Special Editions
The Unstoppable 25: Tales of 25 Indian Women Making Waves in 2025
In a year defined by resilience, innovation, and bold change, The Unstoppable 25 brings you the stories of 25 phenomenal Indian women who are leading the charge. From tech to arts, social impact to entrepreneurship, these women are not just breaking barriers—they’re rewriting the rules altogether.
Each of their journeys is a testament to courage, grit, and vision. Whether it’s challenging the status quo, paving new paths in male-dominated spaces, or inspiring communities with their unwavering determination, these changemakers are setting the tone for the future.
This special feature celebrates their drive, their triumphs, and the powerful ripple effects of their work across the country. As we spotlight their achievements, we also honor the spirit of every woman who dares to dream and do. Meet the 25 women who aren’t just making waves in 2025—they’re shaping the tides of tomorrow.
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.
Dr. Geeta Sajid Fazalbhoy, Founder & Managing Director – Skin & You Clinic
Dr. Geeta Sajid Fazalbhoy is a certified dermatologist and aesthetic medicine expert with over 15 years of experience. As the Founder and Managing Director of Skin & You Clinic, she specializes in anti-aging treatments, lasers, skin rejuvenation, and advanced face-lifting procedures. Her passion for dermatology was sparked during her medical studies—after earning her MBBS in Mumbai, she pursued dermatology in Cardiff, UK, and later received her certification in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
Over the years, Dr. Geeta has built a reputation for precision, innovation, and patient-focused care. With clinics in Nariman Point and Bandra, and a new centre underway in Mumbai, her journey is one of constant growth. She proudly treats both Indian and international patients and keeps herself updated through global conferences and trainings.
Her biggest inspiration has always been her mother, whose resilience and dedication left a lasting impression. As a woman in the medical profession, Dr. Geeta believes that challenges in the workplace are universal, but it’s consistency, hard work, and staying true to your values that truly define success.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Geeta is a devoted mother of three and a fitness enthusiast. Balancing her thriving career and family is her proudest achievement.
Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Have patience. Everything takes time. Stay grounded, hold onto your values, and success will follow.”
She credits much of her success to her faith and the unwavering support of her loved ones, who have always believed in her journey.
Bhavna Harchandrai, PROPRIETOR – Fitness Fundas studio
Bhavna Harchandrai, an INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and PROPRIETOR of Fitness Fundas studio in Malabar Hill, Mumbai, is a well-known name in India’s fitness industry. She has built her career on a foundation of passion, resilience, and continuous learning. From being a Throwball champion and SPORTS CAPTAIN in school to pioneering new fitness formats in India, her journey is a testament to what dedication and self-belief can achieve.
Her interest in fitness began early. As a student in the ’90s, she would save her allowance to enroll in aerobics classes—the very first of their kind in Mumbai. While working at Maersk India and preparing for her MBA, she observed how many high-achieving professionals were leading stressful, sedentary lives. That insight pushed her to pursue a full-time career in fitness, choosing health over the hustle of corporate life. Over the last 25 years, she has earned numerous certifications including Pilates, Animal Flow, and Zumba, and has introduced India to innovative formats like Boot-Camp, Trampoline Fitness, and Penalty Box training.
Bhavna’s career has seen many highs—being Head of Group Exercise at Gold’s Gym and other major studios, writing for top publications like Vogue and Hindustan Times, and becoming an Under Armour athlete. She also authored ‘5 Fingers of Fitness’, which became an Amazon bestseller, and has even hosted a fitness show on Tata Play. But she is quick to acknowledge the lows, embracing them with the same energy and optimism. Her guiding belief is simple yet powerful: if there’s even a 2% chance of success, it’s worth giving your 100%.
Her inspiration comes from her grandmother, a refugee from Partition-era India, who instilled in her the value of hard work and learning. Bhavna’s sessions reflect her unique, creative approach—combining elements like boxing drills on a step or yoga flow with stability balls to keep fitness both fun and functional.
Away from the studio, Bhavna finds joy in cooking, meditation, and decorating her home. Her message to the world is grounded and real: progress takes time, and every small effort counts.
Pixie Singh Salaria, Founder – ZERQASH by Pixie
Pixie Singh Salaria is the creative force behind ZERQASH by Pixie, a bespoke couture label inspired by the grandeur of India’s royal gharanas. As the Founder, Couturier, and Stylist, Pixie blends heritage with elegance, curating heirloom-inspired designs with an eye for detail and refinement.
Her journey into fashion was serendipitous. Designing her own ensembles for family occasions, Pixie was encouraged by her daughter to transform her passion into a brand—and that leap of faith paid off. Today, ZERQASH is recognized for its luxurious fabrics, impeccable craftsmanship, and loyal clientele built through goodwill and word of mouth.
Before fashion, Pixie carved her path in the world of entertainment. She is a seasoned film producer and television presenter, having worked with BAFTA and showcased her film at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. This creative background laid the foundation for her aesthetic sensibilities and storytelling through design.
Pixie takes pride in being her own inspiration. She believes empowerment is inherent in every woman and is often only realized when she steps into her purpose. For her, the entrepreneurial journey has been more about self-discovery than struggle.
Outside of ZERQASH, Pixie is a devoted wife and mother, closely involved in her family’s ventures and household. She values balance, integrity, and teamwork in both business and life.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: hustle like a struggler, build a strong network, and never wait for the perfect moment. She emphasizes the power of goodwill, consistency, and continuous learning—at any age. Pixie’s story is a blend of grace, grit, and vision, proving that when passion meets purpose, success follows in style.
Aditi Nanda Singh & Karishma Jasra, Co-founders – Rooting Back
Rooting Back is the brainchild of Aditi Nanda Singh and Karishma Jasra, two certified holistic health coaches who believe that true wellness begins by healing our relationship with food. Born from their shared desire to simplify wellness, their approach merges ancient wisdom with modern realities. For them, health isn’t a restrictive pursuit but a nourishing, expansive journey—one that integrates mindful eating, emotional well-being, and sustainable lifestyle habits.
Their individual paths to healing form the foundation of Rooting Back’s mission. Both Aditi and Karishma faced their own struggles with stress, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation, leading them to question conventional health norms. What started as personal healing turned into a calling to guide others in reconnecting with their bodies, building resilience, and thriving from within. They view health as deeply individual, and their coaching reflects this: personalized, practical, and rooted in science as much as in self-awareness.
Whether it’s working with women navigating hormonal health, families looking to improve their daily food habits, or individuals seeking a more conscious way of living, Aditi and Karishma bring compassion and clarity to every session. Their programs are not about quick fixes they’re about small, powerful changes that last.
To them, the kitchen is a place of healing, not restriction. They believe food should be joyful, vibrant, and deeply connected to self-care. With Rooting Back, they hope to shift the wellness narrative from fear to freedom, from confusion to clarity. Together, they are building a movement that encourages people to tune in, slow down, and root back into themselves.
Dr. Geetanjali V. Saxena, Founder & MD – The Institute of Holistic Sciences
Dr. Geetanjali V. Saxena is a spiritual healer, therapist, and life coach whose work bridges ancient wisdom and modern healing. As the Founder and Managing Director of The Institute of Holistic Sciences, UK-accredited by the IPHM, she has spent over two decades guiding people across the globe toward emotional and spiritual liberation.
Her journey began at home, under the influence of her mother, Shree Vijaylaxmi Saxena a respected astrologer who first introduced her to the spiritual sciences. While astrology sparked her curiosity, Geetanjali felt drawn to deeper soul-level healing. She went on to master diverse modalities like Past Life Regression, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Akashic Records, and Family Constellation Therapy eventually launching her own institute to teach, mentor, and heal.
Building credibility in the holistic sciences wasn’t easy, especially as a woman navigating societal perceptions. But Dr. Geetanjali met every challenge with grace and perseverance. Today, she has worked with thousands of clients and trained hundreds of students empowering many to become financially independent and soul-aligned practitioners.
Her greatest joy lies in transformation: watching clients shed karmic burdens, and students evolve into confident, conscious healers. For her, success is measured in breakthroughs, not titles.
Outside her professional life, she finds balance in nature, meditation, and creating spiritual content whether it’s guided meditations or online courses. Her message to others is clear: trust your inner calling. “The journey may not be traditional, but if it feels aligned with your soul, it’s yours to walk.”
With humility and wisdom, Dr. Geetanjali continues to hold space where science meets soul and where healing becomes a way of life.
Dr. Gargi Kandhari, Endodontist (MDS), Founder – Facecraft
Dr. Gargi Kandhari’s journey is rooted in legacy, but driven by personal experience and passion. A doctor by qualification and a skincare entrepreneur by choice, she continues a remarkable three-generation dermatology tradition. Her story began with a struggle that many can relate to extra-sensitive skin that reacted to almost every product she tried. After years of trial and error, she finally found a few products that worked, thanks to the help of her husband, Rajat, a third-generation dermatologist and now co-founder of their brand, Facecraft. But those solutions were mostly imported, hard to source, and often inaccessible to the Indian consumer.
That realization sparked a deeper mission: why couldn’t science-backed, dermatologist-formulated skincare be made right here in India, yet stand tall next to the best global brands? With that question, Facecraft was born. It took them three years of research, development, and the wisdom of three dermatology generations to perfect their first formulations. When they finally launched at the end of December, the response was beyond encouraging over 8,000 units sold across their clinics, through fellow dermatologists, and online on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and their own D2C website. But for Gargi, true success came not in numbers, but in the repeat orders and heartfelt messages from customers who saw real results.
Her biggest inspiration is the vision of building a brand people can trust especially those with difficult, reactive skin like hers. She’s also deeply inspired by the multitasking women who juggle their homes and careers with grace, something she relates to as a founder and a mother. Navigating the manufacturing world was new and challenging, but she embraced it head-on.
To her, entrepreneurship is a marathon. Her advice? Stay focused, keep going, and trust the process. Because when the product speaks for itself, success follows.
Bhawna Vashishta, Founder – Matrivow
Bhawna Vashishta’s story is one of quiet strength, passion, and persistence. Starting her journey in the education industry back in 2006, she spent years building meaningful relationships and understanding people on a deeper level. That very understanding eventually laid the foundation for her own venture—Matrivow, a premium matchmaking service tailored exclusively for the elite. Her shift from education to personalized matchmaking was organic, driven by a desire to create something rooted in trust, quality, and exclusivity.
