On the ninth day of Navaratri, we celebrate Siddhidatri, the final form of the goddess Mahadevi. Her name holds the magic of her powers: “Siddhi” means extraordinary abilities, and “Dhatri” means one who gives. She is believed to grant all divine aspirations and make dreams come true.
Inspired by Siddhidatri’s gift of turning visions into reality, we asked some remarkable women entrepreneurs to share how they’ve transformed their business dreams into real success and fulfilment.
Let’s explore their stories and see the steps they took to make their aspirations a reality.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
Building Yellow Fertility from dream to reality has been a mission of clarity, consistency, and empathy. The clarity was understanding precisely what space I wanted to fill in India’s fertility arena, bringing advanced reproductive care within reach, understanding, and reliable beyond the metros. Consistency was about being present every day, even when obstacles seemed larger than successes, from establishing world-class embryology laboratories to building the right medical staff. Compassion has been at the core, because success in fertility is not just numbers, but the happiness of families we assist in creating.
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Key takeaway: Anchor your dream on purpose, build the right team, and let impact define success.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk
Siddhidatri reminds us that with belief, concentration, and effort, even the most ambitious dreams can become real. Transforming Sammyukk from a dream into a thriving business has been an evolution of intention, persistence, and deliberate decisions. I set clear objectives, stayed open to learning, and invested in a positive, ambitious team. Success, to me, is not merely growth in numbers; it is alignment and fulfilment in creating something purposeful.
To each woman building her dream: believe it can happen, support it with effort, and remain grounded in your ‘why’; that’s where success truly starts
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Key takeaway: Success starts with belief, effort, and staying grounded in your ‘why’.
Nidhi Sabbarwal, Founder at Kalyanamm Holy Waste Recycling Pvt. Ltd.
Siddhidatri sparks the energy of accomplishment, and for me, this meant taking a personal test and transforming it into a meaningful company. I started by identifying the issue of floral waste clogging rivers and incense smoke compromising well-being, and developed a solution in the form of natural, low-smoke incense. Early feedback from friends and family helped build confidence to expand.
From there, building a sustainable supply chain, using biodegradable packaging, and sourcing internationally propelled us forward. True satisfaction comes not just from growth, but from helping people practice rituals aligned with nature.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
Making my dream come true required passion, ambition, and planning. I started deliberately with designs true to my style and gradually built the brand with focus and consistency. Investing in quality, building customer trust, and keeping up with retail trends were crucial. Success, to me, is not just about sales, but about making women feel good when they wear our jewellery, creating lasting positive moments.
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Key takeaway: Consistency and authenticity in delivering value create meaningful success.
Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO, Sciative Solutions
Turning a vision into success required a stepwise approach. We began by understanding unique pricing challenges in each sector and then built AI products that delivered tangible ROI, which established credibility. Growing alongside our clients rather than just selling to them meant their success stories became our biggest growth lever. We expanded methodically across sectors without losing focus, ensuring disciplined and sustainable growth.
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Key takeaway: Methodical growth rooted in solving real problems ensures credibility and lasting success.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder and CEO, BeyondBound
Achievements are milestones, but fulfilment comes when a woman wears BeyondBound and feels unstoppable. Siddhidatri’s energy mirrors the sense of accomplishment I feel, not just in hitting goals, but in making a difference. Every stitch involves hours of testing, tweaking, and fine-tuning, but the true reward is when women embrace their strength through our designs. That is when the vision feels complete.
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Key takeaway: Fulfilment is measured by the impact your work has on empowering others.
Mydesignation is not an overnight success. Turning business dreams into reality has always been about hard work, managing self-doubt, and unwavering consistency. It begins with intention, staying committed, and trusting the process even when results are not immediate. I believe that good work done with integrity eventually finds its way. Success is not magic; it’s a balance of effort, patience, and intention. For me, staying true to my vision and letting meaningful work speak is what counts.
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Key takeaway: Integrity, patience, and commitment are the true foundations of success.
Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at Snow World Entertainment
It started with a unique vision: to challenge the entertainment landscape in India. In the early stages, we avoided easier options to preserve the quality of what we deliver. Starting small, we gained confidence through positive customer feedback and gradually expanded our ventures. After a decade, we operate across India and aim to grow further. Personal satisfaction comes from customer joy; when audiences reflect fun and positivity, I know we delivered our purpose.
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Key takeaway: Quality and persistence, validated by customer feedback, drive enduring success.
Akanksha Hazari, CEO & Founder of LoveLocal
Inspired by Siddhidatri, turning LoveLocal from an idea into a thriving business has been about setting clear goals, staying disciplined, and empowering the right people. We focused on solving real problems for consumers and local retailers, iterated based on feedback, and celebrated milestones. True success comes from creating an ecosystem where everyone benefits, retailers grow, consumers access quality products, and satisfaction extends beyond mere numbers.
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Key takeaway: Success multiplies when your business benefits the wider ecosystem, not just yourself.
We dream of a world where quality cosmetics are affordable, accessible, and inclusive. There’s a strong link between peace and innovation, as creating a culture that encourages thinking outside the box, supports work-life balance, and is transparent in decision-making, creativity thrives. For my fellow women founders, I always recommend focusing on empathy and flexible expectations. A supported team is more innovative and loyal, and a peaceful, respectful environment ultimately boosts productivity while attracting and retaining the talent needed to grow an innovative company.
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Key takeaway: A culture of empathy and balance drives innovation, productivity, and long-term business growth.
In our eighth story, we’re talking about Mahagauri, who’s an important figure in Hinduism. She’s known for her special ability to make her followers’ wishes come true, and she represents calmness and happiness.
Just like Mahagauri’s peaceful nature, we’ve had the chance to connect with some amazing women entrepreneurs. These women have created workplaces that are both calm and full of new ideas.
We asked these inspiring women about how they maintain a peaceful and innovative work environment and what suggestions they would like to offer to fellow women entrepreneurs to achieve the same.
Let’s learn from these leaders who have found inspiration in Mahagauri’s calm and serene spirit.
Akanksha Hazari, CEO & Founder of LoveLocal
Inspired by Mahagauri’s serenity, I’ve focused on creating a calm, collaborative, and innovative work environment at LoveLocal. This means encouraging open communication, providing space for creative thinking, and supporting teams through challenges without unnecessary pressure.
My advice to fellow female founders is to lead with patience and empathy, prioritise mental well-being, and create a culture where ideas can flourish. A peaceful environment is often the breeding ground for the most innovative solutions.
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Key takeaway: Empathy and patience in leadership promote innovation through psychological safety.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
From the very beginning, while creating DishiS, we prioritised a peaceful work environment by nurturing ideas, respecting work-life balance, and giving the team the freedom to be creative. It’s about empowering creativity when everything feels peaceful and comforting.
To all other businesswomen, I recommend maintaining balance, avoiding micromanaging, and trusting your co-workers and yourself. A peaceful working culture promotes productivity while ensuring new ideas that drive the company forward.
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Key takeaway: Trust and freedom spark creativity and help innovation thrive.
At Yellow Fertility, we operate in an environment where emotions are intense, and patients come to us during vulnerable times. For me, calmness isn’t merely a leadership trait; it’s a necessity. We’ve created a space where compassion is balanced with innovation — nurturing for patients and collaborative for our teams.
