While addressing socio-economic challenges, we cannot overlook women, since women form almost 50 per cent of the population today. Thinking along these lines, the Uttar Pradesh government had started the Women Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme 2014-15, to empower women and ensure their participation in the process of industrialization.
In a recent move to promote women empowerment in the state, a special helpline number was introduced for female entrepreneurs across the state, during the state’s ongoing ‘Vikas Utsav’.
So, with UP opening up opportunities for women entrepreneurs, we present here some prominent women in business.
> Puja Nemani, Founder, Cappuccino Blast
Puja Rahul Nemani, the Founder of Cappuccino Blast, is a hands-on entrepreneur from Lucknow. She does it all – from visualising the décor, managing operations to whipping up delicacies in the kitchen. She ensures that her guests have a unique unforgettable experience.
Puja’s vision in Cappuccino Blast is all about putting in your best, so that you achieve success creatively, that differentiates you from the rest. She wanted to give something to the city, and her story started with only five tables and just a handful of delicacies. Soon, the small café gradually became the talk of the town. Cappuccino Blast gave the city’s youngsters a place where they could unwind, relax and chill out with friends.
Source: http://cappuccinoblast.in/all-portfolio-list/your-host/
> Jyotsna Kaur Habibullah, CEO, Lucknow Farmers Market
An entrepreneur and a philanthropist, Jyotsna Kaur Habibullah, CEO initiated her start- up – Lucknow Farmers Market and created India’s first Sustainable Platform & Community, connecting the largest number of consumers with farmers, start-ups & artisans. This was initiated as an annual event linking farmers, entrepreneurs and artisans to consumers at Lucknow in 2015. Since 2018 they have organized monthly markets too. She is also the founder of FICCI FLO UP, the most widespread Ecosystem for start-ups, rural, and women entrepreneurs.
Lucknow Farmers Market presents a simple unadulterated way of living life organically. Because one thing is clear – we need to reduce our carbon footprint for a better tomorrow. They represent 100% natural chemical-free products, being fully committed to the philosophy of creating reliable, ethical farming, and promoting local, seasonal produce. The aim is to build a community that believes in the green ethos of – ‘Eat Local & Seasonal; Reuse; Recycle; Resell; Don’t waste; Don’t discard; Share; Donate; Reduce waste; Replenish resources; Live Sustainably!’
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyotsna-kaur-habibullah/?originalSubdomain=in
> Chef Vanshika Bhatia, Founder, Together at 12th
When Chef Vanshika Bhatia decided she wanted to go to a culinary school, she shocked her parents (for she did not opt for a management degree, nor did she want to join family business). ‘Together at 12 th ’ is her own restaurant, located on the 12th Floor of Le Meridien Gurgaon, which focuses on a special “ingredient-based Seasonal Cuisine” here.
Born in Kanpur, educated in London, and trained in Copenhagen, Dubai and Bangkok, she is now a famous chef, baker and entrepreneur. Her journey took her across the globe – to Noma, Copenhagen, and then she went to work at Junoon in Dubai, Gaggan in Bangkok, and Olive in Delhi. All this helped her perfect her art.
Source: https://www.seema.com/chef-vanshika-bhatia-on-reviving-a-culinary-heritage/
> Vijaya Kapoor, Director, Kays Jewels
Mrs.Vijaya Kapoor and Dr. Ravi Kapoor are the Directors of Kays Jewels, a leading manufacturer, exporter & retailer of jewellery which was established in 1979. Initially they started exporting to the Gulf countries and later branched out to countries like the UK and USA, The Caribbean Islands & Spain.
To ensure excellent quality control that these markets demanded, they started manufacturing operations at Noida. With the Indian economy growing at a very rapid pace, they decided to have the Kays brand presence in the local market too; and the first retail outlet of Kays Jewels was established in Kanpur.
Today, they are a mammoth designer jewellery brand that is worn by many celebrities. She is proud that her innovative designs represent a unique level of creativity. She has also received a number of awards – like the Gemsfield Retail Jeweller India Awards and IJ Jewelers Choice Design Award; and recently, she bagged the prestigious National Jewellery Award in 2013 by Gems and Jewellery Federation (GJF). The designs created by Vijaya Kapoor have indeed set the standard for innovation and creativity in the jewellery sector.
Source: https://kaysjewels.in/about/
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