Over nearly two decades, Bhawna has balanced the demands of her professional aspirations with the responsibilities of home. Her consistency, even through challenges, has been her defining trait. Coming from a grounded army background, values like discipline and simplicity have always guided her. But it was the unwavering support of her husband that truly empowered her to chase her dreams. Like many women entrepreneurs, she faced her share of skepticism and the constant balancing act between personal and professional life—but she faced it all with quiet resilience.
Beyond her business, Bhawna finds joy in spending time with family and engaging in conversations that uplift and add value. She believes in growing not just professionally, but as a person. Her message to others is simple yet powerful—believe in your vision, stay passionate, and keep showing up. Success may take time, but with heart and perseverance, it always finds its way.
Shreeda Kirtikar, Founder – Spunk Entertainment, Metta Talent, & Sage Events & Experiences
Shreeda Kirtikar’s journey in the entertainment industry started right after she graduated with a degree in Mass Media. Her first job was managing the popular boy band ‘A Band of Boys’ at an agency, and it didn’t take long for her to realise she had found her calling. The energy, chaos, and creativity of the industry felt like home. After gaining experience and understanding the inner workings of the business, she took a leap of faith and launched her own startup and never looked back.
Now, with over 15 years in the field, Shreeda runs three successful ventures Spunk Entertainment, Metta Talent, and Sage Events & Experiences alongside her husband. Each company has its own identity and space in the industry, and together they reflect her passion, hustle, and dedication. She doesn’t credit her journey to any single source of inspiration but says she’s constantly learning from people around her. Still, she firmly believes her parents have played the biggest role in shaping her always supporting her choices and pushing her to stay true to herself.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry hasn’t been easy. There were moments where she had to fight harder to be heard, taken seriously, or trusted with big responsibilities. But instead of letting it weigh her down, she used it as fuel to become stronger, sharper, and more confident.
Outside of work, Shreeda loves to travel she’s visited almost 20 countries so far and she’s currently learning to play the piano. She’s also a big coffee enthusiast and loves picking up new skills whenever she can. Her advice to anyone starting out is simple: take the risk. There’s a version of yourself you haven’t even met yet, and the only way to find her is to step outside your comfort zone.
Sneha Tiwari – Digital Creator
Sneha Tiwari is a established HR professional who has spent the last decade building teams and transforming workplaces in a leading multinational company. Her journey, however, spans far beyond boardrooms. Raised across India in an Air Force family, Sneha’s adaptability and people skills were shaped by her diverse upbringing. With a degree from Delhi University and an MBA in HR, she built her career on empathy, resilience, and an unshakable work ethic.
But Sneha is more than her designation. While managing a demanding career, she also carved her space in the digital world, growing a community of over 100K followers through raw, empowering content. Her story isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. From battling stereotypes and burnout to embracing her many roles as a wife, daughter, leader, and creator, she’s faced it all with quiet strength.
Her greatest inspiration? Her mother—a living example of grace under pressure. Sneha continues to draw from that well of strength, using her voice to remind women that they don’t have to choose between ambition and authenticity. Whether she’s managing a team, dancing off stress, or creating content late into the night, Sneha leads with heart.
Her message is simple: Own every part of who you are. The world needs your story, your fire, your voice.
Supriya Deshmukh, Founder – IPerfect Dermatology & Aesthetics
Supriya Deshmukh is a board certified dermatologist, trichologist, and dermatosurgeon based in Thane, known for her ability to create transformations and providing ethical care to her patients. From an early age, she was determined to become a doctor—a dream she chased with unwavering focus. Her dedication paid off when she earned a high rank in the medical entrance exams and secured admission to the prestigious Grant Medical College. She not only excelled academically but also topped her final year exams, marking the beginning of a deeply personal connection with the field of dermatology.
Falling in love with the subject, she went on to clear multiple competitive exams before securing an MD seat in Dermatology at DY Patil Medical College in Pune. There, too, her excellence stood out as she earned a gold medal for her academic performance. After completing her postgraduation, she established her clinic, which she has been running successfully for the past 13 years, helping people with skin, hair, and cosmetic concerns with a blend of medical expertise and compassionate care.
Supriya draws her strength and inspiration from her parents, whose hardships and perseverance deeply shaped her worldview. She believes that medicine is not just a profession but a calling—something you must be truly passionate about to survive and thrive in. Without that inner fire, she says, it’s almost impossible to endure the challenges of a medical career.
Outside of her clinic, she is also a trained classical singer and runs a parallel jewellery business, managing both professional and personal roles with remarkable balance. A proud mother to a nine-year-old son, Supriya’s journey is a powerful reminder that passion, grit, and love for what you do can turn even the toughest dreams into reality.
Dr. Priyanka Popli, Founder – Tone House Fitness
Dr. Priyanka Popli’s journey is one of transformation both personal and collective. A dentist by education, she found her true calling not in a clinic, but in the rhythm of movement and the resilience of the human spirit. Her own teenage struggles with weight, emotional eating, and a shaken self-image became the catalyst for something bigger. What began as a personal healing process slowly evolved into a passionate mission: to help women reclaim their strength, inside and out.
Today, she leads a thriving women-only fitness studio that blends strength training, Pilates, dance, and lifestyle coaching. But more than just workouts, her space is about empowerment. What started with just a few clients and a vision has grown into a full-fledged community of women who show up for themselves every single day mentally, physically, and emotionally. Priyanka’s medical background, combined with her deep understanding of women’s health, allows her to offer more than just fitness. She guides her clients through real transformations helping them manage PCOS, beat chronic fatigue, and build confidence from the ground up.
Her inspiration doesn’t come from celebrities or success stories it comes from the women she sees every day: the mom who finds time to train after school runs, the fifty-something lifting weights for the first time, the woman battling medical issues but still showing up.
Priyanka is also a mother, a content creator, and a lover of fashion and storytelling. She balances home, work, and self with grace, and isn’t afraid to dream big or take risks. Her message is clear: Start with purpose, stay consistent, and never doubt your right to take up space.
To her, success isn’t about accolades it’s in the eyes of the women who walk out of her studio taller, stronger, and more sure of themselves. And for her, this is just the beginning.
Khyati Rupani, Founder & Chief Nutritionist – Balance Nutrition
Khyati Rupani’s story is a powerful example of turning personal struggle into global impact. As the Founder and Chief Nutritionist of Balance Nutrition—India’s leading online weight loss platform—she leads one of the most trusted digital nutrition programs in the world, reaching over 75,000 clients across 94 countries, with a remarkable success rate of 99.3%. But behind those numbers is a deeply personal journey marked by resilience, learning, and a relentless desire to help others.
Her passion for health and nutrition began early, backed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and years of experience at Lilavati Hospital. Yet, it was her own battle with PCOS, hormonal weight gain, and postpartum weight loss that made the science deeply personal. Having lost 40 kilos—twice—she saw first-hand the lack of sustainable weight loss programs and realistic Indian diet plans for people dealing with weight-related health issues. That realization led to the creation of Balance Nutrition, a platform built not just to prescribe diets, but to educate and empower individuals with personalized online diet plans.
What started from her living room with a laptop and a dream has grown into a team of over 100 professionals, combining the power of nutrition technology and personalized diet coaching. Alongside her husband Vishal Rupani, who serves as the CEO, Khyati has built more than a business—she’s built a movement toward lifestyle-based health transformation and reversing lifestyle diseases naturally.
Her inspiration lies close to home: her daughter. She believes in raising strong girls with strong values and sees every challenge—from breaking biases in health-tech entrepreneurship to juggling motherhood and business—as a stepping stone.
Khyati continues to mentor young dietitians, speak at public forums, and raise awareness about PCOS reversal, diabetes management, and hormonal balance through food. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: lead with purpose, be patient, and let your authenticity shine. Because for her, true success isn’t just in numbers—it’s in the lives changed and the health transformations delivered, one person at a time.
Aastha Garg, Tarot Reader & Spiritual Life Coach
Aastha Garg’s journey into the spiritual world wasn’t planned it unfolded naturally, almost as if guided by destiny. From a young age, she felt drawn to the mystical the horoscopes in the newspaper were always her favourite part. What began as curiosity soon deepened into a connection. The symbolism and imagery of tarot cards pulled her in, and before she knew it, tarot became not just an interest, but a calling.
She describes her path beautifully: “I didn’t choose tarot, tarot chose me.” It entered her life during one of its darkest chapters, bringing light, direction, and healing. Over the years, tarot has not only transformed her inner world but allowed her to become a source of guidance and support for others. Every session she does, every life she touches those are her real milestones. For Aastha, success isn’t about social media metrics or popularity it’s about trust, transformation, and the silent comfort she offers through her readings.
Her journey hasn’t been without its struggles. As a woman in a space often misunderstood, she faced judgement and resistance. In the early days, there were moments of loneliness and doubt. People questioned her path, and it took resilience to keep walking it. But her belief in herself and the healing power of tarot kept her grounded. Over time, even the skeptics began to witness the changes her work brought not only in her, but in the people she helped.
Alongside her work as a spiritual life coach, numerologist, and tarot reader, Aastha also manages a home. She wears both hats with grace finding meaning in balance, and strength in simplicity. Her message to others is rooted in intention: act from the heart, stay authentic, and let the universe do the rest. Because when you walk your path with purity, success naturally follows.
Heena Aftab, Educator
Heena Aftab is a woman of many hats: an accomplished educator, fashion model, anchor, and debut social media influencer. For over a decade, she has been shaping young minds as an Economics teacher at the higher secondary level with the Julien Day group of schools. At the same time, she has steadily carved a niche for herself in the fashion and entertainment industry, proving that passion and purpose can go hand in hand.
Her journey into modeling began unexpectedly with a pageant win that changed everything. It wasn’t just a crown—it was the start of a new chapter. The confidence and exposure it brought encouraged her to step into the world of runway shows, brand shoots, anchoring events, and now, the evolving space of digital influence. Balancing a full-time academic career with the glamorous, fast-paced fashion world hasn’t been easy, but for Heena, it has been incredibly fulfilling.
Coming from an orthodox background, the road was far from smooth. Choosing a path outside conventional norms came with its share of resistance, judgment, and personal battles. But she didn’t back down. Her story is one of quiet rebellion, of rising above expectations and letting her dreams take flight, one bold step at a time.
