Special Editions
Breaking Barriers: Success Stories of Women Achievers Who Will Inspire You in 2025
In a world where breaking barriers has become synonymous with women’s empowerment, the success stories of exceptional women achievers continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations. In 2025, we shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals who have defied odds, shattered stereotypes, and carved out their own paths to success.
Join us as we celebrate the women who are not only achieving greatness but also inspiring others to dream big and break their own barriers.
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.
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.
Leena Mukhi – Renowned Brand Strategist
Leena Mukhi is a seasoned brand strategist whose expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and establishing the unique identities of brands. Her journey began over three decades ago as a fashion designer, having graduated from Sophia College, Mumbai, with a degree in Design, alongside a Bachelor’s in Commerce from HR College, Mumbai. Balancing these dual pursuits, she discovered her passion at the intersection of art, business, and design, which led her to launch her design label, Leena & Tahira, in the early 2000s. With a boutique on Altamount Road, her portfolio expanded to include diverse ventures, from intricate clothing lines to the beauty and skincare industry.
In 2008, she embarked on a new chapter, creating her own Nail Spa in Mumbai, showcasing her ability to adapt and innovate. Her path took an intriguing turn when she joined Em & Em Personal Care in 2016, where she played a pivotal role in developing two highly successful brands, Captain Zack and Coccoon. Immersing herself in research, development, team communication, sales, and strategy, she elevated these brands to impressive heights before they were eventually sold. Her contributions didn’t stop there, as she transitioned into consulting, lending her expertise to areas like ideation, packaging, and manufacturing. Her work has also included serving as a COO consultant for a South Korean aesthetic brand.
Leena draws inspiration from everyday women who masterfully balance the demands of family and career. As a mother of two accomplished daughters—a dentist in the US and an interior designer in the UK—she takes pride in seeing them thrive, mirroring her own values of resilience and determination.
The path to success has not been without challenges. Leena acknowledges the obstacles, setbacks, and doubts that come with building something meaningful. Yet, she believes the rewards of perseverance and resilience make the journey worthwhile. Beyond her professional life, Leena’s passions include traveling, dance workouts, music, reading, and meaningful conversations. She values time spent with loved ones and thrives in vibrant social settings.
Her advice to aspiring professionals emphasizes the importance of discipline, balance, and an early start to the day. For Leena, success is more than just professional achievements; it’s about personal growth, adaptability, and the lessons learned along the way. Each challenge has shaped her into the multifaceted professional she is today, living proof that determination and evolution are the cornerstones of a fulfilling career and life.
Vernika Verma, Director – Brands and Branches
With a background in engineering and management, along with experience at Infosys, she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship by founding Brands and Branches. As the director, she has built a venture that enhances brand visibility through strategic partnerships, helping businesses expand nationally and internationally. Witnessing the rise of women in franchising has been incredibly motivating, and she takes pride in being part of this transformative movement.
Her entrepreneurial journey was fueled by a desire to innovate beyond corporate confines. While Infosys provided stability, she yearned to channel her passion for business into something more dynamic. Launching Brands and Branches was a pivotal moment—one that has since led to successful franchise expansions across India and globally, with recent ventures in Dubai and Phuket.
Like any entrepreneur, she has faced challenges—market competition, operational complexities, and securing partnerships. Yet, these obstacles have strengthened her leadership and strategic decision-making skills. Drawing inspiration from resilient entrepreneurs, she believes that persistence and adaptability are key to success.
Beyond business, she actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, believing that shared knowledge and strong support networks are crucial for growth. The increasing presence of women in franchising highlights the power of diverse leadership in reshaping industries.
To those aspiring to start their own ventures, her message is simple: Perseverance and passion will take you far. Embrace challenges as opportunities, seek mentorship, and stay adaptable. Success follows those who dare to take the leap. As more women step into leadership roles, they are not just building businesses—they are redefining industries and making a lasting impact.
Deepti Gambhir, Lifestyle influencer
Deepti Gambhir is a corporate professional and lifestyle influencer who turned her passion into a platform for inspiration. What began as a fun way to share her experiences in fashion, fitness, wellness, and travel soon evolved into a thriving community that values authenticity over perfection. Through consistency and genuine engagement, she has built a space where people connect over shared experiences.
Like many women, she has faced challenges—unrealistic beauty standards, self-doubt, and the pressure to maintain a “perfect” online presence. However, she has learned that true strength comes from embracing her real self. Navigating an industry that often prioritizes aesthetics over authenticity, she has stayed grounded by focusing on meaningful connections and surrounding herself with a supportive community.
