In the dynamic world of Indian business, women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape with their innovative ideas and unwavering determination. SheLeads 2026 celebrates the top 10 inspiring women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and setting new benchmarks in various industries.

These trailblazers, with their unique vision and leadership, are not only building successful enterprises but also inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. From technology to healthcare, finance to fashion, meet the women who are redefining success and making a lasting impact on India’s business scene.

Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba

Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.

Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.

Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.

Vaishali Sunil Karad, Founder – Paashh

Vaishali Sunil Karad is the founder of Paashh, a conscious living concept that brings together sustainable fashion, mindful nourishment, and holistic wellbeing within one thoughtfully curated space. More than just a brand, Paashh represents a way of life rooted in awareness, intentional living, and a deeper connection with nature.

Her journey into entrepreneurship was shaped not by the pursuit of rapid growth, but by personal transformation and evolving awareness. As a dedicated marathon runner and wellness enthusiast, Vaishali gradually realized that wellbeing is influenced not only by exercise or food, but also by the choices people make every single day — from what they wear to how they consume, think, and live. This realization became the foundation of Paashh.

What started in Pune slowly expanded to Mumbai through patient, value driven growth. Rather than chasing trends or scale for the sake of visibility, Vaishali focused on building something meaningful and long lasting. She travelled extensively across India, personally connecting with artisans, weavers, and farmers to create a network based on ethical sourcing, craftsmanship, and mutual respect. Every element within Paashh reflects authenticity, traceability, and conscious design.

At the heart of her work is the belief that modern life has become increasingly rushed and disconnected. Through Paashh, she hopes to create spaces that encourage people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and make more mindful choices. Her leadership style mirrors the same philosophy — calm, grounded, intentional, and deeply value oriented.

Extending this vision further, Vaishali also conceptualized SIJA, a community led summer showcase hosted at Paashh in Pune. Designed as an extension of the Paashh philosophy, SIJA brings together conscious creators, artisans, designers, wellness focused brands, and eco conscious businesses under one roof. The initiative aims to build a collaborative platform where purpose driven brands can connect, grow together, and celebrate shared values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and mindful living.

Beyond her professional journey, Vaishali practices the same lifestyle she advocates. Running, yoga, mindful eating, and conscious dressing are integral parts of her daily life. She also draws inspiration from travel, cultural experiences, and meaningful conversations that deepen awareness and broaden perspective.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful — grow at your own pace and stay aligned with your values. Focus on depth before scale, substance before visibility, and purpose before pressure.

For Vaishali Sunil Karad, success is not measured by speed, noise, or constant expansion. It lies in creating spaces that feel meaningful, preserving traditions through modern relevance, and helping people feel more centered, connected, and at peace with themselves and the world around them.

Dr. Neha Goel Virk, Clinical Director – Virk Fertility Services, Infertility, Obstetrics, & Gynaecology specialist

Dr. Neha Goel Virk is the Clinical Director and an Infertility, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology specialist at Virk Fertility Services in Jalandhar, Punjab. Established over 33 years ago, Virk Fertility Services is India’s first IVF centre to receive NABH Safe-I accreditation. The centre is widely recognized for its commitment to innovation, integrity, medical excellence, and personalized care, particularly for patients facing complex fertility challenges.

Her journey into reproductive medicine has been both intellectually fulfilling and emotionally profound. Years of specialized training and experience have allowed her to embrace advancements in assisted reproductive technology while keeping empathy and individualized care at the center of her practice. For Dr. Virk, IVF is not merely about science; it is about guiding couples through hope, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, the joy of parenthood.

She draws inspiration from three pillars in her life: her mother, her father, and her faith. Their values taught her compassion, resilience, discipline, and the belief that medicine often stands at the intersection of science and miracles. As a woman in a demanding field, balancing surgery, patient care, leadership, and family responsibilities has not always been easy. Yet, every challenge has strengthened her belief that empathy is not a weakness, but rather one of the greatest strengths a doctor can possess.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Virk is a mother to two young children and shares both her profession and life with her husband, who serves as the Embryologist and Lab Director at Virk Fertility Services. Together, they work as partners in creating families while balancing the beautiful chaos of parenthood and running a hospital. Motherhood, she says, has made her an even more compassionate physician, constantly reminding her of the dreams her patients are fighting for.

Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is simple: success comes through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in oneself. There will always be difficult days, but purpose is greater than pressure. Keep showing up, keep working when no one is watching, and...

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