I promote open communication, respect boundaries, and encourage team members to share openly without fear of failure. My advice to women founders is to take care of emotional balance along with business growth. A calm workplace is not slow, it is steady. When your people feel nurtured and safe, they deliver their best solutions and help the business grow healthily.
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Key takeaway: Compassionate leadership nurtures both innovation and resilience.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder & CEO, Beyond Bound
In the hustle of entrepreneurship, calmness often feels like a luxury. But Mahagauri’s serenity reminds me that innovation needs space for ideas to breathe and creativity to unfold without fear. I try to bring that balance into Beyond Bound by moving with focus yet not rushing, striving for growth yet holding on to clarity. It’s this blend of peace and purpose that keeps our designs fresh and empowering.
My advice to fellow founders is to slow down when needed. Peace of mind is often where your best ideas emerge.
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Key takeaway: Peace and purpose together fuel authentic creativity.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk
Mahagauri personifies serene strength, and that’s the vibration I aim to infuse in Sammyukk. In a high-strung world, having a peaceful workspace has been instrumental in keeping creativity and collaboration alive. We emphasise mindfulness, open dialogue, and emotional safety because innovation thrives where individuals feel respected and heard.
To fellow female founders: prioritise mental wellness, build with empathy, and lead with grace. A peaceful atmosphere isn’t complacent; it’s strong, it gives your team the clarity and confidence to succeed, even in mayhem.
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Key takeaway: Mindful, empathetic leadership builds strength and creativity under pressure.
Mahagauri’s calmness has inspired me to design a workspace where peace and creativity intersect. We emphasise mindful practices, flexible schedules, clear communication, and celebrate small cultural moments sustainably. This balance reduces stress and fuels innovation.
To other women founders, I urge you not to merely pursue productivity but to construct peace into your culture. An environment that values serenity as much as innovation nourishes both people and ideas for long-term growth.
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Key takeaway: Building peace into company culture ensures sustainable growth and innovation.
You cannot “build” a peaceful environment, peace is cultivated through balance. At MyDesignation, we’ve built a culture where teammates can speak freely, be themselves, and seek support without barriers. Every person’s experience is unique, so we encourage open communication across all levels.
We don’t see work-life balance as a checkbox; we believe in loving what you do. If someone feels misaligned or exhausted, we help them find what brings them peace and purpose. My advice to women founders is to build spaces where people feel free to express themselves, as peace follows when authenticity is valued.
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Key takeaway: Authentic communication and emotional safety leads to innovation.
Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO, Sciative Solutions
We’ve built a culture where clarity of goals and respect for individuals create calm. Our teams know their work is impactful, which reduces anxiety and strengthens creativity. We encourage open dialogue, give space for ideation, and recognise contributions regularly.
My advice to female founders: a peaceful environment isn’t about avoiding conflict but resolving it with respect and transparency. Innovation thrives in that balance.
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Key takeaway: Clear goals and respectful communication create lasting innovation.
I believe peace and innovation should always go hand in hand. At Shryoan, we encourage open ideas, respect work-life balance, and maintain transparency in decision-making. This creates a serene environment where creativity flourishes.
My advice to women founders is to lead with empathy and flexibility — when teams feel supported, they become more innovative and committed. A calm, respectful atmosphere not only boosts productivity but also retains talent and keeps your business evolving with new ideas.
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Key takeaway: Empathy and flexibility help build creative, loyal teams.
Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing, Snow World Entertainment
Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. At our workplace, we prioritise collaboration across teams, craft campaigns creatively, and maintain a peaceful environment that fuels productivity.
My advice to fellow founders is to stick to simple beliefs, stay consistent, and move forward with clarity. Success follows steady effort guided by the right intent.
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Key takeaway: Consistency and clarity sustain innovation over time.
In our seventh story, we’re talking about Kaalratri, a powerful form of the mother goddess. She’s known for her strength in chasing away demons, evil spirits, and bad vibes.
We’ve had the privilege of interacting with some amazing women entrepreneurs, who, like Kaalratri, have their own strength and determination. They’ve used these qualities to deal with changes and make their businesses better.
We asked them how they’ve used their strength and determination to handle changes in their businesses, much like Kaalratri’s power to get rid of negativity.
Let’s explore how they’ve embraced change with determination and made their businesses grow.
Akanksha Hazari, CEO & Founder of LoveLocal
Kaalratri’s fierce energy, the power to confront challenges and eliminate negativity, has inspired how we approach change at LoveLocal. In a rapidly evolving market, we embrace transformation with strength and determination, whether it’s reimagining our operations, adopting new technologies, or challenging conventional e-grocery models. Facing disruptions head-on and making bold choices has allowed us to grow sustainably while staying true to our mission of empowering local retailers and communities.
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Key takeaway: Embrace disruption as a catalyst for sustainable growth and purpose-driven impact.
Kaalratri’s strength motivates me to accept change and transformation without fear. The incense market has long relied on charcoal-based products, and uprooting such a deep-rooted tradition was no easy task. There was resistance from both retailers and consumers, but we stayed true to our dream of creating ecologically friendly, sustainable products.
Evolution also came in the form of global expansion, adapting to international markets while retaining our Indian heritage. Every transformation brought growth and demanded focus to turn away from negativity. Embracing change has made Kalyanamm stronger and proved that real power lies in purposeful innovation.
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Key takeaway: Change rooted in sustainability creates lasting impact and business strength.
Change is inevitable in business, and I have never viewed it as a negative but as a support system for growth. At DishiS, we embraced digital platforms, e-commerce, and modern marketing strategies early on, marking a turning point that helped us reach a wider audience.
Power lies in letting go of what no longer serves growth and boldly adopting the new. I have always faced negativity, whether criticism or failure, with resilience in my convictions. Embracing change requires accepting risk, and I’ve learnt to welcome it.
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Key takeaway: Growth comes from fearlessly embracing innovation and standing firm in your vision.
Change has been relentless, and I’ve learnt to accept it with strength, not fear. At Shryoan, we evolved to a digital-first approach, built influencer partnerships, and developed products aligned with modern beauty trends. Negativity, whether doubt towards homegrown brands or industry criticism, has been met with unwavering resolve and answered through the strength of our work. Like Kaalratri, I believe change is a source of power that continues to push Shryoan forward.
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Key takeaway: Confidence and adaptability are key to thriving through transformation.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder & CEO, Beyond Bound
Criticism has come my way more times than I can count, from strangers and even those I least expected. There have been nights of doubt and tears. But Kaalratri’s fierce energy fuels me to turn negativity into strength. Each challenge pushed me to refine designs, make bolder choices, and step into spaces where women weren’t always welcomed. Like a phoenix, Beyond Bound continues to rise stronger with every test.
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Key takeaway: Turning pain into purpose is the true essence of fearless entrepreneurship.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director, Sammyukk
Kaalratri’s fierce energy reminds me that transformation often begins with disruption. In business, I’ve had to be bold, letting go of what no longer served our mission, tackling uncertainty head-on, and accepting painful change. Those moments brought clarity and power. At Sammyukk, we see transformation as growth, not a challenge.
My advice to fellow founders: don’t fear change; harness it. Cut loose what dulls your light, stand strong in your power, and remember, every ending opens the door to a more aligned beginning.
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Key takeaway: Transformation demands courage to let go and the wisdom to begin again.
