Her Circle Bizruptors 2024: A Grand Celebration Of Women Entrepreneurs

Her Circle hosted Her Circle Bizruptors 2024 May 31, 2024 at the Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai, an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating fearless innovators and trailblazing entrepreneurs who have challenged the status quo. As attendees gathered, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement, promising an evening brimming with surprises, heartfelt moments, and motivational stories. The grand finale was an inspiring culmination of months of anticipation and hard work.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome by emcee and stand-up comedian, Anu Menon, known for her wit and repartee. This was followed by an address from Tanya Chaitanya, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Her Circle. Tanya highlighted the significance of the Bizruptors initiative, which received sign-ups from over 4.5 lakh women entrepreneurs across India. She emphasised Her Circle’s mission to bridge the digital gender divide while promoting financial and skill parity. The evening honoured the most promising entrepreneurs of 2023-24, selected for their innovation, sustainability, social impact, and scalability.

The selection process for the Her Circle Bizruptors awards was rigorous and inclusive. It began with over 1,027 nominations from across India, showcasing the diverse talents and innovative ideas of women entrepreneurs. These nominations were meticulously reviewed by an independent jury comprising industry icons like veteran fashion designer Anita Dongre, venture capitalist Tarana Lalwani, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Ankita Vashistha, and the CEO of Her Circle Tanya Chaitanya. The process involved public voting and detailed jury deliberations, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each nominee’s impact and potential.

The décor at the venue was elegant and purposeful, reflecting the theme of entrepreneurial success and sustainability. From the stage setup to the seating arrangements to the prominently-displayed logo, every detail was meticulously planned to highlight the significance of the occasion. AV displays showcased the journey of the nominees and winners, adding a personal touch to the evening’s celebratory mood.

The Her Circle Bizruptors awards recognised women across various categories, each representing excellence and pioneering efforts in their fields. The key winners included:

•             Bhavini Parikh, Founder of Bunko Junko, who received the Innovation Award for her sustainable fashion brand.

•             Anisha Shetty, Founder of My Thrift Baby Loot, who was honoured for her efforts in sustainability.

•             Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder of Space Kidz India, who won the Social Impact Award for her work in promoting space science among youth.

•             Akanksha Sharma, Founder of CITTA, who was recognised for her scalable business model.

•             Akanksha Arora, Founder of Barker’s Dozen,and Arundhati, Founder of Beej, who received the Editor’s Choice Awards for their outstanding entrepreneurial journeys.

•             Bindi Patel, Founder & Director of ECOrrect Pvt Ltd, who was named the Bizruptor of the Year.

Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to inspiring anecdotes and motivational quotes from the winners and presenters.

Commenting on the occasion Schauna Chauhan, CEO, Parle Agro Pvt Ltd said, ’My father often compared challenges to the video games that I used to play. I kept playing to win. Just like a video game, when you lose, you play it again and again until you overcome every obstacle and ultimately succeed and get to the next level. Life is also the same – try and try until you find a way.’

Lavanya Nalli, Vice-Chairperson, Nalli Group of Companies commented on the challenges faced in her journey saying, ’It’s been around 18 years working at Nalli and I think our biggest challenge is that our reputation precedes us. Our brand is so associated with weddings, that when we try to introduce new product lines and come up with new designs, it is difficult for people to believe that it is from the brand. Maybe with the current generation of customers it’ll happen and they’ll believe that an elephant can also dance!”

The Her Circle Icons were also celebrated for their significant contributions across various sectors:

1.            Zainab Patel, Founder, The Trans Café & The TransFormation Salon

2.            Dr. Jaishree Sharad, Dermatologist, Director, Skinfinitii

3.            Schauna Chauhan, CEO, Parle Agro Pvt Ltd

4.            Anshuka Parwani, Founder, Anshuka Yoga

5.            Vaishali Shadangule, Designer, Founder, Vaishali S

6.            Preeti Jhangiani, Actress & Co-Founder, Swen Entertainment

7.            Deanne Panday, Health Coach, Author & Wellness Expert

8.            Brinda Miller, Hon Festival Director, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival & Chairperson, Kala Ghoda Association

9.            Lavanya Nalli, Vice Chairperson, Nalli Group of Companies

10.          Rashi Narang, Founder, Heads Up For Tails

The trophies awarded at the event were more than just symbols of recognition. The Her Circle Bizruptors 2024 trophy is a striking piece of art crafted from bamboo, embodying the essence of innovation and sustainability. The design features a circular frame with intricate bamboo spokes radiating from a central point, symbolising the far-reaching impact of women entrepreneurs.

Crafted with a modern design, the trophies are a blend of aesthetic appeal and meaningful symbolism, representing the breaking of barriers and the forging of new paths by women entrepreneurs. The base of the trophy proudly displays the Her Circle Bizruptors 2024 logo, emphasising the event’s commitment to recognising excellence and purposeful entrepreneurship. This trophy is not only a symbol of achievement but also a testament to the sustainable practices that many of the awardees champion in their businesses.

The Her Circle Bizruptors 2024 event was not just a celebration of individual achievements, but a powerful statement on the collective potential of women entrepreneurs in India. It highlighted the importance of support, recognition, and a platform for women to showcase their innovations and impact. As the event concluded, the anticipation for Her Circle Bizruptors 2025 begins, promising another year of empowering women to break barriers and redefine the entrepreneurial landscape.