As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women across various spheres of life. From corporate boardrooms to entrepreneurial ventures, women continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change in their respective industries. In this spirit, we wanted to shine a spotlight on five exceptional women whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy embody the essence of Women’s Day.
1) Harmeet Singh, Vice President of Marketing, Product & Digital at The Body Shop (Asia South)
Harmeet Singh, Vice President of Marketing, Product & Digital at The Body Shop (Asia South), embodies the values of gender equality and social responsibility in her 20+ years corporate career. Her advocacy for women’s empowerment stems from her belief in self-belief and equitable opportunities for all. Inspired by The Body Shop’s legacy of environmental sustainability and social impact, she champions initiatives that resonate with Anita Roddick’s vision of business as a force for good. As a key leader driving strategy and executional excellence, Harmeet’s expertise in marketing, product development, and digital innovation has been instrumental in reshaping the brand’s identity and market presence.
2) Swapnil Pathak Sharma, Owner of Zighrana
Swapnil Pathak Sharma, an entrepreneurial force hailing from the modest city of Kannauj, the perfumery capital of India, stands at the forefront of the luxury ittar brand ‘Zighrana’. With a keen focus on blending world-class quality with Indian cultural heritage, Swapnil envisions ‘Zighrana’ as a beacon of excellence in the fragrance industry. Drawing from her family’s rich history in fragrance production since 1911, Swapnil is the fourth-generation entrepreneur committed to elevating India’s essence and wellness products on the global stage. Through ‘Zighrana’, she aims to redefine the narrative around Indian fragrances, celebrating the country’s rich olfactory traditions while embracing modern sensibilities. Beyond business, Swapnil advocates for women’s empowerment, leveraging her platform to champion education and employment opportunities for girls and women. As India gears towards women-led development, Swapnil’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the limitless potential of every girl and woman.
3) Swati Agarwal, Owner – Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa
Swati Agarwal, owner of Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur, pioneered the transformation of Udaipur’s tourism landscape by introducing the city to its first-ever international hotel chain. Under her visionary leadership, the property has flourished, positioning Udaipur as a global destination for weddings and cultural experiences. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Agarwal leverages her entrepreneurial acumen to support underprivileged children’s education and champions increased female representation in the workforce.
4) Dolly Kumar, Cosmetic Engineer and Founder & Director at Cosmic Nutracos Solution
Dolly Kumar’s entrepreneurial journey in the beauty industry embodies innovation, resilience, and empowerment. In 2009, Dolly Kumar launched Gaia, the inaugural retail brand of Cosmic Nutracos, to meet the burgeoning demand for natural health products, offering a wide array of nutritional supplements and natural alternatives for consumer well-being. With the success and establishment of these ventures and leveraging her expertise as a cosmetics engineer, Kumar curated a diverse portfolio tailored to the specific requirements of girls and young women. Despite navigating challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, Kumar’s self-made success story and debt-free ventures serve as a testament to her tenacity and vision. As Skinella expands globally, Kumar continues to redefine beauty norms and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
5) Rumi Ambastha, AVP, Brand Marketing, Swiss Beauty
Rumi Ambastha, currently serving as the AVP of Brand Marketing at Swiss Beauty, has over 15 years of invaluable experience in the advertising and marketing landscape. Rumi Ambastha has played a pivotal role in the remarkable journey of Swiss Beauty, her strategic vision and innovative marketing campaigns have effectively targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 consumers, addressing the previously unmet need for high-quality yet affordable makeup products in these segments. By prioritizing honesty and integrity in brand communication, Ambastha has fostered trust and credibility, essential elements for long-term success in the beauty industry.
