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.


Raymond Lifestyle Launches 10th Edition of Garment Exchange Program

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2026

Raymond Lifestyle has launched the 10th edition of its annual Garment Exchange Program (GEP), reinforcing its commitment to circular fashion and community development. Running from July 2 to July 23, 2026, the nationwide initiative encourages customers to donate pre-loved garments in exchange for free stitching vouchers on freshly purchased Raymond fabrics.

The campaign will be available across 1,000+ Raymond Shops and select multi-brand outlets across India. This year's edition also introduces a new digital campaign, "FIT FOR YOU. FEELS LIKE YOU.", conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.

The campaign highlights the value of customised clothing while encouraging consumers to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of fast fashion. Through the initiative, customers can donate garments across categories, including shirts, trousers, jackets, women's wear, and children's clothing, while experiencing Raymond's bespoke tailoring services.

All donated garments will be collected by Goonj, a non-profit organisation that uses clothing as a resource for rural development, disaster relief, and livelihood generation. After undergoing a detailed sorting and processing process at Goonj's Circularity Centres, the garments become part of material kits that are distributed as dignified rewards to rural communities participating in local development initiatives such as water body restoration, bamboo bridge construction, and other community projects.

Speaking about the milestone edition, Satyaki Ghosh, Director and CEO of Raymond Lifestyle Limited, said:

"Reaching the 10th-year milestone of 'Look Good Feel Good' is a proud moment that reflects the strong brand ethos. At Raymond, our relationship with our consumers has always been interwoven with threads of trust and timeless elegance and the intent to give back through circularity in fashion. As we continue our journey with Goonj, we stay committed to elevating the dignity of labour in our own ecosystem. As customisation and premiumisation continue to define the Indian luxury landscape, this initiative also serves as a bridge, allowing our customers to experience the unparalleled precision of Raymond tailoring."

Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, added:

"The long-standing partnership between Goonj and Raymond has evolved into a meaningful coming together of people, purpose and possibilities. Year after year, this campaign has shown that when citizens are offered a meaningful platform to contribute, they respond with ownership and commitment. Twenty-seven years ago, we recognised that despite being one of humanity's three basic needs, cloth remained one of the most neglected. Since then, Goonj has worked to change the lens, language and narrative around not only clothing but about material poverty, from an ignored necessity to a powerful resource for development and climate action. Millions of kilograms of discarded cloth and other underutilised material continue to burden the landfill and such relationships stop the same at a scale. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Raymond and continuing to demonstrate how collective action can transform an overlooked resource into opportunities for dignity and sustainable development."

Commenting on the campaign, Josy Paul, Chairperson and CCO, BBDO India, said:

"This campaign celebrates individuality and craftsmanship, reminding us that the best fit is the one that’s uniquely yours. Every garment is crafted to honour the person wearing it - because true style is personal. The catchy song in this beautifully styled film invites people to exchange pre-loved garments at The Raymond Shop for free custom tailoring for a fit that truly ‘feels like you”."

Customers participating in the program can redeem their free stitching vouchers on newly purchased Raymond fabrics at participating Raymond Shops and selected multi-brand outlets. The vouchers issued during the campaign will remain valid until July 31, 2026.


IHCL Opens Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, Expands NCR Presence to 18 Hotels

IHCL Opens Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, Expands NCR Presence to 18 Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region (NCR). The launch marks IHCL's 18th hotel in the NCR and further expands the Vivanta brand in one of India's fastest-growing business hubs.

Commenting on the opening, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, "Gurugram continues to be one of India's most dynamic commercial centres, supported by strong corporate demand and infrastructure growth. The opening of Vivanta Gurugram strengthens IHCL's presence in NCR and expands Vivanta's footprint in a high-growth market. Designed for today's discerning traveller, the hotel combines contemporary design and intuitive service."

The 154-key hotel is strategically located in Sector 95A, offering easy access to Gurugram's key business districts and commercial centres, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Guests can choose from a range of dining experiences, including Mynt, the all-day dining restaurant serving global and local favourites; Wink, the rooftop bar offering panoramic city views alongside signature cocktails; and Tease, a poolside lounge designed for relaxed evenings.