Heena finds inspiration in every woman who dares to break stereotypes and live on her own terms. Her life is a living example of resilience, showing others that even in the face of doubt and discouragement, belief in oneself can be the strongest force of change.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Heena is deeply committed to animal welfare. She actively cares for stray animals and has adopted several dogs over the years—one of whom rules her home as its beloved prince. Her sense of compassion extends beyond people to the voiceless, and she uses her growing online presence not only to celebrate fashion and lifestyle but also to champion meaningful causes.
To aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, her advice is simple yet profound: Don’t wait for the right time. Start now. Even if no one believes in you—believe in yourself. Her story, still unfolding, is a powerful reminder that with courage, consistency, and heart, transformation is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
Meghna Tewari, Founder & Managing Partner – Bigsarees
Meghna Tewari is the Founder and Managing Partner of Bigsarees, a premium clothing brand dedicated to celebrating India’s rich textile heritage. With over 25 years of experience as a marketing professional, she made a significant shift from corporate life to pursue a more purpose-driven path. Her journey began as a passion project inspired by her love for Indian culture, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. What started as a modest initiative has now grown into a thriving brand that supports artisans across the country and builds a global community around handloom artistry.
Raised in a defence family, Meghna carries the values of discipline, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that have guided her through both corporate corridors and entrepreneurial challenges. Bigsarees is more than just a fashion label; it’s a revival movement for forgotten weaves and crafts. Through her digital presence, Meghna also shares stories of tradition, textiles, and the powerful women behind the looms, creating meaningful connections with audiences worldwide.
Her inspiration comes from the everyday women she encounters—homemakers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and dreamers. As a woman entrepreneur navigating a traditional industry, she has faced the complexities of balancing societal expectations with business goals. Yet, her emotional intelligence and strong sense of purpose continue to fuel her mission. Her joint family and their unwavering support have been her foundation.
Outside of her business, Meghna is a yoga enthusiast, cultural explorer, and mentor to young professionals and aspiring women entrepreneurs. She believes success lies not in numbers but in the impact—whether it’s a customer’s heartfelt message or an artisan receiving long-overdue recognition. For Meghna, every saree sold is a story shared, a tradition preserved, and a step forward in empowering communities—one weave at a time.
Sonal Arora, Founder – 6meal
Sonal Arora is the founder of 6meal, a wellness venture rooted in the belief that food is
powerful medicine. With a background in media and marketing, Sonal’s path took a
transformative turn when a close family member reversed diabetes through mindful eating.
Inspired by this personal experience and her own journey toward healthier living, she spent
over a year researching nutrition before launching 6meal.
6meal isn’t just a healthy meal delivery service—it’s a deeply personalised metabolic health
solution. Each plan is designed to support weight loss, hormonal balance, gut health, and
overall well-being through chef-crafted meals backed by nutrition science. Sonal’s mission is
to shift the public perception of food from mere calories to a form of self-care and preventive
healthcare.
As a woman and mother, Sonal has balanced the demands of entrepreneurship and
parenting with quiet determination. From managing her child’s school schedule to
overseeing kitchen audits and client relationships, her days are full and purposeful. She’s
driven by the resilience of the people 6meal serves—working professionals, new mothers,
and those fighting lifestyle diseases.
Beyond her business, Sonal is a committed learner, mindfulness advocate, and believer in
building both a positive team culture and a supportive home environment. She views
success not by titles or numbers but by the impact made—when a client says they feel better
or no longer need medication.
With a growing clientele that includes professionals and public figures alike, Sonal hopes
6meal becomes a wellness movement grounded in sustainability, healing, and purpose. Her
philosophy is simple: respect your body, and it will respect you back. Through 6meal, she’s
proving that real change starts one nourishing, personalised meal at a time.
Smriti Parasar, Phonics coach, Parent coach & Content creator
Smriti Parasar is a certified phonics coach, parent coach, and content creator who has made it her mission to support parents in raising confident, kind, and emotionally healthy children. Her journey began during the lockdown, when she started blogging about her pregnancy and early motherhood experiences. What started as a form of expression soon grew into a deep passion for helping others navigate the challenges of parenting. Her growing interest in child development and mental health led her to pursue professional certifications, transforming her personal journey into a purpose-driven career.
Before stepping into this new path, Smriti worked in the financial sector for six years. Transitioning from that structured environment to being a stay-at-home mother and then shifting careers was not easy. Yet, her belief in the value of emotional growth and mindful parenting gave her the courage to follow her passion. Smriti’s work stands out for its authenticity—she shares honest and relatable parenting content that resonates with countless mothers and fathers.
Her own experiences, especially as a mother, have been her biggest source of inspiration. Despite the challenges, Smriti has built a meaningful career that aligns with her values. She also finds joy in dancing, photography, music, and spending time with her daughter. Living in Mumbai, she feels blessed to be surrounded by a supportive community that has uplifted her journey.
For Smriti, success isn’t measured by numbers but by the impact she makes. Every message from a parent who feels seen or supported reaffirms her purpose. Through her work, she continues to champion the idea that with love, empathy, and the right guidance, we can raise not just good children, but strong, emotionally secure human beings.
Keshavi Chahar, Founder – BMAC by Kasey
Keshavi Chahar is a dynamic force—founder of BMAC by Kasey, a charming café and bakery in Mathura, a practicing lawyer, a professional car racer, and a deeply spiritual soul. Her journey is anything but conventional. With formal training as a chef, she poured her passion for food and hospitality into building BMAC from scratch, creating a space that reflects warmth, creativity, and quality. Alongside this, her commitment to law stems from a strong sense of justice and the desire to use her voice to make an impact. Racing, for her, is not just a sport but a thrilling expression of freedom and focus.
Her life is a balancing act between business, courtrooms, racetracks, and spiritual retreats. She navigates it all with quiet resilience and purpose, drawing strength from her inner world. Keshavi speaks of the challenges women face—being doubted, underestimated, and judged—but she meets them with unwavering determination. She believes a woman’s worth needs no external validation; it’s revealed through consistency, courage, and presence.
Beyond her professions, she finds joy in temple visits—especially to those dedicated to Shiva and Krishna—and shares her spiritual journey online. Her interests also extend to interior design and curating meaningful experiences. Whether she’s designing a cake, preparing for a race, fighting a legal case, or sitting in silence at a temple, Keshavi treats every experience as part of one evolving story. She isn’t waiting for a perfect moment—she’s creating her path with authenticity and fire. Her story, as she says, is still unfolding—and it’s one of grit, grace, and relentless spirit.
Dr. Chelana Jain, Clinical Psychologist, Founder – Learning Hub Samadhan Goyam
Dr. Chelana Jain is a Clinical Psychologist, Special Educator, and the founder of Learning Hub Samadhan Goyam — a comprehensive child development and mental wellness center with branches in Hyderabad and Chennai. Her work spans over 12 years, during which she has impacted the lives of more than 12,000 children, families, and professionals. What began as an unexpected detour eventually became her life’s calling — a journey not only of professional success but of profound personal growth and purpose.
Raised in a conservative family where women’s professional ambitions were discouraged, Chelana defied social norms to pursue a meaningful path. Inspired by her mother, a woman of deep wisdom despite limited formal education, she grew up believing that life should be lived with purpose. Her center now offers a range of services under one roof — from occupational and speech therapy to behavioral support, assessments, and professional training — fostering inclusion and early intervention in child development.
Her work is rooted in empathy, perseverance, and a deep commitment to change. Balancing motherhood and a demanding profession, Chelana has faced doubts, judgments, and systemic limitations. But through it all, she has emerged as a voice of strength for women, children, and young professionals across the country. She mentors aspiring therapists, designs curriculums, leads awareness campaigns, and builds communities of care.
To her, success lies not in accolades, but in the everyday — in the child who utters their first word, the parent who finds peace, and the young therapist who dares to dream. She believes that whether one starts by chance or choice, what truly matters is love, consistency, and purpose. Her story is not just about rising above restrictions, but about transforming them into powerful tools for change.
Ayesha Haneef, Business Head – Shikha Aggarwal Sharma – Fat to Slim
Ayesha Haneef serves as the dynamic Business Head of Shikha Aggarwal Sharma – Fat to Slim, a renowned name in the field of diet and nutrition, known for its groundbreaking philosophy: “Eat. Sleep. Loose. Without Exercise.”
In February 2021, amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayesha boldly stepped into entrepreneurship by acquiring the brand’s franchise in Bangalore. What began as a leap of faith soon evolved into a journey marked by exceptional growth and recognition. Today, the brand operates in 115 franchises over-all the globe out of which 15 franchises are managed and operated by Ayesha Haneef.
Deeply inspired by the brand’s founder, Shikha Aggarwal Sharma, Ayesha draws immense admiration from her mentor’s holistic approach to wellness — particularly her emphasis on Indian herbs and spices, which gained even more relevance during the pandemic. That philosophy continues to resonate with Ayesha and her clientele, forming the core of her work.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Ayesha’s entrepreneurial path is guided by resilience, purpose, and grace. Her ability to navigate the complexities of business with unwavering focus stands as a shining example for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Outside of her professional life, Ayesha takes great pride in her roles as a wife, mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law. She believes that true fulfillment lies in balancing personal joy with professional passion. Through her journey, she continues to inspire the next generation — showing that women can lead, nurture, and thrive in every role they choose.
Ravina Grewal Rajpal, Lawyer
Ravina Grewal Rajpal is a lawyer and director whose career reflects quiet strength, sharp intellect, and a deep commitment to purpose. With a specialized focus in intellectual property, media law, and governance, she has steadily built a legal practice that stands on discipline, versatility, and an ability to navigate complexity with clarity. Her journey started in corporate law, grounded in a CA Inter background, before she found herself drawn to the layered world of IP and media. Over the years, she has worked across every tier of litigation from trial courts to the Supreme Court gaining not just experience, but perspective.
Ravina’s decision to pursue law came from a place of curiosity and respect for the intellectual rigor the profession demands. She finds beauty in the grey areas, in the unpredictability of law, and in the space it creates for argument, reason, and impact. While the early days weren’t easy especially as a woman in a field slow to accept female leadership she remained firm. She believes that while bias can delay things, competence always has the final word.
Her inspirations are wide-ranging and not bound by gender whether it’s Michelle Obama’s composure, Taylor Swift’s fearless reinvention, or Ambedkar’s unshakeable pursuit of justice. She draws strength from brilliance, wherever it shows up.