Change is imminent, but transformation is a choice. I’ve embraced it by fostering agility, adopting new business models, and aligning with changing consumer needs. Negativity often accompanies growth, but true strength lies in clarity of vision. I lead by focusing on solutions rather than setbacks.
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Key takeaway: Leadership in transformation means choosing focus over fear.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
At our core, we see change not as disruption but as an opportunity to evolve. We began as a T-shirt brand, but as we listened to consumers, we expanded into new categories. We now define ourselves as an innovative fashion brand rather than just an expressive one.
We often draw inspiration from nature’s most resilient forms — the ability to endure, adapt, and thrive through challenges. That mindset defines our journey: embracing transformation with persistence, adaptability, and resilience.
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Key takeaway: Long-term success comes from resilience and the will to adapt continuously.
Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing, Snow World Entertainment
We always believed that giving people full knowledge through experience was the only way to bring our vision to life. From collaborations with international leaders in gaming to curating world-class entertainment, every step required educating and engaging our audience. Transformation happens when you remove hesitation and make experiences accessible. The love and excitement we see from our visitors today reflect that real change begins with awareness.
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Key takeaway: True transformation happens when businesses educate, inspire, and empower their audience.
In our sixth story, we look at Katyayani, the fearless warrior goddess who defeated Mahishasura. As the sixth of the Navadurgas celebrated during Navratri, she symbolises courage, determination, and resilience.
Much like Katyayani, women entrepreneurs often face tough challenges and moments of uncertainty. Yet, it’s their resilience and determination that keep them moving forward.
We asked some inspiring women leaders how these qualities have shaped their journey and guided their leadership. Here’s what they shared.
Akanksha Hazari, CEO & Founder of LoveLocal
Katyayani’s determination and resilience have been central to my leadership at LoveLocal. Building a retailer-first, community-driven model in a market dominated by quick commerce required persistence, bold decision-making, and the courage to navigate uncertainties. These qualities have helped me stay focused on our long-term vision, turn challenges into opportunities, and lead the team with conviction, even when the path forward wasn’t easy.
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Key takeaway: Resilience helps transform challenges into opportunities while keeping the bigger vision alive.
Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO, Sciative Solutions
For me, determination and resilience are best reflected in our approach to solving complex business problems. At Sciative, we’ve always believed in falling in love with problems, not just chasing solutions. Travel, retail, and hospitality are full of unending challenges, shifting demand, unpredictable consumer behaviour, and fierce price wars. But we see complexity as fuel. Resilience means staying curious, not discouraged. Determination means refining, testing, and pushing our AI models until they truly work for our clients.
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Key takeaway: Embrace complexity with curiosity. It is resilience that fuels innovation and growth.
Katyayani’s grit and perseverance are traits I have clung to closely throughout my entrepreneurial career. The incense business is traditionally oriented, and promoting environment-friendly, low-smoke variants was challenging. There were moments when people dismissed the idea as niche, but perseverance ensured that I kept innovating in natural incense, essential oils, and biodegradable packaging. Adversities are inevitable, but through resilience you can survive, and through determination you can succeed.
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Key takeaway: Perseverance drives innovation even in traditionally resistant industries.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder & CEO, Beyond Bound
There have been moments when giving up felt tempting, when suppliers pulled out, when designs failed, when the uncertainty seemed too heavy. But Katyayani’s determination reminded me of why I started. Knowing my “why” has kept me steady. It’s this resilience, this refusal to let go of the vision, that has allowed Beyond Bound to keep moving forward even in stormy times.
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Key takeaway: Staying rooted in your “why” helps weather the toughest storms.
Dishi Somani, Founder, DishiS Designer Jewellery
Determination and resilience have defined my entrepreneurial journey. There were times of doubt, such as market decline or changing customer demands, when the easiest thing was to quit. But resilience pushed me to innovate instead of pulling back. Persistence enabled me to stick to the vision of the brand while finding new ways to grow.
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Key takeaway: Innovation often comes from moments when giving up feels easiest.
Perseverance and resilience have been our greatest supporters. In an industry where trends change within hours, it can feel overwhelming. But staying focused on our vision of “luxury made accessible” has kept us on track. Resilience matters when things go sideways, whether supply chain issues or market shifts. I’ve learnt that challenges are not setbacks but redirections. Each obstacle has made Shryoan stronger.
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Key takeaway: Challenges are not roadblocks, they are redirections towards stronger growth.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
Resilience is about being present, despite the odds being against you. I have navigated through economic recessions, shifting markets, and unforeseen crises. Setbacks are temporary; they are stepping stones. It’s not about how quickly you change, but how promptly you learn, rebalance, and move forward without losing your vision.
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Key takeaway: Resilience is about learning quickly and moving forward without losing sight of your vision.
Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing, Snow World Entertainment
What has kept us going is the ability to stay resilient and calm under pressure, making decisions that are long-term, not reactive. Every hurdle has been a new opportunity. Leading Snow World Entertainment, especially while scaling or launching concepts like world-class hospitality blended with gaming and technology, demanded courage and determination. Resilience and focus helped us shape innovative steps for the industry.
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Key takeaway: Long-term focus and resilience turn hurdles into opportunities for innovation.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director, Sammyukk
Having founded Sammyukk wasn’t smooth sailing, there were moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and doubt. But resilience is about showing up even when the way ahead is not clear. I’ve learnt to lead with clarity, stay grounded in purpose, and adapt without losing direction. Challenges aren’t roadblocks; they are reminders to rise stronger.
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Key takeaway: Resilience is showing up everyday, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
Swaroop (Co-Founder & CEO) and I often describe ourselves as yin and yang—his calm, grounded nature perfectly balances my restless drive. This balance has been invaluable in navigating challenges. While I push boundaries with bold ideas, his steadiness ensures we remain grounded and resilient under pressure. Together, this dynamic hasn’t just shaped my leadership but has been the foundation of MyDesignation itself.
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Key takeaway: Balance in leadership creates resilience and helps businesses thrive.
For our fifth Navratri story, we turn to Skandamata, the goddess known for her nurturing and supportive nature. Much like her, women entrepreneurs play a similar role in guiding and uplifting their teams.
Inspired by this, we asked some incredible founders how they build strong relationships at work and how women can create positive, supportive spaces for each other in business.
Just as Skandamata blesses with strength, wisdom, and growth, these leaders share their insights on building successful and empowered teams.
Here’s what they shared
Akanksha Hazari, CEO & Founder of LoveLocal
Much like Skandamata, I believe leadership is about nurturing with care and responsibility. At LoveLocal, I focus on building genuine relationships, giving teams the space to grow, and supporting them through challenges while celebrating their wins. For female founders, creating a positive work environment starts with empathy, open communication, and leading by example. When we support and uplift each other, we don’t just build stronger teams, we create workplaces where people truly thrive.
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Key takeaway: Empathy and leading by example are central to building thriving teams.
BeyondBound isn’t just my dream, it’s a collective one. The way Skandamata nurtures, I try to bring the same spirit into how I work with my team. Every win feels sweeter when it’s shared and every challenge feels lighter when carried together. I’ve seen firsthand how a culture of encouragement fuels creativity and how women uplifting each other creates unstoppable momentum.
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Key takeaway: Shared victories and encouragement foster creativity and momentum.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
Keeping close relationships with my team has been crucial for establishing DishiS in a crowded market. I am a firm believer in open communication, acknowledging efforts, and providing room for creativity. A founder must lead and mentor, but also trust the team to perform with their expertise. For women founders, a good work environment leads to cooperation over competition. Backing each other, exchanging knowledge, and celebrating victories together create an environment where productivity excels alongside creativity.
