From Dreamers to Industry Leaders: Women Driving Franchise Success

"There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise." – W.E.B. Du Bois. This quote perfectly captures the remarkable transformation unfolding in the world of franchising. Women are stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and redefining success on their own terms. No longer confined by traditional norms, they are building thriving businesses, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities. Their growing influence is shaping a future where inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability lead the way.

Across industries—food & beverage, retail, education, healthcare, and beauty—women-led franchises are making an undeniable impact. Franchising offers them a powerful springboard: a proven business model with brand credibility, operational support, and structured growth strategies. This foundation allows women to channel their energy into expansion, customer engagement, and profitability without the uncertainties of starting from scratch.

Visionaries like Suparna Mitra, Nina Lekhi, Vandana Luthra and many others  have turned franchises into flourishing enterprises, proving that determination, adaptability, and strategic foresight can break barriers and create lasting success.

Franchising: A Gateway to Empowerment

For many women, franchising is more than just a business—it’s a road to independence. Whether they look out for financial freedom, a flexible career, or a second innings after a career break, franchising provides an organized approach with reduced risks.

Industries such as education, wellness, and hospitality have witnessed a surge in women franchisees, with brands like Eurokids,VLCC, Lakmé Salon, FirstCry, Blinkit, Zepto fostering their entrepreneurial journeys through mentorship programs, financial support, and leadership training.

Women Driving Innovation & Transformation

Women in franchising are not just running businesses—they are reimagining them. Their leadership is reshaping industry trends, making businesses more adaptable, consumer-friendly, and future-ready.

Embracing Technology – Women-led franchises are harnessing digital transformation, leveraging AI-driven analytics, automation, and online platforms to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences.

 Championing Sustainability – Conscious entrepreneurship is at the forefront, with women leaders driving eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, and waste management initiatives.

Elevating Customer Experience – With a natural flair for relationship-building, women entrepreneurs are redefining customer service, fostering brand loyalty, and enhancing personalized experiences.

Overcoming Challenges, Shaping the Future

While women in franchising continue to make strides, challenges such as access to capital, societal perceptions, and operational hurdles persist. However, initiatives like Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and industry mentorship programs are bridging these gaps, offering financial aid, training, and networking opportunities to fuel their success.

As more women step into leadership roles, franchising is evolving into a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking industry. With their unwavering determination, creative vision, and business acumen, women entrepreneurs are not just shaping franchises—they are shaping the future.

 About the leaders

Suparna Mitra, CEO, Watches and Wearables Division, Titan Company Limited

Suparna is the CEO of the Watches and Wearables Division of Titan Company Limited. She is an electrical engineer from Jadavpur University and an MBA from IIM, Calcutta. She has business experience, mainly in the lifestyle / retail marketing area for three decades.

She started her career as a management trainee at Hindustan Lever Limited. Subsequently, she joined Titan where she worked in several roles in marketing, both International and Domestic. She also worked in Talisma Corp. as a Director – Product Marketing and Business Head – Lee in Arvind Brands Ltd. She rejoined Titan in 2006 and became the Global Marketing Head – Titan where she was responsible for all marketing in India and international markets.

After this stint, she was the Regional Business Head- South for Titan Company Ltd where she was heading all businesses of Titan Company Ltd including watches, jewelry, and eyewear for the South region. Her last assignment was as the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Watches and Wearables division.

Suparna currently serves on the Board of Governors for IIM Kozhikode and has previously served on the board of Tata Power Solar. She is currently leading the transformation and growth agenda of the watches and wearables business in Titan Company after the Pandemic era.

 Nina Lekhi, Founder and CEO, Baggit

With 40+ years of experience in the women’s handbag market, Nina Lekhi has become a force to reckon with in the industry. Baggit started out in 1984 when Nina wanted to distract her mind from failure in the 1st year of college and to prove to herself that she could succeed in anything if she put her mind to it.  “The journey over the 40 years has had many ups and downs but I would say that “Making in India” when every competitor had been importing from China has been the most satisfying aspect of the journey”, remarks Nina. With Baggit selling in large format stores; in exclusive brand outlets in malls and high streets and now on online channels, it has become a leading brand in the ladies’ handbags category with millions of loyal customers inclined to recommend the brand to their friends and relatives. When Nina started out, the market comprised labels with poor quality products at low prices. She ensured Baggit distinguished itself with launching good quality products with high durability at reasonable prices. She also understood different customers’ needs and offered products that addressed those distinct needs.

