‘Mompreneurs’ Who are Reshaping the Business World with Innovation & Leadership

What happens when the skills honed in motherhood—like patience, resilience, and intuitive leadership—are brought into the world of business? For Mother’s Day, Local Samosa explored this by asking founders and leaders four key questions that go beyond the typical entrepreneurial journey. We wanted to know how her experience as a mother shapes her leadership, fuels her long-term vision, and influences the legacy she hopes to leave. We also asked whether the conversation around work-life balance has truly moved past gendered expectations. The answers? Insightful, bold, and deeply human.

Gunjal Agarwal — Founder of XYST Skincare

Gunjan Agarwal, a devoted homemaker for 22 years, launched XYST Skincare in 2020 to offer high-quality, dermatologist-certified skincare that delivers real results.

Leadership at Home and in Business

To be honest, I stepped into the shoes of entrepreneurship after 20 years of being a mother. This has shaped my perspective on leadership. I’ve learned to be more patient and empathetic, which has helped me support my team better. It’s also taught me to prioritise and adapt quickly – juggling parenting and running a business is no easy feat! I’ve realised that nurturing my team’s growth and well-being is just as important as hitting our business goals. It’s a balancing act, but I think it’s made me a more understanding and effective leader.

Vision and Impact

As a mompreneur, my larger vision is to create a business that not only succeeds but also leaves a lasting impact. I’m driven by the desire to build something that my daughters can be proud of, something they’ll use without hesitation or doubt. I envision a future where my business becomes a benchmark for quality, integrity, and innovation. By reshaping the business world with values like empathy, sustainability, and inclusivity, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and thriving environment for my daughters and future generations to grow and flourish.

Legacy and Influence

As a mother and business leader, I hope to leave a legacy that inspires and empowers future generations. I want my daughters to see that with hard work, determination, and passion, they can achieve their dreams and make a difference. I would love for all women and entrepreneurs to know that it’s possible to balance personal and professional life while staying true to their values. Through my business, I aim to create a positive impact by promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. I hope that my journey will inspire others to pursue their passions, take risks, and strive for excellence. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy that says: “You can be a successful entrepreneur, a loving parent, a force for good, and it is never too late – all at the same time”.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

I feel that while discussions around work-life balance have expanded to include diverse perspectives, challenges faced by mothers and entrepreneurs still disproportionately affect women. I believe there is still a long way to go. Often, in discussions about women entrepreneurs, the focus tends to be on how they balance their business and personal life, rather than solely celebrating their professional achievements. In contrast, men are usually recognised purely for their success, without questions about how they manage responsibilities at home. For women, the narrative sometimes shifts more toward their struggles than their accomplishments. I feel it’s important that we move towards a more balanced and achievement-focused perspective for everyone.

Sunaina Ramisetty — Founder of Paksha Jewellery

Sunaina Ramisetty, drawing from her family’s rich jewellery legacy, founded Paksha in 2021 to offer high-quality, handcrafted 925 silver jewellery.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Being a mother to my kids has greatly influenced how I lead at Paksha. Parenthood teaches you about empathy, patience, and resilience—qualities I bring to my work. At Paksha, we cultivate a culture that reflects these values. Open communication and mutual support are central to our team dynamics. Just as I guide my children with compassion and understanding, my aim is to lead my team by creating a nurturing and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to overcome challenges together.

Vision and Impact

My vision for Paksha is to elevate Indian craft and artistry on a global market, ensuring our cultural heritage garners the recognition and celebration it deserves. I aim to create a platform that not only supports the empowerment of women but also uplifts Indian artisans. By doing so, I hope to inspire my kids to see that following their dreams means making a positive difference. I want them to see the beauty in uniting tradition with global appreciation, creating a legacy that cherishes Indian artistry.

Legacy and Influence

I want my kids and others to see me as someone who made a difference and encouraged others to dream big. Through supporting women in leadership and business, my goal is to demonstrate that with determination, great achievements are within reach. I hope to inspire women and future leaders to persevere, regardless of the obstacles they face. My journey underscores the belief that dreaming big and working hard can lead to meaningful change and empowerment for all.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and family life remains a challenge, especially for mothers. It’s important to have open talks about these issues. Personally, I believe in work-life integration rather than balance. The line between work and life is fluid, and nurturing business relationships is also personal. At Paksha, we encourage conversations that lead to change, contributing to a greater understanding of the unique challenges parents, particularly mothers, encounter in business today. Our efforts strive to foster environments where both professional goals and family responsibilities can coexist peacefully.

Nilofar Jaques — Founder of Anayah Jewellery

Nilofar Jaques founded Anayah Jewellery to blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design, empowering women to personalise elegant, bespoke pieces.