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Key takeaway: Trust and collaboration boost both creativity and productivity.
Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO, Sciative Solutions
Teams thrive on trust and empowerment. At Sciative, we nurture talent by giving people ownership of problems and the freedom to innovate. We invest in learning, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and celebrate both small wins and big milestones. For female founders, I’d say: lead with empathy. When people feel supported, they naturally perform at their best, and the business grows with them.
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Key takeaway: Empowerment and ownership lead to peak performance and growth.
Shryoan has been a community experience, and creating our team has been part of that journey. We communicate openly, celebrate the wins, and treat each member as special; that is how I see building a team. Similar to Skandamata, I believe that when a supportive environment is created, people can be the best version of themselves. For women-led companies, an enriching work environment builds creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Empowering women to support each other in teams creates productivity and fosters growth and trust for mutual success.
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Key takeaway: Supportive and inclusive environments unlock creativity and mutual trust.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director, Sammyukk
Skandamata reminds us that authentic leadership is nurturing, not controlling. At Sammyukk, I’m committed to fostering relationships of empathy, respect, and mutual growth. A solid team is one that’s seen, heard, and believed in. To fellow female founders, my advice: lead with empathy, prioritise collaboration over competition, and build spaces where women support each other. A positive culture begins with small, thoughtful gestures, listening, mentoring, and acknowledging effort. When individuals feel appreciated, productivity and meaning come naturally.
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Key takeaway: Empathetic leadership and recognition drive meaningful productivity.
Skandamata’s nurturing nature lies at the centre of how I work with my team. Most of our artisans are women from smaller towns, and I view developing them as not merely giving jobs but building a secure, empowering platform. We promote skill development, open communication, and celebrate small successes. This generates trust and loyalty, which manifests in the quality of our output. A supportive, respectful work culture in which women encourage each other promotes productivity and teamwork, creating long-term stability and growth.
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Key takeaway: Nurturing and skill development creates loyalty, quality, and sustainable growth.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
It’s all about emotional connection. I spend time talking with my teammates, understanding what they want, and giving them the freedom to express themselves. Everyone is equal, and I encourage open sharing of suggestions, concerns, and ideas. I focus on character and attitude first. I also remind the team of our roots and values, and lead by example, staying energetic, curious, and creative, no matter how big the company grows.
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Key takeaway: Emotional connection and leading by example build committed and engaged teams.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
I think culture is the real support of any company. I encourage teams by listening, mentoring, and giving individuals room to take ownership. A healthy work culture isn’t developed overnight; it takes empathy, appreciation, and responsibility. For women founders, uplifting each other through networks, partnerships, and shared tools can drive joint success.
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Key takeaway: Empathy, mentorship, and collaborative networks strengthen company culture.
Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing, Snow World Entertainment
Teamwork is the backbone of any business. At Snow World Entertainment, our strength lies in our team. We have policies to strengthen our internal team, hold interactive sessions to discuss issues and brainstorm ideas, and then execute learnings. I stay connected across departments, from marketing and design to ground staff and guest services. When people feel seen and valued, they take ownership. As I’ve seen, leadership skills and effort can create remarkable outcomes, regardless of prior industry experience.
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Key takeaway: Inclusive communication and recognising contributions drive ownership and growth.
We’ve reached the fourth day of Navratri, where the spotlight shines on Goddess Kushmanda. Her name itself tells a story: “Ku” means a little, “Ushma” is warmth and energy, and “Anda” stands for the cosmic egg, the very beginning of creation.
Goddess Kushmanda is believed to bless her devotees with health, strength, and prosperity. Inspired by her spirit of abundance, we asked a few amazing women entrepreneurs how they’ve created prosperity in their businesses and what advice they’d share with fellow female founders chasing growth.
Let’s explore their stories and soak in the energy of Kushmanda together.
Nidhi Sabbarwal, Founder at Kalyanamm Holy Waste Recycling Pvt. Ltd.
Abundance, for me, is more than just financial wealth; it’s value creation for people, communities, and the planet. At Kalyanamm, we’ve turned waste into wellness by recycling temple flowers, creating livelihoods for women artisans, and providing consumers with better options. This abundance is a combination of business growth and positive impact. For other women founders, I’d suggest anchoring your business for a purpose bigger than profits. When your work serves people and the environment, abundance follows naturally. Be patient, remain innovative, and don’t be afraid of new ideas; true success comes from creating opportunities for others while growing yourself.
For me, creation has never just been about clothes; it has been about possibilities. Kushmanda’s essence of abundance inspires me to design activewear that celebrates women in their own skin. Each piece is crafted to be versatile and inclusive, with the hope that it adds confidence to someone’s journey. To other founders, I would say: create with heart, and the abundance of opportunities, growth, and impact will follow on its own.
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Tip: Create with heart and opportunities and growth will follow.
At Sciative, abundance has come from creating measurable value for our customers. Our clients consistently achieve 15–20% uplift in revenues, and that impact multiplies across industries, bringing prosperity not only to our clients but also to their entire ecosystems of staff, suppliers and customers.
For female founders, my tips would be:
Root yourself in value: if your product or service improves your customer’s outcomes, growth will follow.
Invest in scalable systems: build processes and technology that can grow with you.
Don’t shy away from numbers: track metrics obsessively; data is your ally.
Build networks of support: surround yourself with mentors and peers.
Balance persistence with agility: keep moving forward, but pivot when needed.
When you create abundance for others, it always finds a way back to you and your business, in greater measure.
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Tip: Focus on creating measurable value, and abundance will return.
At Shryoan, we have achieved prosperity through value creation that goes beyond sales, while building trust and a loyal community. We have been intentional about affordable price points while maintaining quality, and this has given us a strong consumer base. To fellow women founders, my advice is to think long-term, create offerings that solve real-life problems. Success doesn’t occur overnight; it is the result of sheer determination, adaptability, and belief in yourself.
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Tip: Long-term thinking and resilience bring lasting growth.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
Prosperity arrives when you think beyond yourself. By giving others opportunities, whether through jobs, partnerships, or innovations that create value, prosperity multiplies naturally. To other female founders, my advice is: don’t be fearful of scaling. Dream big, but pair it with structure. Develop systems where your imagination can expand, and always keep customers at the centre.
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Tip: Share opportunities generously, and prosperity multiplies.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
At DishiS, prosperity has been created through creativity, customer loyalty, and strong relationships. I’ve always been committed to delivering value through craftsmanship, openness, and customer service. To my fellow female entrepreneurs, I’d say: build businesses on trust and innovation. Success comes when you create something that lasts. Teamwork and continuous upskilling also open new opportunities, even in competitive markets.
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Tip: Trust and innovation are the cornerstones of success.
Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing, Snow World Entertainment
For a successful business, the aim is to create impact over revenue. When people walk into our ventures, we want them to leave with unforgettable memories. We have always focused on offering experiences that customers are looking for, and that is the success of our business.
Advice for other women entrepreneurs is to have faith and confidence in yourself that you can turn your idea into a successful venture. As no one out there is going to believe you until you have faith in yourself. Once the root of confidence is built, there is no looking back. Confidence comes when you are aware and have complete knowledge of the field you are entering.