Outside of work, Ravina is a mother to two daughters, a mentor, an avid reader, and someone who finds joy in travelling and meaningful conversation. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: stay disciplined, stay grounded, and keep growing. Success, for her, is not about a single win it’s about showing up every day with intention and integrity. It’s about learning, failing, rising, and never forgetting why you began. And that, she believes, is what keeps you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Jami Joshi, CEO – Trouve Social
Jami Joshi began her journey not by chance but by choice, turning down a secure job offer in the UK to pursue her entrepreneurial vision. While many might have opted for certainty, she followed purpose. Today, she leads Trouve Social, a global social media agency, and plays a key role in educational innovation as Assistant Director at Tapovan Group of Institutions.
Her path has been anything but easy. Juggling multiple roles, navigating male-dominated spaces, and facing the pressures of work-life balance have tested her resilience. Yet through late nights and difficult decisions, she pressed on, building a global team across India, the UK, and the US, and helping brands expand across borders while staying rooted in authentic storytelling.
Inspired by her grandfather’s legacy in education and community upliftment, Jami blends innovation with service. Her work reflects more than just business acumen. It reflects deep values and a desire to make a meaningful difference.
Travel has played a vital role in shaping her worldview, opening her to diverse cultures, ideas, and opportunities. She is equally passionate about mentorship, both guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and learning from seasoned leaders. Her commitment to giving back remains unwavering through involvement in community initiatives that align with her mission.
To Jami, success is not just measured in profits but in lives touched, minds inspired, and futures shaped. In a world that too often sets higher bars for women, Jami did not just rise to meet them. She built her own, redefining success through purpose, impact and leadership.
Tania Dua Khosla
Tania Dua Khosla’s journey is a testament to resilience shaped by experience, struggle, and an unwavering spirit—something she often symbolises through the image of a spider building its web, no matter how many times it falls. From a humble beginning with a ₹1200 salary and the decision to support herself entirely, Tania adapted quickly, driven by ambition and an evolving dream to be a businesswoman. Her Army background helped her embrace change with courage, and her career moved from job to job, each one bringing her closer to her vision.
By the age of 25, she had become the Northern Head of a Chennai-based buying agency. At 27, just after marriage, she became the Country Head for a British firm—an overwhelming yet defining phase. She later took a leap, signing a partnership and owning 50% stakes in a business, only to walk away from it all due to ethical differences. What followed was a dark, depressive spell, until one day, watching a spider weave its web rekindled her willpower. She borrowed money from her father and built herself back from scratch—again.
Her resilience saw her succeed once more, building a company she was proud of—until motherhood demanded she shift focus. Health and time became barriers, but never full stops. Even while battling grade 4 chondromalacia patella, she kept moving, quite literally. As an off-roader and rally enthusiast, she didn’t let age or pain define her. Her most recent chapter began with Glam Studios—a fresh venture, a new passion.
At 55, Tania continues to dream, build, and inspire, proving that setbacks are just set-ups for comebacks. Her story isn’t just about business—it’s about belief. The spider still lives on in her spirit, and she hopes one day her children will read this and understand the power of not giving up.
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba
Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Revati Bhamare, Founder – Revati Nyaan Foundation
Revati Bhamare is a doctor by qualification and the founder of the Revati Nyaan Foundation, a grassroots non profit dedicated to supporting children from low income families through education and exposure.
Born and brought up in Pune, she witnessed the city transform from a quiet university town into a major IT and industrial hub. She completed her schooling at St Anne’s High School, pursued higher education at Fergusson College, and then graduated from BJ Medical College. After working for ten years in Nashik, she returned to Pune in 2010.
The turning point in her journey came during the COVID 19 pandemic in 2021. With schools shut and education shifting online, she realized that many children from government funded schools had little to no access to technology. Most depended on a shared mobile phone that became available only late at night after their parents returned from work. Their academic progress suffered deeply. Seeing this gap, she began teaching English to five children at her home. Word spread, and the number steadily grew. Today, more than 50 students attend classes daily.
The Revati Nyaan Foundation supplements government school curricula by teaching English, mathematics, and science. It also provides computer literacy training and prepares students for the Maharashtra State Certificate in Information Technology. Classes and workshops are conducted from her own home.
Beyond academics, the foundation organizes robotics workshops, art and craft sessions, festival celebrations, birthdays, field trips to places like the NDA, visits to restaurants, exhibitions, and cricket matches. Donation drives for school supplies are held regularly. Revati also visits students’ homes, building trust and emotional bonds while gaining deeper insight into their lives.
The foundation emphasizes practical computer skills such as MS Office, Tally, and typing, recognizing that not all students may pursue higher professional courses. These skills provide employability if circumstances force early entry into the workforce.
Among many success stories, Datta stands out. After losing his father, he joined the foundation with no knowledge of English or computers. With guidance and confidence building, he scored 88 out of 100 in English in his SSC exams and gained admission to Elphinstone College, Mumbai. Former students Suraj and Karan are now pursuing commerce and engineering, crediting their MSCIT certification for giving them an academic edge.
The biggest challenge, according to Revati, is keeping students engaged. She addresses this by making learning interactive and blending academics with enjoyable activities.
Students from grades 4 to 10 are welcome, and even women working as househelp have attended computer classes. Through the Revati Nyaan Foundation, Revati Bhamare continues to bridge gaps in education and create opportunities where they are needed most.
Monica Malik, Clinical Nutritionist and Nutrition Coach
Monica Malik is a Clinical Nutritionist and Nutrition Coach whose work reflects decades of dedication to science based, compassionate healing.
She began her professional journey as a Lecturer in Foods and Nutrition in Government Colleges. Teaching graduate and postgraduate students shaped her perspective deeply. Their curiosity, especially when trying to understand patients’ symptoms, diagnoses, and blood reports with clarity, motivated her to look beyond textbooks. She believed nutrition should not remain theoretical. It must bridge the gap between the latest research and practical, personalized dietary strategies. This belief eventually led her to establish her own clinic, where she transforms medical insights into structured, individualized healing plans.
Her journey has been driven by continuous learning. Staying updated with advancements in health and nutrition remains central to her practice. Over the years, she has witnessed clients recover from gut imbalances, skin disorders, thyroid issues, diabetes, and complex therapeutic conditions. Watching these transformations brings her deep fulfillment. What began as academic engagement evolved into hands on healing supported by teamwork, shared growth, and long term commitment.
Her inspiration comes from her students. Their eagerness to learn encouraged her to continue expanding her knowledge and ultimately begin private practice after superannuation. Transitioning from a long teaching career into entrepreneurship post retirement was not easy. However, she believes growth has no age limit. That belief led to the birth of NUTRITION COACH under her name, Monica Malik, Clinical Nutritionist. She considers being a woman her greatest strength, not a limitation, crediting it for her resilience, empathy, and perseverance.
Beyond clinical practice, she actively engages in social service, delivering lectures and workshops across educational institutions, NGOs, and corporate organizations. She also promotes preservative free fermented foods such as kanji, millet batter, mukhvaas, and high protein ladoos to encourage natural nourishment without artificial additives.
Her message is simple yet powerful: it is never too late to begin. Courage, consistency, empathy, and belief in oneself can build something meaningful at any stage of life.
For Monica Malik, true success is collective. Sustainable growth comes from aligned teams, shared vision, trust, and commitment. Success is not built alone; it is built together.
Dr. Astha Kaushal (Dubey), Gynecologist, obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon
Dr. Astha Kaushal (Dubey) is a gynecologist, obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon, and the founder of Vivitsa Clinic, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based care for women. Her work combines clinical precision with empathy, creating a space where women feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Her journey into gynecology began with a deep desire to support women through some of the most transformative phases of their lives. During medical training, she recognized that women’s health is often surrounded by silence, stigma, and misinformation. She felt compelled to change that narrative. At the same time, she developed a strong interest in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, drawn to its ability to reduce pain, minimize scarring, shorten hospital stays, and help women return to their daily lives sooner.
After completing her post-graduation in obstetrics and gynecology, she chose to refine her expertise in laparoscopy, a field traditionally perceived as demanding and male dominated. She was advised to choose easier career paths such as obstetrics alone or IVF. However, her determination and commitment to surgical excellence guided her forward. Today, she performs advanced minimally invasive procedures that prioritize faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.
Alongside her surgical practice, Dr. Kaushal built Vivitsa Clinic as a safe and respectful environment for comprehensive women’s care. She also leverages digital platforms to educate women on topics such as PCOS, infertility, painless delivery, menstrual health, and preventive care, simplifying medical information and encouraging informed decision-making.
Her patients remain her greatest inspiration, their resilience reinforcing her purpose each day. As a woman surgeon, she faced skepticism about handling complex procedures and often had to prove her competence repeatedly. Balancing demanding surgical hours with societal expectations was challenging, yet these experiences strengthened her resilience.
Beyond clinical practice, she mentors young doctors, especially women aspiring to surgical specialties. For her, success is measured not just in milestones but in impact. Every scar avoided, every woman who regains confidence, and every young doctor who chooses courage over comfort reflects the legacy she strives to build.
Dr. Ankita Chaudhari, Consulting Pathologist
Dr. Ankita Chaudhari is a consulting Pathologist based in Nashik, Maharashtra, with over five years of professional experience and a strong academic foundation. Alongside her medical career, she is a devoted mother to her son, Arjun, a role that has profoundly shaped both her personal and creative journey.
Her path into content creation began in 2022 after Arjun was born. What started as a simple idea to create a digital timeline for her son gradually evolved into a meaningful creative outlet. While continuing her responsibilities as a consultant and Lab Director at one of India’s prestigious laboratories, she felt a strong pull toward exploring her creative side. Content creation became a way to document motherhood honestly and preserve precious memories, while also connecting with other women navigating similar experiences.
Over time, her videos transformed from casual posts into heartfelt video logs that reflect the raw and unfiltered reality of motherhood. She consciously chose to highlight that not every day is picture perfect. There are difficult days, emotional lows, and moments of self-doubt that often remain hidden behind curated social media feeds. Through her storytelling, she emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, reminding mothers to extend the same grace to themselves that they so freely give to others.
Her inspiration comes from hardworking mothers everywhere, whether homemakers or professionals. As a new toddler mom, she admits she once believed she could manage everything flawlessly. When plans fell apart and mom guilt set in, she questioned herself deeply. Over time, she realized that motherhood has no manual and no perfect script. Watching her son look at her with unconditional love helped her understand that she was already enough. Motherhood taught her to embrace imperfections and to be kinder to herself.
