The Indian woman has advanced significantly from a housewife to a successful businesswoman . Women entrepreneurs in India have persisted and achieved great success despite facing many challenges, such as cultural differences, a lack of funding and resources, and gender bias.
These women continue to show no restrictions or barriers besides those they put in place for themselves by society. They have significantly captured the industry by busting down social stigmas, stereotypes, and obstacles. In many areas, they have overcome challenges to become pioneers and go where "no woman has gone before."
Today, many women are overcoming every barrier to start their businesses. They are now contributing significantly to the Indian economy and paving the way for young female entrepreneurs.
Here is the story of two successful businesswomen, Suchi Mukherjee and Kanika Tekriwal, who went against the odds to create their success stories:
Suchi Mukherjee : She founded LimeRoad.com, India's first online social discovery platform. She was the first Indian woman awarded a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholarship in 1994 to study economics at Cambridge University.
After spending 15 years away from India, Suchi returned with the belief that the country has enormous potential to boost a revolutionary business. After giving birth to her second baby, while enjoying some "me-time," she had the idea for LimeRoad.
Suchi wanted to develop a social discovery platform that would make it simple and enjoyable for people to discover affordable goods. She envisioned LimeRoad to empower small sellers and let them compete with larger retailers.
Her vision for LimeRoad became a success. LimeRoad emerged as one of the top online marketplaces that allow users to discover amazing products and local vendors, a platform to sell on.
Suchi Mukherjee was also chosen as one of the 15 women under 40 with the highest potential to lead the world in change and impact, and she was honoured at the 2010 World Women's Forum in Deauville, Paris.
Kanika Tekriwal: She is the CEO of JetSetGo, a start-up that operates, manages, and flies hired planes and helicopters.
After overcoming cancer, Kanika Tekriwal founded her aviation-based startup at 22. It was extremely difficult for her as she was born into a Marwari family and had to deal with parental opposition and pervasive sexism.
She went against the world to follow her dreams. And today, almost ten years later, she manages 1,00,000 fliers and has operated 6,000 flights.
The business has contributed to India's charter aviation industry's transformation. Kanika Tekriwal's estimated net worth as of 2022 is Rs. 420 crores. She even made it to the Hurun Leading Wealthy Women list for 2021.
Successful women like Suchi Mukherjee and Kanika Tekriwal have gone against the norms to build successful and creative businesses. Despite the obstacles, they never stop inspiring and motivating others with determination and courage. Despite age, social expectations, and challenges, they have excelled in their chosen fields. They have repeatedly shown us that one can achieve wonderful things despite adversity. They truly encourage all the women who have the talent and dream big.
Suppose you are interested in starting a business. In that case, Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly Fair & Lovely Career Foundation) can provide tips and expert guidance to help you get started; click here for more information.