Leadership at Home and in Business

As a mother myself, I lead with greater empathy and understanding, especially towards the women and mothers within our team. I recognise the many responsibilities they juggle, and I believe in offering flexibility and support to help them truly thrive, both personally and professionally. Being a parent has taught me that leadership is not about control, but about nurturing growth—encouraging potential, fostering resilience, and creating an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered. This is the same philosophy we bring to our culture at Anayah.

Vision and Impact

The larger vision behind Anayah is to build a brand that inspires confidence, celebrates individuality, and creates a lasting legacy rooted in authenticity and excellence. As a mother and entrepreneur, I want to show the next generation, including my own children, that it’s possible to build something meaningful without compromising on your values or your dreams. By leading with empathy, creativity, and resilience, I hope to contribute to a business world that is more human, more inclusive, and more aligned with long-term impact over short-term gains.

Legacy and Influence

I hope to leave a legacy that shows it’s possible to build with heart, purpose, and perseverance. For my children, I want to be an example of what it means to pursue your passion fearlessly while staying true to your values. For other women and entrepreneurs, I hope to show that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of family, well-being, or authenticity. I believe deeply in collaboration over competition—in lifting each other up, sharing knowledge, and building a community where women support women. If my journey inspires others to lead with kindness, courage, and a spirit of collaboration, that would be the legacy I’m most proud of.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

While the conversation around work-life balance has evolved, I believe there’s still work to be done in fully recognising the unique challenges mothers face as entrepreneurs. In many business settings, the gender perspective has been softened—but not entirely removed. There remains a difference in perception: when a man works hard, it’s often expected and even celebrated, whereas when a woman works hard, she is sometimes judged for not giving enough time to her other responsibilities. True progress will come when work-life balance is no longer seen as a “women’s issue,” but as a universal conversation—and when society embraces the idea that ambition, dedication, and success are qualities to be supported equally, regardless of gender.

Sugandha Kedia — Founder of Dusala

Sugandha Kedia, a self-taught designer, founded Dusala to celebrate Kashmiri craftsmanship through luxurious handwoven shawls, empowering over 50 local artisans.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Honestly, motherhood didn’t just influence my leadership—it completely transformed it. Before becoming a mother, I used to lead from the front – always on, always pushing. But now, I lead from a place of understanding. You can’t run a home with just rules, and you can’t run a business with just targets. What motherhood taught me is that people – whether your kids or your team – need to feel seen. They need space to grow. I’ve learned to listen more, trust more, and let go when needed. I don’t believe in micromanaging – at home or work. I believe in building people up.

Vision and Impact

My vision isn’t just about Dusala as a brand—it’s about creating a movement. I want to prove that luxury doesn’t have to come from Paris or Milan–it can come from India, from our artisans, from our stories. I’m not just building products; I’m building respect for what we’ve forgotten. And I want my kids to grow up knowing that their mother didn’t take the easy path – I chose the harder one, the one that creates value beyond money. I want to reshape how people see Indian craftsmanship, and I want other women to know— you don’t have to wait. If you have a vision, chase it. The world adjusts.

Legacy and Influence

If I’m being very honest – I don’t just want to leave a legacy, I want to change the game. I want to be remembered as someone who dared, who didn’t follow the rules, who made her own. I want my children to see that it’s okay to dream differently, to not settle for what’s given. And for other women – I want them to feel powerful, not in the loud, aggressive way, but in the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’re building something real. My legacy should be that I made space for myself, for my family, and for others like me who want it all and are ready to work for it.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

Let’s be honest—the world still sees moms differently. They’ll clap for your achievements but still ask, “How do you manage with kids?” Have you ever heard them ask that to a man? I think we need to stop justifying ourselves. I don’t balance, I prioritise. Some days it’s business, some days it’s family, and some days it’s just me. And that’s okay. I don’t believe in the perfect balance—I believe in being real about what you need today. The world hasn’t fully removed gender from the conversation, and maybe it won’t for a while. But I’ve stopped waiting for permission. I show up as I am – a mother, a leader, and everything in between.

Hetvi Choksi — Founder, CEO and Creative Head of Digital Door

Hetvi Choksi, founder and CEO of Digital Door, leads a women-powered digital agency in Surat, blending creativity with purpose to craft impactful brand stories across India.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Being a mother has made me a stronger and more effective leader. Motherhood taught me how to stay patient, adapt quickly, and lead with both heart and mind skills that are just as important in business. I lead a team of 25 girls, most of them trained in the company, and I lead them the same way. Being a mom didn’t just influence my leadership; it made it better. I raise my daughter with trust, high expectations, and strong support. I set aspirational yet achievable goals. I believe in building people up and pushing them to grow.

Vision and Impact

My vision goes beyond building a successful business. I want to create something that inspires real change. At Digital Door, empowerment is a way of life, not just a word we use. One story close to my heart is about our former nanny, who is now a social media manager with us. While my daughter was in school, we supported her in pursuing media management training, investing in her growth. Coming from a small village where higher education was rare, she completed her B.Com and, at just 24, became a leading earner in her family. Through initiatives like Otlo- a baithak style showcase of music and fashion, I try to blend emotion with strategy. It is more about taking a pause to experience a soulful evening with less noise and more meaning. By creating such opportunities and believing in people’s potential, I hope to set an example for my child and for the next generation of leaders to build businesses that lift others as they rise.