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Tip: Confidence built on knowledge is the key to progress.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
Abundance, for me, is peace of mind, knowing I’m doing what I love. Building a business you care about is challenging, and success is personal. It’s not just numbers; it’s about listening to customers, refining designs, and staying transparent. At MyDesignation, our pride lies in designs crafted with heart and effort, building trust and community along the way.
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Tip: Abundance is doing what you love and listening to your customers.
Kushmanda’s energy reminds me that creation begins from within. At Sammyukk, we’ve built abundance by nurturing a strong foundation, values, vision, and a supportive team. Prosperity isn’t just financial; it’s also impact, integrity, and meaningful relationships. My advice to women entrepreneurs: trust your intuition, stay consistent, and never be afraid to take up space. Align your business with purpose, not pressure, and abundance will follow in ways you never imagined.
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Tip: Lead with values and prosperity follows naturally.
Tanul Mishra, CEO, Afthonia Lab
Apart from the many things a business needs to thrive and grow, Bourdieu’s capital theory highlights three forms of capital: Economic, Social, and Cultural. For a business owner, accessing all three is essential for growth. Joining startup communities, incubators, and accelerators can help you gain this access. Additionally, focusing on execution and adopting an execution bias is key to achieving success.
Naina Ruhail, Founder and Co-CEO, Vanity Wagon
I nurtured my business with creative campaigns and strategies in order to achieve our goals and grow large. There are many factors that contribute to creating a prosperous business, but all of them converge to one aim – to foster a strong customer relationship.
For aspiring female founders, my advice is to be bold and not let yourself be confined by conventions. Always believe that the world needs a person like you who breaks the mould and creates a new one. So keep daring in your pursuits and carve out your unique path.
Continuing our journey through Navratri’s inspiring stories, we now explore the radiant world of Goddess Chandraghanta. On the third day of Navratri, we pay homage to this powerful goddess, depicted as a warrior with ten arms, riding a tiger, and wearing a crescent moon on her forehead.
Chandraghanta stands as a symbol of courage, strength, and wisdom, qualities that women entrepreneurs hold close to their hearts as they address the challenges of the business world. With this in mind, we at StartupTalky asked these remarkable women an important question about how they address challenges in their businesses.
Their insights give you a glimpse of their strong determination, much like Goddess Chandraghanta herself. Here are their stories of turning challenges into opportunities with courage and clarity.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and lead. My style is to remain observant, rather than reactive, to examine situations calmly and then move forward. Courage to me is the willingness to make difficult decisions, to pivot the strategy, to invest in new technology, or to stand up for what’s right, even if it’s not popular.
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Takeaway: Calm observation before action helps turn challenges into bold leadership choices.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
As a cofounder and CCO, I believe challenges are an inevitable part of the journey. I believe that good things do come to good people. We will have to overcome many challenges. We should be willing to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the uncomfortable. I see it like water, we have to bend, twist, and adapt to whatever shape the situation demands. Just like an ECG, the ups and downs are a sign of life; a flat line means no pulse. Similarly, in business, those fluctuations, complicated days, unexpected turns, and tough calls are proof that we are alive and moving forward.
For me, it’s about making peace with that rhythm, standing alongside my teammates, and knowing that at the end of the day, everything will find its way to work out.
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Takeaway: Flexibility and acceptance of ups and downs are vital for long-term growth.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder and CEO, Beyond Bound
Being a woman founder in a largely male-dominated industry isn’t easy. At times, it feels like you are asked to prove yourself twice over. Chandraghanta’s courage reminds me that belief in oneself has to come first. Whether it was deciding to take risks with unconventional designs or standing firm on size inclusivity, every bold move has shaped BeyondBound into what it is today. Obstacles don’t disappear, but courage transforms them into stepping stones.
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Takeaway: Self-belief and courage turn every obstacle into a stepping stone for progress.
Nidhi Sabbarwal, Founder at Kalyanamm Holy Waste Recycling Pvt. Ltd.
Chandraghanta inspires bravery and diligence, qualities I rely on and use when faced with challenges. When approaching a traditional market where charcoal was standard for incense, it took bravery; it was no easy task to get consumers to abandon routines that had lasted generations. Diligence included tracking consumer trends, being aware of changes in the industry, and pursuing environmentally sustainable practices.
I think that every challenge is an opportunity to reaffirm why we began: to make rituals healthier and more sustainable. Encountering challenges with courage and practising with discipline, we turn every setback into a learning opportunity. I feel we have transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.
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Takeaway: Discipline and courage help challenge traditions while staying true to purpose.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
The jewellery business is constantly evolving, and challenges arise daily, whether it’s due to changing consumer tastes or shifts in the market. I address challenges proactively by maintaining vigilance, identifying emerging trends early, and systematically analysing customer feedback. Courage is built upon having faith in the uniqueness of my brand and taking courageous decisions, either through trying out new designs or changing business strategies. Just like Chandraghanta, in my view, staying alert, responding swiftly, and leading with courage are essential to turning challenges into catalysts for growth.
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Takeaway: Staying alert to trends and customer needs fuels resilience and growth.
I tackle every challenge with care by remaining attuned to global beauty trends and domestic consumer behaviour. Bravery emerges when we dare to step beyond our comfort zone, whether through bold choices or innovative ideas that disrupt the market. Just like Chandraghanta, I find that challenges are best confronted with knowledge and bold action, because each challenge brings with it the potential to learn, innovate, and build the brand even more.
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Takeaway: Knowledge combined with boldness turns challenges into innovations.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk
Chandraghanta’s courage influences how I confront challenges in business. Entrepreneurship requires not only passion but also the tenacity to make difficult decisions and the discernment to foresee challenges. Faced with uncertainty or failure, I prefer to act, not react, with courage, strategy, and poise. We’ve converted challenges into opportunities at Sammyukk by remaining vigilant, being able to pivot quickly, and believing in our purpose. Similar to Chandraghanta, I think courage does not mean being fearless, but getting up with purpose every time fear comes knocking on your door.
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Takeaway: True courage is not fearlessness but rising with purpose each time fear appears.
Final Thoughts
Just as Goddess Chandraghanta symbolises courage, vigilance, and wisdom, these women entrepreneurs show us that challenges are not roadblocks but turning points. Their stories remind us that staying alert, believing in oneself, and acting with purpose can transform obstacles into growth. This Navratri, may their journeys inspire us to face challenges with the same courage and clarity.
As we continue our Navratri journey, we come to the second form of the goddess, Brahmacharini. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Brahmacharini is the second incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is known for her strong dedication and discipline, qualities that deeply resonate with women entrepreneurs facing the challenges of building and growing a business.
We asked visionary women how they have stayed disciplined and maintained focus over the years while nurturing their ventures. Their experiences reflect the commitment, patience, and determination that define Brahmacharini’s essence.
Here are the stories of women entrepreneurs who have channelled the spirit of Goddess Brahmacharini to achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
Discipline has been the foundation of my entrepreneurship journey. I have remained focused by setting accurate short-term and long-term goals that align with the overall vision of the brand. Just like Brahmacharini’s dedication, I am dedicated to both quality and innovation with every collection. Additionally, discipline is implemented at all levels of our business, from design to customer service. The balance of creativity with strategy has always propelled growth. This past year has shown me that as a founder, my strength and commitment to long-term success come from consistency and a dedication to continuous learning.
