Top 10 Emerging and Promising Women Entrepreneurs of 2023

1. Mansi Gambhir, Founder, The Gusto

Mansi Gambhir, the driving force behind The Gusto, stands as an inspirational entrepreneur of the year. The Gusto, known for its cruelty-free and stylish bags, has swiftly become a global sensation.

Mansi's leadership has propelled the brand into the B2C and B2B sectors with impressive monthly style launches and global expansion. Her customer-centric approach, rooted in understanding the modern consumer, fuels The Gusto's organic growth and high customer retention.

Furthermore, Mansi's commitment to sustainability, evident in cruelty-free leather choices, reflects her forward-thinking approach. Her journey epitomizes the qualities of an inspiring entrepreneur - innovation, customer-centricity, and unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability.

2. Panya Gupta, Founder, Phue

Introducing the inspirational visionary, Panya Gupta, the driving force behind PHUE, a maximalist fashion brand that beautifully encapsulates the philosophy of "Creating stories through chaos." Established in July 2021, PHUE represents a unique approach to fashion by fusing the worlds of art and apparel, all while celebrating the profound influence of colour.

Panya's dream is to provide a range of clothing that transcends mere garments, more aptly described as wearable art. Her mission is clear: to empower everyone to become the curator of their own life story. Infused with an unwavering passion for creativity and a resolute commitment to making bold statements through fashion, Panya Gupta is at the forefront of reshaping self-expression through clothing. PHUE is more than just a brand; it's a living canvas for personal narratives where the chaos of life transforms into a gallery of captivating stories.

3. Sushoma, Founder, Naoma Naturals

Sushoma, the driving force behind 'Naoma Naturals' is a remarkable entrepreneur. Her journey from a creative childhood to a leading figure in organic skincare and low-waste living is awe-inspiring. When her first child was born, Sushoma delved into the ingredients of commercial skincare products, igniting her passion for crafting trustworthy alternatives. In 2016, her second child marked the birth of 'Naoma Naturals'. Sushoma's commitment to crafting organic skincare grew, earning her an organic skincare diploma from Formula Botanica. Her brand emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness, offering products like shampoo and shaving bars in zero to low-waste packaging. Sushoma's dedication has not only transformed her family's life but also inspired others on a sustainable journey, making her one of the Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs of the Year.

4. Dr Pallavi, Founder, Stride Podiatry Clinic

Dr. Pallavi, a visionary podiatrist and physiotherapist, is transforming healthcare through the transformative power of movement.

Despite facing limited opportunities and multiple limitations, Dr. Pallavi embarked on a journey to create a healthier, more mobile society. She founded Stride Fitness and Mobility Clinic, which offers personalized fitness and mobility solutions for all ages in Mumbai, Indore and Jammu.

Driven by compassion and armed with evidence-based practices, Dr. Pallavi empowers patients with knowledge and fosters a collaborative healing environment. Her dedication makes Stride Clinic a trusted brand for those embracing a healthier, more active lifestyle.

5. Tanya Eldred Bhat, Founder, XO Curls

XO Curls, founded by the visionary Tanya Eldred Bhat, represents a paradigm shift in the world of curly hair care. With a decade-long career in Marketing and Advertising, Tanya embarked on a mission driven by personal experiences and customer insights. She recognized a glaring gap in the market - a lack of awareness and support for curly hair, not just in India but worldwide. XO Curls was born from this realisation, bringing together Tanya's unique blend of expertise and passion.

6. Aarushi Singhal, Founder, Blend It Raw Apothecary

Blend It Raw Apothecary, founded by Aarushi Singhal, redefines skincare and wellness with purity. The brand simplifies self-care by offering pure, unprocessed ingredients such as botanical powders, herbs, and oils from Indian farms, empowering individuals to craft their rituals. Aarushi's vision is rooted in education, demystifying skincare and promoting homemade formulations to shift the skincare industry from complexity to clarity, advocating understandable ingredients. Blend It Raw Apothecary stands out with transparency and knowledge-sharing through Aarushi's unique approach.

7. Sona Puri, Founder, The India Craft House

A beacon of India's rich art heritage, The India Craft House is a testament to Sona Puri's visionary leadership. With a passion for preserving ancient art, founder Sona Puri has pushed the brand to become a global advocate of traditional Indian art. Her unwavering commitment to the development of India's artisan community has not only brought timeless art to life but has also earned her a new level of global respect for her unparalleled skills. The India Craft House combines heritage with modernity and exquisite craftsmanship and captures the essence of Indian art heritage in every product it creates. Sona Puri's enduring passion is expressed in the brand's ethos, creating a desire for cultural patronage and admiration across the globe.

8. Sunayana Walia, Founder, Raw Beauty Wellness

Sunayana Walia, the driving force behind Raw Beauty Wellness, started her entrepreneurial journey with homemade products. As people liked the products, she continued adding new and highly effective products to her growing list. That boosted her confidence and pushed her to take a step towards starting Raw Beauty. The motive behind building this brand was to enrich people's lives with personal care products imbibed with nourishing and nurturing qualities to resolve all skin and hair issues. Starting the brand in your 40s is not an easy task, especially for a woman. Sunayana faced multiple challenges, but her determination and passion never wavered. Sunayana continued to do what she loved, broke all the barriers, and set a standard for other women to follow their passion. Today, Raw Beauty Wellness has more than 60 personal care products along with a community of 26k people and continues to grow and flourish.

9. Karina Dogra Jalan, Founder, Celesti Skin

Karina Dogra Jalan founded a spiritually inclined skincare brand called Celesti Skin. She acquired the skills and expertise necessary to launch her venture after finishing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in international management from Vienna, Austria. Karina's M.Sc. in management degree, a result of her strong interest in luxury brand management, helped her with the idea for a high-end yet reasonably-priced skincare company.

Her time in Vienna helped her become a self-reliant businesswoman who manages all elements of her company, from operations and supply chain management to marketing and brand development. Karina's experience in marketing also comes from the fact that she is a renowned content creator who promotes sustainable and valuable ventures along with her viewpoints.

Karina's intention behind Celesti Skin was to create a platform where she could change people's views about skincare practices and a community that promotes simple and deliberate skincare practices, fostering holistic and transparent living by incorporating mindfulness and spirituality. Her spiritual experience and way of living reflect her business venture in its most authentic form.

10. Aditi Agarwal, Founder, Inovatus Digital

Aditi Agarwal founded Inovatus Digital in 2020 to create a company of like-minded individuals who shared similar thoughts on the business world. Inovatus Digital is a fast-growing media & PR company based out of Mumbai.

The company caters to luxurious and fast-growing brands and individuals with a platform to explore the world of media & PR to realize their full potential.

Growing up in a family of business professionals and graduating from MIT, Pune, she was driven to be a visionary leader. Aditi immersed herself in the business world and turned her dreams into reality with Inovatus Digital. She's an entrepreneur by mind and heart and aspires to reach heights with every step.