Legacy and Influence

As a mother and a business leader, the legacy I hope to leave is one of courage, compassion, and possibility. Building a business in a Tier-2 city with dreams of working with clients from Tier-1 cities are achievable if you work hard for it. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that. Strength and kindness can coexist, and leadership isn’t about power, but about purpose. For women and entrepreneurs who look up to me, I would suggest ‘HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE’. Dream big and work towards it. I want them to see that it’s possible to build something meaningful without compromising who you are. That you can lead with heart, raise a family, and still make bold moves in business. My hope is that the work we do at Digital Door, from empowering our team to nurturing talent in the most unexpected places, continues to ripple outward. If I can inspire just one woman to believe in her voice, her vision, and her right to take up space, then I’ve done something worth passing on.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

I was recently invited to an event as the Guest Speaker on Women Entrepreneurship by The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Meeting fellow women entrepreneurs, learning about their stories, and struggles made me realise that while there has been some progress in how we talk about work-life balance, the conversation still often leans heavily toward women, especially mothers. I’ve noticed that while we celebrate women’s achievements, we sometimes overlook the unique challenges. The expectations, the silent judgements, and the balancing act are realities that many mothers carry quietly, even at the highest levels of leadership. What needs to evolve is not just including mothers in the conversation but reshaping the conversation itself. Work-life balance isn’t a “women’s issue”; it’s a leadership issue, a cultural issue. It’s about designing a world where both men and women are supported in their roles at home and at work. True progress will happen when work-life balance becomes a conversation about people, not just about gender.

Munira Sarkar — Founder of Munns & Mars

Munira Sarkar, a breast cancer survivor and mother, founded Munns & Mars during her pregnancy as a tribute to strength, resilience, and the healing power of womanhood, scars and all.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Being a mother has changed the way I lead in every way. At home, I’ve learned to be patient, understanding, and strong, and I bring the same qualities into my business. I’ve realized that, just like kids, every team member is different. Some need a push, others need support. Parenting taught me that good leadership isn’t about controlling people; it’s about helping them grow, even during tough times. That’s the way I try to lead my team every day.

Vision and Impact

Munns & Mars is really a piece of my own life built from my fight with cancer and my journey as a mother. It’s never just been about selling shapewear. It’s about giving women a little more strength, a little more love for themselves, especially when life has been hard. I want my daughter, Mariam, and others to know that you can build something meaningful with love, not just with money. If my story can show even one woman that it’s okay to be strong and gentle at the same time and still chase big dreams, then that’s the real success for me.

Legacy and Influence

I want to leave behind a story of hope and strength not just for my daughter, but for any woman who feels like giving up. I want people to remember that even when life gets really tough, you can still build something beautiful. I want my journey to show that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference, you just have to keep going.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

Honestly, being a mother and running a business is not easy and people still don’t talk about how hard it really is. It’s like the world expects women to just manage everything somehow, without asking for help. In most places, there’s no real support, no childcare, no flexible timings, just a lot of pressure. But I have been lucky my husband has been my biggest support. He has never made me feel guilty for working late nights or chasing big dreams. In fact, he pushes me to work even harder when I start doubting myself. Having a partner who shares the load and lifts you up makes all the difference. I dream of a time when every woman has that support from her family and from society. Until then, we just keep fighting for our place, every single day.

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar — Co-Founder of Chicnutrix and Fastandup India

Shilpa Khanna Thakkar, a former JP Morgan executive, founded Chicnutrix to address women’s health and wellness needs, offering a range of products from hair care to PCOS support.

Leadership at Home and in Business

As a mother of three—a boy, a girl, and a four-legged furry child — I’ve learned that leadership at home is the ultimate training ground for leadership in business. Parenting teaches you to adapt, multitask, mediate, inspire, and yes, sometimes even negotiate like a pro! I carry these same values into my entrepreneurial life. I lead my team like a family—with empathy, clear boundaries, and a whole lot of heart. Understanding that each person has different motivations and dreams has helped me foster a workplace where creativity thrives and individuality is celebrated. And just like at home, sometimes the best leadership move is simply listening.