Even though Baggit has achieved the status of being the largest selling bag brand in India, and become the fashion powerhouse it is today, Nina has never strayed far from her roots, she continues to be an ardent practitioner of Siddha Samadhi yoga and continues her philosophy of cruelty-free beauty. This has brought Baggit international recognition from animal rights group PETA and established Baggit as the Indian brand with a soul.

Nina has not only earned credits for her brand, but also has been acknowledged by the State of Maharashtra with the prestigious Business Karmayogini Award for her excellence in the field of women entrepreneurship. Nina was conferred Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Entrepreneur India Awards 2015. 

VAISHALI LAHOTI SHAH, Design Lead- Home Storage, Interio

Vaishali Lahoti Shah, Design Lead- Home Storage, Interio, has been with the organization for the past 15 years. She was employed by Godrej Interio in 2007 as a Deputy Manager in Design. Coming from the educational background of Architecture and Product Design, she has a strong command over spaces, ergonomics and functionality. A firm believer of the power of good design to change the world, Ms Shah can be best described as a designer with the intent of working towards bettering the smaller things in the world with purposeful and compelling design. She believes that with the power to design and create new products comes a huge responsibility of doing things right so that the end result not only betters the current context for users, but also reduces the burden of the bad products in the world. Being a Kitchen designer comes to her naturally as she loves cooking and is very particular about being super organized.

 Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson,  myTrident

Neha Gupta Bector is the Chairperson of myTrident, a distinguished premium home decor brand celebrated for its exquisite and luxurious products that seamlessly blend timeless elegance with contemporary design. It was under Neha's visionary leadership that myTrident was conceptualized and brought to life. Today, myTrident has become synonymous with quality and innovation, consistently elevating home interiors to new heights of sophistication and style.

Neha has been instrumental in the brand's evolution and success, driving it to become a leader in the premium home decor market. Neha's innovative strategies, unwavering commitment to excellence, and dedication to social causes have solidified her reputation as a dynamic force in both business and philanthropy. Her remarkable achievements and contributions have garnered significant media attention and continue to inspire many within the community.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Neha Gupta Bector is dedicated to social empowerment and community development. She leads the Asmita Forum by the Trident Group, focusing on women’s health, hygiene, and empowerment in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. Through various workshops and the Sole Earner & Shagun Schemes, she has supported over 140 women managing their households. Neha's efforts in workplace safety, including self-defense training and the establishment of the Sexual Harassment Preventive Committee, have ensured a secure environment for women at work. Her dedication to skill development is evident in her involvement with Takshashila, training over 10,000 individuals, and the Hastkala Initiative, empowering rural self-help groups with resources and training for self-reliance.

Vadana Luthra, Founder at VLCC

Vandana Luthra, Founder of VLCC, is a globally recognized name in the beauty, health and fitness industry. She is a visionary and a part of the elite list of successful first generation women entrepreneurs in India.

Mrs. Luthra made a humble beginning in 1989 with the opening of a beauty and slimming services centre in New Delhi that seamlessly married weight management programs with cutting-edge skin and hair treatments. It is interesting to note that she started her venture at a time when the India wellness market was at a very nascent stage.

Mrs. Luthra has won numerous accolades in India and internationally. In the year 2013, she was awarded with one of the country’s topmost honors, the Padma Shri, for her immense contribution to Trade & Industry. She won the Asian Business Leaders Forum Trailblazer Award in 2012, the Enterprise Asia Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2010, and the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2008. She has been featured in the Forbes Asia 2016 list of 50 Power Businesswomen in the APAC region. She has also featured in Fortune magazine’s annual listing of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business in India for six years in a row – from 2011 to 2016.

Devyani Jaipuria, Wholetime Director at Devyani Food Industries Ltd

Devyani Jaipuria is the Wholetime Director at Devyani Food Industries Ltd and serves as the Pro Vice Chairperson of DPS International - Gurgaon and DPS - Gurgaon. She also holds the position of Director at Modern Montessori International and is actively involved as a Director in RJ CORP's healthcare business.

 Devyani Jaipuria embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership in multiple spheres as the Pro Vice Chairperson of DPS International - Gurugram, DPS - Gurgaon, as well as the Chairperson of Dharav High School, Jaipur and Gurugram. Her roles reflect her dynamic presence as a young, vibrant educationist, an influential industrialist, a dedicated philanthropist, and a global advocate for social welfare.

 Jaipuria's pioneering vision brought to life DPS International, an institution celebrated for its comprehensive K-12 IB education. She was pivotal in propelling DPS Sector 45 to new heights of academic excellence and spearheaded the contemporary educational approach with her Modern Montessori International (MMI) chain of early learning schools. At Dharav High School she continues to drive educational innovation and excellence.

