– Khwaish Jain (cbedit@imaws.org)
International Women’s Day is a vibrant celebration of progress, a moment to acknowledge the enduring challenges, and an opportunity to amplify the voices of women who are crafting a more equitable world. Notably, women are making remarkable strides in the food industry, where their innovative spirit and leadership are outpacing traditional norms. Compared to their male counterparts, women are excelling in culinary entrepreneurship, restaurant management, and food innovation. They are not only breaking barriers but also redefining the culinary landscape with creativity, passion, and a keen sense of community. From pioneering chefs to visionary food technologists, women are proving that they are the driving force behind some of the most exciting developments in the industry. Their success is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion, demonstrating that when given the opportunity, women can achieve unparalleled success and inspire a new generation of leaders.
This year, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of female entrepreneurs and leaders who are igniting transformative change across a wide array of industries.
Education: The Power to Transform and Empower
The Transformative Power of Education: For Ranjana Singhal, education wasn’t just about academics; it was the key to unlocking her entrepreneurial spirit and empowering others. Her story demonstrates how learning – and unlearning – can pave the way for success.
Ranjana Singhal (Partner, Thats Y Food): An accidental food entrepreneur who learned the business from the ground up, Ranjana collaborates with talented chefs to create innovative dining experiences. She believes that…
“Education has been my greatest tool of empowerment, shaping not just my career but my perspective on life. It has given me the confidence to make independent decisions, build businesses, and create opportunities—not just for myself but for many others. Over the years, I’ve learned that unlearning is just as important as learning. Letting go of outdated ideas and adapting to changing times has been crucial in my journey.
For me, education was not just about academics but about empowerment, resilience, and the ability to carve my own path. I firmly believe that when a woman is educated, she gains the power to uplift herself and those around her. Empowering women through education isn’t just an individual benefit—it’s a collective strength that transforms families, communities, and generations. Let’s invest in knowledge, embrace growth, and create a world where education truly empowers all.”
Balancing Career and Family with Resilience
Navigating the Tightrope: Career, Family, and the Importance of Self-Care: Kulpreet Kaur shares her insights on the constant juggling act between professional life and family responsibilities, emphasizing prioritization, setting boundaries, and, most importantly, self-care.
Kulpreet Kaur (Director of Sales & Marketing, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore): With over a decade of experience in hospitality, Kulpreet understands the demands of a fast-paced industry and the importance of finding balance. She says…
“This Women’s Day, I reflect on the delicate balance many of us navigate between career and family. It’s a constant juggling act, but one that offers growth and resilience. The key to balancing both lies in prioritization. Not everything can be done at once. Setting clear goals for work and family helps me stay focused on what truly matters. At work, I delegate when necessary, while at home, I carve out time for quality moments with my loved ones. Setting boundaries has been essential. Designating specific work hours and family time allows me to be present in both areas. Open communication with my partner, colleagues, and family members ensures everyone’s expectations are aligned.
Asking for help is another crucial lesson I’ve learned. Whether from a partner, family, or colleagues, relying on support is key to managing it all without burnout. Finally, self-care is essential. Taking time for myself allows me to recharge, which in turn helps me show up fully both at work and with my family. To all the women balancing these roles, remember: you don’t have to be perfect—embrace flexibility, be kind to yourself, and celebrate the small wins.”
Empowering Women Beyond Stereotypes and Barriers
Breaking the Mold: Overcoming Perceptions and Redefining Success: Soniya Gore reflects on her experience in a male-dominated industry and shares her insights on overcoming stereotypes and empowering other women.
Ms. Soniya Gore (Head of Sales & Marketing, Uniforms Unlimited): As a leader in a competitive field, Soniya has learned the importance of resilience and embracing her unique strengths. She encourages women to…
“As we celebrate Women’s Day, I reflect on my journey in the hospitality industry, where I’ve faced challenges that tested my resolve. Being perceived as ‘soft’ in a traditionally male-dominated field was one of the hurdles I overcame. However, these experiences taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. They fueled my determination to succeed and inspired me to empower others.
Today, I encourage every woman to embrace her unique strengths and challenges. Let’s celebrate our struggles as stepping stones to success and support each other in breaking barriers. Together, we can create a world where every woman can thrive and shine, unencumbered by societal expectations. Let’s rise above the noise and make our mark, not just in hospitality, but in every field we touch.”
Embracing Heritage Through Entrepreneurship
From Corporate to Culture: Aligning Business with Values: Shwetha Rajashekar’s journey from the corporate world to co-founding India Sweet House is a testament to the power of aligning business practices with personal values and celebrating cultural heritage.
Shwetha Rajashekar (Co-Founder and Director – Communication, Branding and Design, India Sweet House): After a successful career in finance, Shwetha sought to create something meaningful that resonated with her roots. She shares her experience…
“Leaving behind a corporate career to embrace entrepreneurship was a pivotal decision in my life. After becoming a mother in 2013, I felt a profound urge to create something meaningful that resonated with my cultural roots. This led to the inception of India Sweet House in 2020, a venture aimed at celebrating and reviving the rich heritage of Indian sweets. Transitioning from the structured environment of corporate life to the dynamic world of business presented unique challenges.
I realized that the skills acquired in my previous career, such as strategic planning and project management, were transferable and instrumental in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. One of the most significant lessons learned was the importance of aligning business practices with personal values. At India Sweet House, we prioritize sustainability by encouraging customers to bring their own containers, thereby reducing single-use packaging. Additionally, our commitment to organic farming ensures the purity of ingredients used in our sweets. Drawing from my experiences, I strive to empower women in the workforce, recognizing that diversity enhances creativity and drives success. In essence, transitioning between roles and industries is a transformative journey that requires courage, adaptability, and a clear vision.”
Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship
A Mother’s Culinary Journey: Balancing Passion and Purpose: Bobby Patel’s story is an inspiration to mothers who dream of pursuing their passions. Her journey demonstrates that with commitment and creativity, it is possible to build a successful business while raising a family.
Bobby Patel (CoFounder and Culinary Director, Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh): As a Culinary Director and mother, Bobby understands the challenges of juggling personal and professional life. She says…
“I have enjoyed baking and cooking since I was a young child, and I have always enjoyed experimenting with flavors. I am also a mother, and my path was not an easy one. Juggling my personal and professional lives is challenging, but I never gave up because I was committed to achieving all of my goals. As a result of this, today I can proudly say that I own Thyme & whisk and Mad Doh and aim to expand them worldwide. Thyme & Whisk has now 17 outlets across India in mere 7 years and Mad doh has 4 outlets in a span of just 1.5 years. With power, enthusiasm, and creativity, a woman can lead in any area and belongs wherever she chooses. Continue to learn, remain fearless, and never allow someone to extinguish your passion. Your flavor is needed in the world.”
Shattering Stereotypes in Hospitality
From Inexperience to Innovation: Taking the Leap of Faith: Divya Kadam’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite having no prior experience in the hospitality industry, she successfully launched Baliboo, Mumbai’s go-to spot for a tropical dining experience. She is keen to spread the message that…
Divya Kadam (Founder Baliboo):
“In the face of inexperience, I took the leap into the hospitality industry by running a successful restaurant. Despite starting with limited knowledge, my determination and resilience led to significant growth and achievement. Through hard work and learning on the job, I slowly mastered the complexities of the business, proving that women can excel in any field. My journey has taught me to take risks, embrace challenges, and empower other women , !
I feel Women should pursue business ventures to break the stereotype that success is reserved only for men!”… “Transforming Hospitality with Vision and Courage”
Transforming Hospitality with Vision and Courage
A Cultural Journey Through Cuisine: Tusheeta Khanna’s vision for EnCanto goes beyond just offering Mexican-inspired dishes; she aims to create a cultural immersion that celebrates the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexico.
Tusheeta Khanna (Co-founder of EnCanto):
“As I reflect on my journey with EnCanto, I am reminded that breaking stereotypes and redefining industries requires courage, resilience, and a clear vision. By blending innovation with authenticity, I aimed to create more than just a dining experience—it’s a vibrant cultural journey. My entrepreneurial path wasn’t easy, but every challenge became a stepping stone to success. I believe that with positivity, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, women can transform industries and make lasting impacts.”
Empowering Creativity Beyond Borders
Championing Indian Talent on a Global Stage: Tina Scott Parashar’s dedication to elevating the cake industry in India and beyond has led her to mentor aspiring artists and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent internationally.
Ms Tina Scott Parashar (celebrated cake artist, mentor):
“Looking back at my journey as a cake designer and mentor, I am reminded that breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes is not just about personal achievement, but about creating opportunities for others. Establishing the India & International Cake Magazine has been a dream come true, as it allows me to mentor and promote Indian talent on a global stage. I believe that with determination and passion, women can excel in any field, and I am committed to empowering them to showcase their creativity and talent. Let’s celebrate our unique strengths and support each other in achieving greatness, both locally and internationally.”
Empowering Legacy Through Education
Blending Tradition with Innovation: A Saffron Story: Mehak Mir’s journey in the saffron industry is a testament to the power of education in preserving tradition while embracing modern business strategies.
Mehak Mir (Women Entrepreneur & Industry Representative):
“Education has been the cornerstone of my journey in the saffron industry, shaping both my professional success and personal growth. From my early schooling at Presentation Convent to earning an MBA from Greenwich University, I’ve gained the tools to innovate and elevate my family’s legacy. Blending traditional knowledge with modern business acumen has allowed me to expand into new markets, advocate for women in the workforce, and represent Kashmir’s saffron industry on global platforms. Education instilled in me the confidence to balance my roles as a daughter, wife, and mother while thriving professionally. It taught me discipline and resilience, enabling me to turn challenges into opportunities. Ultimately, my education empowers me to lead with purpose and inspire others to embrace their heritage while making a meaningful impact in the world.”
Accelerating Equality: Empowering Women’s Futures
A Chef’s Journey: From Challenges to Culinary Leadership: Moumita Bhaumik’s career is a testament to resilience and unwavering passion. Her journey from overcoming personal challenges to leading a culinary team inspires us to stay true to our dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
Moumita Bhaumik (Head Chef – Queen’s Tandoor Group):
“On this Women’s Day, I reflect on my journey as a chef, which has been a testament to resilience and determination. Despite life’s challenges, including losing my parents, I remained focused on my passion for cooking. I’ve navigated various roles, from television chef to culinary professor, and now lead a team of chefs. As the only female chef in a group of 65 professionals, I’ve learned that our strength lies in our unwavering dedication and love for our work. To all women, I say: never let your dreams be diluted by societal expectations. Stay true to your passions and celebrate your unique strengths. Together, let’s rise above the noise and make our mark in every field we touch.”
As we reflect on these inspiring stories, we honor the trailblazing women who are shaping industries and inspiring change. Their achievements in the food industry and beyond serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that can be made when talent and opportunity converge. Let us continue to support and celebrate these women, fostering an environment where their contributions are valued and their potential is limitless. Together, we can build a brighter future where everyone has the chance to thrive and make their mark on the world.
