Womenpreneur Mompreneur Issue

EDITORIAL

This one’s personal.

When we first launched Womenpreneur, our mission was clear: to celebrate women who lead not just in boardrooms or bottom lines, but in their own unique rhythm Women who challenge the timeline, rewrite the narrative, and often, quietly carry the world on their shoulders while building their own

This Mother’s Day, I find myself reflecting on a group of women who redefine leadership with every breath mothers who are also entrepreneurs. Or maybe, entrepreneurs who are also mothers Because the lines blur, don’t they? And that’s the beauty of it

This issue is a love letter to them.

To the women taking investor calls with toddlers in their lap. To those crafting strategy slides between school runs and soccer games. To those turning personal problems into powerful products. And yes, to those who are simply figuring it out, one messy, magical, miraculous day at a time.

You’ll meet 30 phenomenal women across India, the UAE, and the US each with a different path, a different purpose, but a shared truth: they didn’t wait for permission They created space They built businesses that feed their families, and nourish their own dreams They are not the exception They are the new rule

This issue also goes deeper into mental health, emotional labor, guilt, creativity, reinvention, and the very human side of ambition Because being a mompreneur isn’t just about doing it all It’s about deciding what matters most, and having the courage to let the rest go

If you're holding this magazine as a mom, or as someone who’s been raised by one, supported by one, or inspired by one I hope this reminds you of something simple and true:

Every business built by a woman is also a blueprint for the world she wants her child to live in.

Here’s to the women who do the work, raise the future, and make it all look almost effortless (even when we know it’s not). Here’s to the Womenpreneurs today, and every day.

Warmly,

Vivek Malik CEO & Founder, Womenpreneur Middle East/India/United States

GLOBAL BRIEF

THE MOMPRENEUR ECONOMY

A snapshot of mom-led businesses across India, UAE, and the USA data, dollars, and impact.

he stories, strength, an ers who lead from the fr

MOM BOSS HACKS

Real-life time management, parenting survival tips, and emotional endurance from the women doing it all (and then some)

THE TRIPLE SHIFT

Unpacking the invisible load—home, hustle, and heart—and what it really takes to run a business while raising a family

THE CREATIVE SHIFT: WOMEN WHO LEFT LOGIC FOR ART

From lawyers turned filmmakers to bankers turned ceramicists meet the women who chose joy over job titles.

BRAND STORIES

How mom-led brands are reshaping consumer behavior through honesty, care, and trust

THE GUILT GAP

A raw look at the mental health toll of “balance,” and why we need a better goal.

FINANCE FOR FOUNDERS

FUNDS WHILE RAISING CHILDREN

The not-so-glamorous, deeply strategic art of securing capital with a baby on the hip.

Jwana Karim NotJustSeen,But Understood 033

Hala Kazim Asking the Right Questions 034

Mona Tavassoli 030

Narise Kamber Serving More Than Food 036

Sarah Toukan Building What Was Missing 038

Falguni Nayar

ReimaginingBeautyat HerOwnPace

Upasana Taku

CreatingSolutionsfor theEverydayIndian

Sunita Gill

BuildingLegacies, RaisingDaughters,and RedefiningWhat WealthReallyMeans

Dr. Angie Kassabie Nourishing Lives with Science, Soul, and a Mother’s Heart

Crafting a Community Where Motherhood and Ambition Coexist

Khawla Hammad Solving Real Problems with Quiet Confidence 039

Nadine Mezher Rethinking Wealth, Starting With Women 040

Dina Abdul Majeed Designing for Moms, From a Mom Who Gets It 041

Rania Badr El Din When Work and Life Speak the Same Language 031

Priyanka Gill From Content to Commerce, and the Power of Listening to Women

Ghazal Alagh

Suchi Mukherjee 048

Making Products That Started With a Problem at Home

Shweta Tanwar Mukherjee

Building Brands, Living Honestly, and Redefining What It Means to "Have It All"

Designing A Space Where Every Woman Feels Seen

Garima Satija

Turning Loyalty Into Something That Lasts

Smita Deorah

Meena Bindra

Building Classrooms That Think Like Children Do Dressing Women with Intuition and Ease 056

MakingtheFirstMove AtWork,inLife,and atHome

Whitney Wolfe Herd 055

Julia Hartz 058

Kendra Scott 057

OnRedefiningSuccess, OneWake-UpCallata Time StretchingLimitswith Humor,Heart,anda PairofScissors WhenPresenceMeans MoreThanJustBeing Seen

Sara Blakely 059

Holly Tucker 059

Simonetta Lein 060

Jessica Alba

Ree Drummond 054

Reshma Saujani 058

Arianna Huffington 060

Co-Founder&CEO, Eventbrite Founder,KendraScott Jewelry Founder,GirlsWho Code&MomsFirst Co-Founder,NotOn TheHighStreet Co-Founder,The HonestCompany Creator,ThePioneer Woman

