In the landscape of entrepreneurship, mother-daughter duos are carving a unique niche for themselves, blending familial bonds with business acumen to create thriving ventures. In India, where homemakers represent a significant reservoir of talent, statistics reveal a growing trend: 11 per cent of Indian homemakers are already engaged in part-time jobs or side businesses, with an additional 17 per cent expressing a willingness to start working from home, according to an EY report. Today, we celebrate the achievements of these inspiring pairs, who have not only built flourishing enterprises, but have also imparted invaluable lessons on the power of shared goals and the strength of familial ties. Let us delve into the stories of these exceptional women who exemplify the spirit of collaboration and empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the business landscape.
Imarim https://www.instagram.com/imarim.official/
Riti and Maanya Dhar, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Imarim, have transformed the concept of home decor with their innovative zero-waste brand.
Imarim, a Gurgaon-based venture, breathes new life into discarded items, turning them into captivating pieces that exude vibrancy and charm. With Riti's background in advertising and Maanya's expertise in visual arts, the duo infuse magic into every creation, crafting a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns, and textures. Their journey began when Riti made a conscious decision to stop discarding seemingly old or worn-out objects, transforming their home into a colourful sanctuary brimming with creativity. What started as hand-painted items sold to friends and family, soon blossomed into Imarim, a platform dedicated to sustainable upcycling.
Eschewing the traditional earthy tones of sustainability, Imarim opts for bold hues and intricate designs, breathing energy into each piece. Beyond mere decor, Imarim also offers a unique promise — the assurance that each item is one-of-a-kind, allowing customers to express their individuality while contributing to a greener future.
Chilzo https://www.instagram.com/chilzoofficial/
The COVID-19 lockdown spurred Dikshita and Ojasvi Sharma on a culinary journey, along with their mother, Hema Sharma, leading to the birth of Chilzo, a Mumbai-based sauce and condiment brand. Exploring their newfound passion for cooking, the trio began concocting sauces like arrabbiata, marinara, and Harissa from scratch in their home kitchen. This DIY venture quickly evolved into a full-fledged business endeavour, with the establishment of a factory in Vasai in October 2021, fuelled by an initial investment of ₹40 lakh sourced from family and bank funding. By January 2022, commercial operations were underway, and within the fiscal year 2022-23, Chilzo achieved a turnover of ₹1.2 crore. Today, they boast a presence in over 80 stores across Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, as well as prominent e-commerce platforms, offering a diverse range of sauces priced between ₹149 and ₹349.
Presently, the family dynamic drives the company's operations, with Hema overseeing day-to-day activities, Ojasvi leading R&D and dispatch, and Dikshita spearheading marketing and sales efforts. With a product portfolio spanning 11 SKUs across Italian, African, Mexican, and Chinese cuisines, Chilzo continues to delight taste buds and expand its reach, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit born out of challenging times.
Ekatra https://www.instagram.com/ekatra.in/?hl=en
Minakshi Jhawar, a 51-year-old homemaker from Kota, Rajasthan, defied age barriers to embark on a new career journey alongside her daughter, Aishwarya. Inspired by Aishwarya's experiences during project work in Ladakh and Uttarakhand while studying urban planning, they co-founded Ekatra, a sustainable lifestyle brand.
Ektara specialises in handmade stationery and accessories crafted by trained homemakers, offering eco-friendly products and simultaneously empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds to earn a livelihood.
Through initiatives like the Second Life Project, which recycles fabric into handmade goods, the brand has trained 32 homemakers, transforming over 75,000 meters of fabric into beautiful products. Rooted in Aishwarya's vision as a design student and fuelled by Minakshi's entrepreneurial passion, Ekatra exemplifies the power of women-led businesses in driving positive change, both economically and socially.
Trijog - https://www.instagram.com/trijog/
Founded in 2015, Trijog is a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health and holistic well-being.
Collaborating with the Indian Railways, Trijog pioneered a ground-breaking mental health helpline tailored for over 12 lakh employees and their families, a testament to its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. #DiversifyWithTrijog further underscores its dedication to fostering safe spaces for diverse communities, starting with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community.
Based in Mumbai, Trijog strives to destigmatise mental health issues by offering a wide array of services, including counselling and therapies, available to all, regardless of gender or age. Arushi's journey began during her final year at Jai Hind College, where she embarked on a project centred around mental health. This was largely fuelled by her personal experiences and her mother's unwavering support. Despite the initial challenges and societal taboos surrounding mental health, Arushi and her mother Anureet, boldly launched Trijog.
As depression continues to affect millions, Trijog's holistic approach and unwavering dedication to mental well-being is a ray of hope in a world where conversations around mental health are more crucial than ever.
From starting out from a room to having a strong client base and a staff of 50 today, Arushi and Anureet have come a long way in establishing a credible niche for themselves and opening a dialogue on mental health.