Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 5, 2025

The food and beverage industry has long been a challenging space, yet these remarkable women have broken barriers to carve their own path. As International Women's Day draws near, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have not only established thriving culinary businesses but have also inspired countless others with their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Divya Kadam – Baliboo

Mumbai’s Baliboo is the brainchild of Divya Kadam, a passionate entrepreneur who transformed her love for travel and food into a vibrant dining experience. Launched in 2023, Baliboo quickly became a hotspot for those seeking a tropical escape within the city. Despite having no background in hospitality, Divya’s global culinary explorations inspired her to create a space that blends exotic flavors, immersive ambiance, and a unique dining culture.

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Geeta Amin – Amelia

With over three decades in architecture, Geeta Amin’s expertise goes beyond structures—it extends into crafting experiences. As the visionary behind Amelia, a contemporary European dining destination in Mumbai’s OneBKC, Geeta merges her passion for design and fine dining. Drawing inspiration from her travels across 75+ countries, she has created a space that is both culturally rich and architecturally stunning. Beyond hospitality, she is also a celebrated wildlife photographer with her work published in the official book of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

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Bobby Patel – Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

A certified culinary and baking chef, Bobby Patel has redefined the vegetarian and plant-based dining experience. As the Culinary Director of Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, she has championed sustainability and innovation in food. Her flagship brand, Thyme & Whisk, launched in Vadodara in 2018, has expanded to 16 locations. Mad Doh, a Mumbai-based venture, is on the path of rapid expansion into major Indian cities. With expertise certified by City & Guilds London, Bobby is at the forefront of creating delectable and mindful culinary experiences.

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Eesha Sukhi – The BlueBop Cafe

From the corporate world to the culinary stage, Eesha Sukhi’s journey has been one of passion and transformation. In 2019, she launched The BlueBop Cafe in Mumbai’s Khar, a space known for its exceptional cuisine and live jazz performances. Her commitment to quality food and immersive entertainment has earned the cafe multiple accolades, including the Times Food & Nightlife Award for three consecutive years. Eesha’s story is a testament to how passion and strategic vision can create a successful brand.

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Rinka Jha & Rashmi Mehra – Two Gud Sisters

From friendship to entrepreneurship, Rinka Jha and Rashmi Mehra co-founded Two Gud Sisters with a mission to create a space where food fosters connections. Their venture reflects their shared love for quality products, homemade flavors, and meaningful experiences. Whether through handcrafted meals, artisanal coffee, or innovative culinary offerings, they have cultivated a brand that resonates with people seeking warmth and authenticity in their dining experiences.

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Aayusha Joshi – ZAKÌ

Taking over a 25-year-old Mumbai bakery and transforming it into a contemporary brand, Aayusha Joshi is redefining tradition with a fresh perspective. Armed with a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship from NMIMS and a design certification from ISDI Mumbai in collaboration with Parsons School of Design, Aayusha blends aesthetics with culinary expertise. Her passion for exploring global cuisines and desserts fuels the evolution of ZAKÌ, creating a brand that respects its roots while embracing innovation.

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Neha Chowdhury – Courtyard by Marriott

With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, Neha Chowdhury, Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, is a force to be reckoned with. Her deep understanding of business strategy and human connection makes her a leader who not only drives revenue but also shapes guest experiences. Neha’s success reinforces the belief that women can excel in leadership roles, inspiring the next generation of female professionals in the industry.

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These women have redefined the food and beverage industry with their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journeys serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and perseverance can transform dreams into thriving businesses.


Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Welcomes Nykaa Luxe's Largest Store in India

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Welcomes Nykaa Luxe's Largest Store in India

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2026

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj has welcomed Nykaa Luxe's largest store in India, strengthening the mall's premium beauty and lifestyle offering while bringing an extensive portfolio of luxury and prestige beauty brands to consumers across Delhi-NCR.

Spread across 5,500 sq. ft., the new Nykaa Luxe destination has been designed as an immersive beauty space combining premium beauty discovery with expert-led consultations, personalised services and interactive experiences.

Positioned as a "beauty playground", the store features more than 10 dedicated shop-in-shops from leading luxury and prestige brands, including Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Charlotte Tilbury, M.A.C, Laneige, Kiehl's, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Kay Beauty, Nykaa Cosmetics and Lancôme.

Commenting on the opening, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said the flagship store strengthens the mall's position within Delhi-NCR's luxury retail landscape and adds depth to its premium beauty offering.

He highlighted the growing importance of beauty within the premium lifestyle ecosystem, noting that the new Nykaa Luxe destination combines leading global brands with an elevated retail environment designed for increasingly discerning consumers.

Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO, Nykaa Beauty, said the evolution of premium beauty retail is increasingly focused on creating sophisticated, experiential and expert-led environments.

He added that the new store brings together Nykaa's extensive assortment, global brand partnerships and specialist teams to create a destination that reflects the changing beauty landscape in India.

The store offers an extensive selection across makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance and wellness. Its makeup portfolio includes brands such as Rare Beauty, Huda Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, e.l.f. Cosmetics, NARS, Urban Decay, Milk Makeup, NYX Professional Makeup, Bobbi Brown and Too Faced.

The Korean and Japanese beauty section features Laneige, SK-II, Sulwhasoo, Anua, Celimax, Numbuzin, Tonymoly, Beauty of Joseon, The Face Shop, Biodance and Innisfree.

The derma-focused assortment includes La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Eucerin, ISDIN and Aestura, alongside skincare brands such as Dermalogica, Murad, Pixi, The Ordinary, Clarins, Shiseido and Kama Ayurveda.