GLOBAL BRIEF

The State of Mompreneurship in India, UAE, and USA

An in-depth look at the evolving landscape of motherhood-driven entrepreneurship across three dynamic economies

The Breif

Introduction:WhenMotherhood MeetstheMarketplace

Inhomes,coworkingspaces,cafés,andkitchencounters aroundtheworld,aquietbusinessrevolutionisunfolding led bymothers.Mompreneursarenolongerrareexceptions.They areinnovators,jobcreators,anddecision-makers,carvingout newmarketswhileraisingfamilies.Theirworkdoesn’tjust buildproducts.Itbuildscommunities,redefinesleadership, andchangeshowbusinessisdone.Thisglobalbriefexplores thestateofmom-ledentrepreneurshipinIndia,theUnited ArabEmirates,andtheUnitedStates threedistinct ecosystemsunitedbyasharedstoryofresourcefulness, resilience,andarefusaltobeboxedinto“either/or.”

India:BuildingFromthe GroundUp

DualRealities

InIndia,womenentrepreneurs arecreatingimmenseeconomic valuewhilebattlingdeeply entrenchedsocialexpectations

ThevastmajorityofIndian womenstillshoulderthe majorityofdomesticand caregivingwork,limitingtheir capacitytoengageinfull-time employmentorpursuegrowthstageventures. Yetmanyarestillchoosing entrepreneurship notjustasa careerpath,butasasurvival strategy,acreativeoutlet,ora formofpersonalliberation

Datashowsthatapproximately oneinfivesmallenterprisesin Indiaareledbywomen These venturesoftenemergein informalsectors handicrafts, foodbusinesses,early education,orwellness leveragingthefounder’s everydayexperienceasa mother

Adesireforflexibility

Frustrationwithrigidor unsupportiveworkplaces

Economicnecessitydueto single-incomehouseholds Apassionprojectthatturned intoabusiness

Somestartoutassidehustles baking fromhome,runningonlinestoreson Instagram andlaterscalewithsupport fromnetworkslikeSHEROES,WEHub, orlocalself-helpgroups

SystemicBarriers

Theecosystemisimproving,butslowly Manywomenlackaccesstocollateral forloans,digitalinfrastructure,or mentorship Grantprogramsexist,but awarenessislow Wherestateorbank fundingfallsshort,mompreneurs bootstrap,oftenreinvestingearnings bitbybit.

Still,Indianmom-ledbrands from indiecosmeticstoeco-conscious kidswear aregainingconsumertrust They'renotjustsellingproducts;they're sellingapromiseofcare,authenticity, andculturalresonance

UAE:WhenPolicyMeets Purpose

ThePushandthePull

InterviewswithIndian mompreneursreveal recurringmotivations:

Mompreneurship,ablendofmotherhood andentrepreneurship,isaboutjuggling bothworldswithpassionandresilience It'saboutfindingsuccessinbusiness whileprioritizingfamily,oftenrequiring strongtimemanagement,flexibility,and unwaveringdedication.

TheUAEhasemergedasastandoutfor empoweringfemale-ledbusinessesin theMiddleEast AcrossDubaiandAbu Dhabi,women-runcompaniesare becomingcentraltotheSMEeconomy andmanyofthemarefoundedand ledbymothers.

Asignificantnumberoftheseventures generateover$100,000inannual revenue Thesefiguresreflectnotonly businesssuccess,butashiftinhow societyviewswomenandmothersin leadership ARegionalPowerhouseforWomen Entrepreneurs

TailoredSupport,TangibleResults

Muchofthisprogressisnoaccident.Government-backed accelerators,entrepreneurialhubs,andinitiativesthatpartner withtechcompaniesarecreatingspaceforwomentolead. Flexiblelicensing,accesstofunding,andstreamlinedregistration formicro-businesseshavedramaticallyloweredtheentry barrier.Expatsmakeupalargeportionofthemompreneur communityhere.Manybringexperiencefrominternational markets,butchoosetolaunchintheUAEbecauseofitstax benefits,infrastructure,andincreasinglyinclusiveecosystem.