Key Takeaway: Clear goals, consistency, and a balance of creativity with strategy drive long-term business growth.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
Discipline has been my anchor. Having defined goals, establishing firm processes, or saying “no” to distractions, it is this consistency that counts more than flashes of inspiration. I have been able to develop the habit of balancing long-term vision with day-by-day execution. This consistent rhythm has helped the business to grow steadily.
Key Takeaway: Consistency and disciplined execution outweigh inspiration in driving steady growth.
Growth requires much focus and discipline, two qualities I value. From day one, our approach has been structured – build good products, back them with deep research and measure impact with openness. I practice prioritization knowing that saying “no” is as important as saying “yes.” As a team, we stay committed to any change, whether it is advancing our AI algorithms for clear demand sensing or streamlining client onboarding. The discipline has helped us as we grow across industries but remain consistent in delivering measurable value to our clients plus staying true to the vision of “We Price Right” with which we started.
Key Takeaway: Discipline in prioritization and structured processes ensures growth while staying true to vision.
Drishti Madnani, Co-Founder & Beauty Expert at Shryoan Cosmetics
I believe discipline is about maintaining consistency and keeping a clear perspective. Similar to Brahmacharini’s devotion and dedication, I have also committed myself to understanding consumers’ needs and ensuring Shryoan delivers value every time it comes to market. It’s discipline in adhering to a plan and schedule, making sure we maintain the quality of the product, and being involved in the creation and innovation. With that commitment, in the years we’ve been established, we have continued to grow while remaining committed to our philosophy. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, and it is the discipline to show up every day that takes smaller steps to larger achievements.
Key Takeaway: Consistency and commitment to consumer needs turn small daily steps into long-term achievements.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk
The spirit of Brahmacharini, of unshakeable devotion and self-discipline, resonates strongly with my entrepreneurial experience. The building of Sammyukk has taken a firm dedication to mission beyond profit and self-discipline to remain true to our values, even when shortcuts look inviting. Each obstacle was a learning experience in patience, each triumph a reminder of our ‘why.’ In today’s fast-paced world, I’ve come to realise that steady focus and considerate intent are what propel real growth. As Brahmacharini, I have faith that inner determination and silent tenacity are more potent than any external disturbance.
Key Takeaway: Staying true to values and relying on inner determination helps navigate challenges and build sustainable growth.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder & CEO, Beyond Bound
Motivation fades, but discipline has been my anchor. Like Brahmacharini’s quiet devotion, I’ve built BeyondBound on daily commitment, testing every piece myself, going back to the drawing board until the fit was just right and holding on to the brand’s core values even on difficult days. It’s discipline that turns vision into progress and progress into something women can wear with pride.
Key Takeaway: Discipline transforms vision into progress and ensures values remain intact through challenges.
The virtues of devotion and discipline of Brahmacharini appeal greatly to me as a businesswoman. Right from the beginning, I believed that rituals must heal and not hurt, and that became my guiding principle. Discipline emerged through consistency, be it in responsibly sourcing floral waste, making each product plastic-free, or raising awareness regarding why sustainability is important in spiritual practices. There were days when growth felt slow and subtle, but discipline meant showing up every day with focus and perseverance. My passion for this cause has propelled me through the bumpiest of roads and helped me develop Kalyanamm into a purpose-driven brand.
Key Takeaway: Discipline and consistency turn passion into purpose-driven growth, even on slow days.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
Honestly, what has kept me focused over the years isn’t just passion alone; it has been commitment and consistency, even on the toughest days. I had no mentors, no business background, and there were countless moments I thought of quitting. But what pushed me forward was always reminding myself why I started, because I couldn’t see myself confined to a 9 to 5 and I wanted to build something meaningful out of love for creativity. Challenges were constant, but discipline came from showing up every single day, even when clarity wasn’t there. That consistency, more than passion alone, has been the real driver of growth for me.
Key Takeaway: Discipline and daily commitment matter more than passion alone in sustaining entrepreneurial growth.
Naina Ruhail, Founder and Co-CEO, Vanity Wagon
With the unwavering devotion to maintain the quality of our deliverables, I am able to persistently strive to achieve my goals. This devotion and discipline are the cornerstones of my business’s growth. This commitment allowed us not only to thrive but also to set a standard for excellence in the beauty industry. And this applies to any venture, irrespective of the field, that your dedication to your craft and the discipline to maintain high standards will be your greatest assets. It’s not a sprint but a journey, and a consistent commitment to your vision will yield remarkable results over time.
Shreya Ghodawat, India Ambassador, SHE Changes Climate | CEO, Sustainable Guides
I’ve stayed focused and disciplined by maintaining a commitment to my mission of simplifying sustainability for everyone who seeks it and making it curious enough for those who don’t. Discipline in learning new skills, speaking at events, and engaging in meaningful pursuits has been crucial to my business’s growth over the years.
Having a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and other changemakers who are on the same path helps you stay on track, too. Your goals and your mission pull you forward when motivation seems bleak.
In the radiant glow of Navratri, a time when we celebrate the divine feminine energy, we find inspiration in the stories of strength, resilience, and wisdom that the nine goddesses embody. As we celebrate Navratri, let us also celebrate the empowered women entrepreneurs who, like Shailaputri, the embodiment of purity and auspiciousness, have fearlessly embarked on their business journeys.
Shailaputri, one of the nine forms of Maa Durga, is worshipped on the first day of Navratri and sets the stage for our journey into the captivating stories of women entrepreneurs. She embodies the spirit of new beginnings, representing the idea of setting out with pure intentions and the promise of successful ventures.
At StartupTalky, we asked women entrepreneurs to reflect on Shailaputri’s qualities and share what motivated them to start their businesses, as well as the early challenges they faced in their industries. Their stories reflect determination, courage, and clarity of vision, values that resonate deeply with the spirit of the goddess.
Ms. Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk
Like Shailaputri, the symbol of purity and dedication, I established Sammyukk with a mission inspired by sincerity and intent. Taking this journey wasn’t easy; working in a competitive field as a female entrepreneur took its dose of disbelief and detours. But like the steady rise of Shailaputri, I remained focused on my values and kept walking. Those initial setbacks only made me more determined to create a brand that honours inner strength, mindful decisions, and the bravery to lead graciously.
Key Takeaway: Staying true to your values turns early struggles into stepping stones.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
My inspiration to start DishiS Designer Jewellery stemmed from my immense love for timeless designs and a dream of offering fine, yet affordable, jewellery to today’s woman. Similar to Shailaputri’s purity and strength, I hoped for my brand to represent the same trust and authenticity. The toughest part about starting was entering a competitive market dominated by legacy brands. Earning respect and the trust of the consumer took tremendous strength, but it taught me how to tackle challenges and the significance of sticking to my vision over time.
Key Takeaway: Trust and persistence help new brands stand tall against established players.
Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO, Sciative Solutions
Sciative was conceived through a clear vision to turn pricing into a scientific, AI-based process. For decades, travel, retail and hospitality pricing was done either through gut-feel or strict rules, resulting in lost revenue. We thought about making a real difference by developing AI-based products which dynamically respond to market fluctuations and optimise profitability.
The first hurdle was acceptance. Companies were not willing to rely on technology with something as significant as pricing. To convince traditional companies to embrace AI, one needed to be patient and deliver results. We realised that when value becomes apparent, adoption would be quick, and today that vision has become a reality in the industries we serve.