Vision and Impact

From Day One, Chicnutrix was built with a vision: to make self-care science-backed, effortless, and fabulous! But more than that, it was about creating something that inspires people to believe in themselves. I’ve always involved my daughter and son in my work. Whether it’s little brainstorming sessions, helping with small tasks, or simply sharing new ideas over dinner, they’ve been part of the Chicnutrix journey from a young age. My daughter especially has shown strong entrepreneurial instincts—she’s full of ideas, loves taking initiative, and already thinks like a little CEO! Seeing them take pride in what I do makes everything even more meaningful. It reminds me that the real impact isn’t just building a business—it’s building belief, courage, and dreams for the next generation.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy I hope to leave is one of empowerment, passion, and authenticity. I want my children—and other young women and entrepreneurs — to know that you can dream big without losing your true self. For my kids, I hope they see that hard work, kindness, resilience, and a touch of fun can move mountains. For women everywhere, I want to be a reminder that you don’t have to choose between your ambition and your family. You can weave both into a life that’s rich, meaningful, and truly your own.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance conversations have evolved but still often carry a gender bias. It’s still more common to ask moms about balancing it all. That tells us we still have work to do! My daughter and I both share a love for dance — a bond that gives us time to laugh, connect, and just be in the moment together. Our dance jam sessions aren’t about perfecting every move; they’re about embracing the fun, encouraging each other, and creating memories that will last forever. It’s not just about dancing — it’s about finding any shared passion and making time for it. That’s the true heartbeat of parenting: being present, cheering them on, and reminding them every day that they matter deeply.

Pali Tripathi — CEO of Taabi Mobility Limited

Pali Tripathi, CEO of Taabi Mobility, is a seasoned leader transforming India’s logistics and mobility sectors with sustainable innovation and strategic foresight.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Motherhood has been one of my most significant leadership training grounds. It’s taught me how to lead with empathy, patience, and perspective, qualities that are just as essential in business as they are at home. As a mom, you quickly learn that each child is unique and requires an individualised approach. That same understanding applies to team dynamics; there’s no one-size-fits-all leadership style. Parenting has also sharpened my ability to prioritise, communicate clearly, and stay calm under pressure. These instincts serve me well in high-stakes moments at Taabi Mobility. Another powerful value from motherhood is resilience. Children watch how you handle challenges, and that accountability grounds you. Similarly, in business, I lead with the awareness that my team is looking to see how we overcome obstacles with integrity and grit. Motherhood has deepened my sense of responsibility not only at home but also in business. I am more conscious of the example I set, both for my child and my team. This drives me to lead with integrity, build a culture of empathy and accountability, and make decisions that are strategic yet sustainable. At the end of the day, I want my child to see that leadership is about more than results; it’s about how you show up for others and live by your values.

Vision and Impact

As a mother and entrepreneur, I want to show my child and the next generation of leaders that business can be both successful and responsible. Through a company that prioritizes sustainability, transparency, and inclusion, I hope to contribute to a business world that is mindful of its impact on people and the planet. For me, success isn’t just about profits; it’s about building something that lasts and making the world a better place for those who come after us.

Legacy and Influence

I hope my legacy is one of authenticity, resilience, and empowerment. As a mother and business leader, I want to show that success doesn’t require compromising who you are or what you believe in. It’s not about choosing between career and personal life—it’s about finding a way to excel in both. The legacy I want to leave is one that others can follow whether it’s a young woman dreaming of starting her own business or a mom balancing family and career. I want to show them that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about persevering, adapting, and always leading with heart. Ultimately, I want my daughter and others who look up to me to see that women can lead with kindness, strength, and integrity, and that true leadership comes from staying authentic and true to one’s values.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

The conversation around work-life balance has evolved significantly. While it has historically been a conversation focused on women, we’re now seeing a broader understanding that work-life balance is a challenge for all parents regardless of gender. More business events and discussions are recognizing that both mothers and fathers face similar struggles in balancing personal and professional responsibilities. What’s key is creating work environments that support all parents. The focus should be on flexibility, shared responsibilities, and providing the resources necessary for everyone to thrive in their careers and family life. By shifting the conversation beyond gender, we ensure that all entrepreneurs, whether mothers or fathers, have the support they need to succeed.

Nikita Bachani — CEO and Founder of Alkymi Media

Nikita Bachani, Founder & CEO of Alkymi Media, transforms brands into powerful stories through bespoke PR strategies, blending creativity with deep industry insight and heart.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Motherhood has been the greatest leadership training I could have ever received. It taught me patience, intuition, resilience, and the importance of leading by example — all of which have directly influenced how I run my agency. As a mother, I’ve learned that sometimes you have to make tough decisions, even when your emotions want to take over. You need to stay grounded and make choices that shape not only your child’s future but also their values. The same applies at work — you have to make decisions that not only impact your own journey but also shape the journey of your team. Setting boundaries is crucial — for both yourself and your child. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary to create balance and space for growth. Patience is key. As a mother, you learn to let your child figure some things out on their own — and I’ve realized that this same trust is needed in the workplace. You have to trust your team to do their jobs and allow them the space to learn and grow. Being a parent has made me a better leader because it’s taught me the importance of both guidance and trust, and that leadership isn’t about control — it’s about nurturing and empowering others to be their best selves.