CultureandIdentity

Despiteprogress,culturalexpectations stilllinger Manymompreneurssharethat theirbiggestchallengeisnotfundraising ormarketing butreconcilingtheir businessidentitywithtraditionalroles Guilt,judgment,andoverworkremainpart oftheemotionalcost

Yettheypressforward Notbyaskingfor permission butbycreatingnewnorms

TheU.S.haslongbeenahavenfor entrepreneurs andmothershavebuilt thrivingbusinessesacrosse-commerce, coaching,consulting,wellness,and education Butthechallengesaremore personalthanbureaucratic Americanmompreneursoftenhave accesstofunding,platforms,andflexible structures Whattheylackistime, affordablechildcare,andmental breathingroom

Manystartedtheirbusinessesafter discoveringthattraditionalwork environmentswereincompatiblewith parenting especiallywhenchildrenwere young Otherslefthigh-pressurecareers topursuepassion-basedworkthat allowedmorecontrolovertheirschedule Still,buildingabusinesswhileraising childrenisrarelycalm

Burnoutiscommon Soisloneliness

Supportexists butitoftencomeswith stringsattachedorhighcosts.Inthis environment,communitybecomes essential UnitedStates:TheFreedom toCreate,ThePressureto Sustain InnovationMeetsExhaustion

IntheU.S.,sidehustlesarehowmost mompreneursstart Whatbeginsasa blogorEtsyshopoftenbecomesafullyfledgedbusinesswhentractiongrows andconfidencefollows BrandslikeTheHonestCompany,Tidy Tot,orHustleLikeaMomreflecta deepertruth:thesebusinessessucceed becausetheysolveproblemsmoms knowfirsthand.Theirproductsfeel humanbecausetheyare.

The Breif

ComparativeInsights

Indicator India

%Women-OwnedSMEs

CommonEntryPoints

KeyChallenge

Avg BusinessStartAge

TypicalMotivation

Government&Institutional Support

Homebusinesses, wellness Digitalservices, education E-commerce, consulting

Fundingaccess, socialnorms

Flexibility,financial

1.Mom-ledCommerceisGoing Digital GlobalTrendstoWatch

FromInstagramshopsinMumbai toZoomcoachinginMiami, mompreneursareusingdigital toolstoscalequicklyandstay flexible PlatformslikeShopify, WhatsAppBusiness,andCanva haveloweredbarrierstoentry

2 EmotionalWellnessisBecoming BusinessStrategy

Manyfoundersareembedding wellnessintotheirbrandDNA They’recreatingbusinesseswith sustainablehours,family-first policies,andemotionally intelligentleadership

3.CommunityistheNewCapital

Whatmompreneursoftenlackin capital,theymakeupforin community Peer-ledsupport networks,WhatsAppgroups,and onlineforumshavebecome lifelines offeringreferrals, strategy,andsometimesjust solidarity

4.PurposeistheDifferentiator

Mom-ledbrandsincreasingly combinecommercewithcause usingtheirplatformtoadvocate formaternalhealth,education, sustainability,orinclusion It’sno longerenoughtosellwell They wanttomatter

Conclusion:She’sNot “DoingItAll”—She’s BuildingItAll

Mompreneursarenotanomalies Theyarearchitectsofthemodern economy.

Theyarereimagininghowleadership looks,howbusinessesoperate,and howwomen andfamilies can thrive Eachcountrybringsitsown challengesandtools Butacrossall geographies,onetruthholds:these womenarenotaskingforbalance Theyareaskingforhonesty,flexibility, andthefreedomtocreateontheir ownterms.

Andindoingso,theyaren’tjust balancingtwoworlds Theyare blendingthemintosomething entirelynew

Theyarenotwaitingforspaceatthe table Theyarebuildingtheirown

A deep dive into the intertwined roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship

Infocus

BeyondtheBalancingAct

The term " mompreneur " encapsulates more than just a mother who runs a business It signifies a woman juggling multiple roles caregiver, entrepreneur, emotional anchor often simultaneously. This intricate dance is not merely about time management;it'saboutmanagingidentities,expectations, and emotional energies across different spheres of life. It isnotabalancingact itisafull-spectrumexperiencethat oftendemandsmorethanitgivesback.

What makes this triad of roles so distinctive is how seamlessly and often invisibly they flow into each other Mompreneurs don’t “clock out” They shift gears, roles, and responsibilities without leaving their physical space The demands change by the hour, yet the expectationsneverpause

1.TheFirstShift:HomefrontResponsibilities

At home, mompreneurs often shoulder the majority of domestic duties This includes not just physical tasks like cooking and cleaning but also the mental load of managing schedules, remembering appointments, and ensuring the householdrunssmoothly

Challenges:

Time Constraints: Balancing business tasks with household responsibilities can lead to extended work hoursandreducedpersonaltime Thereisrarelyaclear end to the workday when the workspace is also the kitchenorthelivingroom

SocietalExpectations:Traditional norms may place the onus of home management primarily on women, adding pressure to fulfill these roles impeccably. Even when supported by a partner, women often remain the “defaultparent”

Strategies:

Delegation: Sharing responsibilities with partners or older children can alleviate the burden But this too requiresnegotiation,planning,andtrust

Outsourcing: Hiring help for tasks like cleaning or childcare can free up time for business activities. Yet access to this kind of support is often shaped by geography and privilege, and not always available or affordableforeveryone.

