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.


CaratLane Brings Treasure Chest Jewellery Savings Plan to PhonePe

CaratLane Brings Treasure Chest Jewellery Savings Plan to PhonePe

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

CaratLane, A TATA Product and one of India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brands, has announced the launch of its popular Treasure Chest jewellery savings plan on the PhonePe app. With this move, CaratLane becomes the first Indian jewellery brand to offer a dedicated savings scheme on the PhonePe platform, opening a new digital pathway for planned jewellery buying for millions of users. The CaratLane Treasure Chest on PhonePe has been available for enrolment starting from January.

This integration significantly expands CaratLane’s reach, combining its retail presence across all 28 states and union territories with PhonePe’s user base of over 650 million. Through the PhonePe app, users can now seamlessly enrol in the Treasure Chest scheme, making structured jewellery savings more accessible, flexible, and convenient.

Treasure Chest is CaratLane’s jewellery savings plan that allows customers to make monthly contributions over a fixed tenure. Under the scheme, customers pay nine instalments and receive the tenth instalment as a benefit from CaratLane, offering the popular “9 equals 10” advantage. At the end of the tenure, the accumulated amount can be redeemed for jewellery, with additional benefits, either online or at any CaratLane store.

Commenting on the launch, Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director, CaratLane, said, “Jewellery is often a planned purchase, especially the kind CaratLane is known for, designed for everyday wear across work, travel, and celebrations. By bringing Treasure Chest to PhonePe, we are enabling millions of customers to plan and save for the jewellery they truly aspire to own, while enjoying the flexibility to shop both online and in-store.”

Sharing her views on the partnership, Niharika Saigal, Head of InApp Categories, Consumer Payments, PhonePe, said that the integration is aimed at offering users a convenient and structured way to save for jewellery. She added that the collaboration simplifies the jewellery-buying journey by providing a seamless and secure platform for customers to plan their aspirations.

By hosting Treasure Chest on PhonePe, CaratLane enables customers to begin their jewellery journey digitally while retaining access to its extensive physical store network. The integration is also expected to encourage early planning for the festive buying season, including Dhanteras, helping customers adopt a more disciplined and rewarding approach to jewellery purchases.


Neworld Developers Onboards Cane-line as Luxury Living Partner for Northern Hills

Neworld Developers Onboards Cane-line as Luxury Living Partner for Northern Hills

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

Neworld Developers has onboarded Cane-line, the globally celebrated Danish design brand, as the Luxury Living Partner for Northern Hills, its flagship luxury residential development. The association introduces internationally recognised Scandinavian design sensibilities to Northern India’s evolving luxury housing landscape.

The onboarding marks a strategic milestone in Neworld Developers’ vision to create residences that extend beyond architectural excellence into thoughtfully curated lifestyle environments. Cane-line’s expertise in contemporary indoor and outdoor living will be seamlessly integrated across Northern Hills’ shared spaces, lifestyle zones, and experiential areas, reinforcing a refined and globally benchmarked living experience.

Rooted in Scandinavian design philosophy, Cane-line is known for its strong focus on comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The brand’s design approach balances aesthetics with functionality, resulting in spaces that are understated, enduring, and intuitively livable. This collaboration reflects a shared alignment between both brands on quality-driven design, long-term value creation, and environments that prioritise everyday living over visual excess.

Northern Hills has been envisioned as a holistic lifestyle destination where design plays a central role rather than a decorative one. Cane-line’s curated furniture concepts will define key communal lounges, landscaped outdoor areas, and indoor–outdoor transition spaces, ensuring continuity between private residences and shared environments while enhancing the overall sensory experience of the development.

Commenting on the development, Sunil Sisodiya, Founder and Chairman, Neworld Developers, said that onboarding Cane-line reinforces the brand’s commitment to partnering with globally respected design leaders who bring authentic value to residential living. He noted that the association strengthens Northern Hills’ positioning as a project that is internationally inspired while remaining aligned with the evolving preferences of India’s luxury homebuyers.

For Cane-line, the partnership represents an opportunity to extend its design ethos into one of the region’s most discerning residential developments. The collaboration aligns with the brand’s focus on longevity, thoughtful planning, and design integrity in spaces meant for everyday living.

The onboarding further adds to Northern Hills’ growing ecosystem of collaborators across architecture, wellness, certification, and financial services. As the project progresses, the inclusion of Cane-line underscores Neworld Developers’ intent to set a new benchmark for luxury residential living, blending global design excellence with carefully curated lifestyle experiences.


PHA and KPMA Sign MoU at Housekeeping Synergy 3.0 in Bengaluru

PHA and KPMA Sign MoU at Housekeeping Synergy 3.0 in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

In a move aimed at strengthening industry collaboration and improving hygiene standards, the Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA) and the Karnataka Pest Management Association (KPMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a knowledge-sharing programme titled Housekeeping Synergy 3.0. The event was held at Hotel Ramanashree, Bengaluru, on 17th January 2026.

The MoU establishes a strategic partnership between the two associations, focusing on collaboration, knowledge exchange, training initiatives, and the promotion of best practices. The objective is to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environments across hospitality, healthcare, commercial, and institutional spaces.

The programme was attended by Mr. PK Mohankumar, Founder & CEO – Turnstone Hospitality LLP, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and appreciated the relevance of the initiative. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Cleanliness and safety are no longer isolated functions; they are interdependent responsibilities. This MoU between the Professional Housekeepers Association and the Karnataka Pest Management Association reflects a progressive mindset and sets a benchmark for collaborative efforts that will benefit the industry and society at large.”

One of the key highlights of the event was a panel discussion titled ‘Power of Collaboration: Redefining Clean and Safe Environments through Housekeeping and Pest Management Synergy’, moderated by Mr. Virender Razdan, Founder & CEO – Incode Hotels & Hospitality. Industry experts shared insights on integrated approaches, regulatory compliance, innovation, and the importance of coordination between housekeeping and pest management teams.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Ravichandra V, President – Karnataka Pest Management Association, said, “This MoU is a milestone for our association. By aligning closely with housekeeping professionals, we can jointly develop holistic solutions that address hygiene, safety, and preventive care more effectively. Collaboration is the future, and this partnership is a step in that direction.”

Sharing her perspective, Mrs. Jayashree Nagaraj, Founder President and Chairperson – Professional Housekeepers Association, said, “Housekeeping today goes beyond aesthetics, it is about health, safety, and sustainability. Partnering with KPMA allows us to create stronger frameworks, shared learning platforms, and unified standards that will elevate the profession and deliver greater value to stakeholders. We should start with renaming the concept of ‘vendors’ into the realm of partnerships and equal stakeholders!”

Housekeeping Synergy 3.0 saw participation from senior housekeeping professionals, pest management experts, solution providers, and industry stakeholders. The MoU is expected to lead to joint training programmes, workshops, awareness initiatives, and industry advocacy, strengthening the overall ecosystem of facility hygiene and safety management.

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