Key Takeaway: Patience and proof of value are key to driving technology adoption.
Drishti Madnani, Co-Founder & Beauty Expert at Shryoan Cosmetics
The idea to start Shryoan came from the vision to do something innovative in the beauty industry while providing affordable, high-quality cosmetic products to every woman. Just as Shailaputri represents purity, it was our mission to create a brand based on trust and transparency. Initially, my biggest challenge was finding space in a market controlled by the global giants. Becoming credible and gaining customer trust took tremendous efforts, but it also made us strong enough to demonstrate that an Indian brand can provide international-standard products.
Key Takeaway: Trust and credibility can turn a challenger brand into a trusted choice.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder & CEO, Beyond Bound
When I left behind a comfortable corporate career to build Beyond Bound, it felt like stepping into the unknown. There were endless hurdles from convincing manufacturers to trust my vision to ensuring every design celebrated real women’s bodies. Yet much like Shailaputri’s steady and grounded strength, I learnt that humble beginnings carry their own power. With clarity of purpose, even the smallest steps start shaping a dream into reality.
Key Takeaway: Humble beginnings, backed by purpose, create powerful transformations.
Just like Shailaputri symbolises purity, my journey began with an intention to bring purity back to rituals. I had allergies from charcoal incense, but after marriage, I saw how meaningful rituals were in my family’s life. That motivated me to try out low-smoke incense from temple flowers and essential oils. When my family loved it, I realised the concept had viability.
The greatest challenge was awareness—making people believe that something so traditional could be reworked for the environment. Informing consumers and establishing credibility around eco-friendly pooja products was the most challenging but most critical step in our initial years.
Key Takeaway: Awareness and education are vital when reshaping traditional practices.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO of MyDesignation
MyDesignation falls under a niche business domain. We are an expressive fashion brand. What inspired me to start this brand was the urge to create a space where fashion goes beyond trends and becomes an expression of identity.
The biggest challenge in the beginning was awareness; people often found the idea of “expressive fashion” unfamiliar, even alien, and many were hesitant to embrace their own cultural fashion, leaning more towards western styles. Alongside this mindset, there was also a clear gap in the market—fashion that was both high in quality and still affordable was almost impossible to find. That’s where our focus has been at MyDesignation.
Gunjan Adya, Expressive Art Therapist & Founder of Tula Journey
Drawing inspiration from Goddess Shailaputri, Tula’s Journey comes from a purity and honesty of purpose. As the founder of the brand, I felt the need to help people manage their stress and help them learn to live life mindfully.
There are always challenges when one starts something new. The biggest challenge was to introduce the concept of journaling to people who were 40 years and older, as they were used to sharing their thoughts and emotions with their friends or family and not writing them down in a journal. However, through my workshops, I started to spread awareness about the benefits of journaling. I feel happy saying that things are changing now.
Shreya Ghodawat, India Ambassador, SHE Changes Climate | CEO, Sustainable Guides
Like Shailaputri, my intentions were pure. What inspired me to start my business was the need for a space that empowers mindful consumers, rooted in my love for nature, our environment, and our planet. I wanted to create a platform where people could begin and continue their sustainability journey guiltlessly.
The initial challenges included building a user base and securing funding, which required perseverance, a clear vision, and a passion for sustainability. Bridging the gap between consumer awareness and consumer willingness was a big one too.
Naina Ruhail, Founder and Co-CEO, Vanity Wagon
I started my brand with a pure vision for enhancing beauty the natural and safe way. The initial challenges were quite daunting with a multitude of facets to it, but the dedication to authenticity and immense belief in our goal has guided me through those challenges.
In a world of toxic, chemical-laden beauty products, finding a clean beauty product becomes a challenging task. That’s when I decided to resolve this problem by making the skimming process easier for people. I’ve stayed true to our mission and maintained integrity in business practices to form the foundation for lasting success. There is still a long way to go, but each challenge only strengthens my commitment to our vision.
Closing Note
These stories echo the essence of Shailaputri—new beginnings, resilience, and the courage to walk a path with purity of intention. As we celebrate Day 1 of Navratri, may these journeys remind us that strength often lies in starting and that every challenge is an opportunity to build something lasting and meaningful.
Growing at a 30% compound annual growth rate, the ecommerce industry is certainly emerging as one of the most popular industries in India. Online marketplaces of varying niches, are rising and dominating the Indian market that was once known for its mom and pop stores. LimeRoad, one of the first women’s social shopping sites, is currently among the most well-known shopping destinations of the Indians.
Dealing primarily in clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, at the end of 2017, LimeRoad claimed to have scaled 150% in terms of revenue, traffic, and more and had also successfully secured the 2nd spot in the online fashion vertical, as mentioned by Suchi Mukherjee.
Suchi Mukherjee is an Indian Entrepreneur, and the face behind the successful online shopping site, LimeRoad. Founded in 2012, Suchi Mukherjee is the Founder and CEO of LimeRoad, who founded the company with Ankush Mehra and Prashant Malik. While Malik has parted with the organisation, Mehra is still serving as the Co-founder and Director of A.M Marketplaces Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of LimeRoad, and Mukherjee is helming LimeRoad.
She aimed at creating the largest women’s-only marketplace in South East Asia. She has been conferred with various awards owing to her contributions in ascending business and comprehending consumer technology. In 2011, Global Women’s Forum voted her No. 1 among 15 “Rising Talent- global leaders under 40” via World Women’s Forum.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the Life and Career of Suchi Mukherjee and the successful journey that Suchi experienced to date, which starts from her Early Life, and includes Suchi’s Education, Career at LimeRoad, Awards won by Suchi Mukherjee & more.
Suchi Mukherjee – Biography
Name
Suchi Mukherjee
Born
6 July 1973
Birthplace
Haryana, India
Position
Founder & CEO, LimeRoad
Nationality
Indian
Education
University of Cambridge
Profession
Entrepreneur
Awards
INFOCOM Women of the Year (2015), Unicorn Startup Award (2016) & more
Suchi Mukherjee hailed from a middle-class family in Haryana, India. She was a bright student in her school and college. Suchi studied at St Stephen’s College in Delhi, and was then enrolled in the University of Cambridge from where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with Maths. She is a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar & Fellow and a Chadburn Scholar. She holds a University record in Development Economics. Suchi is the Elected Member of Newnham Associates from the University of Cambridge in 2008.
Soon after she got admitted to The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), from where she obtained an MSc degree in Finance and Economics. She is also a British Chevening Scholar at LSE.
Suchi started working in a sector that was focused on Telecoms Media Technology (previously financial institutions) at Lehman Brothers Incorporation. She was a Senior Associate, Corporate Finance at the company and worked there for five years (July 1998 to June 2003).
Post that, she joined Virgin Media, where Suchi became the Director of Change & Business Development and worked for 2 years. She was a member of the Consumer Division Management Team of the firm. The company grossed a revenue of $2.5 billion under her leadership. She worked there from June 2003 to May 2005.
eBay Inc was the next company that she joined. Though eBay seems to have already lost the ecommerce war in India, as it looks like at least, it was previously among the ecommerce biggies. There she headed the Business Seller Programs and CS. She was a member of the UK Operating Management Team of the e-commerce portal and was prominently promoted in eBay, owing to her managerial and business skills. After 1 year, Suchi eventually emerged as the Director & Member of Executive Management Team at Skype, which was then a subsidiary of the Pierre Omidyar-founded eBay Inc company. She examined product and marketing, which included planning, product/UI design, payments, brand management, advertising channels, and more. She performed in the same job role from July 2007 to December 2008, before she was promoted again. Now, this time, it was GumTree, in which Suchi Mukherjee became the Managing Director & GM in January 2009. It was an eBay Inc company. She served at the company for over two years and left the job in August 2011. Under her leadership, the company escalated from No. 3 to No. 1 within a few years.
