International Women’s Day is an excellent chance to honor the achievements and contributions of women around the world. In India, the entrepreneurial landscape has shifted significantly, with a growing number of women making significant advances in various industries. From technology and business to arts and social efforts, Indian women are breaking down boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy.
Several successful female entrepreneurs in India have not only exhibited remarkable leadership but have also played a critical role in altering industries that have traditionally been dominated by men. Their success stories encourage and pave the way for more women to enter and excel in a variety of industries.
Women’s Day provides an opportunity to highlight and recognize the great achievements of women around the world. In India, a thriving entrepreneurial spirit exists, and more women are breaking down barriers and reshaping industries. Let’s get started by recognizing ten amazing women entrepreneurs who embody creativity, perseverance, and empowerment.
1.Aditi Gupta – Menstrupedia
Aditi Gupta founded Menstrupedia in November 2012 to change people’s perceptions of menstruation. Menstrupedia creates comic books that make menstruation easier to understand.
Aditi was appalled by the lack of information and awareness around such a natural biological process and the taboos and beliefs linked with it, and decided to raise awareness. She was subjected to stereotypes that impacted the lives of girls and women throughout India. She decided to take responsibility and founded Menstrupedia alongside her husband, Tuhin Patel. The cartoons also address issues such as cleanliness and women’s health.
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2.Falguni Nayar – Nykaa
Falguni Nayar a self-made entrepreneur, created Nykaa, India’s first online beauty e-marketplace. With her passion, ambition, and dogged pursuit of her dreams, Nayar has developed a billion-dollar enterprise that exemplifies her entrepreneurial spirit. This is the narrative of Nayar’s incredible journey from the founding of Nykaa to its current position as one of India’s top cosmetic and beauty care product companies. Falguni Nayar was 50 years old when she began her entrepreneurial adventure, demonstrating that success is timeless and can be reached when one’s heart wishes.
Nykaa’s tale is a n encouragement to everyone, Founded by Falguni Nayar, it rocked the Indian beauty sector at a time when e-commerce or e-marketplaces were not widely used—and beauty was something no one could have imagined purchasing online.
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3.Radhika Ghai Aggarwal – ShopClues.com
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal is a co-founder and former Chief Business Officer of ShopClues.com, India’s top e-commerce platform. She was a pioneer in the online marketplace industry, contributing significantly to the establishment of Shop- clues as a go-to destination for affordable and diversified products. Aggarwal is known for her entrepreneurial energy and commitment to democratizing e-commerce, especially for small and medium-sized firms. Her strategic vision and leadership helped ShopClues succeed in creating a distinct marketplace experience. Aggarwal, a prominent personality in the Indian economic environment, has motivated ambitious entrepreneurs and contributed significantly to the development of e-commerce in India.
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4.Namita Thapar: Emcure Pharmaceuticals
Satish Mehta started Emcure Pharmaceuticals in 1981. Namita Thapar, his daughter, succeeded him in 2007. Namita had previous experience in the pharmaceutical business, working for Guidant Corporation for 6 years.
Namita is a passionate advocate for women’s health and young entrepreneurship. To this end, she hosted a YouTube chat show called “Unconditional Yourself with Namita” to explore the stigmas and taboos surrounding women’s health. She also launched Incredible Ventures Ltd. to teach students aged 11 to 18 about entrepreneurship.
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5. Vineeta Singh: SUGAR Cosmetics
Vineeta Singh started the online beauty business SUGAR Cosmetics in 2015. Vineeta launched the cosmetics company FAB BAG in 2012. Both Sugar and FAB BAG are divisions of Velvette Lifestyles Pvt Ltd., An global corporation that operates in the beauty and cosmetics industries. SUGAR Cosmetics also has a YouTube channel, with over 8 lakh members as of November 2022.
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6.Manasi Gupta :Tjori
Mansi Gupta created Tjori, a lifestyle brand, in 2013. Tjori, which specializes in traditional Indian handicrafts and organic items, embodies Gupta’s commitment to fostering sustainable and artisanal production. Tjori offers a wide range of fashion, beauty, and home goods that blend current aesthetic with old traditions. Gupta anticipates empowering local craftspeople and safeguarding cultural heritage. The company has been recognised for its ethical policies, which include assisting small-scale enterprises and promoting sustainable production. Gupta’s leadership has launched Tjori into the worldwide market, helping to revive traditional craftsmanship while also embracing current fashion and lifestyle trends.
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7.Vani Kola – Kalaari Capital
Vani Kola, is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, with a degree in electrical engineering from Osmania University. Vani Kola is an influential venture capitalist and the founder of Kalaari Capital, a well-known investment firm in India. Vani has helped shape the startup ecosystem by keeping a look out for new technologies and supporting creativity. Her leadership at Kalaari Capital has enabled investments in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and also includes E-commerce. Vani is also recognized as the “Mother of Venture Capital Investing in India.”
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8. Ghazal Alagh: Mamaearth
Ghazal Alagh is the co-founder and CEO of Mamaearth, a well-known Indian cosmetics and baby care brand. Ghazal has altered the business by passionately inventing safe, toxin-free goods for moms and children. Mamaearth focuses on natural products, sustainability, and ethical practices. Ghazal’s leadership has brought the brand worldwide recognition and trust. Mamaearth’s creative strategy, along with Ghazal’s dedication to social responsibility, has resonated with customers worldwide. The brand’s success shows Ghazal’s commitment to offering high-quality products, raising environmental awareness, and redefining norms in the cosmetics and childcare industries, making Mamaearth an industry leader.
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9.Upasana Taku: MobiKwik
Upasana Taku is a co-founder of Mobi Kwik, a popular Indian finance business. Upasana, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, has played an important part in Mobi Kwik’s development. The platform provides a variety of digital payment options, such as mobile wallets, bill payments, and digital credit. Under Upasana’s leadership, Mobi Kwik has grown into a major participant in India’s digital financial scene, serving millions of consumers. Her dedication to financial inclusion and innovation has brought Mobi Kwik to prominence, making substantial contributions to India’s digital development. Upasana Taku remains committed to the company’s vision of empowering individuals by providing accessible and safe financial services. Upasana swears by the motto, “Kick up a storm or die trying“ which has helped her stay focused during difficult times.
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10.Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Biocon India
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, a renowned Indian entrepreneur, was born on March 23, 1953. She is the founder and chairman of Biocon Limited, a renowned biotechnology business headquartered in Bangalore, India. Shaw founded Biocon in 1978 after graduating from Zoology and Fermentation Technology, with the goal of making healthcare more accessible.Under her leadership, the company has expanded into a global player focused on biopharmaceuticals, research services, and other areas. Shaw is recognized for her pioneering role in the Indian biotech industry, having received multiple honors for her efforts. She is a well-known businesswoman that believes in innovation, sustainability, and cost-effective healthcare solutions.
In Conclusion, International Women’s Day honors the immense accomplishments of women entrepreneurs around the world, recognizing their tenacity, creativity, and revolutionary impact on a wide range of industries. These remarkable women tear down boundaries, challenge biases, and pave the way for future generations. Their success stories highlight the value of gender equality and encourage women to seek entrepreneurship. As we celebrate these pioneers, we must continue to advocate for diverse opportunities, support networks, and equal access to resources. By creating an environment that recognizes and develops everyone’s potential, we can help women in business and society as an entire have a more equal and successful future.
By: GlanaNikitha Rodrigues