Beyond medicine and content creation, she enjoys preserving authentic moments of motherhood while also celebrating femininity. She believes that behind every tired mother is the same vibrant woman she has always been.
Her message is clear. You do not have to lose yourself while stepping into new roles. There is no timeline for bouncing back. Be a lifelong learner, protect your peace, and honor your feminine strength. For her, success lies in authenticity, consistency, and meaningful connections built through honesty and integrity.
Nicole Coutinho, Founder – GenoMove Fitness Company & Borivali Run Club
Nicole Coutinho is the Founder of GenoMove Fitness Company and the Borivali Run Club. She is a Certified Fitness Trainer with an MBA in Marketing and a Master of Social Work, bringing together athletic excellence, business strategy, and community development.
A National Gold Medalist and Record Holder in High Jump, Nicole has been training as an athlete since the second grade. Her early exposure to sports shaped her discipline, resilience, and deep respect for physical well being. Alongside her athletic journey, she studied human growth and development in depth and spent seven years working in the development sector within the slums of Mumbai. Later, she pursued marketing and worked with the Partnerships Team at the Lodha Group.
Nicole strongly believes in living a balanced life guided by her four pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance. When she felt that balance slipping and experienced a strong conviction to dedicate herself fully to fitness, she made a bold decision. She stepped away from her corporate career to build GenoMove with a clear mission: to get the generation moving.
Though still in its early stages, GenoMove has seen remarkable growth. In just four months, the community expanded from 9 members to more than 1000. Weekend runs now see an average participation of around 40 people. She also launched “Girls on the Move,” an all women run club created to encourage greater female participation in fitness. The community regularly hosts weekend game sessions including badminton, pickleball, and football. Recently, they organized their own “Celebration Run” Edition 1, where 60 participants completed 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs and were recognized for their achievements.
Nicole draws inspiration from her desire to become the best version of herself and from her faith in God’s guidance. She believes that when one listens carefully and works diligently, the right path begins to reveal itself. Alongside a dedicated team of seven volunteers who help manage community activities with enthusiasm and ownership, Nicole is also supported by a strong and encouraging family whose belief in her vision continues to motivate her journey.
Beyond fitness, Nicole enjoys baking healthy brownies without maida or sugar, singing, watercolor art, creative DIY projects, journaling, and reading.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: if an idea keeps you awake at night, pursue it. Wherever your energy flows, success grows. She approaches life with discipline and positivity, grounded in a consistent morning routine that helps her stay focused on growth and purpose.
Volume X
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba
Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Shalini Munot, Founder of SilvPop Jewels
Shalini Munot is the Founder of SilvPop Jewels, a contemporary silver jewellery brand that celebrates everyday luxury through bold, modern designs.
Coming from a family with a strong legacy in gold jewellery manufacturing, craftsmanship has always been woven into her life. While gold represented tradition and heritage, Shalini felt drawn to create something that reflected her own individuality. Silver, with its versatility and modern appeal, felt fresh and expressive, perfectly aligned with the evolving identity of today’s woman. That vision led to the birth of SilvPop Jewels.
Her journey has been about blending legacy with innovation. She carried forward the technical expertise and manufacturing strength inherited from her family, but built a brand with a distinct and contemporary voice. Establishing SilvPop was not just about launching a jewellery line, but about creating a space where tradition meets bold self expression. Along the way, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship required discipline and resilience. Each milestone reinforced her belief that passion backed by perseverance creates lasting impact.
Her inspiration comes from her family’s unwavering work ethic and from the strong women around her who gracefully manage both home and ambition. Working in a traditionally male dominated industry has meant occasionally having to prove her credibility in business decisions. Managing motherhood alongside entrepreneurship has also required constant recalibration. These experiences, however, strengthened her confidence and shaped her into a more decisive and resilient leader.
Beyond her business, Shalini prioritises family time and takes pride in being a hands on mother. She enjoys exploring fashion trends, curating creative concepts, and continuously learning to evolve both personally and professionally.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward. Do not wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, trust your vision, and remain consistent. Women are capable of building empires while nurturing families. Strength lies in owning both roles fully.
For Shalini, SilvPop Jewels is more than a brand. It reflects her journey as a woman, mother, and entrepreneur. She credits her family, especially her husband, for their unwavering support and belief. To her, success is shared, and gratitude remains at its core.
Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri, Founder of Petblooms Pet Clinic
Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri’s life has always been rooted in healing, compassion, and innovation. A veterinarian by training and a scientist by mindset, she has built a journey that blends clinical care with research and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Petblooms Pet Clinic in Navi Mumbai, she provides compassionate and expert medical care to animals, combining scientific knowledge with genuine empathy for every patient she treats.
Her work, however, extends far beyond the walls of her clinic. Through her ventures Swadesh Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd. and Inova Naturals, Dr. Pooja is contributing to research driven solutions that aim to transform veterinary and human wellness. Her focus lies in developing sustainable and science backed innovations that bridge the gap between research and practical application. By doing so, she hopes to create solutions that not only improve animal health but also contribute to broader ecosystems of care and well being.
Dr. Pooja’s love for animals began at a very young age. Her maternal grandfather played a significant role in nurturing that passion, encouraging her curiosity and empathy toward living beings. Over time, this early influence evolved into a lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine. Throughout her journey, she has also been supported by her husband, Dr. Ajaykumar Kanduri, whose encouragement and shared vision have helped transform ideas into meaningful initiatives.
As a woman navigating both medicine and entrepreneurship, she has encountered her share of resistance and challenges. Yet each obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined. The strength she carries is deeply rooted in her family’s faith in her. Her mother’s dedication, her father’s medical insight, and her husband’s partnership have all played important roles in shaping her confidence and resilience.
At the core of Dr. Pooja’s work lies a belief that science and compassion must always go hand in hand. Her dedication to innovation is reflected in her achievements as a co inventor on two patents and the creator behind several registered trademarks. These accomplishments represent her commitment to translating research into meaningful impact.
Looking ahead, she envisions a future where global collaboration, ecosystem conservation, and scientific advancement work together to benefit both animals and humans. Her mission is to continue developing solutions that support healthier lives while contributing positively to the environment.
For those pursuing their own dreams, Dr. Pooja shares a simple yet powerful message. Let your passion be stronger than your fear. The path may be long and uncertain, but every challenge will shape you into the person you are meant to become. Keep showing up for your vision, stay true to your values, and continue striving to make the difference you were born to create.
Dr. Suruchi Garg, Founder Director and Chief Consultant at Aura Skin Institute
Dr. Suruchi Garg is the Founder Director and Chief Consultant at Aura Skin Institute, Chandigarh. A dermatologist, regenerative medicine researcher, and entrepreneur, she works at the intersection of clinical dermatology, hair restoration science, and longevity focused nutrition and skincare innovation.
Her journey into dermatology began with a deep fascination for the science of skin and hair. During her medical training, she realized that dermatology uniquely blends science, aesthetics, and psychology. It is a field where treatment goes beyond disease management and extends into restoring confidence. Over time, her clinical interest evolved into focused research, particularly in regenerative therapies such as platelet rich plasma and stem cell assisted hair restoration.
What began as clinical practice gradually expanded into academic research and innovation. Dr. Garg has published research in platelet rich plasma and stem cell based therapies and has presented her work at both national and international conferences, contributing to discussions around regenerative dermatology and hair restoration. Her work reflects a commitment to translational research that bridges laboratory science with real world clinical application.
Alongside her clinical and research work, she has been building science led innovations centered on skin, hair, and circadian nutrition. She created her own plant based protein, Protience@8am, described as a globally first circadian rhythm based health supplement designed to align nutrition with biological timing.
Dr. Garg has also been actively working toward true anti aging protocols and has filed a US patent after clearing an Indian patent for a proposed AI based energy device aimed at restoring facial fat while minimizing reliance on external fillers and volumizing products. This work reflects her larger vision of regenerative and longevity focused aesthetic medicine that focuses on restoration rather than temporary cosmetic correction.
Her inspiration comes from women who build excellence quietly and consistently, choosing depth over visibility. Like many women in demanding professions, she has navigated the complexities of balancing multiple roles as a clinician, researcher, entrepreneur, and caregiver. Taking bold academic and professional decisions often required stepping outside conventional expectations, and learning to trust her own voice became one of her most defining lessons.
Beyond her professional commitments, she remains deeply engaged with longevity science, circadian biology, and holistic wellness, where science meets lifestyle medicine. She enjoys writing, mentoring young doctors, and exploring how nutrition, regenerative therapies, and lifestyle medicine can work together to support sustainable health. Quiet moments of reading, reflection, and time with family keep her grounded.
For Dr. Garg, success is not a loud milestone but a steady responsibility. It is built through patient care, research, persistence, and ethical decision making. Her journey continues to evolve with a clear philosophy: build depth before scale and choose credibility over visibility while leading with both science and soul.
Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur, Neurologist
Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur is a neurologist specializing in Movement Disorders, with a strong focus on Parkinson’s disease and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Her work centers on treating patients who struggle with tremors, stiffness, and balance issues caused by neurological conditions. For her, medicine is not only about clinical outcomes but about restoring dignity, independence, and confidence to individuals who feel their bodies are no longer under their control.
Her journey into this field began during her neurology training, when she first encountered patients living with Parkinson’s disease. She was deeply moved by seeing sharp, intelligent individuals trapped in bodies that refused to cooperate. One moment in particular changed the course of her career. During a DBS procedure, she witnessed a patient’s tremor stop instantly during programming in the operating room. The experience was transformative. In that moment, she knew she wanted to dedicate her work to this area of medicine.
Determined to deepen her expertise, Dr. Jaslovleen pursued specialized training in Parkinson’s disease and DBS programs at leading global institutions, including the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London and the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore. These experiences helped her refine her skills in advanced movement disorder care and structured DBS programs, with the aim of bringing global standards of treatment to her own practice.
Her professional journey has been demanding but deeply fulfilling. Movement Disorders is a highly specialized field, and building a comprehensive Parkinson’s and DBS program requires careful planning, precision, and teamwork. The process goes far beyond surgery. It involves patient selection, counselling, surgical procedures, device programming, follow up care, and long term management. Over time, her work has built strong patient trust, and today individuals travel from across different states seeking treatment under her care.