The hotel also features a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Gurugram skyline, a fully equipped fitness centre, spacious banquet halls, and meeting rooms suitable for corporate events, conferences, weddings, and social celebrations.

Sharing her thoughts on the opening, Ashadeep Sidhu, General Manager, Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, said, "We are delighted to welcome guests to Vivanta Gurugram. Located in India's Millennium City, the hotel offers a contemporary urban oasis that reflects the city's energy while creating memorable experiences for both business and leisure travellers."

With the addition of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, IHCL continues to strengthen its footprint across key business destinations while catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.


Zydus Pinkathon Returns to Chennai After Seven Years to Champion Women's Health

Zydus Pinkathon Returns to Chennai After Seven Years to Champion Women's Health

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

After a gap of seven years, Zydus Pinkathon is set to return to Chennai, bringing thousands of women together for a celebration of health, fitness, and community. The city's edition was officially unveiled at a press conference held at Hyatt Regency Chennai and is scheduled to take place on August 1 and 2, 2026, at Island Grounds.

Designed to encourage women of all ages and fitness levels to embrace an active lifestyle, the event will feature race categories including 3 km, Lifelong 5 km, 10 km, as well as ultra-distance races of 50 km, 75 km, 100 km, and the 100 km relay.

Over the years, Zydus Pinkathon has inspired nearly a million women across India to take up running as a way to improve their health, build confidence, and become part of a supportive community. The Chennai edition continues this mission by promoting fitness while creating greater awareness about preventive healthcare.

The event also introduced this year's Chennai mascots, each representing determination and resilience. They include Zoha Sanofer, a babywearing mother representing the 3 km category; Nandita Muralidhar, a cancer survivor leading the Lifelong 5 km run; Gaytheri M., a visually impaired runner representing the 10 km category; Geetha Manichandar, a 65-year-old participant leading the 50 km race; Deborah Sushma Lall, representing the 75 km category; and Latha Ravichander, who will lead the 100 km event.

Speaking at the launch, Milind Soman, Founder, Pinkathon, said:

"Every city adds a new chapter to the Zydus Pinkathon journey, and returning to Chennai after 7 years is particularly special. We've always believed that when women come together through fitness, they inspire change not just in themselves but within their families and communities as well. We look forward to seeing Chennai once again embrace this movement and celebrate the many stories of strength that will unfold on race day."

The Chennai edition will also continue The Easiest Exam campaign, encouraging women to perform regular self-breast examinations to help detect breast cancer at an early stage.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said:

"With the Easiest Exam campaign, we seek to empower women with the knowledge that a simple 3-minute self-examination each month can make a life-saving difference. Zydus Pinkathon aims to reach many more women, raise awareness, and inspire collective action in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that raising awareness on women's health and breast cancer remains equally vital, as early detection has the power to save countless lives."

Along with the main race categories, the event will feature young mothers running with their babies, cancer survivors, visually impaired runners, and participants running in sarees, reflecting Zydus Pinkathon's inclusive approach and its connection with local communities.

Ankita Konwar, Founder, Invincible Women, added:

"Every Zydus Pinkathon reminds us that there is no single definition of strength. Whether someone is preparing for her first run or taking on an ultra-distance challenge, every woman is writing her own story. We hope Chennai inspires many more women to begin their fitness journey, knowing that every step forward counts."

The event is supported by Zydus as the Title Partner, along with Lifelong (Fitness Partner), Sirona (Hygiene Partner), and Hyatt Regency Chennai (Hospitality Partner). Other partners include Fujifilm, MILLD, 3TENX, Bisleri, Zivame, Tasty Nibbles, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Fit India, Inc.5, Big FM, with execution by Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP.

Founded in 2012, Pinkathon has grown into a nationwide movement that uses running to promote women's health, confidence, and well-being. Returning to Chennai marks another important milestone in its 2025–26 calendar, reinforcing the message that fitness is for every woman, regardless of age, ability, or background.

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