In addition to her educational and philanthropic endeavors, Ms. Jaipuria leads the healthcare vertical of RJ Corp, overseeing Cocoon Hospital Jaipur and Cryoviva Stem Cell Banking. Her vision for expanding healthcare access includes the upcoming launch of new hospitals in cities like Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Indore, further cementing her legacy as a healthcare innovator.

Binaisha Zaveri, Whole-time Director, TBZ - The Original

 Binaisha Zaveri holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from the Stern School of Business, New York. She joined the business in 2004 and has diverse experience across verticals. She is a full time Director and involved in all aspects of the business including Human Capital Management, Finance, Operations and Business Development. She has been actively involved and has been a key player in the opening of showrooms pan India for TBZ-The Original at an exponential rate since she joined the company.

The backbone of retail businesses is its people and as the head of the Human Resource function, Binaisha has implemented policies and actions to ensure that the quality of Human Capital at TBZ is the envy of the retail industry.

Customer Satisfaction has also been a key area of importance for Binaisha and she has ensured that customers are kept at the heart of the business. She has been at the forefront of key decisions at TBZ-The Original to digitize the traditional systems and enhance the company’s ability to be agile in its decision-making and execution.

“India has one of richest legacies culturally, and at the same time is one the fastest transforming markets with consumers well-travelled, having international exposure, abreast with social media and breaking barriers with their professional careers. The consumer today is deeply rooted, yet modern, which TBZ understands well and is well positioned to cater to. As a market, there is still tremendous potential to grow, as the new consumer prefers a trusted national brand with legacy like TBZ. We have seen a tremendous response in whichever geographies we have entered”, opines Binaisha.

 Esha Bhambri , Founder, House of Fett

House of Fett, a pioneering contemporary fashion brand co-founded by Esha Bhambri  which has quickly established itself as a leader in affordable luxury western wear for Indian women.

Launched in 2018, House of Fett has grown from a single-store venture into a fashion powerhouse with 14 premium retail locations across India and a valuation of ₹120 crore. The brand is known for blending global trends with Indian sensibilities, offering stylish, sophisticated, and comfortable pieces that transition seamlessly from resort wear to high-fashion casuals.

Under the creative direction of Esha Bhambri, a graduate of NIFT Delhi and London College of Fashion, House of Fett has gained recognition for its signature fusion of classic silhouettes with contemporary detailing, using high-quality fabrics and innovative craftsmanship. With collections inspired by global travel and Mediterranean landscapes, their recent line, The Mediterranean Escape, embodies the brand’s commitment to timeless elegance with a modern twist.

Mayara Neeraj Sharma,Director of MultiFit, The Lexicon Group

Mayara Neeraj Sharma is a shining example of how dreams can turn into reality with courage, determination, and relentless effort. As the Director of MultiFit, The Lexicon Group, and Pune Mirror, she is not just leading organizations—she is inspiring a generation to break boundaries and aim higher.

At just 19 years old, she stepped into the business world with boldness and vision, becoming the Director of MultiFit, India’s premier functional and strength training brand. Under her leadership, MultiFit has grown into a community-driven space, offering a holistic approach to fitness that goes beyond just workouts. Her efforts have redefined the way people perceive
fitness, making it accessible, innovative, and engaging. Her efforts and vision have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized by platforms like Entrepreneurs Today and SheThePeople for her contributions to fitness and wellness. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Excellence is not a result of occasional acts but of consistent effort and dedication.”
Mayara’s journey is a testament to the power of belief, passion, and hard work. From excelling in sports to leading in business, she reminds us that age, gender, or obstacles are no barriers to success. Her story is not just inspiring—it’s a heartfelt call to dream big and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.

Preeti Chopra, Chief of Retail Expansion and Projects at Fabindia Limited

With over two decades of experience in the retail industry, Preeti Chopra has established herself as a visionary leader renowned for her strategic insight, resilience, and commitment to purposeful leadership. Holding a degree in Commerce and a Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations, Preeti combines strong analytical capabilities with creative expertise. Initially attracted to the retail sector for its dynamic nature, her journey soon evolved into a deep passion for business development and retail growth.

As Chief of Retail Expansion and Projects at Fabindia Limited, Preeti is playing a pivotal role in contributing to the transformation of India’s retail landscape. Prior to joining Fabindia, she held senior leadership positions at esteemed brands such as Raymond, Blackberrys, and M&B Footwear, where she led large-scale expansion initiatives and introduced innovative retail formats.

Looking forward, Preeti remains committed to driving sustainable business growth and fostering a culture that nurtures young talent and provides meaningful opportunities for next gen retail leaders.