2.TheSecondShift:EntrepreneurialEndeavors

Running a business demands strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and customer service For mompreneurs,theseresponsibilitiesareoftentackledduring unconventionalhours,suchasearlymorningsorlatenights, toaccommodatefamilyneeds

Challenges:

Limited Work Hours: The need to align business activities around family schedules can restrict available working time. Deep work often comes in fragments naptimes,schoolhours,orstolenevenings

ResourceConstraints:Accesstocapital,mentorship,and networkingopportunitiesmaybelimitedduetotimeor mobility restrictions Pitch events and panels don’t alwaysalignwiththeschoolcalendar.

Strategies:

Flexible Business Models: Opting for online businesses or freelance work can offer greater flexibility Many mom-led ventures are structured as home-based consultancies,digitalshops,orhybridmodels

Time Management Tools: Utilizing planners, apps, or time-blocking techniques can enhance productivity. Even a few well-planned hours can move the needle significantlywhenusedwithfocus

3.TheThirdShift:EmotionalLabor

Beyond physical tasks, mompreneurs often engage in significant emotional labor managing their own emotions whilesupportingtheemotionalneedsoffamily,employees, andclients.

Challenges:

Emotional Exhaustion: Constantly attending to others' emotional needs can lead to burnout. The invisibility of emotional labor makes it difficult to quantify, and thus easytooverlookordismiss.

Invisible Work: Emotional labor is often unrecognized and undervalued, despite its critical role in maintaining relationships and business success It is the glue holding bothhomeandbusinesstogether,andyetitrarelyshows upinperformancereviewsorincomestatements

Infocus

Strategies:

Self-Care Practices: Regular activities like meditation, journaling,ortherapycanhelpmanageemotionalstress. Even a short daily ritual tea, movement, quiet can anchortheday

SettingBoundaries:Clearly defining work and personal timecanpreventemotionaloverload Saying“no”isnot afailure it’sasurvivalstrategy.

4.TheInterplayoftheThreeShifts

These three shifts are not isolated; they often overlap and influence each other For instance, a challenging day at work can affect interactions at home, and vice versa

Recognizing this interplay is crucial for understanding the comprehensiveloadthatmompreneurscarry.

Implications:

MentalHealth:Thecumulativeeffectoftheseshiftscan impact mental well-being, leading to stress or anxiety. Burnoutisoftengradualandquiet,notalwaysdramatic, butdeeplydepleting

RelationshipDynamics:Balancingtheserolescanstrain relationships if support systems are lacking. Communication, rather than perfection, becomes the mostessentialtool

Approaches:

Open Communication: Discussing challenges with family and business partners can foster understanding and support. Transparency about needs and limitations buildstrustandresilience

CommunitySupport:Engaging with networks of other mompreneurs can provide shared experiences and copingstrategies Hearing“metoo”canbejustashealing asafullsolution

5.SocietalandStructuralConsiderations

The challenges faced by mompreneurs are not solely personal; they are also shaped by societal structures and policies.

Factors:

Childcare Accessibility: Limited access to affordable childcare can constrain business activities. This single issuecontinuestodeterminethescaleandscopeofwhat women-ledbusinessescanbecome

ParentalLeavePolicies:Inadequatematernityleavecan pressure mothers to return to work prematurely Policy reform must recognize that women are not just economic units they’re systems leaders at home and beyond

Advocacy:

Policy Reform: Supporting policies that provide better childcare options and parental leave can alleviate some burdens Governments and corporations both need to rethink how care work is accounted for in economic growth.

AwarenessCampaigns:Promotingunderstandingofthe mompreneur experience can lead to greater societal support. Change begins with visibility when stories are told,solutionsstarttoform

Conclusion

Beingamompreneurinvolvesnavigatingacomplexwebofresponsibilitiesthatextendbeyondthe visibletasksofrunningabusinessandmanagingahousehold.Itencompassestheemotionallabor thatbindstheserolestogether.Itisalifebuiltonmicro-decisions,quietstrength,andradical resourcefulness

Recognizingandvalidatingthismultifacetedidentityisessential notjustforthewell-beingof mompreneursbutfortheenrichmentofthecommunitiesandeconomiestheycontributeto.These womenarenotjustmultitasking theyaremulti-living.Andindoingso,theyarerewritingwhat leadershipandlifecanlooklikewhenbothareledwithheart.

THE CREATIVE SHIFT: WOMEN WHO LEFT LOGIC FOR ART

Howaquietwaveofreinventionisredefining whatsuccess,security,andself-expression mean.

TTheyweretheoneswhodideverything“right”

They passed the exams, wore the suits, drafted contracts, built practices, managed departments. They knew their numbers, kept their heads down, hit the milestones From medicineandlawtofinanceandscience,theyplayedbythe rules andtheywon.