For Dr. Jaslovleen, the most rewarding moments come from seeing patients regain their independence. Many arrive at her clinic anxious and physically dependent on others. When they leave with renewed control over their movements and lives, it reinforces the purpose behind her work.
She draws inspiration from her patients themselves, particularly their resilience in the face of progressive illness. As a woman working in a technically demanding medical sub specialty, she acknowledges that she has sometimes been observed and judged more critically. Instead of viewing this as a disadvantage, she treated it as motivation to challenge stereotypes. In her view, precision, leadership, and expertise are not defined by gender, and strong results eventually speak for themselves.
Beyond clinical practice, she actively creates educational content to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease and treatments like DBS. She believes that accurate information can help patients and families make informed decisions about care. Outside medicine, she enjoys reading and writing poetry, which helps her stay connected to her emotional side and maintain balance in a demanding profession.
Her advice to aspiring professionals is to focus on mastering their craft rather than chasing recognition. Depth, discipline, and continuous learning, she believes, create lasting impact.
For Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur, her journey is not yet a success story. She sees it as a responsibility story. Every patient who enters her clinic places deep trust in her care, and her goal is to continue earning that trust one life at a time. If even one patient regains independence because of her work, she believes that is success enough.
Hardi Shah, Founder of RED ARCH FASHIONS
Hardi Shah is a fashion designer and the founder of RED ARCH FASHIONS, a bespoke label specializing in customized women’s wear. Her brand focuses on sustainable fashion, timeless designs, and outfits crafted entirely in house with dedicated embroidery, stitching, designing, and finishing units to ensure perfect fit and detailing.
Her unique strength lies in saree revamping, where she gives vintage sarees a new life by transforming them into contemporary and elegant creations while preserving their emotional and traditional value.
Hardi’s journey began after marriage, when she stepped into the garment export business to support her husband. Years of exposure to the global market refined her understanding of fabrics, finishing, and quality standards. Over time, her creative instincts grew stronger, and she felt the desire to build something of her own. That is how RED ARCH FASHIONS was born.
During the COVID period, her creativity truly stood out when she designed scarf stole masks using wholesale scrap fabrics, combining fashion, health, and hygiene in an innovative way. This idea brought her recognition and positioned her as a designer who could merge practicality with elegance.
In June 2023, RED ARCH FASHIONS received the opportunity to showcase its designs at the Brand Parade Fashion Show at the MSME Expo held at the World Trade Centre, where Hardi presented an exclusive collection of saree revamping outfits. The showcase highlighted her signature design philosophy of transforming heritage fabrics into modern silhouettes.
In 2022, she also participated in Biz Master 2022, a pageant for budding entrepreneurs, where she emerged as a finalist. She continues to actively participate in apparel exhibitions, expanding her brand visibility and building meaningful industry connections.
Her clientele ranges from a 5 year old child to an 80 year old woman, because she believes fashion has no age limit. She designs twinning family outfits, pre stitched sarees, designer blouses, gowns, Anarkalis, sharara sets, bridal lehengas, and a wide range of women’s and girls’ wear.
Beyond being a designer, Hardi is a housewife and a trained Kathak dancer. She draws inspiration from women who balance home, career, and passion with grace. She believes true growth begins when one steps out of their comfort zone.
Deeply grateful for her supportive family, friends, colleagues, skilled karigars, and loyal customers, Hardi believes success is built through patience, persistence, and self belief. For her, every creation is a step toward refining her craft and celebrating the strength and elegance of women.
Pragya, Creative Director, Textile Designer, Consultant, and Interior Stylist
Pragya’s journey begins in Haridwar, where the Ganges flows with ancient memory and the mountains stand as quiet guardians of tradition. Born into a city steeped in ritual and craft, she grew up absorbing beauty before she had language for it. Embroidered dupattas, temple textiles, bamboo baskets in local markets — these were her earliest design classrooms. Her name means wisdom, and in many ways, it became a quiet prophecy.
Today, Pragya is a Creative Director, Textile Designer, Consultant, and Interior Stylist whose work bridges India’s craft heritage with the global luxury fashion industry. A graduate of NIFT Delhi and later the University of Wolverhampton in England, she learned not only technique but perspective — that Indian craft does not lose its soul on a global stage; it gains a voice. Over seven years, she rose to become a Senior Atelier Designer, contributing to collections showcased at Paris Couture Week and India Couture Week. She later pursued a Master’s at NID to deepen her understanding of weaving and printing, driven by a desire to elevate Indian textiles meaningfully.
Her professional path began at Comma Exports, where she learned the art of transforming ideas into objects people cherish. Representing her company at Ambiente, Germany, was a defining moment — carrying Indian craftsmanship to a global audience. Yet beyond accolades and runways, her truest inspiration remains India’s artisans — the weavers, printers, and craftspeople who carry generations of knowledge in their hands.
As a woman navigating global luxury spaces, she has faced subtle dismissals and expectations to choose between ambition and personal life. She refused. Marriage, homemaking, and creativity coexist in her world. Through her Instagram community “space.n.sense,” she reimagines discarded materials into mindful decor, proving that beauty begins with attention.
For Pragya, success is not a destination but a way of seeing. It lives in fabric, in heritage, in storytelling, and in the courage to weave one’s roots into something entirely original. From Haridwar to Paris, her thread remains unbroken and she is still weaving.
Avneet Adwani, Director at The Choice Fashions
Avneet Adwani is the Director at The Choice Fashions, a family run garment manufacturing and export house that has been operating since 1977. Alongside this legacy business, she is also the Founder and Director of NAAV by Avneet, an ethical clothing label built on the principles of transparency, sustainability, and a deep respect for Indian craftsmanship.
Growing up around textiles and garment production, fashion was always a natural part of Avneet’s world. When she joined the family business, she immersed herself in understanding fabrics, production techniques, and the dynamics of the global garment industry. This experience gave her a strong foundation and a close connection to the artisans and processes that bring clothing to life. Over time, however, she felt a growing desire to build something that reflected her personal values more closely.
That vision led to the creation of NAAV. The brand was born from a desire to bring greater consciousness into fashion by focusing on ethical production, transparency in processes, and celebrating traditional Indian craftsmanship for both Indian and global audiences. Through NAAV, Avneet aims to create clothing that carries meaning, where design, responsibility, and cultural heritage coexist.
Her journey has been a balance between heritage and innovation. Working within a long established family business allowed her to learn the industry deeply, while building her own label gave her the freedom to pursue ideas rooted in sustainability and empowerment. NAAV reflects her belief that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible, supporting artisans and creating opportunities for women within the industry.
Avneet draws inspiration from many sources. Her family, the artisans she collaborates with, and the resilience of women around her continue to motivate her. As a woman in business, she acknowledges that balancing multiple roles can be challenging. Managing responsibilities as an entrepreneur, a mother, and a key member of a family business requires strength and clarity. At times, standing firm in her vision and decisions has required extra determination, but those experiences have also strengthened her confidence and sense of purpose.
Beyond her professional life, Avneet finds inspiration in spirituality, travel, and creative pursuits. These interests keep her grounded and broaden her perspective, often influencing her approach to design and business.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet meaningful. Stay authentic to your vision and build something that reflects your values rather than simply following trends. Entrepreneurship requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to learn continuously. With sincerity and commitment, the path gradually reveals itself.
For Avneet Adwani, success is not defined solely by building a brand. It is about creating a positive impact. If her work through NAAV and the garment industry can empower artisans, support women, and bring greater fairness and transparency to fashion, she believes that is true success.
Suvarna Vijay Bagul, Chef and content creator
Suvarna Vijay Bagul is a chef and content creator whose culinary journey is built on passion, perseverance, and the desire to inspire others through food. For her, cooking is not just about preparing dishes. It is about creating stories, experiences, and meaningful connections that encourage aspiring food enthusiasts to follow their own path in the culinary world.
Her journey took a significant turn when she participated in MasterChef India. Being a contestant on such a prestigious platform pushed her beyond her comfort zone and helped her discover her true potential. The experience refined her cooking skills, strengthened her confidence, and transformed her love for food into a serious professional pursuit. What began as a passion gradually evolved into a fulfilling career.
Since then, her journey has been one of constant learning, growth, and self discovery. Every challenge, opportunity, and setback has contributed to shaping her perspective both as a chef and as an individual. Cooking has taught her patience, creativity, and resilience. Through this journey, she has not only developed professionally but has also gained a deeper understanding of life and the importance of perseverance.
Today, Suvarna’s vision extends beyond personal success. She aims to create value through her knowledge and experiences while also contributing positively to society. Sharing what she has learned and inspiring others to pursue their passion remains a central part of her work.
Her greatest inspiration has always been her father. Watching him navigate life’s ups and downs with positivity and strength left a lasting impression on her. His ability to remain calm and optimistic through difficult times taught her the importance of resilience and a positive mindset.
As a woman, balancing responsibilities has been one of the most demanding aspects of her journey. Managing a household and raising three children while simultaneously pursuing her passion for cooking required tremendous dedication and discipline. There were moments of exhaustion and doubt, but the support of her family and her unwavering determination helped her continue moving forward. Although the path was challenging, she believes every effort was worthwhile.
Outside of her professional life, Suvarna makes it a priority to support underprivileged individuals whenever possible. She believes success becomes meaningful when it is shared and when it contributes positively to the lives of others.
Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is rooted in three core principles. First, respect your time because it is the most valuable resource you have. Second, maintain a balance between professional ambition and personal well being, because success means little without peace and family. Third, believe in yourself. Confidence can open doors that talent alone cannot.
Looking back on her journey, Suvarna believes that her achievements are the result of persistence and passion. She never allowed fear of failure to stop her, nor did she chase success obsessively. Instead, she focused on working wholeheartedly and staying consistent in her efforts. For her, growth is a natural outcome of dedication and authenticity. And as life progresses, she believes it is important to uplift others along the way, because helping people around you brings a deeper sense of purpose to success.
Roshita Pandey, Founder – Druvika Astro World
On Women’s Day, the journey of Roshita Pandey highlights the power of intuition, courage, and self-belief. An IIM graduate who chose to walk away from an eight-digit corporate career, Roshita followed her deeper calling in astrology and spiritual guidance—turning her passion into a meaningful path that now inspires thousands.
As the founder of Druvika Astro World, she has created a platform where astrology becomes a tool for clarity, self-awareness, and empowerment. Through her readings, spiritual coaching, and digital presence, Roshita helps individuals understand planetary influences and make more aligned decisions in areas like career, relationships, and personal growth.