Vision and Impact

When I started my business, the vision was simple — I wanted to create something of my own. I wanted to lead differently from the leaders I was trained under, to build an agency that was both trustworthy and successful. I believed in doing great work without compromising on integrity. Over time, I realised that running a business isn’t just about strategy or ambition — it challenges you deeply on an emotional and mental level. It forces you to confront your fears, your limits, and sometimes even your sense of self. But what matters most is staying true to who you are and not letting the hard parts change your core as a human being. After becoming a mother, my vision became even clearer. Now, it’s not just about building a successful business — it’s about creating something that my child and the next generation can be proud of. A place where people are free to voice their opinions, where integrity is not negotiable, and where leadership is rooted in respect and empathy. In my small way, through every campaign we craft, every team member we mentor, every relationship we build, I hope we’re reshaping what leadership looks like: more human, more courageous, and more heart-driven. If I can build a company that reflects these values, and shows my child that it’s possible to succeed without losing your soul, that will be my true legacy.

Legacy and Influence

As women, we are often our own harshest critics. We question every decision we make, we carry the weight of compromises on our shoulders, especially when we are career-driven. I’ve lived through that fear — the fear of not being enough at home or at work — and today, I want to say: it’s okay. We cannot make everyone happy all the time, and we shouldn’t have to. One of the most important parts of the legacy I hope to leave behind — for my daughter and for every woman who may cross paths with my story — is the belief that there’s no pressure to be perfect. I want the next generation to feel empowered to make their own decisions, to lead their own way, to make mistakes and learn from them without shame. I want women to know that hard work never goes to waste — that even when it feels invisible, it is shaping something strong and lasting. If I can leave behind even a small reminder that it’s okay to be imperfect but brave, hardworking but human, then I will have built something truly meaningful.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

While there has been a lot of conversation around gender equality, I believe being a mother and an entrepreneur — or even just a working mother — is a completely different conversation. There is still an unspoken expectation that we must figure out everything — at home and at work — seamlessly. We are often expected to carry both loads without missing a step. However, I do see a slow but real shift with the new generation. They are starting to perceive gender equality differently — they are creating room for all voices and making space at the table for everyone, not just a few. It gives me hope that things are changing, and that the next generation will step into a world that feels more balanced, more understanding, and ultimately, more beautiful.

Tanushri Biyani — Founder of Anaar

Tanushri Biyani, founder of Anaar Footwear, blends entrepreneurial flair and artistic vision to create luxury wedding footwear loved by celebrities, while gracefully balancing life as a mother.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Motherhood has made me a more empathetic and intuitive leader. As a parent, you quickly realise that no two children respond the same way — the same is true for a team. People are motivated by different things, they face different struggles, and they have different dreams. Being a mother has taught me patience, active listening, and the importance of creating a safe space where people can be themselves, all of which deeply influence how I run my business. At the core, the values I bring from parenting are trust, resilience, and unconditional support. I truly believe leadership isn’t about control; it’s about empowering others to find their own voice and strength, just like you want your children to do.

Vision and Impact

My vision for the business goes beyond profits or scaling numbers—it’s about building something that feels human, lasting, and meaningful. I want to create a company culture where innovation is second nature because people feel safe enough to take risks. And I want to model a different way of building businesses — where empathy and ambition can co-exist. I hope, in my small way, I’m contributing to reshaping the business world into a place where the next generation—including my own children—doesn’t feel they have to choose between their dreams and their life. I want them to believe it’s possible to build, to nurture, and to lead with heart.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of courage and authenticity. I want my kids, and the women and entrepreneurs who see my journey, to know that you don’t have to fit into a predefined box to succeed. You can show up as your full self—your messy, determined, creative, nurturing, fierce self—and still make a lasting impact. I hope to inspire others to trust their instincts, to value kindness alongside competence, and to keep dreaming audaciously, no matter the hurdles.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

While we are moving forward, I don’t think the conversation around work-life balance is entirely gender-neutral yet — especially when it comes to mothers. There’s still an underlying expectation that women will ‘balance’ more, ‘manage’ more, and make more sacrifices quietly. At business summits or leadership forums, there’s a growing recognition of diverse challenges, but we are not fully there yet in how we design policies, networking spaces, or growth opportunities that accommodate and celebrate different life stages, including motherhood. I think true evolution will happen when support systems are normalized—not seen as ‘special considerations’ for women — but simply as smart, compassionate ways of building thriving businesses and communities.

Maitri Boda — Co-Founder of Squat Up

Maitri Boda, founder of Squat Up Gym, turned her battle with chronic illness into a mission—redefining fitness as a journey of empowerment and inner strength, much like the role of a nurturing mother.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Being a mother has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of seeing the bigger picture—all of which directly influence how I lead at Squat Up. Parenting constantly reminds you that growth takes time, and everyone moves at their own pace. I try to bring that same understanding to my team. Whether it’s mentoring a young trainer or making a business decision, I always think about the long-term impact rather than short-term wins. Trust, resilience, and consistency—values I practice with my child—shape how I build my team and business culture every day.