Beyond her professional and online presence, Deepti finds joy in exploring new cafés, experimenting in the kitchen, traveling, photography, and fitness. These passions fuel her creativity and add depth to the stories she shares.
Her advice to aspiring professionals and influencers is simple: Keep learning, embrace challenges, and stay true to your passion. Your authenticity is your greatest asset.
Her journey is a testament to resilience and self-belief. Every challenge has been a stepping stone, shaping her into someone who not only inspires but also empowers others to pursue their dreams with confidence.
Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri, Veterinarian & Entrepreneur
Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and researcher dedicated to animal healthcare and scientific innovation. She is the founder of Petblooms Pet Clinic in Navi Mumbai, director and founder of Swadesh Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd., and director at Inova Naturals. Her journey began with an intense love for animals, nurtured by her maternal grandfather, Dr. Vithhal Katole, who supported her passion from an early age. This love was further strengthened by her husband, Dr. Ajaykumar Balraj Kanduri, also a veterinarian, who encouraged her to believe in herself and actively supported her career.
Despite the challenges of being a woman in veterinary medicine, she remained undeterred. She attributes her resilience to her husband’s sacrifices, her mother’s relentless hard work, and her father’s expertise as a doctor. Her patients—animals—do not differentiate based on gender; they respond only to love and care. This unconditional trust fuels her determination to continue making a difference.
Beyond clinical practice, she is actively engaged in research and innovation. As the co-inventor of two filed patents and the owner of several registered trademarks, she believes in using scientific advancements to improve the lives of animals and humans alike. Conservation of the ecosystem is at the heart of her mission, and she envisions global collaborations to refine and implement groundbreaking innovations effectively.
Her journey has been filled with hurdles, losses, and challenges, but she embraces them as part of the process. She believes that success is not about avoiding difficulties but about persevering through them. To aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, she emphasizes that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but passion, perseverance, and belief in one’s vision are the keys to success. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication and the impact of unwavering commitment to a cause
On World Health Day 2025, Mumbai Uncensored proudly honors ten exceptional doctors who are transforming healthcare in India with their dedication, innovation, and expertise. From pioneering medical advancements to delivering compassionate patient care, these professionals are not just healers but also changemakers shaping the future of medicine.
Their relentless pursuit of excellence has redefined standards in healthcare, ensuring better accessibility, improved treatments, and life-saving interventions. As we celebrate this special day, we shine a spotlight on these inspiring doctors whose contributions continue to make a profound impact on countless lives.
Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, Aesthetic Doctor & Skin expert
Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, a visionary in cosmetic dermatology, has significantly impacted skincare through her ventures, ISAAC Luxe and SkinbyDrG. Her decade-long dedication emphasizes natural beauty and skin health.
Founded in 2012, ISAAC Luxe embodies Dr. Geetika’s commitment to luxury skincare, offering advanced treatments in elegant settings across major Indian cities. Her vision blends timeless skincare with modern technology.
SkinbyDrG, her skincare line, addresses the unique needs of Indian skin, providing accessible solutions tailored to local weather and skin types.
Dr. Geetika’s journey, marked by passion and excellence, has expanded ISAAC Luxe and introduced SkinbyDrG, impacting countless lives. Her achievements include the Times 40under40 award (2023), Times Business Award (2022), and Vogue Beauty Awards (2019). She actively shares her expertise at conferences and on platforms like India Today, Vogue, and NDTV.
Dr. Geetika’s influence extends beyond skincare, promoting self-care and wellness in India. Her holistic approach inspires others in cosmetic dermatology and entrepreneurship, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication.
Dr. Reshma Shah, Preventive Dentistry and Paedodontics expert
Dr. Reshma Shah is a dentist specializing in Preventive Dentistry and Paedodontics, dedicated to creating positive dental experiences, especially for children. Her personal struggle with dental phobia as a child became the driving force behind her career, fueling a mission to ensure that no child should fear visiting the dentist. With a firm belief that a smile is the most powerful social tool, Dr. Shah chose dentistry as it beautifully blends science, creativity, patient interaction, and entrepreneurship.
Her professional journey has been defined by empathy and innovation. One of her most powerful moments came when she successfully treated children with severe dental anxiety—cases where other dentists recommended general anesthesia. With a child-friendly approach and compassionate care, Dr. Shah completed these treatments without hospital admission or sedation, earning the trust of her young patients and their families.
Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of dental care hasn’t been without its challenges. From adapting to technological shifts to meeting growing patient expectations, Dr. Shah has learned the importance of constant evolution—her mantra being “update and upgrade.” She also addresses the reality of burnout in her profession and stresses the need for a balanced approach to work and personal well-being.
