Four women keep their flags high in business world

Manisha Chopra, 30, Co-Founder and Director, 
SeaSoul Cosmeceuticals

Chopra, who was named the rising star of the year 2015 by the Wellness and Indian Salon Congress, says her journey was not easy. “For me, it was the Indian culture and the dedication to prove myself that drove me to establish my own brand,” she says. She spent almost a decade in Australia doing research and making a name for her brand before returning to India to promote women entrepreneurship in Indian society. “I am sure that home-grown beauty products and techniques can create a robust name in global spheres,”she says. Chopra further says that the spirit of the Make in India campaign encouraged her, and she believes that the wellness industry can play a huge role in empowering women in India.

Isha Singla, 26, Founder and Chief Process Officer 
(CPO), Jugnoo

The IIT-Delhi engineer first pursued a corporate career with McKinsey and InMobi, before deciding to become an entrepreneur. “Being a woman entrepreneur is not easy, especially in a country like India. The fight to make a mark begins at home itself. Fortunately for me, my family supported me in all my decisions,” says Singla. Jugnoo, a mobile phone-based ride-sharing application, is one of the leaders in auto aggregation market.  “Creating space for yourself in a patriarchal society, while giving time and energy to family, is one of the most difficult things. It is the challenge to prove myself that drives me in the industry,” she adds. 

Pushpa Bector, 50, Executive Vice-President and Head, Premium Malls at DLF Utilities Ltd 

The mother of two is the brain behind India’s first destination mall, spread across a retail space of 2 million sqft in Noida. Bector works for more than 14 hours daily, and still ensures that she spends quality time with her children. “I have been a part of the real estate and retail industry for over two decades now and have seen almost all the major developments that have taken place in the National Capital Region (NCR),” says Bector.  She adds that her office has been her second home for the last 20 years. “My children are my biggest support. I feel if I can be an idol for them, they, too, will believe that anything is achievable,” says Bector.

Rashi Menda, 27, Founder and CEO, Zapyle

Menda, who wanted to provide people with a one-stop destination for affordable designer labels in India, started the business at the same time that her husband started his. “We knew what we were getting into — sleepless nights and endless work. We believe in each other’s vision and passion. Menda says. She adds that Zapyle was inspired by her own experience of living in different cities of the country. “While living in Delhi and Mumbai, I found that acquiring luxury items was incredibly easy. When we moved to Bangalore, however, we realised how difficult it was for women not living in the metros to access luxury brands. It was then that we came up with the idea of creating a platform to make luxury fashion easily accessible and affordable for everyone,” she says.