Leadership Mantras from the Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs in India This Women’s Day!

It’s Women’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than by diving into the inspiring journeys of some of India’s most successful women entrepreneurs? These women have not just built businesses; they’ve created empires, challenged the status quo, and transformed industries. They’ve shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it means to lead in a male-dominated world. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming the first lady boss in your family or taking your business idea to the next level, these women are the perfect role models. They’ve navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and learned valuable lessons along the way. So, buckle up and let’s explore the leadership mantras of these remarkable women who are lighting the entrepreneurial fire across India!

Aditi Handa, Co-founder & Head Chef of The Baker’s Dozen

“Never give up. You'll face thousands of reasons to quit daily, but maybe just one reason a month to keep going. The answer to every problem is persistence. Keep trying until you succeed,” said Aditi while sharing her journey. In India, where women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers, Aditi Handa exemplifies the essence of resilience. Starting with a small kitchen in Wadala, Aditi carved a niche in Mumbai’s competitive bakery market. Offering quality, hand-made bread at affordable prices, she focused on building a product that resonated with the needs of the local community.

For Aditi, understanding the core of your product is key to success. "Whatever business you're in, you should know your product inside out," she says, emphasising the importance of a solid foundation. Her business mantra is simple but powerful: "Our lives become more challenging so that you can enjoy more." For aspiring bakers, she offers valuable advice, "In the bakery industry, it’s crucial to understand what sets your product apart. Ask yourself why a consumer would choose your product over what they typically buy. What value are you adding? Whether it’s a better price, superior quality, or distribution, if you can’t address at least one of these issues, rethink your approach." So, for all the ambitious women out there dreaming big, take note of Aditi’s journey—persistence, product knowledge, and a customer-first mindset are the golden ingredients to turning your passion into a thriving business.

Chhavi Chadha, Founder of Bespoke

"If perfection is your goal and you have a genuine desire, then your positive attitude takes you forward," says Chhavi Chadha, the founder of Bespoke. This luxury travel company curates unforgettable holiday experiences for high-profile clients, including notable personalities like Chef Anita Lo and Hollywood actress Daryl Hannah. A passionate traveller herself, Chhavi's business revolves around a keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of different cultures. “Travelling is the best way to learn about people, culture, and languages,” she shares. Her advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself, and the world would believe you.” Chhavi’s journey proves that a positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction can open doors to unlimited possibilities.

Suchita Ullal, Founder of Suchi's Handmade Soaps & Skincare Products

"I think retirement doesn't happen at the age of 60, and neither do you stop working," says Suchita Ullal, a retired PR consultant from Bangalore who turned a hobby into a flourishing business. After attending a soap-making workshop, Suchita began crafting handmade soaps, which she initially gifted to friends. One city fair later, where she sold out in a day, her business was born. “Start small, keep your price competitive, fulfil the promise, and don’t go for profits immediately,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. Even during the pandemic, she innovated, launching skincare products like body butters and creams. Suchita's focus on trust and customer service and a passion for quality have made her brand a household name. “If you offer an honest product and win the trust of your customers, there's no going back for you,” she concludes.

Tuingam Louzhi, Founder of Secret Cosmetics

"My passion for beauty products made of all-natural ingredients has brought me to create a colourful existence," says Tuingam Louzhi, the founder of Secret Cosmetics. In 2019, Tuingam started her venture with a mission to bring traditional skincare, passed down from her grandmother, to the forefront. Offering products made from natural ingredients like Perilla Seeds Face Oil, she works directly with farmers to source indigenous ingredients. “We wanted to bring impact to the farmer's life by giving them employment,” she shares. Tuingam’s journey is a testament to resilience, sustainability, and the power of returning to one's roots. Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs is: "Apply what you can eat!" Her work shows the immense impact women entrepreneurs can have by combining tradition with innovation.

Deval Delivala, Co-founder of GetSetUp

"I believe seniors will only continue to learn together and empower each other to do amazing things," says Deval Delivala, co-founder of GetSetUp, a virtual social learning platform for seniors. What started in 2020 as an initiative to empower older adults with digital skills has now grown into one of the world’s largest virtual communities for seniors, with over 4 million members. “Learning is more about overcoming your fear than gaining knowledge,” she explains. Deval’s journey from tech executive to advocate for senior learning is inspiring. Her platform enables seniors to connect, learn new skills, and feel part of a vibrant community. Deval’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is, “Solve real problems, just like GetSetUp did with tech for seniors, and you’ll be on the path to success.”