Vision and Impact

When we started Squat Up, the goal wasn’t just to create a fitness space—it was to build a community where strength, wellness, and self-belief are celebrated. As a mother, I am even more aware of the kind of world I want to contribute to. I want my child—and all young people—to grow up in a world where pursuing entrepreneurship feels accessible, where leaders prioritise well-being alongside ambition. By promoting holistic health, emotional resilience, and empowerment through fitness, I hope to reshape the narrative that success isn’t just about numbers but about nurturing people and communities.

Legacy and Influence

I would love my legacy to be about empowerment and courage. I want my child to remember that dreams and responsibilities can go hand-in-hand—you don’t have to choose one over the other. For other women, I hope my journey shows that you don’t have to fit into traditional moulds to succeed. Building something meaningful while navigating motherhood is possible, even with all the challenges. If I can inspire even one woman to take that first step—whether it’s starting a business, prioritising her health, or believing in her leadership—that would mean everything to me.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

While the conversations around work-life balance have definitely improved, I do feel there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully removing the gender lens. Often, in business settings, we celebrate entrepreneurial achievements without acknowledging the unique challenges mothers face, such as balancing emotional labor with professional responsibilities. True progress will happen when work-life balance is seen as a human issue, not just a women’s issue. Until then, platforms that bring these discussions forward are crucial. As a woman entrepreneur, I hope to keep contributing to that change—by speaking openly about the reality behind the hustle and redefining what leadership really looks like.

Queenie Singh — Founder of Beauty by BiE

Queenie Singh, Founder & CEO of Beauty By BiE, blends her passion for holistic wellness with motherhood, creating a clean skincare brand that empowers women from the inside out.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Motherhood has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and presence—qualities I carry into my leadership style. As a parent, you’re constantly adapting, solving problems on the go, and guiding with intuition. That’s very similar to how I lead my team. I believe in building a culture where people feel safe, inspired, and trusted—much like how I raise my children. It’s about creating space for growth, mistakes, and learning, both at home and at work.

Vision and Impact

The vision behind my business goes beyond products—it’s about creating meaningful transformation through clean, conscious beauty. I want to reshape how people, especially women, perceive skincare: not as vanity, but as self-respect. As a mother, I feel a deep responsibility to model purpose-driven leadership for my children. I want them — and future generations — to see that you can build something impactful without compromising on values or wellbeing.

Legacy and Influence

I hope my legacy is one of courage and conscious creation. I want my children to grow up knowing that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the lives you touch and the values you uphold while building something from scratch. For other women, I hope my journey shows that you don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. You can be both powerful in business and present at home.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

The conversation around work-life balance still tends to be overly gendered, as though the onus of balancing it all rests solely on women. At summits and in boardrooms, the dialogue is slowly shifting, but we’re not there yet. The reality is that the challenges faced by mothers in leadership roles are unique and often underrepresented. Until we start designing ecosystems that support all parents, the conversation won’t truly be balanced.

Bobby Patel — Culinary Director and Co-founder of Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

Bobby Patel, Co-founder and Culinary Director of Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, has transformed from engineer to plant-based culinary leader, blending sustainability, motherhood, and bold innovation.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Motherhood has been my most powerful leadership training ground. As a mom, I’ve learned the value of patience, empathy, and adaptability — all of which directly influence how I lead my teams at Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh. I approach my businesses the way I do parenting: with a blend of structure and freedom. I believe in nurturing talent, encouraging curiosity, and creating a safe space for mistakes — because that’s where growth happens. Just like raising children, leading a team is about guidance, not control.

Vision and Impact

With Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, my vision has always been to redefine the narrative around vegetarian dining in India. I wanted to break away from the clichés and show that vegetarian food can be bold, innovative, and globally inspired — without compromising on depth or creativity. We’re creating dining experiences that surprise and delight, that challenge old perceptions, and invite people to see vegetarian cuisine in a whole new light. As a mother and an entrepreneur, I see this mission as part of a bigger responsibility — to build businesses that are forward-thinking and rooted in values. I hope to inspire my children and future leaders to believe in their unique vision, to challenge norms, and to create with purpose. That’s how we reshape the business world — by daring to lead with authenticity.

