For Sushmita Basak, innovation isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. With a strong foundation in biomedical engineering and extensive experience in finance and security markets, Sushmita has built her path through a unique blend of expertise. After completing her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering, a postgraduate course in security markets from the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), and an MBA with a focus on finance, she initially joined the corporate world, where she participated in numerous CSR and sustainability programs. But her journey took a transformative turn when her passion for ergonomic design led her to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), where she found a way to fuse her engineering knowledge with her love for product design.
In 2021, Sushmita launched Sugar Shell Brands, this groundbreaking startup focuses on creating innerwear and prosthetics tailored for breast cancer patients and survivors, becoming India’s first “clean-label” lingerie brand designed with state-of-the-art technology. “When it comes to breast prosthetics, it impacts patients both psychologically and physically,” Sushmita explains. “Some women lose their self-confidence. Our aim is to increase confidence levels and promote body positivity through our products.”
What sets Sugar Shell apart is its emphasis on quality and affordability. In Sushmita’s experience, many innerwear products on the market are made of synthetic materials, while imported prosthetics are costly, limiting accessibility for Indian women. By offering high-quality, affordable options, Sugar Shell empowers breast cancer survivors with products crafted for their unique needs.
Beyond innerwear, Sugar Shell is branching out and plans to launch products to support arthritis patients and women experiencing menopause, extending its commitment to women’s health and comfort across different stages of life. With Sugar Shell, Sushmita and her team focus on creating products that embody empathy and functionality, addressing both physical and emotional dimensions.
Sugar Shell’s journey gained momentum with support from the Women Entrepreneurship Program (WSP) and incubation at prestigious institutions, including IIM Bangalore, IIM Visakhapatnam, and more recently, NDBI NID Ahmedabad. The brand's mission resonates with Sushmita’s personal commitment to uplifting women’s health and self-worth.
Sushmita’s journey from biomedical engineering to establishing a women-centred health brand underscores her dedication to crafting thoughtful, meaningful products. With Sugar Shell, she aims to redefine innerwear as a source of strength, comfort, and positivity for women in India.