Swathy Sivram, Founder of Arty Tales

"I could no longer handle both dedicatedly," says Swathy Sivram, the founder of Arty Tales, a business offering realistic portrait dolls and miniature art. Swathy started her venture after leaving her marketing job in 2019 to pursue her passion for art. Each portrait doll she creates is a labour of love, with up to seven days invested in perfecting each piece. "Every doll is unique and created from an image provided by the client," she shares. Her journey proves that following your passion can lead to remarkable success. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Swathy advises, “Every creation has unseen hard work behind it, so appreciate and value the process.” Her business highlights the power of dedication and creativity in building something meaningful.

Swasti Mehta, Founder of Pudina Punch

"Swasti was on a holiday, and I was just wondering if she can do something more than classes. During the lockdown, she was making smoothies, drinks, watermelon & muskmelon juice, and what not, and so I suggested to her why don’t you sell it," says Swasti Mehta’s mother, Darshana. With Down syndrome, Swasti launched Pudina Punch, a refreshing mint drink, during the pandemic. What started as a simple hobby quickly transformed into a popular product that is now available nationwide. "Pudina is good for digestion, and as we use a very good quantity, it keeps it fresh for a longer time," says Swasti. Her success story proves that with persistence, passion, and family support, no challenge is too big. Swasti’s journey is a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs everywhere.

Disha Singh, Co-Founder of Zouk

"The idea for Zouk came to my mind during my second year of IIMA, where I got a chance to meet the local artisans at Kutch," says Disha Singh, the founder of Zouk. She founded the brand in 2018 with her husband, Pradeep Krishnakumar, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern needs. Zouk offers vegan, cruelty-free bags and accessories created by local artisans from Kutch. "We identified a gap in the market which offered only western-looking products. We understood that customers wanted more Indian choices," Disha says. Her story proves that understanding niche markets and staying true to cultural roots can lead to tremendous success. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "Tapping into a unique market and strong cultural roots can lead to innovation."

Chef Oishi Nag, Co-founder of Chez Oi

"We want to create something which brings out the child in you and satisfies your soul too!" says Chef Oishi Nag, co-founder of Chez Oi, a quirky Mumbai-based patisserie. Together with Chef Dhanesh Gandhi, they launched the cloud patisserie in January 2021 amidst the pandemic. Despite logistical challenges, their whimsical desserts have won over Mumbai’s food lovers. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear, “Do a proper analysis along with market research and get as much experience as you can. Also, create a niche for yourself." Oishi Nag’s journey highlights the power of innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to creating joy through food.

Nitya Ganapathy, Founder of Nei Native

"Health is not just about your diet and exercise; it's something that many people in the nutrition world also overlook," says Nitya Ganapathy, the founder of Nei Native. Nitya’s brand offers homemade, traditional A2 ghee produced at her family farm in Palghar, Maharashtra. By focusing on authenticity and precision, she brings a nostalgic, culturally rich product to consumers. “Ghee is one thing that unites almost every community in India,” she shares. Nitya’s business highlights the importance of patience and respecting tradition while embracing modern entrepreneurship. “The sample size was small, but the positive results made me confident about my product,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs.

Harshita Gupta, Co-Founder of Chikankari Hues

"I think I was always interested in fashion," says Harshita Gupta, co-founder of Chikankari Hues, a fashion brand that brings a modern twist to traditional Indian attire. By blending Chikankari embroidery with contemporary designs, Harshita has redefined Indian fashion. Her brand empowers women to embrace their heritage with pride. "Businesses witness screw-ups, it’s how you handle it that makes a difference," Harshita says. Her journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, proving that modernising traditional crafts can lead to global success.

Mugdha Pradhan, Founder of iThrive

"Consistency and persistence trump genius every single time because even if you're a smart person, it won't happen if you don't do it consistently and show up every day," says Mugdha Pradhan, the founder of iThrive. Mugdha’s journey was far from easy—she battled clinical depression and obesity before finding her true calling. iThrive is a wellness company that focuses on functional nutrition to heal people, emphasising holistic health as the key to long-lasting well-being. Mugdha believes that true success begins with taking care of your physical health. "Your physical health serves as the starting point for anything significant you want to achieve," she advises, underscoring the importance of resilience and consistency in the entrepreneurial world.