And yet, somewhere between the client meetings and the quarterly reviews, something inside them began to stir A craving Awhisper Aquestion Isthisit?

They didn’t fall out of love with their intelligence or ambition Theysimplybegantorealizethattheirsharpness hadmorethanonelanguage.

UnlearningtheLinearLife

EmmaCheng,onceanaccountantinLondon,nowspends her days illustrating gentle, storybook worlds In a conversation with Creative Boom, she described her pivot intoillustrationnotasaleap butasaslowremembering.“I started doodling in meetings, then sketching in the evenings.Itwasn’trebellion.Itfeltlikebreathing.” Sheisn’talone.

From corporate boardrooms to research labs, women are quietly trading logic for color, policy for poetry, precision for possibility. They are leaving behind stable, structured careers to enter the vast, uncharted terrain of creativity not because they failed in one world, but because they no longerwantedtostaycontainedbyit.

What begins as a quiet curiosity a stack of watercolors hidden in the drawer, a forgotten manuscript, a sewing machine still in its box eventually becomes a calling too loudtoignore “Itwasn’trebellion Itfeltlikebreathing”–EmmaCheng

MoreThanaCareerMove

The shift into art is rarely just about a career change. It’s about identity For many women raised in cultures that prize security and structure, creativity was never seen as a valid path at best, a hobby. So when a woman leaves her finance job to write screenplays or takes a break from clinical rounds to study textile design, it’s not just a change of profession. It’s a confrontation with everything she was taughttovalue

Linda Nochlin’s iconic essay, Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?, examined how women were historically excluded from the institutions that produce “greatness” But today, the question many women ask isn’t aboutgreatness it’saboutfreedom. Theyaren’tchasingmuseums.They’rechasingthemselves. And often, they are reclaiming the simple joy of making somethingfornoonebutthemselves

WhattheWorldDoesn’tUnderstand

It’s easy to romanticize the creative shift. “She followed her passionandfoundpurpose”Butrealityissharper Thetransitionislonely Risky Oftenmisunderstood

Steve Berry, who crafts surreal movie scenes using mundane food and snack wrappers, shared in an interview thatmakingthejumpintohispersonalcreativestyle after years of commercial photography felt terrifying. And he wasalreadyinacreativefield

For women leaving law or medicine, the fear is bigger Theirpreviousidentitieswerelegible,respected.Theirnew path?Oftengreetedwithsilenceorthedreaded:“Wait,you leftthatjob forthis?”

“You don’t need your new life to impress the people from youroldone.”

The courage it takes to begin again with no roadmap, no guaranteed applause, no firm outcomes is a revolution in itself.

ArtIsn’tanEscape It’saReturn

One former Dubai-based banker now throws clay on a wheel in a converted garage studio. “It wasn’t burnout,” she said.“Itwassomethingdeeper.Imissedmakingthingsthat didn’trequireapproval”

There’s a common thread among these women: a hunger for presence. For process. For something that doesn’t rely on performance metrics or applause In their new lives, theydon’toptimize theycreate

And art, unlike many careers, offers a rare gift: permission tobeimperfect

Itsays:comeasyouare Bringyourmess Makeanyway

NoOneTaughtUstoMakeWithoutMeasuring

Growing up, many high-achieving women were rewarded for compliance. For results. For being the best in rooms they didn’t always feel welcome in That wiring is hard to undo

In their creative lives, they confront something uncomfortable: blank pages Unstructured time Work that mightneverpayorbeseen There’snoguaranteeofvirality Noroadmaptoscale. Andthat’swheretherealshifthappens Thesuccessisn’tinbeingrecognized It’sinbecomingreal Theylearntositwiththesilence.Topaintthroughtheselfdoubt.Towriteevenwhennooneiswatching.

That’s when the art begins to reflect the soul not the résumé.

CreativityDoesn’tMeanQuitting

Not every woman leaves her job Some write poetry at night.SomepaintonSundays.Somerecordpodcastsfrom theircar,betweenschooldrop-offsandstrategycalls

OnefeatureinCreativeBoomexploredhowcreatorsmove through blocks not with lightning bolts of inspiration, but with slow, deliberate acts of showing up A sketch a day A playlist A collage of magazine clippings Not because it’s monetizable.Butbecauseitmeanssomething.

Creativity doesn’t always need to be your career. But it deservesyourcare

“Not everything you make needs to be productive Sometimesitjustneedstobeyours.”

Even a single hour spent drawing in silence can reconnect you to something that the world hasn’t demanded from you butyourspirithas.

FromLogictoLegacy

The women who make the creative shift carry with them the best of their past lives: discipline, systems, precision. Theydon’tshedlogic Theyremixit

They use their lawyer-brains to draft book proposals, their accounting fluency to manage art studios, their medical understandingtocraftnarrativesaroundhealing They’renotstartingover They’restartingtruer.