With a strong community of over 260K followers, Roshita has become a trusted voice in modern astrology. As a celebrity astrologer, tarot reader, spiritual coach, and TEDx speaker, she represents a new generation that blends ancient astrological wisdom with contemporary thinking.
Her contribution to the field has been recognized nationally when she was honored as The Best Tarot Card Reader & Spiritual Coach by the Governor of Uttarakhand at a prestigious ET and TOI-hosted ceremony.
This Women’s Day, Roshita Pandey’s journey reminds us that astrology is not just about predicting the future—it is about empowering individuals, especially women, to trust their intuition, understand their life path, and step confidently into their purpose.
Volume IX
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba
Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Akanksha Chaturvedi Jain, Founder – Eduauraa
Akanksha Chaturvedi Jain is the Founder of Eduauraa, an ed tech platform focused on making quality education accessible to students across India. Through Eduauraa, she has worked toward building a learning ecosystem that reaches students at the grassroot level by combining digital learning, school digitisation, and community driven initiatives. Her vision has always been clear. Education should never be limited by affordability, background, or geography.
The idea for Eduauraa took shape while Akanksha was studying at Columbia University. She had initially gone there to study real estate, but during that time she began observing the growing education technology landscape. When she returned to India, she realized that many ed tech platforms were priced in a way that made them inaccessible for a large segment of students. Most models catered only to those who could afford premium learning tools. This gap led her to create Eduauraa, a platform designed with the belief that cost should never become a barrier to learning.
What started as a simple idea gradually evolved into a nationwide learning ecosystem. Eduauraa has now reached and empowered more than five lakh learners across India. One of the defining moments in the company’s journey came when Eduauraa was officially launched by the HRD Minister of India alongside the announcement of a strategic content partnership with ZEE5. Another significant initiative led by Akanksha was India’s largest education camp, where free education was delivered to more than one lakh students. These milestones strengthened Eduauraa’s mission of expanding access to quality learning.
Her work and leadership have been widely recognized. She has been featured by Forbes India, included in the Femina Fab 50 and Grazia Cool List, and appeared on the cover of ELLE India. She has also received the ZEE Education Excellence Award and the ET Inspiring Women Award. While these recognitions mark important achievements, Akanksha remains focused on the larger purpose of her work.
Her biggest inspiration has always been her parents, who supported her ambitions and encouraged her to maintain an open minded approach to life. Their belief in her helped her stay motivated even during challenging phases. Starting her company at the age of twenty two meant that she often faced skepticism. In many professional spaces, people underestimated her because of her age and because she was a young woman entrepreneur. Rather than letting these assumptions hold her back, she chose to let her work demonstrate her capability.
Outside of her professional life, Akanksha enjoys travelling, reading, and meeting new people. She describes herself as an extrovert who enjoys exploring different cultures and experiences around the world.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Passion and persistence are essential. Building a business requires constant dedication, belief in your vision, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when challenges appear.
For Akanksha, success is not defined by awards or titles. It lies in knowing that something she built is helping transform lives through education. And for her, the journey is only just beginning.
Niharika Dogra, Counselling Psychologist, Rehabilitation & Career Counsellor
Ms. Niharika Dogra is a Counselling Psychologist, Rehabilitation and Career Counsellor with over 16 years of experience across clinical, educational, corporate, and defense sectors. Through her work, she focuses on supporting individuals in navigating emotional challenges, career decisions, and personal growth while promoting greater awareness about mental well being.
Her interest in counselling began during her school years. She often observed that many students struggled with academic pressure and personal challenges but did not always have a safe space to express their feelings without judgment. This realization sparked her curiosity about human behavior, emotions, and the importance of psychological support. Over time, she discovered a natural inclination toward listening, understanding, and helping others work through their inner struggles. What began as empathy gradually developed into a sense of purpose, leading her to pursue counselling as a profession.
Over the past sixteen years, Ms. Dogra’s journey has been both professionally enriching and personally transformative. She has worked in diverse settings including clinical environments, educational institutions, corporate organizations, and defense establishments. Being the wife of an Air Force officer has also given her the unique opportunity to experience life across different Air Force Stations and interact closely with defense personnel and their families. In these environments, she has provided preventive counselling and emotional support, helping individuals cope with the psychological demands of military life.
Frequent relocations and exposure to new communities taught her adaptability and resilience, qualities that strongly influence her work today. Throughout her career, she has conducted workshops in schools and universities, delivered lectures including on All India Radio, and consistently contributed toward spreading awareness about mental health and emotional well being. These experiences have deepened her understanding of human resilience and strengthened her commitment to creating supportive spaces for people seeking guidance.
Her greatest inspiration is her mother, a cancer survivor whose courage and resilience demonstrated that healing is not only physical but also emotional and psychological. She also credits her husband for his unwavering encouragement and belief in her journey. Her children continue to motivate her daily, reminding her of the importance of balance, compassion, and patience in both personal and professional life.
Outside her professional responsibilities, Ms. Dogra enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys travelling, listening to music, and occasionally creating video content to spread awareness about mental well being. Continuous learning remains an important part of her life as she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and perspective.
Her message to aspiring professionals is to begin with purpose rather than pressure. She encourages individuals to build competence before chasing visibility, remain patient with their growth, and uphold ethical standards in their work. Taking care of one’s own mental health while building a career, she believes, is equally important.
For Ms. Niharika Dogra, success is not defined by titles or milestones. Instead, it lies in the lives she has been able to support, the stigma around mental health she has helped reduce, and the safe spaces she has created for people to express themselves without fear. She believes that empathy, integrity, and resilience are the true foundations of lasting success, and her journey continues to evolve with that belief.
Deepal Parekh, Interior designer & Founder – DPDS – Deepal Parekh Design Studio
Deepal Parekh is an interior designer and the founder of DPDS – Deepal Parekh Design Studio. With a career spanning more than two decades, she has built a reputation for creating thoughtful and timeless spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Her design philosophy centers on the belief that a home should reflect the personality, lifestyle, and story of the people who live in it.
Design and art have always been an intrinsic part of her life. From a young age, she found herself naturally drawn to colours, materials, and the way environments influence emotions and experiences. What began as a personal passion gradually evolved into a professional calling. Over time, she realized that interior design is not simply about beautifying spaces. It is about creating environments that feel meaningful, personal, and deeply connected to those who inhabit them.
Throughout her journey in interior design, Deepal has developed a philosophy rooted in simplicity and intention. She believes that every element within a space should have purpose and that thoughtful restraint often creates the most powerful impact. Her approach begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle, sensibilities, and vision. Whether designing residential homes or boutique commercial spaces, her goal is always to create interiors that feel timeless, layered, and emotionally connected to their users.
Her inspiration often comes from everyday experiences. Travel, art, architecture, and craftsmanship all influence her design sensibility. She is particularly drawn to natural materials, textures, and spaces that evoke warmth and authenticity.
Like many women in entrepreneurial fields, her journey has not been without challenges. Establishing credibility in a competitive industry while balancing professional ambition with personal responsibilities required resilience, especially during the early years of building her studio. These experiences ultimately strengthened her confidence and helped shape the clarity and conviction she brings to her work today.
Beyond her professional life, Deepal enjoys travelling and exploring art and different cultures, which continuously inspire her creative perspective. She also has a deep love for cooking, which she views as another form of creative expression. Much like interior design, cooking allows her to experiment with flavours, textures, and presentation while bringing people together around shared experiences.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but meaningful. Follow your passion with patience and persistence. Success is rarely immediate. It is built over time through dedication, continuous learning, and staying authentic to your vision.
For Deepal Parekh, success is not measured only through recognition or accolades. It lies in the impact of the spaces she creates and the relationships she builds with her clients along the way. Each project represents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and craft something meaningful. The most rewarding moment, she believes, is seeing a space come alive and knowing that it truly resonates with the people who inhabit it.
Shivani Jain, Founder – Tisharth by Shivani
Shivani Jain is a fashion designer whose journey reflects passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of design aesthetics. Her work focuses on creating clothing that allows women to feel confident, comfortable, and expressive through what they wear.
From a young age, Shivani was naturally drawn to garments and design. She had a keen eye for aesthetics and enjoyed experimenting with styles and silhouettes. This passion led her to start her own label at the age of just nineteen. Beginning a business at such a young age came with its own challenges, but it also gave her the opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve as a designer.
After working on her label for several years, Shivani took a sabbatical and began assisting her husband in his buying agency. While the experience helped her understand the business side of the fashion industry, her true passion always remained in design. The desire to create and express herself through fashion eventually brought her back to the field she loved the most.
In 2016, she launched her brand Tisharth by Shivani, a western wear label designed for women who appreciate stylish, well crafted clothing. Through this label, she focuses on creating designer pieces that remain accessible and affordable. One of the challenges she has faced in her journey is establishing the brand as one that offers designer quality without designer level pricing. Balancing quality, creativity, and affordability requires careful planning and dedication, but it remains central to her brand philosophy.
For Shivani, inspiration can come from many different sources. Rather than following a single role model, she finds inspiration in everyday life, creativity, and most importantly, in the desire to help women feel confident about themselves. Her ultimate goal is to design clothing that makes women feel good about who they are.
Beyond her work as a designer, Shivani enjoys spending time dancing, travelling, and reading. She also loves karaoke evenings filled with music, laughter, and friends. These moments allow her to relax, recharge, and stay creatively inspired.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple yet powerful: keep working towards your goal. Success may not come instantly, but dedication and consistent effort eventually lead you there. Believing in your vision and continuing to move forward, even when challenges arise, is what makes the difference.
Looking back at her journey, Shivani believes that success comes when you put your heart and soul into what you do. One of her dreams was to see her work reach international runways, and she proudly achieved that milestone. For her, that accomplishment stands as a reminder that when passion and hard work come together, dreams can truly turn into reality.
Manat Lamba, Co founder – Yellow Blossom
Manat Lamba is the Co founder of Yellow Blossom, a platform that has become known for giving homegrown brands an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with customers who appreciate unique, independent labels. What began almost by chance has now grown into a strong platform that has supported more than 400 brands over the past decade.
