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From fashion to finance and consultancy, women entrepreneurs are proving that success is not just about breaking barriers but also about redefining them.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: These trailblazers have not only built successful businesses but also challenged long-held notions about women in leadership, creating more inclusive workplaces and inspiring future generations.
On Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we shine a spotlight on the resilience, ingenuity, and transformative leadership of women entrepreneurs who have shattered stereotypes and redefined what it means to lead in a diverse and dynamic world. These trailblazers have not only built successful businesses but also challenged long-held notions about women in leadership, creating more inclusive workplaces and inspiring future generations.
A Legacy of Empowerment in Fashion
Meena Bindra, Chairperson, BIBA, reflects on her journey in the fashion industry, which began in 1982 under circumstances that were unconventional for the time.
“People never understood why I chose to stay away from my husband to start a small business of making salwar kameez and selling it from home,” shares Bindra. “It was not a very normal thing to do at that time. However, it never affected me as I learned to multitask and ensured a balance between my work and family/friends. I had the support of my family and friends, which gave me the strength to continue to pursue my passion.”
Her story underscores the importance of determination and the ability to defy societal expectations, carving a path for countless other women in the fashion and entrepreneurial spaces.
Shifting Perceptions in Investment and Leadership
For Swagatika Das, co-founder, Nat Habit, the entrepreneurial journey has been one of respect and inclusivity, with a few isolated challenges.
“Over the course of speaking to more than 100 investors, I’ve never felt any form of discrimination,” says Das. “There was one instance early on when an angel investor asked me about my marital status and children, but this was not reflective of the overall experience. What stands out more is how the investor community has consistently been supportive—especially during my pregnancy and after delivery.”
Her experience highlights the progress being made in fostering supportive ecosystems that value women entrepreneurs for their capabilities rather than their circumstances.
Empathy as a Strength in Leadership
For Upasna Dash, Founder and CEO, Jajabor Brand Consultancy, the journey of entrepreneurship has been about staying true to her vision while embracing the unique strengths women bring to leadership.
“Women bring unique strengths to leadership: empathy that connects, collaboration that builds, and a vision that seeks not just growth but impact,” says Dash. “For me, entrepreneurship has never been about chasing numbers; it’s about building a legacy of trust, empowering others to dream boldly, and leading with intention.”
Dash’s perspective challenges stereotypes about women being too “emotional” or “soft” for leadership, showcasing how these qualities can drive meaningful and sustainable success.
Challenging Internal and External Biases
Terniza Berry, Co-founder and COO, TapFin, sheds light on the subtle biases women leaders often encounter, both externally and within their organizations.
“During technical discussions, conversations and questions are usually directed toward men. If someone is carrying only one visiting card, it will mostly be handed over to the man,” Berry notes. “At times, women entrepreneurs don’t just face challenges externally but internally as well, wherein some may find it easier to challenge a woman’s authority or decision due to the misconception that women are more emotional and less rational.”
Berry’s approach has been to use empathy and strategic thinking as assets, creating a leadership style that focuses on outcomes while fostering inclusivity.
Redefining Business Values
Kinnari Thakker, Co-Founder and CXO, My Fi highlights the need to embrace qualities traditionally associated with women as strengths rather than weaknesses.
“Yes, there are several clichés about women in leadership—women need to prove themselves more than men, women are too emotional and incapable of making tough decisions. But these are not weaknesses,” says Thakker. “Women are empathetic, more caring, and strong voices for work-life balance. These are strengths in today’s world. We need businesses that focus on employee well-being and human-centeredness because, without that, the bedrock of business thinking starts to crumble.”
A Collective Call to Action
As we celebrate Women Entrepreneurship Day, these voices collectively emphasize the need for continued efforts to challenge stereotypes, build inclusive workplaces, and foster leadership styles that prioritize empathy, collaboration, and impact. From fashion to finance and consultancy, women entrepreneurs are proving that success is not just about breaking barriers but also about redefining them.
Their stories are a powerful reminder that leadership is not about conforming to expectations but about transforming them, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.