Andinthattruthlieslegacy notthekindbuiltontitles,but thekindetchedinexpression

CreatingaLifebyDesign

There’s something inherently radical about choosing joy Especially in a world that praises resilience over rest, sacrificeoversatisfaction.Thesewomenarerefusingtolive bydefault

They're choosing a different metric of success not status orsalary,butalignment.

Andthey’reinvitingtherestofustoask: What would your day look like if you designed it, not just enduredit? Whatpartofyouhasbeenwaitingforpermission?

“I realized I was succeeding in a life that didn’t fit me anymore ”–Anonymousceramicist

The World Needs More Creators Who Used to Be SomethingElse

The doctor who became a filmmaker. The scientist who writes haiku. The economist who builds installations from discardedreceipts

Thesearen’tflukes They’reblueprints fitmeanymore.”–Anonymousceramicist

Because when a woman dares to choose art, she doesn’t just change herlife sheexpandsthemapforeveryoneelse.

She shows that it’s possible to love what you make and still be taken seriously Thatmakingcanbemeaningful,evenifit’smessy

She teaches us that reinvention doesn’t require erasure it requires courage

WhatWeKeep

MOMPRENEURS FROM THE UAE

WHOAREREDEFINING LEADERSHIPWITH CULTURE,COURAGE, ANDCREATIVITY.

JWANA KARIM

Not Just Seen, But Understood

IG :

@jwanagram

There’s a kind of quiet strength that follows Jwana Karim wherever she goes You see it in her eyes during interviews, in how she talks about her daughter, and in the way she shares pieces of her life online not to impress, but to connect She’s known now as a cast member of Dubai

Bling, but Jwana’s story started long before the spotlight Born in Iraq and raised partly in Sweden after her family fled the war, she grew up learning how to adjust quickly, speak new languages, and stand her ground in unfamiliar places. That early experience didn’t just shape her it gave her

range. From music videos to TV dramas, Jwana spent years finding her footing in the world of entertainment But it wasn’t until recently that she started telling her story on her own terms through fashion, through unfiltered mother-daughter moments, and through the kind of honesty people don’t usually expect from someone with four million followers Her daughter, Celine, shows up often in her posts But not in the polished, posed way that’s become common They dance They tease. They laugh mid-sentence. And in those seconds, you understand something simple: this is a woman who lets love lead the way, no matter what industry she’s working in

What makes Jwana compelling isn’t just her image or her rise in the media It’s how she handles the inbetween moments of doubt, homesickness, the reality of raising a child alone, and the pressure of building a new life in a city where everyone seems to be running a race. She shares just enough to remind you that behind every public persona is someone doing their best to keep the lights on at home, too Jwana’s presence today is not about reinvention or becoming someone new It’s about showing up as she is, and letting the rest unfold naturally, imperfectly, and with a whole lot of heart.

HALA KAZIM

Asking the Right Questions

IG :

@halakazim

You don’t come to Hala Kazim for a pep talk You come for the kind of questions that sit with you long after the conversation ends.Years ago, she asked herself one: Is this the life I want to keep living? At the time, she was in her forties, married with children, on the surface living a “settled” life But she felt disconnected That question led her to change not just her own life but to quietly help shift how thousands of women across the Middle East see theirs

Hala is the founder of Journey Through Change, a life development program that mixes structured coaching with something beautifully simple: walking. Not as a fitness fad, but as a space to reflect. She’s taken women on guided journeys through cities, mountains, and forests not for the steps, but for the space it creates to breathe, to feel, to pause

What makes her work powerful is that it’s not dressed up in buzzwords It’s about listening really listening to yourself and to others Her methods are rooted in empathy and clarity, not quick fixes

As a mother and grandmother, Hala doesn’t separate her personal and professional wisdom Her family is part of the rhythm of her life. She often says she didn’t become a different person when she began helping others she just stopped ignoring parts of herself

Her days are full but unhurried: time with her grandkids, calls with clients, long walks, handwritten notes She doesn’t promote perfection She creates f l t k Wh t ? Wh t t?

NARISE KAMBER

Serving More Than Food

@narisekamber

She’s a mother of four, and her daily routine reflects it. Mornings are for breakfast and school runs Midmornings are for work visiting branches, checking on operations, sitting with staff Evenings are for homework, family dinners, and unwinding with Turkish coffee. Somewhere in between, she’s mentoring young women, testing new recipes, and carving out time to dream Narise is honest about how hard this life can be There were moments she doubted if it was worth it. But she kept showing up. Not with grand gestures, but with small, steady actions. “Be organized,” she says. “Keep learning. Don’t wait for confidence just begin ”

If you ’ re ever in Bahrain and find yourself in a quiet alleyway filled with the smell of cardamom and fresh bread, there’s a good chance you ’ ve stumbled upon one of Narise Kamber’s cafés And if you sit long enough, you’ll understand she’s not just running a food business she’s preserving a way of life Narise started from her kitchen She didn’t have a five-year plan or a team of investors just a love for Bahraini food, a handwritten recipe book, and the belief that heritage deserves a seat at the table. Today, her brand Saffron by Jena includes multiple cafés, a bakery, and a loyal following that spans generations.