Anshita Mehrotra, Founder of Fix My Curls

"In today's age, if you want to start something, there are no excuses. A lot of people think that they need to get a fancy business degree and then they can become entrepreneurs, but that's not true," says Anshita Mehrotra. At just 19, Anshita launched Fix My Curls, a brand born out of her personal struggle to embrace her natural curls. Fix My Curls offers a range of haircare products that celebrate and nurture curly hair, empowering others to feel confident in their natural beauty. Anshita’s advice to budding entrepreneurs? "You just need passion and a willingness to work on it every day because everything is available on Google." Her story proves that age is no barrier to success—only passion, perseverance, and dedication are needed.

Dipti Tolani, Founder of Salt Attire

"Your attitude plays a crucial role and can impact every aspect of your journey. There will inevitably be times when things don't go as planned, and in those moments, it's up to you to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth," says Dipti Tolani, the visionary behind Salt Attire. Dipti, who moved from the USA to Gurgaon, faced the challenge of entering a market she wasn’t familiar with, but her resilience led to the creation of a successful workwear brand. Known for its stylish, comfortable, and functional designs, Salt Attire’s mantra is simple: understand your customer and adapt. Dipti urges entrepreneurs to "avoid dwelling in self-pity" and to keep moving forward, even in the face of setbacks.

Pallavi Jadojia, Founder of Arva Innovations

"I was conducting research to understand market trends and the future of our planet for one of my degree assignments when I came across data about how the disposable cutlery market is harming the environment," shares Pallavi Jadojia. With a passion for sustainability, Pallavi created Arva Innovations, a company that offers biodegradable, edible cutlery made from grains like rice and maise. Despite the challenges of competing with cheaper plastic alternatives, Pallavi has successfully built a customer base that values eco-friendly products. "Don’t wait for the perfect conditions. If you have a passion, start now, and be resourceful," she advises, proving that with innovation and dedication, any challenge can be overcome.

Vaishnavi Rangarajan, Founder of The Nestery

“Just start working on your ideas. Don’t just think about it, take the first step, and you will find your way,” says Vaishnavi Rangarajan, the founder of The Nestery. A platform designed for modern Indian parents, The Nestery offers a curated selection of products for children and parents, from educational toys to personalised items. Vaishnavi’s journey began with her own struggles as a new parent. "In 2015, when I became a parent, I struggled to find the right products, and that experience led me to create a platform that simplifies parenting," she says. Vaishnavi believes that starting small and evolving with your market is key: "Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start small, learn, and keep evolving."

Vibha Jhunjhunwala, Founder and Chef of Le Pure Chocolatier

"Do what you love. Follow your passion. A lot of hard work is involved in creating a brand, so please don't give up at any point. Keep on moving," advises Vibha Jhunjhunwala, the founder and chef behind Le Pure Chocolatier. Vibha’s love for fine chocolate inspired her to start a premium chocolate brand that now caters to a growing demand for high-quality, bespoke chocolate offerings in India. Her business began with a simple passion and grew into a thriving operation. "The key to success is consistency, innovation, and a deep understanding of your customers' needs," she believes. Vibha's journey is a sweet reminder that passion and perseverance are the secret ingredients to any successful venture.

Aradhana Minawala, Founder of The CAI Store

"Challenges are part and parcel of a business. With every start-up, challenges always follow," shares Aradhana Minawala, the dynamic founder of The CAI Store, a vegan footwear brand offering stylish, comfortable, and cruelty-free footwear for women. Aradhana’s journey wasn’t smooth—she faced several hurdles, including market trends, vendor management, and competing in a saturated fashion industry. But her commitment to her passion led her to success. "Trust your gut and follow your passion," she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. Aradhana’s mantra is simple but powerful: "Be the best version of yourself, and nothing can stop you."

Shahnaz Husain, Founder of Shahnaz Herbals

“Believe in yourself and your abilities,” says Shahnaz Husain, a pioneer in the herbal beauty care industry. In 1971, she started her first herbal clinic with just Rs. 35,000 borrowed from her father. Today, Shahnaz is a global leader, with her products available in over 1,50,000 stores across 138 countries. Shahnaz’s journey was marked by personal challenges, from getting married at 15 to starting a family at 16. But she used her passion for beauty to fuel her entrepreneurial spirit. "If you want to achieve something and you’re willing to persevere, trust me, you’ll get there," she advises. Her story is a testament to the power of belief and hard work.

Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Namita, known for her powerful presence on Shark Tank India, has always been a fierce advocate for women's empowerment and sustainable businesses. She believes that "the right opportunities often come after regret" and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and trust their instincts. Namita’s investment in rural India is a powerful reminder of the potential for growth in every opportunity.

Chef Ayesha Sajjan, Co-Founder of Café Quaint

"Whatever business you're in, you should know your product inside out," says Chef Ayesha Sajjan, the ex-lawyer turned artisanal baker behind Café Quaint. During the lockdown, Ayesha found her passion for sourdough baking, and this led to the creation of Café Quaint, a café in Jaipur that champions sustainable, zero-waste practices. Ayesha’s advice for budding entrepreneurs? "In a world where trends come and go, it’s crucial to maintain consistency and authenticity in what you offer." Her story shows that passion, when coupled with dedication and perseverance, can lead to success, no matter where you start.

Madhumita U. Kumar, Co-founder of The Indus Valley

“If you really want to start, just go ahead and start, because there is no right time than today. The rest will follow,” says Madhumita U. Kumar, the co-founder of The Indus Valley. Together with her husband, Jagadeesh Kumar, they turned a kitchen mishap into a thriving business that champions chemical-free cookware made of iron, bronze, copper, and more. The duo’s journey began with a simple but life-changing realisation when Madhumita melted a plastic utensil in the microwave, sparking the idea for their now-popular cookware brand. "We obsess over recipes, follow chefs, and get new ingredients, but we lose the game on cookware," Madhumita reflects, emphasising the importance of the right tools in cooking. Their entrepreneurial journey teaches us to take risks, keep learning, and trust in our ability to overcome challenges.

Nidhi Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh

"Something will keep coming, and you will keep procrastinating because it's something that you have to do by stepping out of your comfort zone." Nidhi Singh’s belief in pushing boundaries led her to turn a love for samosas into a thriving business. In 2016, she and her husband, Shikhar Singh, founded Samosa Singh, a chain that now boasts over 60 outlets across nine cities. Nidhi’s path wasn’t easy, but her commitment to bringing joy through food kept her going. "Why not Samosa?" she asks when asked about their unique product. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: "The reality is, you are never ready for such a step." Nidhi's journey reminds us to trust our instincts and step out of our comfort zones to build something worthwhile.

Aanchal and Arpan Mahtani, Co-founders of Carat Crush

“If you truly believe in your idea, keep at it and be patient. When it clicks, it will be well worth it.” – Aanchal and Arpan Mahtani, the sibling duo behind Carat Crush, had an aha moment when they couldn't find affordable yet elegant diamond jewellery. Carat Crush, based in Mumbai, set out to fill this gap in the market, and their perseverance has paid off. "What we like to convey is that it takes a lot of passion and consistency to achieve big," Aanchal shares. The key to their success lies in persistence, passion, and patience. Their advice for women entrepreneurs? "Believe in yourself. Believe in your brand!"

Mansi and Aditi Vyas, Founders of Azafran

“We were passionate about skincare, and we could never find such good products in India,” says Mansi Vyas, co-founder of Azafran, a brand that offers organic skincare solutions. Mansi and her sister, Aditi, noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, affordable skincare and decided to act. Azafran’s commitment to ECOCERT-certified products and sustainable practices quickly caught the attention of consumers across India. "Nobody wants to put a layer of chemicals on their face just because they want to buy cheaper, so everybody deserves good quality products," Mansi shares. Their brand is a true testament to resilience and passion for creating accessible, high-quality beauty solutions.

Manpreet Kaur, Co-Founder of OSM Records

“I believe I’m a creative multi-hyphenate,” says Manpreet Kaur, co-founder of OSM Records, a music label that is redefining the industry by supporting emerging talent. Since its founding in 2018, OSM Records has been at the forefront of experimental music, pushing boundaries with unique tracks and creative music videos. "We focus all our efforts on the artist to create something unique collaboratively," Manpreet shares. Her entrepreneurial journey teaches aspiring women to stay true to their creativity and collaborate with others to bring new ideas to life. For Manpreet, authenticity is key.

