Neil Banerjee
In today’s competitive landscape, women entrepreneurs are reshaping industries with bold ideas and relentless drive. From transforming waste management and reimagining sustainable real estate to fusing art with engineering and pioneering spiritual healing, these leaders have carved out unique spaces that defy traditional expectations. Their journeys, full of challenges and breakthroughs, exemplify what’s possible when passion meets innovation.
Transforming waste management through technology
When waste management seemed to be mired in outdated methods, one visionary saw the potential for transformation. Ekta Narain, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of a leading tech-driven waste management firm, Recykal, turned a messy, inefficient industry into an opportunity for lasting change.
Ekta recalls her motivation, “It was seeing the mess and knowing it didn’t have to be that way. India has a huge waste problem, and the traditional methods just weren’t cutting it. I believed technology could bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to this fragmented space.”
Her platform quickly began delivering real results—from ensuring informal waste collectors received fair prices to helping businesses meet sustainability targets. As the data reflected tangible impact, even the staunchest sceptics started to see potential.
“When the numbers started showing over a million metric tons of waste being channelled properly, it validated our approach,” she adds.
Ekta’s journey was also about overcoming personal and industry barriers. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she turned challenges into opportunities by building strong bonds and emphasising collaboration. Her vision is clear: to make circularity the norm and expand her model globally, proving that even the messiest industries can be reinvented through innovative technology.
Redefining sustainable real estate
In a world where traditional real estate practices often overshadow sustainability, Amrita Gupta, Chief Interior Designer and Director at Manglam Group, is changing the narrative. Her passion for eco-friendly design was ignited during her studies in Atlanta and has grown into a lifelong commitment to reducing carbon footprints without compromising on luxury.
Amrita elaborates on her inspiration, “My education in sustainable design projects taught me how profoundly the built environment impacts our planet. I wanted to prove that sustainability and innovation can—and must—coexist in every project.”
Beyond crafting green spaces, Amrita has worked relentlessly to break gender barriers in real estate. Recognising the low participation of women in the sector, she helped launch the CREDAI Women’s Wing to foster mentorship and networking.
“The CREDAI Women’s Wing was born from the need to create a supportive space for women, to break old stereotypes and empower them to lead in this field,” she asserts.
Her work on flagship projects like a luxury residential development in Jaipur blends cutting-edge green technologies with traditional aesthetics. Incorporating passive cooling, solar panels, water conservation systems, and sustainable materials, her projects not only reduce environmental impact but also offer modern comforts. She recalls how early sceptics questioned whether eco-friendly designs could be both viable and luxurious. With education and solid data, she proved them wrong.
Amrita’s ambition now extends beyond design. With plans to expand her hospitality portfolio and introduce world-class brands to emerging cities, she is creating a ripple effect—empowering more women and setting new benchmarks for sustainable growth.
Merging art, engineering, and digital innovation
For GR Rajapriya, Founding Director and Principal Designer, Eastcraft Designs, the marriage of civil engineering and art was not just a career choice—it was a calling. With a foundation in engineering and a lifelong passion for creativity, she set out to blend technical precision with artistic expression, resulting in customised designs that transform spaces.
Reflecting on her early journey, Rajapriya notes, “My background in civil engineering gave me the precision to execute complex projects, but my love for art and design pushed me to create something unique. That blend became the essence of Eastcraft Designs.”
Her early adoption of digital design in 2004 streamlined her creative process, allowing her to tackle more intricate projects with improved efficiency. One of her proudest achievements was a project for IIT Jodhpur and Gwalior Airport, where the fusion of art and engineering not only enhanced functionality but also elevated aesthetic appeal.
Looking ahead, Rajapriya envisions a future where technology, sustainability, and personalisation converge. Her advice to aspiring women in design and engineering is simple and powerful:
“Passion and perseverance are key. Keep upskilling, find mentors, and never shy away from taking bold steps towards your dreams.”
Her work stands as a reminder that creativity combined with technical know-how can break new ground and inspire future generations.
Embracing the mystic: Integrating spiritual healing with modern insight
In an era dominated by technology and data, Dr. Madhu Kotiya has charted a different course by blending her engineering background with her innate calling for spiritual healing. Founder of Wicca India School and Mshezaim Institute of Tarot and Divination, she has proven that ancient wisdom and modern practices can harmonise to create transformative healing experiences.
Dr. Kotiya explains her unique path, “Although my engineering training honed my problem-solving skills, I always felt drawn to healing and spirituality. My journey wasn’t about busting my engineering degree—it was about answering my personal calling as a healer.”
Her innovative approach integrates tarot with therapy, particularly for addressing issues like addiction. By combining the power of tarot with professional therapeutic support, she has opened new avenues for personal transformation.
“Tarot cards help visualise and reflect on emotions. When used alongside therapy, they can uncover deep-seated issues and guide patients towards healing,” she says.
Her critics are met with her steadfast commitment to personal experience and the rich history of spiritual traditions. She emphasises that while AI and data analysis might augment tarot readings in the future, the human touch—intuition, empathy, and personal connection—remains irreplaceable.
Dr. Kotiya’s work is best illustrated by the story of a student named Anita, who overcame deep emotional pain and chronic anxiety through dedicated practice. Her transformation through meditation, energy cleansing, and ritualistic practices is a testament to the power of combining modern techniques with ancient wisdom.
A collective journey of courage and innovation
What unites these women is their unwavering determination to break the mould. Whether it’s leveraging technology to solve environmental challenges, reimagining sustainable living in real estate, fusing art with engineering precision, or pioneering integrative healing methods, each of these leaders has challenged the status quo while forging their own path.
Their journeys are not only about personal success—they are blueprints for transforming entire industries. They demonstrate that barriers can be overcome with innovative thinking and that the future of business lies in inclusivity, sustainability, and creative problem-solving. Their stories encourage us to question traditional norms and embrace new, unconventional ideas.
As more women take on leadership roles and bring fresh perspectives to various sectors, the landscape of business will continue to evolve. These trailblazers are paving the way for future generations, proving that unconventional ideas are not only viable but vital for long-term growth and positive change.
The journeys of these four dynamic women remind us that innovation is not confined to any single field. Whether it’s using technology to streamline waste management, creating sustainable luxury spaces, merging engineering with art, or integrating spiritual healing with modern therapy, each path is a testament to the power of unconventional thinking.
They have turned scepticism into success by building models that are both innovative and inclusive. Their work challenges us to rethink industry norms and embrace a future where diverse perspectives drive progress. Ultimately, their stories are not just about business—they are about creating legacies that inspire change, empower communities, and redefine what it means to lead.
In celebrating their achievements, we recognise that true innovation comes from daring to be different, forging ahead despite obstacles, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These women don’t just mean business—they are the embodiment of the transformative spirit that is reshaping the market for generations to come.