The hair and styling category features Kérastase, Redken, L'Oréal Professionnel, Olaplex, Dyson, Good Hair Day, indē wild, OUAI and Aveda. The fragrance portfolio includes Tom Ford, Jo Malone London, Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Bvlgari, Prada, Versace, Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela and Sol de Janeiro.

Beyond its product assortment, the store introduces several experiential touchpoints aimed at making beauty discovery more personalised. The Beauty Studio offers makeovers and skin consultations conducted by beauty advisors, while Consultation Hubs provide guided product discovery and hands-on experimentation.

The store also offers personalised gifting and engraving services, along with a dedicated Fragrance Finder designed to help consumers discover scents based on their individual preferences.

The opening further expands Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj's premium retail ecosystem, which brings together international and Indian brands across fashion, beauty, lifestyle and luxury.

With Nykaa Luxe's largest Indian store now part of its portfolio, Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj continues to strengthen its position as a destination for experiential premium retail in Delhi-NCR.


Poltrona Frau Introduces Archibald Sofa System and Baldwin Tables

Poltrona Frau Introduces Archibald Sofa System and Baldwin Tables

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2026

Poltrona Frau has unveiled the Archibald Sofa System, the latest evolution of its much-loved Archibald family, bringing larger proportions and flexible modularity to contemporary living spaces. Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, the new sofa system is complemented by the Baldwin table series, also designed by Massaud and produced by Ceccotti Collezioni.

The Archibald Sofa System builds on the original Archibald concept while giving users more freedom to create seating arrangements based on their space and lifestyle. The individual seating elements can be used on their own or combined in linear and corner configurations. They can also be rearranged over time as living requirements change.

The new system is part of Poltrona Frau’s “True Over Time” collection, which focuses on design that retains its character and meaning over the years. The Archibald story began with the original armchair introduced in 2009, which has since become one of the brand’s recognised contemporary pieces.

The sofa features seat and backrest structures made from birch plywood, supported by a black-painted steel chassis. Armrests and corner backrests use shaped polyurethane foam, while the legs are available in solid ash wood in Moka or Wengé finishes, as well as zamak in Gunmetal, Brunit or Titanium.

For comfort, the seat cushions are offered in Soft Comfort or Firm Comfort. Both options use feather-free padding designed to retain their shape. Upholstery choices include Pelle Frau leather and removable fabric, with different finishes and colours available.

Completing the seating system are the Baldwin tables by Ceccotti Collezioni. Their rounded profiles and sculptural shapes are designed to work naturally with the softer curves of the Archibald sofas. The tables can be positioned between or in front of the seating and arranged side by side or partially overlapped to create different compositions.

Baldwin tables feature ash wood frames in Moka or Wengé finishes and are available with glass, wood or marble tops. Marble options include Calacatta, Mediterraneo, Cervaiole, Arabescato and Cipollino, with chamfered corners.

Available in 28, 36 and 46 cm heights, the tables come in square and rectangular formats across different sizes, giving homeowners flexibility in creating functional and refined living spaces. Together, the Archibald Sofa System and Baldwin tables bring a balance of comfort, flexibility and sculptural design, offering a contemporary take on social living.


India Extends Relief Support to Nepal After Devastating Floods

India Extends Relief Support to Nepal After Devastating Floods

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 28, 2026

India has stepped up its rescue and relief efforts following the devastating floods in Nepal, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) setting up a special control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the disaster.

The MEA said that 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu, who had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have been rescued in Nepal. The ministry is also working with the Nepalese authorities to trace and assist other Indians who remain stranded or out of contact.

According to the latest figures cited in the updates, the disaster has left at least 270 people dead and 826 missing in Nepal, while three people have died and 558 remain missing in Tibet. The floods have also caused major damage to infrastructure, with dozens of bridges destroyed and nearly 40 kilometres of roads damaged, making rescue operations more difficult.

MEA Says Upper Districts Remain the Main Challenge

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that connectivity with Kathmandu remains available, but reaching people in the upper districts affected by the floods is proving more difficult.

"We have continuous connectivity with Kathmandu, so people can arrive via that route; we shouldn't face any issues there. The real challenge lies in evacuating people from the upper districts where the tragedy struck. As of now, no code name has been given yet."

The ministry said that 288 Indian nationals remain out of contact. These include several groups stranded in different parts of Nepal.

The groups include 73 people working on the Trishuli-1 power project, along with two groups of 37 and 49 nationals from Tamil Nadu who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels.

Another group includes 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal who travelled with the help of Samrat Travels and are in Timure, Rasuwa district. The remaining groups include 61 Indian nationals from different states and 33 Indian nationals from Kerala.

"The first group of 73 people who are working on the Trishuli-1 power project. Then, two separate groups of 37 and 49 nationals from Tamil Nadu, who traveled for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels. There is a group of 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal who traveled with the help of Samrat Travels in Timure, which is in Rasuwa district."

"Then, a group of 61 Indian nationals from different states and then a group of 33 Indian nationals from Kerala. These are five major groups who comprise, by and large, 288 people that we are talking about," he added.

India Sends Relief Support to Nepal

India has also continued its humanitarian assistance to Nepal as rescue teams work to reach affected communities. The second relief flight carrying 37.5 tons of HADR material, essential medicines and food packets has been sent to support relief operations.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with the Nepali government to help evacuate Indian nationals and support ongoing rescue efforts. Emergency helplines have also been activated for Indians seeking assistance or information.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal has issued the helpline numbers +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.

The Nepal Tourism Board has also shared emergency contacts, including the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.

With roads and bridges damaged across affected areas, rescue teams continue to face difficult conditions. India has said its response reflects the spirit of ‘Neighbourhood First’, while efforts continue to locate stranded and missing Indian nationals and provide support to Nepal during the crisis.

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