Legacy and Influence

The culinary and restaurant industry in India is still very much male-dominated, and stepping into it as a woman — both as a chef and an entrepreneur — came with its own set of challenges. Making space for myself wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I’ve had to push past stereotypes, prove my credibility, and consistently stand my ground, especially while championing something as unconventional as reimagining vegetarian dining. Breaking the myth that vegetarian food is limited or boring wasn’t just a creative challenge — it was a cultural one. But I believed in the vision, and I stayed with it. The legacy I hope to leave is one that empowers women to take up space confidently, even when the odds seem stacked. I want to show my kids — and every aspiring entrepreneur watching — that strength and softness can coexist, that purpose matters, and that real change comes when you dare to do things differently.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

While the conversation around work-life balance has certainly broadened, I don’t believe the gender perspective has — or should — be completely removed. The reality is, the expectations placed on mothers, especially in demanding roles like entrepreneurship, are still very different. There’s still an undercurrent of having to ‘prove’ that we can do both — raise a family and run a successful business — without missing a beat. That pressure is real. So while it’s encouraging to see more inclusive narratives emerging, there’s still a long way to go in truly acknowledging and supporting the dual roles women often juggle. What we need is more honest dialogue, more visibility of mothers in leadership panels, and practical support systems — like flexible schedules, childcare solutions at events, and funding initiatives that understand our realities. Representation matters, but so does action. Only then can we move toward a truly balanced and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Shruti Kedia — Co-founder of Sparkplug

Shruti Kedia, Co-founder of Sparkplug, blends empathy and purpose in leadership, drawing from motherhood to build a values-driven, inclusive business that redefines success and legacy for women entrepreneurs.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Motherhood teaches you a great deal—it brings a sense of perspective, patience, and emotional depth that profoundly shapes how you lead. These qualities naturally extend into the workplace. As a mother, you’re nurturing, you’re attuned to the needs of others, and you’re thoughtful in your decision-making. That translates directly into leadership—supporting your team, making balanced choices, and focusing on long-term impact over short-term wins. The experience of motherhood helps you lead with empathy and vision, both as an entrepreneur and as a leader.

Vision and Impact

For me, whether in business or in motherhood, success isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about building something meaningful and lasting. It’s about demonstrating the value of hard work, dedication, and truly believing in what you do. At the same time, it’s equally important to lead with empathy—to create a workplace that is inclusive, celebrates individuality, encourages collaboration, and respects work-life balance. That’s the kind of leadership I strive for. I want to lead by example, not just for my team but also for my children. I want them to see that real success comes from working together, from building with purpose, and from lifting others as you grow. It’s not about single-minded achievement, but about creating something enduring—together.

Legacy and Influence

I hope the legacy I leave behind isn’t just about the brands I’ve built, but about the way I built them. The fun I had, the hard work I put in and the ethics we lived by while building this company. I want my kids to see that you don’t have to choose between working and being home. That success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your values, your well-being, or your relationships. For other women and entrepreneurs, I hope my journey shows that there’s no one right formula or career path. You can grow slowly and still grow strong. You can take detours, pause when you need to, and still arrive where you’re meant to be. If I can help shift even a small part of the narrative, around leadership, motherhood, ambition, or identity then that, to me, is legacy.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

This conversation has come a long way from the days when women weren’t freely able to participate in the workforce. Today, it’s far more common to see women pursuing careers and entrepreneurship. However, many still face the expectation of excelling professionally while shouldering the majority of responsibilities at home. While there is a gradual shift, with partners, families, and society beginning to recognize the immense value women entrepreneurs bring, this change is still limited to a small segment. There’s a long way to go before this becomes a widespread reality across India.

Prarthna Vohra — Co-founder of Sparkplug

Prarthna Vohra, Co-founder of Sparkplug, blends decades of brand-building experience with motherhood, creating a collaborative, boundary-respecting workplace that inspires both her team and children to lead with pride and purpose.

Leadership at Home and in Business

Definitely a lot of my routine setting, a lot of the planning comes from the lessons I’ve learned as a Mother. But I think it’s vice versa as well. I was an entrepreneur before I became a Mother so definitely there’s a lot of the routine structure that helps with motherhood. Having said that, I think as a mompreneur ,it’s very essential to have strict routines or timelines because we are balancing both roles effectively.. You need to figure out what and where to say no, you need to figure out what are the things that are your priorities. I think the primary lesson for my team is that once we are done with the initial phase of making them understand their primary job goals, after that it’s a free hand, we let them go explore the world and that’s something that I do with my kids as well. Where there aren’t too many boundaries set. And for everything else that doesn’t work out of course, like a parent for the team,we are always there. So I definitely think it works either way.

Vision and Impact

I think as a social media and PR company , we believe we are storytellers and every campaign for every brand is very customized. We work with our clients, we work on the business, we work in the business so we are literally partners to our clients when it comes to brand building. Having worked in the industry for 2 decades , I think we understand that you cannot work from the outside only. Each of our partners have believed in us, we have worked with our partners for decades now. In terms of these things we are different.When it comes to how it impacts my children, I think that the whole idea of not bringing work home is a terrible idea. I am constantly discussing work with my kids. I think my kids are pretty ready to build brands on their own right now. You can ask them anything about brand building or how a campaign is executed. In fact, when my seven year old was five, I recorded an entire video where he talked about what he’s going to grow up to be and how he’s going to build a brand. So, I think as women, we are true examples to our children and very proudly so . The children take so much pride in the brands we handle. Since we handle a lot of F&B brands, every restaurant that they go to,or they refer to with their friend, they always say that this is something my mama handles. They take so much pride in my work, and to see that in your kids eye is the ultimate gift.

