Get inspired by the famous women entrepreneurs in India.

Gone are the days when business and entrepreneurship were male-dominated. Nowadays, women have started making their mark in this field too. Even at the global level, India is clearly boasting of tremendous growth in women-led businesses, just like other fields. 

From breaking glass ceilings to shattering stereotypes, female business leaders in India are carving the path for a brighter, more inclusive future. TRRAIN salutes the efforts and success of these wonder-women, who are not only creating an indelible name for themselves but also inspiring millions of other women to follow their dreams and become someone who is creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for others, breaking the shackles of poverty and discrimination and leading the country towards inclusive economic and social growth.

Here we are, to shine a spotlight on such stars of the society – 5 successful businesswomen in India that are leaving their mark on the Indian business landscape. 

Why creating a businesswomen in India is necessary:

There is no doubt that Indian businesswomen are trailblazing a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. From makeup to garments, to science and tech, women are everywhere. Promoting women’s entrepreneurship is not just necessary for economic growth, but for several other things, such as a few mentioned here –

    1. Economic empowerment: By encouraging women entrepreneurs, and giving them the needed support, we would be unearthing untouched potential and drive sustainable economic growth. When women lead businesses, they can contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and overall economic development.
    2. Reduce gender inequality: Women entering or leading a business is not just about making money or improving the economy – it’s also a matter of gender equality and social justice. By shattering the glass ceilings and breaking down the so-called barriers, more opportunities are created for women in the business world. This in turn, creates a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
    3. Mentorship and inspiration: Nothing excites and motivates a woman more than seeing another woman succeed and create a niche for herself. Women entrepreneurs can be powerful role models and inspirations for all the women around them. Their success and achievements can encourage more women to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams and reach their full potential.
  • Diverse and innovative ideas: Diverse perspectives directly translate to diverse and more innovative ideas, which means better business outcomes. By increasing the participation of women in business, we can create a society where creativity, collaboration, and innovation form the basis of growth, not their gender.

Top businesswomen in India – examples of inspiration and innovation:

Let’s now enter the dynamic world of female entrepreneurship in India, where these inspiring women-led businesses are making waves, not just in India but also across the globe.

  1. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon Limited): With just Rs. 10000 as an initial investment, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw started Biocon in 1978. Soon after, in 1979 Biocon became the first Indian company to export enzymes to countries in the US and Europe. As the founder and chairperson of Biocon Limited, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a trailblazer in the field of biotechnology. Under her guidance, Biocon has grown into one of India’s largest bio-pharmaceutical companies, innovating ground-breaking treatments for many diseases. Kiran is undoubtedly one of the most reputed and famous businesswomen in India.
  2. Falguni Nayar – Nykaa: A name synonymous to all kinds of fashion and beauty found on the internet, Falguni Nayar is the mother of this amazing e-store called Nykaa. Turning each girl next door into a “naayika”, this business was founded by Falguni Nayar in 2012. Falguni entered the world of entrepreneurship at the ripe age of 50, which in itself is a norm-defying thing. Nykaa has now become a household name in the Indian beauty industry. From skincare, makeup, and wellness products to fashionable clothes and accessories, there is a huge collection of products here – more than 1 lakh beauty products for both men and women, by over 2400 brands. Falguni is also listed on Forbes India’s list of self-made female billionaires. Nykaa, in every sense, has revolutionized the way Indians shop for beauty products online.
  3. Ritu Kumar (Ritu Kumar Designs): For those who follow fashion closely, Ritu Kumar is an idol. Kumar established her fashion enterprise in Kolkata, employing a modest setup of two small tables and hand-block printing methods. Initially specializing in bridal attire and evening wear during the 1960s and 1970s, she subsequently expanded her reach into the international market over the ensuing two decades. She is a renowned fashion designer and the founder of Ritu Kumar Designs, one of India’s most iconic fashion labels, especially with celebrities. With her superb technique and timeless designs, Kumar has earned international applause and helped put Indian fashion on the global map.
  4. Richa Kar (Zivame): In India, women often feel shame in buying their lingerie at physical stores. Thanks to Richa Kar’s Zivame, Indian women are now able to shop for their intimates without any shame or embarrassment. Zivame, started by Richa in 2011, is now India’s leading online lingerie store, offering a diverse range of intimate apparel for women of all shapes and sizes. Richa Kar has created a platform for women, a safe space, which prioritizes comfort, confidence, and inclusivity. Zivame has truly transformed the lingerie shopping experience for women across India.
  5. Vandana Luthra (VLCC): VLCC is a very popular name, especially among those who follow skincare and wellness closely. Something that started as a humble wellness center at New Delhi, VLCC is a global name in the wellness and beauty industry. Vandana Luthra is the founder and chairperson of VLCC Health Care Limited, a leading wellness and beauty business in India. With its holistic approach to health and wellness, VLCC has become a trusted brand for millions of customers who wish to enhance their beauty and well-being.

Women entrepreneurship is not just a matter of money and business – it’s a catalyst, essential for social change and economic growth. By celebrating successful businesswomen in India, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and flourishing future, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for everyone around. 

Let’s continue to celebrate female entrepreneurs and empower our girls to lead the way towards a brighter tomorrow.

Author

  • Founded in 2011 by B.S. Nagesh, Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) is a 12A, 80G, public charitable trust that aims to catalyse a change in the retail industry by empowering people through retail and allied sectors in creating sustainable livelihoods for Persons with Disabilities and Young Women from marginalised backgrounds.

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