#InternationalEntrepreneursDay #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurialJourney #EmpowerHer #InspirationToInnovation
International Entrepreneurs Day (August 21), is a global tribute to the innovators, risk- takers & change-makers who transform ideas into impactful enterprises. This day is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and recognizing the contributions of entrepreneurs to job creation, economic growth, and societal advancement. As we mark this occasion in 2024, it’s essential to delve deeper into the journeys of those who have embraced the entrepreneurial path, especially women.
Women entrepreneurs in our country & across the globe, have been trailblazers, carving out spaces in industries historically dominated by men. But what drives these women to take the plunge into entrepreneurship? What fuels their courage and conviction? And how have their initial inspirations evolved as they’ve navigated the challenges and triumphs of building their businesses?
Fueling the Fire: What Inspires Women Entrepreneurs to Take the Leap
In the spirit of International Entrepreneurs Day, we posed a question to some inspiring women entrepreneurs – “What inspired you to embark on your entrepreneurial journey, and how has that initial inspiration evolved over time?”
Their stories reveal the passion, resilience, and determination that propelled them into the world of entrepreneurship. From the desire to create a more equitable world to the pursuit of independence and creative freedom, these women share how their motivations have grown and shifted over time, reflecting their journeys’ dynamic and ever-evolving nature.
As we celebrate International Entrepreneurs Day, these insights serve as a powerful reminder of the diverse paths that lead to entrepreneurship and the profound impact women entrepreneurs have on the global economy.
> Anushka Gupta, Co-founder, MyMuse
“My entrepreneurial journey began from a deeply personal space. My husband and I started thinking about creating a sexual wellness start-up right around the time we began dating. Growing up in typical Indian households but with the benefit of international exposure, we constantly questioned why our culture harbors such a stigmatized view of sex, pleasure, and our bodies. We felt a strong need for a safe space that treats sexual wellness as a natural part of life rather than something vulgar or dirty. As we explored the market, we found that the options available were outdated and didn’t resonate with how we, and likely most Indians, approach intimacy today. This realization fueled our desire to create a brand that eliminates the taboos, gender biases, and shame associated with buying products for the bedroom.
MyMuse was born from this vision, with a mission to change the way Indians approach intimacy—both as individuals and as a society. Over time, this inspiration has only deepened. As the brand grows, so does our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and approachable space for sexual wellness. Each day, we feel like we’re getting one step closer to normalizing these conversations and helping people embrace intimacy in all its forms.”
> Neha Tandon, Marketing Director, Limited Edt India
“Growing up in a business family, I was inspired by my grandfather, father, and uncle, who built a remarkable business. Their entrepreneurial drive and success always fascinated me. With a deep love for sneakers and a keen eye on the growing trends in India, I took on the role of Marketing Director for Limited Edt India, bringing the iconic Singaporean sneaker store to a new market. With the support of my husband, we ventured into this exciting journey, aiming to tap into India’s burgeoning sneaker culture.”
> Rhea Bhattacharya, Founder & Creative Director of Drawn
“Designing clothes has always been my dream, but I never pursued it because I was told you needed to be great at math to apply to design school! Fast forward to 30, and while I was doing well in my career, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled or passionate about what I was doing. That’s when I decided to go all in, take the risk, and launch Drawn. I saw a real gap in the market for
wardrobe staples that were fun, fresh, and accessible. I wanted to elevate them with bold, vibrant art that made a statement—and that’s where Drawn was born.
Building this brand as a solo founder has been both exhilarating and challenging, but the hard work has paid off. From those early days of figuring everything out on my own to now, four years in, the response has been beyond anything I could have imagined.
What drives me every day is creating pieces that make women feel confident and fearless in bold colors, no matter their age, shape, or skin tone. I want them to feel powerful and pure joy in what they wear.
But it’s not just about the clothes anymore. I’m passionate about using Drawn as a platform for emerging and established artists from around the world, merging art and fashion in a way that tells a story with every piece. The journey has been hard work, but seeing how far we’ve come -and knowing how much more there is to achieve – keeps me pushing forward every day.”
> Nishika Bhagat and Twisha Bhagat, Co-founders of Osé Studios
“The streetwear industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and we recognized a gap in the market for a brand that approached streetwear from a female perspective, catering to the female form rather than relying solely on oversized silhouettes. This led to our mission to empower women by embracing their femininity and creating clothing that is both stylish and comfortable.
Now that our brand, Ose, is approaching its fourth anniversary, we’ve seen how deeply our concept has resonated with many people. As a result, we’re eager to expand into various
categories, including bags, accessories, and more, with the goal of building an empire. Our motivation remains centered on growing a community of strong, empowered women who
embrace self-love and adventure. Given the current circumstances in our country, particularly concerning women, we are more committed than ever to giving back to society by
empowering women to be bold and find their voice.”
> Mehr Broca, Founder of Mayskin
“The driving force behind starting my entrepreneurial journey was deeply rooted in the belief that I wanted to create something unique and innovative – something bigger than myself that would be remembered and loved by all. Growing up, I was always captivated by international brands – their packaging, their formulations. Whenever we travel, we often look for things to bring back home. I wanted to create something so unique and great, and Made In India, that people would want to take it back to their home countries.