Legacy and Influence

I think that we treat our team exactly how we would treat our kids. I always tell my team that I’m not equipping them for the roles that they are currently handling but I’m equipping them to be Entrepreneurs tomorrow. I want each and everyone from my team to have a competing agency, and I think I would take immense pride in that. There are no restrictions in terms of their roles, and what work that they do. We have an open ground in terms of what they want to experiment with, and I adopt the same with my kids. I believe that in the future what they want to be is completely up to them. I think the only legacy I would like to leave for them is to take pride in what they do and to do what makes them happy and that’s all that is required.

Gendered Work-Life Balance

Gender bias is a delicate issue. At home of course, I am very blessed to have a very supportive husband who values my work the same way he values his. Having said that, there is always an extra pressure on women in terms of how they handle their homes. It takes so much of their headspace. You will always be the primary caregivers, but how you handle it and how you equip your children to handle it at home is very important. In the same way, it’s important to equip the people around you to handle it in the same way. For example, every client of mine knows that when my children come home, there’s a time between four and five pm when I do not take calls and these are certain boundaries that are set because that’s important to me. I think as women, we all need to set our own boundaries. As for gender equality, I think it’s how you perceive it and how you set your rules. I haven’t seen too many people revolt against these boundaries, in fact we work in a very male dominated industry and I believe that we have got a huge lot of respect for what we do. It’s respect, not on the basis of our gender but on the basis of the kind of work that we do.

Ruchyeta Bhatia — Co-founder of Love & Cheesecake

Ruchyeta Bhatia, co-founder of Love & Cheesecake, turned a 200 sq. ft. kitchen into Mumbai’s go-to dessert haven, blending artisanal quality with a passion for indulgent, handcrafted treats.

Leadership at Home and in Business

You know, being a mom has completely transformed the way I lead—not just at home, but also at work. When I started Love & Cheesecake 12 years ago, I was fully immersed and it felt like we had to follow a fixed plan. Building a brand from scratch, especially in the F&B world, required relentless focus and perseverance. But becoming a mother—especially to twin boys—taught me the kind of patience, empathy, and perspective that no MBA ever could. Parenting has this way of grounding you. One has to be prepared to face a meltdown when you least expect it. There are surprises thrown at you at every nook and corner. It has definitely taught me a lot of empathy and patience and to not be fazed by anything. And that translates to building a business and a team so well. You become comfortable managing ambiguity through patience and empathy. The other thing is it brings out the best in us. With my boys, I try to help them learn to draw batman in the night and still wake up early to check on store operations. This rhythm—of being fully present in both roles— is hard but it forces you to switch gears without losing focus. 

Vision and Impact

I’ve always believed that food is more than just what’s on the plate—it’s a story, a memory, that special moment. The larger vision behind Love & Cheesecake, Poetry, and now Sesami, is to create spaces that bring people together, celebrate each other, celebrate & discover food innovations, and serve as a canvas for creativity and emotion. As a mom, I’m even more aware now of the kind of world I’m helping shape—not just for my team, but for my children. I want my boys to grow up in a world where empathy and ambition co-exist, where leadership is about listening as much as it is about leading, where business success is long term and balanced with values. I hope they see, through me, that building something meaningful doesn’t have to come at the cost of family, values, or balance. 

Legacy and Influence

Legacy, for me, isn’t about building an empire—it’s about delivering impact. I want my children to remember me as someone who created joy, built communities, and stayed true to her values even in the hardest of times. And for women watching this journey, I hope they feel empowered to take up space—to dream bigger, speak louder, and build businesses that reflect who they are at their core. I’ve enjoyed mentoring young talent in the industry, especially women. If I can open even one door that was previously shut—or simply help someone believe in their own vision—that’d be a good way to pay it forward!

Gendered Work-Life Balance

Honestly, the conversation is evolving—but slowly. We’re still in a world where moms are expected to show up for everything—school, work, home—while fathers often get a pass. In boardrooms and summits, the “work-life balance” question still disproportionately lands on women. You rarely hear male entrepreneurs being asked how they manage kids and business. What we need is a shift in language and expectations. Parenting is a shared responsibility. Yes, as mothers, we face unique emotional and physical challenges, but the narrative needs to become more inclusive. If we want true equality in business, then we need to normalise talking about caregiving, mental load, and balance—for everyone, not just women. That’s something I try to live by at home and in my company culture. Whether you’re a dad leaving early for a parent-teacher meeting or a new mom returning from maternity leave, we should lead with empathy and flexibility. 

Want to hear Mother-Daughter CEOs Shaily and Anshita Mehrotra talk about Beauty, Business and Balance? Click here.