Her influence extends beyond the clinic, rooted in patient-centered care that not only alleviates pain but restores self-confidence and improves overall quality of life. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Shah has received a Gold Medal from the Special Executive Magistrate’s Society and her clinic was awarded Best Dental Clinic in South Mumbai. She has also been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines across India for her work.
To aspiring healthcare professionals, Dr. Shah offers this advice: wear your white coat with pride, work hard, build character, and never lose sight of yourself. A successful doctor is one who not only heals others but also maintains their own well-being.
Anupam, Founder – Anupam Holistic
Anupam, the visionary founder of Anupam Holistic, is redefining health and wellness through integrative nutrition. As the first Indian trained in holistic treatments for autoimmune and gut diseases, she brings over two decades of corporate experience and has transformed lives in more than 20 countries.
Her journey into holistic healing was deeply personal—born from her own health struggles, which fueled a passion for addressing the root causes of chronic illnesses. Under the mentorship of globally renowned experts like Dr. Terry Wahls, she developed a unique, personalized approach that integrates nutrition, lifestyle changes, and mental well-being to support gut health and autoimmune conditions.
Anupam works with individuals facing complex health challenges such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, lupus, and thyroid disorders. Rather than just managing symptoms, her philosophy focuses on uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of disease. By emphasizing long-term remission and the harmony of body, mind, and soul, she has positioned Anupam Holistic as a leader in integrative nutrition in India.
Beyond her professional work, Anupam is a lifelong learner who believes in the power of knowledge, perseverance, and holistic healing. Her own transformation from illness to wellness is a testament to what’s possible when science and holistic wisdom come together. She inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to pursue their passions with courage, knowing that true success follows dedication and purpose.
Dr. Riddhi Doshi, Fertility specialist & IVF expert
Dr. Riddhi Doshi, a leading fertility specialist and IVF expert in Mumbai, has dedicated her career to helping couples navigate the challenges of infertility. As the founder of her IVF clinic, she specializes in advanced reproductive treatments such as IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, and fertility preservation, offering personalized, evidence-based care to those struggling to conceive.
Her journey into reproductive medicine was driven by the emotional toll infertility takes on couples. Witnessing their struggles firsthand ignited a passion for making parenthood possible for those who had lost hope. The ever-evolving field of fertility science, combined with the deeply personal impact of every successful case, continues to fuel her commitment to the profession.
What sets her clinic apart is its blend of cutting-edge technology and a compassionate, patient-centric approach. Beyond medical treatments, she emphasizes holistic fertility care, integrating lifestyle modifications and emotional counseling to support patients through their journey. With high success rates and a strong commitment to ethical, transparent protocols, her clinic stands as a trusted name in reproductive health.
Over the years, IVF has advanced tremendously, with innovations like time-lapse embryo monitoring, AI-assisted embryo selection, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). These breakthroughs have significantly improved success rates while making the process more patient-friendly. Despite these advancements, misconceptions about IVF persist. Many believe it’s a last resort or that it guarantees success in a single cycle, while others fear that IVF babies are weaker—myths that scientific research has long disproven.
Among her most memorable cases was a couple in their 40s who had faced multiple IVF failures at other clinics. With a customized approach and holistic interventions, they finally conceived. The moment they held their baby after years of struggle reaffirmed why she chose this path.
Beyond medical expertise, Dr. Doshi recognizes the critical role of lifestyle and diet in fertility. Poor nutrition, stress, and obesity can negatively impact reproductive health, which is why she incorporates dietary plans, stress management techniques, and even yoga into her patient care.
For aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals, her message is clear: medicine is not just a career; it’s a responsibility. In fertility treatment, empathy is just as essential as expertise.
Special Editions
From Dreams to Reality: Top 10 Entrepreneurs Redefining the Indian Wedding Industry
The Indian wedding industry, often synonymous with grandeur, innovation, and cultural significance, is undergoing a remarkable transformation in 2025. At the forefront of this evolution are ten trailblazing entrepreneurs who have redefined how weddings are envisioned and executed.
From crafting opulent Big Fat Indian Weddings to setting global trends in luxury, technology, and personalization, these visionaries are reshaping the industry. Their contributions go beyond aesthetics, introducing innovative business models, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technology to elevate every celebration into an unforgettable experience.
Mehak Shahani, Co-Founder of WedMeGood
Mehak Shahani co-founded WedMeGood, a leading wedding portal and resource guide, with her husband in 2014. Based in Gurugram, the platform simplifies wedding planning for users, offering curated vendor lists, inspiration, and tools to plan every detail.
