model, her passion for artistic expression led her to entrepreneurship. Leaving behind a stable, well-paying job, she embarked on a journey to help brands discover their unique voice. The road was not easy—being perceived as quiet and reserved often led people to underestimate her ability to lead. But with perseverance, she transformed herself into a confident businesswoman, proving that determination can overcome any obstacle.

Her greatest inspiration is her mother, a First-Class Magistrate who taught her the value of independence while staying grounded. She also admires Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato, for his unwavering vision and resilience.

Beyond business, Tanisha is a content creator, empowering plus-size women to embrace their uniqueness and style with confidence. She is also a strategic consultant, guiding brands toward success, and a passionate traveler who curates unique experiences for inbound visitors to Agra.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: Clarity, strategy, and consistency are key. Success is not just about being a CEO but about taking responsibility, staying disciplined, and evolving with the times.

Lubna Naseem

Lubna Naseem is the founder of a results-driven digital marketing agency specializing in high-performing websites and social media campaigns. With a background in IT, she discovered her passion for digital marketing in 2015 while working as a web developer. Determined to carve her own path, she immersed herself in the field, mastering the art of performance-driven strategies and brand growth.

Over the years, Lubna has worked with 250+ brands, both in India and internationally, helping them scale through data-backed marketing solutions. From startups to established businesses, she has played a key role in driving measurable success through innovative digital strategies.

Starting a business is never easy, but Lubna took on the challenge while six months pregnant, armed with determination and a vision for the future. Despite facing skepticism—especially regarding financial management—she proved her critics wrong through resilience and expertise.

Beyond her profession, Lubna is a dedicated mother to a six-year-old and actively contributes to various social organizations. She also serves as the President of a BNI chapter, expanding her impact beyond just business.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs? Believe in yourself. People will always have opinions, but your confidence in your vision is what truly matters. Success follows those who refuse to give up.

Sakshi Jerath

Sakshi Jerath is a creative force in the wedding industry, transforming dreams into breathtaking realities through Designs by Sakshi Jerath, her Mumbai-based wedding design studio. Specializing in conceptualizing, designing, and executing weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events, she brings larger-than-life visions to life with elegance and precision.

Her journey began in childhood, where creativity was second nature. From school projects to fashion designing, her artistic instincts always sought a bigger canvas. It was in 2010 that she discovered the wedding industry—a space that allowed her boundless creativity to flourish. The excitement of curating immersive experiences drew her in, and she never looked back.

However, success didn’t come easy. Marriage brought a new chapter, relocating her from her hometown to Mumbai, where she had to rebuild from scratch. Establishing herself in a new city, creating a name in a competitive industry, and proving her mettle was a challenge she took head-on. Her unwavering passion for creating magical moments kept her going, even in the face of uncertainty.

Beyond her work, Sakshi cherishes the warmth of her family and close friends, finding solace in their company after the demands of her profession.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Never give up. Success demands resilience, hard work, and an unstoppable attitude. No matter how tough the road gets, persistence will lead you to your goals.

For Sakshi, success is not just about accolades—it’s a state of mind. Grateful for her journey so far, she remains driven by the belief that there are still miles to go before she sleeps.

Aakanksha Mehta

Aakanksha Mehta is a passionate landscape architect who transforms open spaces into functional, beautiful environments. Her love for nature and outdoor spaces began in childhood, ultimately shaping her career. Inspired by her parents’ relentless hard work and perseverance, she has built a profession centered around creativity, planning, and sustainable design.

Like any journey, hers wasn’t without challenges. Establishing herself in a competitive industry required not just skill but also visibility and adaptability. She believes that staying relevant and memorable is key to success. Her approach balances smart work with consistency, ensuring that every project she takes on reflects both her expertise and her passion.

Beyond her profession, Aakanksha is a classical dancer and a natural host, known for her exceptional communication skills. Whether designing landscapes or engaging with people, she brings grace, confidence, and a keen understanding of aesthetics.

Her advice to aspiring professionals: Be visible, be relevant, and embrace change. Your work speaks for you, but people need to remember who you are to approach you. Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart and staying consistent.