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After performing extremely well in her career, and serving at numerous companies in over 5+ job roles, Suchi Mukherjee eventually thought of establishing her own startup that is focused on fashion and apparel for women. Suchi is currently serving as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the e-commerce site, LimeRoad, which was established in 2012. However, what drove her to pursue the life of an entrepreneur is something really interesting.
The Idea Behind the Startup, LimeRoad
The startup story of LimeRoad was kickstarted out of a moment of utter frustration that Suchi Mukherjee experienced. This was just after her second child was born. Suchi was 39 then and on maternity leave. One day Suchi was flipping through a magazine when she suddenly glanced at a very attractive piece of jewellery. However, the jewellery was there in a very small store in Mumbai and it couldn’t have reached her anytime soon. This made her realise 2 very important things that were central to the launch of LimeRoad:
There wasn’t any app/website/portal that helped pretty and interesting accessories to be discovered easily
There wasn’t any platform that allowed people to go through the lists of accessories that were manufactured to be sold outside India
Thus, the aim to create a unique platform where one can find beautiful and affordable accessories and lifestyle products in an easy-to-use interface, was the main idea that drove Suchi Mukherjee to launch LimeRoad, which is now counted among the best female-founded fashion brands in India. The idea was foolproof to the very brim because she was aware of the fact that India was the manufacturing hub for over 21% of the lifestyle products that are sold across the world. This made her realize that it would then be certainly delightful and profitable too to bring all the vendors in the lifestyle product category under a single roof.
“Here is an industry which is our strength. All I wanted to do was to use technology so that manufacturers, designers and sellers could flourish and users could source beautiful products, which currently they were not able to,” said Suchi.
Starting up of LimeRoad
LimeRoad Logo
Suchi found a serious need for a devoted females’ portal where they can find inexpensive accessories and products without any hassles. This is where she found an opportunity to grow rapidly in the market. She kept in mind the needs of the females and knew that the women like to examine other options before being a product. Her masterful understanding of the business led her to get to the root of the real issue of service and product.
Besides, there were plenty of nonidentified vendors who were not allowed to add their products to keep up with the quality. She worked on identifying the right balance between the demands and the supplies. Suchi flew back to India in 2011 with a vision of founding a global brand in the country, after she made all the arrangements, to work on this new startup.
Suchi recalled, “with a passion for driving change and innovation, which is also the core element of Limeroad’s culture, I got together with my co-founders to build something transformational.” Prashant Malik, who worked at Facebook and returned to India to start with something new, and Ankush Mehra, who headed the supply chain of Reliance Hypermarkets, were introduced to Suchi Mukherjee by her common friends when she was evaluating the market opportunity a year before setting up LimeRoad.
LimeRoad was visualised by Suchi Mukherjee and the other founders as the digital equivalent of the 16th century Grand Trunk Road that changed the face of trade in the Indian subcontinent.
Suchi Mukherjee as the Co-founder and CEO of LimeRoad
LimeRoad is hailed as one of the fastest-growing digital shopping platforms in India. It is currently a 50,000+ strong women’s community. From being a startup to the LimeRoad we see today that competes with companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Snapdeal, and more, Suchi Mukherjee’s contributions are undoubtedly huge. It was also under the leadership of Suchi Mukherjee that LimeRoad, today, boasts of having over 50 million visitors.
Limeroad, just like any other startup, too had to face a whole lot of challenges when it started up. One of the major problems that the startup faced was the difficulty in finding the right people to build a solid team that could help the company get a blend of skill and a can-do attitude. Although LimeRoad could get over this challenge that was imposed, it tends to pop and test the company every now and then.
Getting the right infrastructure with a high-speed and reliable internet connection was also difficult. Suchi Mukherjee also had to confront numerous legal processes to register a company, which she had no previous experience in dealing with, especially in India.
One other challenge was to find the perfect work-life balance. Suchi felt that being a woman it was tough to be an entrepreneur because back then she also had huge familial commitments. However, one thing is certain Suchi was really supported by her family, which included her husband.
LimeRoad and its Team at Present
LimeRoad was founded as an online shopping platform in 2012 by Suchi Mukherjee, Ankush Mehra, and Prashant Malik. The company is currently headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India, where Suchi serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of the company.
Ankush Mehra, Suchi Mukherjee and Prashant Malik from Left to Right – Founders of LimeRoad
It is a social-commerce platform primarily made for women with an improbable diameter of carefully selected retailers. It enables customers to discover the best lifestyle products across categories like apparel, accessories, home, and non-perishable food.
Bollywood Actor Neha Dhupia serves as the Art Director of LimeRoad. Dhupia was roped in by LimeRoad back in May 2014, who eventually picked up stakes in the company and is a regular employee of LimeRoad who draws a salary each month. Neha was originally the choice of LimeRoad because of her glam quotient that everyone is familiar with. Ahti Heinla, Founding Architect of Skype and Michel V Swaaji, Ex-Chairman of Skype, serves as the Advisors of LimeRoad and are among the Board of Advisors of the company. The investors of LimeRoad include Matrix Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Tiger Global. LimeRoad was last valued at $108.18 mn (around Rs 838.5 crore) after a funding round in October 2019.
She got married to her long-time boyfriend, Sandeep Kunte, Director Treasury at Barclays Bank. Sandeep and Suchi tied the knot in 2006 and the couple now bears two children, daughter Myra and son Aadit. Suchi first met Sandeep, her future husband, at St Stephen’s College. Until now, no controversies arose against her. Her husband and family are known for being supportive throughout her life to date.
Both Suchi Mukherjee and the company, LimeRoad have been felicitated with numerous awards and accolades. Here’s presenting a list of some of the most prominent ones:
LimeRoad received the Coolest startup of the year award from Business Today in 2015
Suchi won INFOCOM Women of the Year in 2015
NDTV conferred her with the Unicorn Startup Award in 2016
The Economic Times nominated her for the ET Startup Award in 2017
FAQs
Who is Suchi Mukherjee?
Suchi Mukherjee hails from Haryana, India, and is known as the Co-founder and CEO of LimeRoad, an Indian online marketplace owned by A.M Marketplaces Pvt. Ltd.
Where was Suchi Mukherjee born?
Suchi Mukherjee was born in Haryana, India.
Is Suchi Mukherjee married?
Yes, Suchi Mukherjee is married to Sandeep Kunte and has a son and a daughter.
What is LimeRoad?
LimeRoad is primarily known as a fashion ecommerce marketplace founded by Suchi Mukherjee, Prashant Malik, and Ankush Mehra, which was founded in 2012, and helps the users discover, shop, and share a wide array of fashion products and accessories that are above the mundane.
What is the valuation of LimeRoad?
LimeRoad was last valued at Rs 838.5 crore ($108.18 mn) in October 2019.
Muskaan Kapoor