In September 2015, WedMeGood secured Rs 2.7 crore in funding from the Indian Angel Network (IAN), followed by $2.6 million in a Series A funding round from Orchid India last month. Mehak, a postgraduate from the Delhi School of Economics (DSE), previously worked as a risk manager at American Express. A true multi-tasker and serial entrepreneur, she also runs a popular makeup and fashion blog, Peaches and Blush.
Rishav Poddar, Founder – ShaadiNamaa
Rishav Poddar, the visionary founder of ShaadiNamaa, has established a prominent presence in the Indian wedding industry over the past 12 years. His company is dedicated to creating unforgettable wedding experiences by offering end-to-end planning services—from conceptualization to execution—helping couples turn their dream weddings into reality.
Rishav’s passion for weddings and event management led him to create ShaadiNamaa. His journey began with planning his first wedding over a decade ago, and his expertise and commitment quickly earned him word-of-mouth referrals. This helped his business grow steadily, leading to ShaadiNamaa’s position as one of India’s top wedding planning companies.
ShaadiNamaa has successfully planned weddings across India, from intimate celebrations to large-scale events. Among its notable achievements are two destination weddings in Rajasthan that were featured in renowned wedding magazines. The company has also had the honor of planning weddings for prominent Indian families.
The wedding planning industry is highly competitive, and Rishav faced the challenge of standing out in this crowded space. To overcome this, ShaadiNamaa focused on delivering exceptional customer service, personalized wedding designs, and experiences that reflect the unique personalities of each couple. Their attention to detail has set them apart from competitors.
Rishav finds inspiration in his clients’ joy, which fuels his dedication to creating memorable experiences. The creativity and innovation of other wedding professionals also inspire him to stay at the forefront of trends in the industry.
To stay ahead in the ever-changing wedding space, ShaadiNamaa keeps up with the latest trends through industry events, workshops, and social media. Networking with other wedding professionals and encouraging creative thinking within the team allows ShaadiNamaa to continuously offer fresh, innovative ideas to make each wedding unique.
Rishav advises aspiring entrepreneurs to build strong relationships with clients, vendors, and industry peers. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, flexibility, and organization, and encourages newcomers to think outside the box. Unique and creative ideas often make all the difference in this competitive field.
One of Rishav’s most unforgettable moments was planning a wedding for a couple who had been engaged for 10 years. The couple’s emotional joy and the beautiful exchange of vows reaffirmed his passion for the industry and reminded him of his purpose: to create lasting memories for couples on their special day.
As the Indian wedding industry continues to evolve, Rishav envisions ShaadiNamaa leading the way in wedding design and planning. The company is committed to embracing sustainable, eco-friendly practices while providing exceptional experiences. Rishav’s vision is to continue shaping the future of weddings in India, ensuring each event is as unique as the couple it celebrates.
Nitin Mathur, Co-founder – The Wedding Square
Nitin Mathur, co-founder of The Wedding Square, has spent over 27 years crafting unforgettable wedding experiences that blend tradition with contemporary elegance. His journey into the wedding industry began unexpectedly through event planning, but the magic of orchestrating celebrations that bring families together quickly became his passion.
With The Wedding Square, Nitin and his team transform each couple’s vision into reality, handling every detail—from venue selection to décor and coordination—so families can fully immerse themselves in the joy of the occasion. Whether it’s a grand affair in Italy, France, or Spain, or an intimate gathering in India, he ensures every wedding is personal, meaningful, and flawlessly executed.
Building a brand in such a competitive industry hasn’t been without challenges. Trends evolve rapidly, expectations are diverse, and destination weddings bring their own complexities. But for Nitin, each obstacle has been an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and push creative boundaries. His greatest inspiration comes from the couples and families he works with—their stories, traditions, and dreams fuel his passion to redefine wedding planning in India.
Staying ahead in the industry requires constant learning. Nitin travels, collaborates with global creatives, and immerses himself in diverse cultural experiences to bring fresh perspectives to his designs while honoring timeless traditions. Through his work, he has witnessed firsthand how weddings can be more than just extravagant events; they can be deeply personal experiences that bridge cultures and create lasting memories.
Looking ahead, he envisions the Indian wedding industry embracing both grandeur and sustainability. With The Wedding Square, he hopes to pioneer practices that not only create spectacular celebrations but also leave a positive impact. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: stay authentic, listen to your clients, and never lose sight of the joy that weddings bring.
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