Jeevika Tyagi, Co-founder of Aastey

“Start with passion and keep your eye on the bigger picture,” says Jeevika Tyagi, co-founder of Aastey, India's first sustainable, size-inclusive athleisure brand. Jeevika, who left her career in banking to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, co-founded Aastey with the goal of offering inclusive, stylish athleisure wear for all body types. "For decades, women have been told to fit into a certain mold. We wanted to break that," she says, highlighting the brand's commitment to inclusivity. Jeevika’s advice for budding entrepreneurs? "Take one challenge at a time, and don’t fear rejection. Every 'no' leads you closer to the one 'yes' that matters."

Neha Suyal, Co-founder of Woovly

“Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but persistence and grit will take you a long way,” says Neha Suyal, co-founder of Woovly, a social commerce platform aimed at bridging the gap between brands and consumers in non-metro cities. Neha draws inspiration from her mother, who ran a school single-handedly in her village. “We were very good at chasing things from the start,” says Neha, recalling how she and her co-founder worked tirelessly to build trust with customers and investors. Woovly's success proves that with grit, persistence, and strong team-building, anything is possible.

Supriya R., Founder of Leafy Affair

“Nothing can stop you if you have the power to do it,” says Supriya R., founder of Leafy Affair. A corporate project manager-turned-entrepreneur, Supriya turned her childhood love for nature into a thriving botanical lifestyle brand. Leafy Affair offers unique preserved botanical jewellery and other nature-inspired products. "Niche is where the beauty is," Supriya adds, reflecting on her niche market that blends nature with art. Her advice for women? Believe in your dreams, take it step by step, and let passion guide you.

Vandana Singh, Founder of Native Apothecary

Vandana Singh, the founder of Native Apothecary, has created a niche for herself in the world of sustainable, natural beauty. Based in Noida, Native Apothecary offers handmade soaps, body care, and bath essentials crafted from eco-friendly ingredients sourced from local artisans across India. The brand’s focus on sustainability has resonated with customers who are looking for products that are not only good for them but also good for the planet. Her journey hasn’t been without challenges, particularly when balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. But her determination shines through. “The expense factor cannot be ignored while creating natural products, and even dealers do not agree to take orders of smaller quantities,” says Vandana. Despite the hurdles, she remains committed to empowering local artisans while growing her business. Through Native Apothecary, Vandana is showing that sustainability and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.

Pooja Kaul, Founder of Organiko

Pooja Kaul’s entrepreneurial journey is one of compassion and innovation. She is the founder of Organiko, a company that offers natural soaps made from donkey milk. But there’s a deeper purpose behind Organiko’s creation. Pooja pays Rs. 2,000 per litre to donkey owners in Solapur, providing them with better compensation for their efforts. This social enterprise model empowers local communities while offering high-quality, all-natural products. Pooja’s mantra is simple yet powerful: “If you want to build a legacy, do it with purpose and passion.” By combining business with social impact, Pooja is proving that entrepreneurs can not only make a difference in people’s lives but also create a lasting legacy. She encourages other women entrepreneurs to blend creativity with compassion to build businesses that create positive change.

Bhagyashree Bhansali, Founder of The Disposal Company

Bhagyashree Bhansali is making waves in the environmental sector with her company, The Disposal Company. As a Mumbai native, she is tackling the global issue of plastic waste by helping businesses neutralise their plastic waste through a circular economy model. Bhagyashree works directly with rag pickers and waste segregators to retrieve plastic waste from landfills, ensuring that it is recycled and repurposed. Her dedication to solving an environmental crisis while empowering local communities is truly inspiring. “I want to change the narrative around plastic waste by promoting a circular economy where nothing goes to waste,” she shares. Bhagyashree’s commitment to sustainability and teamwork shows that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profits; it’s about solving real-world problems and creating a future with zero waste.

Smrithi, Founder of Shika Creations

Smrithi’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 14, when she turned a school hobby into an international business. As the founder of Shika Creations, Smrithi focuses on handmade terracotta jewellery, blending traditional clay art with modern trends. Her dedication to preserving this ancient art form while giving it a contemporary twist has made her a sought-after name in the jewellery industry. Her vision goes beyond just creating beautiful products; she is passionate about empowering other women. “Many of the women I trained have started their own businesses, and 15 now work with us full-time,” Smrithi says. By giving women the skills and opportunities to succeed, Smrithi is building a network of women entrepreneurs. Her message to aspiring female entrepreneurs is clear: “Create opportunities, embrace change, and stay true to your passion.” Smrithi’s journey proves that age and circumstance are no barriers to achieving great success.