Growing up, I struggled with acne and various skin issues, especially during my teenage years. Even now, I still face these challenges from time to time. I’ve noticed that our Indian skin is much more sensitive compared to Caucasian or Korean skin. Our skin goes through extreme climate changes, pollution, heat, rain, cold, humidity, and honestly, what not. This is why our skin needs a different curation in terms of formulation. My goal is to combine an effective formula with super cool packaging that appeals to our new generation of conscious consumers.
Since the launch of Mayskin, my initial motivation has evolved into a broader mission. We’ve now realized the importance of educating consumers about skincare. Skincare is highly subjective, and we need to understand that what works for others may not necessarily work for everyone. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about empowering people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their skin health and helping them understand that it’s all a journey, and being confident in your own skin is what truly matters.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and growing—and above all, it requires consistency. There are days when it feels like nothing is going right, but having a strong belief that things will work out has helped me push through tough times. Being consistent and working hard toward your goals always pays off in one way or another.”
>Mrs Sagrika Rai, Founder & Creative Director, Warp ‘n Weft
“My entrepreneurial journey began with deep love and reverence for Banaras Textiles and its very heritage value. I wanted to honour the rich craftsmanship that my childhood was layered with having born in Banaras. What started as a personal mission has evolved into a larger than life commitment to preserving the traditional handlooms and its glory in a rapidly changing world.
Over the years, my inspiration has expanded to innovating upon our artisanal weaves to actively promoting this legacy of handwoven textiles worldwide. My goal remains to uplift the work of our artisans who breathe life into our designs and to keep the essence of Banaras alive for years to come.”
> Hansika Chhabria, Founder, One Less
“My entrepreneurial journey began with a deep desire to make sustainability accessible and seamlessly integrated into everyday life. The idea that even a small change, like switching to bamboo socks, can significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint, inspired me to create One Less. I wanted to offer easy, comfortable clothing and essentials that could effortlessly become a part of anyone’s wardrobe.
During my time studying liberal arts at King’s College, I became acutely aware of the stark inequalities between the North and South. While the North enjoyed the fruits of production, the South bore the brunt of the environmental and social impacts. This realization fueled my commitment to ensuring that anything produced in India would be both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
Over time, this inspiration has evolved into a mission to root One Less in sustainability, not just in the materials and processes we use, but in the entire ethos of the brand. My vision is for One Less to become the ultimate destination for all things sustainable—from clothing and accessories to lounge wear—making it easier for people to live a more sustainable lifestyle every day.”
> Namrata Purohit, Founder, The Pilates Studio
“My entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a deeply personal experience. I had a fall and injured my knee when I was 15, and had to have an immediate surgery. After trying various things to feel pain free and get back to doing everything I used to do before the injury, I stumbled upon Pilates. It was only when I discovered Pilates, through a course my father hosted, that I found relief. Just four days into the course, I was pain-free for the first time in a year. This profound experience made me realize the power of Pilates and how it could change lives, just as it had changed mine.
Initially, my motivation was to share the magic of Pilates with others and help them lead pain-free, healthier lives. Over time, this mission has evolved into a broader purpose of not just promoting physical fitness, but also advocating for mental well-being. At The Pilates Studio, we practise mindful movement and take a holistic approach to health, where both mind and body are in harmony.
Today, I find immense joy in educating people about Pilates, and helping them understand that fitness is a journey, not a destination. Our studios are all about connecting with your body, understanding its needs, and finding balance in life.”
> Komal Rukhana, Co-founder Mint and Milk PR
“My journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by an innate desire to create and to carve out a space where passion meets purpose. The world of PR captivated me with its dynamic nature – it allowed me to channel my creativity, strategic thinking, and love for storytelling into something truly impactful.
Over time, this inspiration has deepened, evolving into a commitment to integrity, perseverance, and constant innovation. Mint + Milk PR is a reflection of this evolution—a place where we not only build brands but also forge meaningful connections and narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.”
> Janvi Mankani, Co-founder, Mint + Milk PR
“The decision to launch my own venture was driven by a deep rooted ambition to forge my own path in an industry I’ve been closely connected with since I was 17. With over 15 years in PR, I’ve navigated the complexities of brand communication and developed a strong understanding of what works. Yet, there was always a part of me that wanted more – an urge to create something that truly reflected my vision. This drive culminated in founding my boutique PR agency, a pivotal moment where I transitioned from being part of the industry to leading within it.
As I’ve grown, that initial spark has transformed into a commitment to continuous growth, both personally and professionally. What started as a pursuit to make my mark has evolved into a mission to innovate, push boundaries, and explore new business frontiers. The success we’ve achieved – evident in the brands that seek our expertise – validates the hard work and passion behind this journey. Today, my motivation is not just about succeeding; it’s about expanding my impact, exploring new challenges, and staying true to the values that have guided me from the start.”
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