Her entrepreneurial journey began after spending four years working at Ernst and Young. While she gained valuable corporate experience there, she eventually felt the pull to build something of her own. In April 2015, she launched her clothing brand Maisara, driven by a passion for design and quality. Around the same time, her partner was exploring the idea of starting an events business. A casual conversation between them led to the idea of hosting an event to launch their respective ventures. That single event became the starting point of Yellow Blossom, which was formally established in September 2015. Looking back, Manat often describes the moment as one of those unexpected turns in life that end up shaping everything that follows.
Over the years, her journey has been exciting, creative, and constantly evolving. Market conditions, consumer preferences, and industry trends continue to change, and adapting to those shifts has been an essential part of her entrepreneurial experience. Through both Maisara and Yellow Blossom, she has always prioritized quality above all else. While maintaining high standards often brings its own challenges, she believes that quality ultimately builds long term trust and loyalty.
For the past three years, she temporarily paused the operations of Maisara due to the growing saturation in the clothing market. However, the overwhelming number of people encouraging her to revive the brand has reaffirmed her belief that quality and authenticity still matter. Today, the revival of Maisara is already in progress. At the same time, Yellow Blossom continues to grow steadily, with plans underway to expand into cities beyond Delhi.
Rather than pointing to a single individual as inspiration, Manat believes her motivation comes from an inner desire to build something meaningful and lasting. Her goal has always been to create a brand that people recognize, trust, and connect with. She hopes that years from now she will be able to look back with pride at what she has built and perhaps even pass that legacy forward to her daughter.
As a woman in business, she acknowledges that women are sometimes still taken less seriously in professional spaces. However, she also believes women bring a remarkable strength to the table, particularly their ability to manage multiple roles at once. Being a business owner while also balancing responsibilities as a daughter, sister, and mother requires resilience and adaptability, qualities she believes deserve greater recognition.
Outside of work, Manat has recently begun experimenting with content creation, something she finds both enjoyable and refreshing. However, the most important part of her life is her seven year old daughter, who she describes as the center of her universe. Once her workday ends, her time is devoted entirely to being a mother, which she considers the most fulfilling role she plays.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but honest. Starting something new can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but perseverance, resilience, and belief in your vision can carry you through the difficult phases. Entrepreneurship requires the ability to face failures, learn from them, and stay grounded during moments of success.
For Manat, the greatest strength behind her journey has been the support system around her. The encouragement of family, friends, and loved ones has played a significant role in helping her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. She believes that while business success requires hard work and determination, having people who believe in you can make all the difference.
Pragati Sanjay Baghel, CEO & Founder – Active Tribe
Pragati Sanjay Baghel is the CEO and Founder of Active Tribe, India’s first intimate hygiene brand created specifically for men who lead high-sweat, active lifestyles. Her community includes weight lifters, marathoners, runners, cyclists, bikers, and hikers—men who push their physical limits yet often stay silent about recurring hygiene concerns. Active Tribe was built to turn that silence into awareness, understanding, and bold conversations that India has avoided for too long.
Interestingly, the idea did not begin in intimate hygiene. The company initially launched as a men’s makeup brand, but while building that audience Pragati kept receiving messages asking for solutions to private-area issues. Concerns like balanitis, candidiasis, ringworms, itching, and sweat-induced infections kept surfacing. What struck her was not just the frequency but how normalized the suffering was simply because men felt they “should not talk about it.”
After studying the Indian market and global alternatives, she realized the category was untapped not because the need didn’t exist, but because the subject remained taboo. Looking deeper at the lifestyles of highly active men, she understood how sweat, friction, and humidity were fueling recurring infections. That insight defined Active Tribe’s vision: “If no one wants to solve it because it’s taboo, that’s exactly where innovation belongs.”
The journey has been demanding and deeply transformative. The company was registered in March 2025, followed by months of formulation research. Custom development was costly, so Pragati immersed herself in ingredient science—studying antifungal actives, pH balance, and sweat biology. She collaborated with a cosmetic scientist and a lab in Bangalore to build effective formulations before moving into manufacturing, packaging, and brand identity. “When you build from scratch,” she says, “you don’t just create a brand—you create a new version of yourself.”
As a woman leading a men’s intimate hygiene brand, skepticism was inevitable. Some questioned why a woman would enter this category. Her answer is clear: health is not gendered. If men can build menstrual hygiene brands without interrogation, women should be equally free to build for men. Coming from a background where women are still expected to stay in “safe lanes,” Pragati’s journey is seen as bold—but she believes silence overstayed its welcome.
Outside business, Pragati is disciplined about fitness and trains daily. She is a runner, weightlifter, and a passionate satvic cook who prepares mindful, oil-free, sugar-free meals in clay pots. Fitness built her body, satvic food built her mind, and entrepreneurship, she says, has built her soul.
Her message to entrepreneurs is simple: start before you feel ready, build before people understand, and keep going long after the applause ends. Choose problems others hesitate to touch. Active Tribe is more than a product line—it is a necessary conversation finally being voiced. And for Pragati, this is only the beginning of a much larger journey.
Dhwani Shah, Life & Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist
Dhwani Shah is a Criminal Lawyer turned Life and Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, TEDx Speaker, and co founder of RudraKavya and Vidhyutaraa. Her work today centers on transformation, helping individuals break limiting patterns, heal emotional wounds, and rise with clarity and confidence. At RudraKavya, which she describes as poetries of transformation, the philosophy is simple yet powerful. Break the patterns, heal the wounds, and rise with clarity. She believes clarity only comes after a person feels safe enough to confront their truth. At Vidhyutaraa, meaning the lightning star, she leads strategy by building brands that are driven not only by content but by conviction. For her, power matters, but authenticity is unstoppable.
Her journey began in the field of law, where she trained to argue and defend cases in courtrooms. Over time, she realized that the toughest battles people face are not legal ones but internal ones. Self doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs often become the real obstacles in a person’s life. This realization changed her path. Instead of leaving law behind, she redefined it. She shifted her courtroom to the human mind, where she now challenges limiting beliefs, questions fear, and supports individuals in reclaiming their strength.
Dhwani describes her journey as powerful rather than perfect. She has experienced setbacks, emotional lows, and failures that tested her resolve. Yet she believes progress is not always linear. Even when life moves three steps forward and two steps back, it is still movement. From courtroom arguments to the TEDx stage, each phase of her life has shaped her voice and purpose. She now leads with empathy, speaks with clarity, and believes vulnerability can be a source of strength rather than weakness.
Her inspiration comes from every version of herself that refused to give up. As a woman, she has faced moments where softness was mistaken for weakness and where confidence was seen as intimidating. Instead of shrinking, she chose to embrace both strength and gentleness together.
Beyond her profession, Dhwani enjoys travel, nature, adventure, and movement. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer and a trained skier, she finds joy in both discipline and freedom. She also organizes community gatherings that create safe spaces for connection and growth.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Choose collaboration over competition. The sky is vast enough for everyone to rise. For Dhwani, success is not defined by perfection. It is defined by consistency, resilience, and the courage to remain authentic.
Advocate Monica Dochania, Advocate, Independent litigator, Solicitor
Advocate Monica Dochania is a practicing advocate, independent litigator, solicitor, and legal advisor based in New Delhi. Her journey into law was not linear but deeply intentional. Before entering the legal profession, she worked across diverse sectors including immigration services, the hotel industry, and international delegations and exhibitions. In her early twenties, while working in sales, marketing, and business development within corporate environments, she developed a growing interest in agreements, contracts, and legal frameworks. That curiosity gradually turned into conviction, and in 2015 she decided to appear for the law entrance examination conducted by the University of Delhi. She cleared the exam and began pursuing her LL.B. from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
Academically, her journey reflects versatility and determination. She completed her B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Delhi, followed by a postgraduate degree in Nanotechnology from Maitreyi College. She also pursued a course in website and web development before eventually transitioning into law. After graduating in 2018, she enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, cleared the All India Bar Examination in 2019, and became eligible for a permanent license from the Bar Council of India. Since then, she has been practicing before District Courts across India and the Delhi High Court. Her areas of expertise include civil and criminal matters, commercial and corporate law, immigration law, property disputes, consumer law, labour law, and family law. She also serves as a Legal Advisor to the United Human Rights and Social Justice Council, contributing to the protection of constitutional rights and social justice.
For Monica, life itself is her greatest teacher and inspiration. She believes resilience, patience, and self-awareness shape professional growth. As an independent woman in a male-dominated environment, she acknowledges facing societal skepticism and resistance, yet she remained committed to building her identity from the ground up.
Beyond litigation, she mentors students in career counselling, engages in social initiatives, writes journals and legal articles, and even participates in fashion ramp walks as a creative pursuit. Her message is clear. Success requires constant effort, self-belief, and determination. Every setback is part of growth, and self-motivation remains the true foundation of achievement.
Sanya Devina Madan, Product Designer & Founder – Prettylilclayz
Sanya Devina Madan is a Product Designer, author of the poetry collection Life Was the Poet, She Just Listened, a budding counselor, and a creative entrepreneur. She is also the founder of prettylilclayz, a handcrafted jewellery brand where emotions are transformed into wearable stories. Across every role she holds, her work is rooted in meaning. She does not simply create products or words. She creates spaces for feeling, reflection, and healing.
Her journey began with observation. From a young age, she was deeply attuned to emotions, to silences, and to the untold stories people carried behind their smiles. Writing became her first refuge, long before it became a published book. Counseling grew naturally from lived experience and from understanding what it means to search for safety and understanding. Design and handcrafted jewellery evolved into her language of expression, blending art with emotion in tangible form.
Her path has not been without storms. Growing up with dyslexia and navigating intense mental battles shaped her resilience early in life. Adolescence tested her confidence and sense of security. Experiences of harassment at a young age shook her foundation temporarily, but she refused to allow pain to define her identity. Instead, she chose healing over hiding and growth over bitterness. What once felt isolating became empathy. What once felt frightening became fierce self-awareness. That conscious decision to transform adversity into purpose reshaped her life.
Her inspiration comes first from the women in her family, especially her mother, whose quiet strength and steady resilience modeled what grace under pressure looks like. Her father provided unwavering safety and reassurance, allowing her to grow without shrinking. Supportive friendships and family built a foundation of security that empowered her to rise with composure and clarity.
Beyond her professional titles, she is a dancer at heart. Movement feels like reclaiming freedom. She believes jewellery can hold memory, art can heal, and softness can be powerful.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple. Your struggles are structure, not stains. Begin before you feel ready. Protect your peace. Build your dream with intention. Success, for her, is measured not by accolades but by healing, courage, and impact. And she believes her journey is only beginning.
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