She speaks softly but with certainty And when you eat at one of her cafés, you ’ re not just getting a meal you ’ re stepping into her story Every dish has a memory. Every space has her hand in it. This isn’t just business. It’s legacy, made fresh every morning.

SARAH TOUKAN

Building What Was Missing

LinkedIn: Sarah Toukan

Sarah Toukan didn’t set out to become the face of fintech in the Middle East She simply saw a problem no one was solving and decided she’d be the one to try As co-founder of Ziina, the UAE’s first licensed peer-to-peer digital wallet, Sarah has helped shift how people in the region move money. But her path here wasn’t smooth. Her first startup idea didn’t work out. She calls that time frustrating, confusing, and ultimately, necessary “It taught me what I needed to learn before building something real ”

Ziina began with a simple question: Why is something as basic as paying a friend still so complicated here? She and her co-founders didn’t aim to disrupt they aimed to simplify Today, their app allows users to send money as easily as sending a message Behind that simplicity is a ton of quiet, deliberate work

Sarah holds engineering degrees from Stanford, but what drives her is less academic and more personal. She’s a mom now, and that lens changes everything. “I think differently about what we ’ re building,” she says. “It’s not just about growth it’s about usefulness, about longevity ”

She leads with clarity She speaks in complete thoughts She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but she also doesn’t dramatize them Her story is a reminder that resilience isn’t loud it’s consistent.

And that sometimes, building something that works is revolutionary enough.

DR. ANGIE KASSABIE: NOURISHING LIVES WITH SCIENCE, SOUL, AND A MOTHER’S HEART

addressing issues like emotional eating and the mind-body connection, recognizing that overweight is not only an aesthetic problem but also a health concern that can lead to various diseases IG : @angiekassabie

n a world where wellness often gets tangled in trends and quick fixes, Dr Angie Kassabie stands out as a beacon of authenticity and dedication Her journey from Beirut to becoming a renowned nutritionist in the UAE is not just a tale of professional success but also one of personal resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to holistic health.

AFOUNDATIONBUILTON KNOWLEDGEANDCOMPASSION

Born in Beirut on November 1, Dr Kassabie pursued her early education at the International College IC Beirut and furthered her studies at the English Academie She later enrolled in higher education in medicine, specializing in dietetics. Her academic pursuits led her to defend a master's degree and doctorate at the University of Washington, focusing on dietetics In 2014, she earned a Ph D from the Sports Academy in Sofia Currently, she serves as an assistant professor at the Department of Hygiene, Medical

Ecology, and Nutrition at the Medical University. Her academic achievements are not just accolades; they form the backbone of her evidence-based approach to nutrition Dr Kassabie believes that proper nutrition is a way of life, emphasizing that the body is not just about beauty and vision but about health.

FROM BULGARIA TO HOLLYWOOD AND THE UAE

In 2006, Dr Kassabie founded AND DIET, the first company in Bulgaria dedicated to healthy and dietetic nutrition Her innovative approach and delicious healthy menus quickly gained popularity, attracting a clientele that includes Hollywood stars like Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Robert De Niro, and John Travolta, as well as the royal family of the United Arab Emirates

Her reputation as a trusted nutritionist is built on her ability to tailor personalized diet programs that consider not just the physical but also the emotional aspects of eating. Dr. Kassabie specializes in

ANGIE'S KITCHEN: MAKING HEALTHY EATING ACCESSIBLE

Understanding the challenges people face in maintaining a healthy diet, Dr Kassabie launched "Angie's Kitchen," offering a diverse range of healthy and low-calorie meals Prepared by chef technologists, these meals are designed to help individuals lose weight without hunger, providing options like balanced menus, detox plans, vegan dishes, and fitness-focused meals. Her commitment to making healthy eating accessible extends beyond her clinics in Bulgaria and Lebanon

Through online consultations, Dr Kassabie offers personalized guidance, helping clients worldwide set and achieve their individual health goals with daily weight and food tracking.

BALANCINGPROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCEWITH MOTHERHOOD

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kassabie is a devoted mother. She and her husband have a son named Ryan. Balancing the demands of her career with the responsibilities of motherhood, she embodies the essence of a modern mompreneur. Her ability to integrate her professional expertise with her personal experiences as a mother adds depth to her understanding of her clients' needs, especially those navigating the complexities of family life while striving for personal health

ALEGACYOFEMPOWERMENT ANDWELLNESS

Dr Kassabie's influence extends beyond her immediate clientele Through her work, she empowers individuals to take control of their health, emphasizing that proper nutrition is not about deprivation but about making informed choices that nourish the body and soul. Her approach is holistic, considering the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of well-being. Her dedication to wellness is also evident in her role as an influencer and public figure. Participating in various TV formats and engaging with her audience through social media, she uses her platform to educate and inspire, making the principles of healthy living accessible to a broader audience

CONNECTWITHDR.ANGIE KASSABIE

To learn more about Dr Kassabie's work or to book a consultation, visit her website: angiekassabie com

MONA TAVASSOLI: CRAFTING A COMMUNITY WHERE MOTHERHOOD AND AMBITION COEXIST

In the heart of Dubai, where innovation meets tradition, Mona Tavassoli has been quietly reshaping the narrative around motherhood and entrepreneurship As the founder of Mompreneurs Middle East, she has created a sanctuary for women who dare to dream beyond the conventional, balancing the roles of caregiver and business leader with grace and determination.

THEGENESISOFAVISION

Mona's journey began with a simple yet profound realization: the challenges of motherhood often intersect with the aspirations of entrepreneurship. This insight led her to establish MomSouq in 2012, an online marketplace catering to mothers and children However, she soon recognized a deeper need a platform where women could find not just products, but support, education, and a sense of community This vision materialized into Mompreneurs Middle East, a B2B platform dedicated to empowering

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

female entrepreneurs across the region with seasoned mentors, facilitating conversations that inspire and guide Her philosophy is rooted in the idea that collective strength can propel individual success

At the core of Mompreneurs Middle East lies the belief that education is the cornerstone of empowerment. The organization offers programs like "Mompreneur Rising," a twomonth entrepreneurship course designed to guide women through the intricacies of starting and scaling a business These initiatives are more than just courses; they are lifelines for women seeking to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship while managing the demands of family life

BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE ECOSYSTEM

Mona's approach extends beyond education. She understands the importance of mentorship and community in fostering growth Through events like the Global Mentoring Walk in Dubai, she connects aspiring entrepreneurs

PERSONAL JOURNEY AND PHILOSOPHY

Mona's professional endeavors are deeply intertwined with her personal experiences As a mother of two, she embodies the very balance she advocates for Her adventures, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro under the banner of "World Peace Through Women's Empowerment," reflect her commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging norms She often emphasizes the importance of self-investment, stating, "Invest in you without feeling guilty about it. Your loved ones deserve the best version of you. "

IG : @monatavassoli

DIGITALINNOVATIONAND OUTREACH

Recognizing the digital age ' s potential, Mona co-founded Polar Bear Creative, a digital agency aimed at enhancing SMEs' online presence This venture complements her mission with Mompreneurs Middle East, providing women entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive in a digital marketplace Her holistic approach ensures that women are equipped with both the knowledge and the resources to succeed.

ALEGACYOFEMPOWERMENT

Mona's impact resonates beyond the UAE. Her initiatives have touched the lives of over 500 female entrepreneurs, fostering a culture where motherhood and ambition are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. Through her work, she continues to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial landscape

Explore Mompreneurs Middle East: www.mompreneursww.com

Follow Mona on Instagram: @monatavassoli

KHAWLA HAMMAD

Solving Real Problems with Quiet Confidence

Khawla Hammad doesn’t like chaos And if you ’ ve ever tried to navigate a health insurance claim in the UAE, you know how messy, confusing, and paper-heavy that world can be So she decided to fix it Khawla is the founder of Takalam, and more recently, of the healthcare tech startup Bridges a platform that’s making health insurance simple, transparent, and accessible. She launched it not as a side hustle, but because she knew what it felt like to be overwhelmed by systems that should work better. “People shouldn’t need a second degree just to understand their benefits,” she said in one interview and she meant it

What’s striking about Khawla isn’t just what she’s building, but how she does it She’s thoughtful Methodical She doesn’t shout about her accomplishments, but her presence in the UAE’s startup ecosystem is steadily growing.Outside of her work, Khawla is a mom She often shares that her perspective as a parent shaped how she approached user experience she didn’t want something clunky or confusing She wanted something clean. Reliable. Human. She’s also vocal about mental health, community, and rest. Her social media isn’t curated for likes it’s reflective, grounded, and honest about what it takes to build something from scratch while still being emotionally available at home

In a space often driven by urgency and hype, Khawla is building with intention Quietly, she’s proving that simplicity is powerful and that fixing broken systems starts by really listening

NADINE MEZHER

Rethinking Wealth, Starting With Women

Nadine Mezher was always curious about money not just how it worked, but how people, especially women, related to it After working in marketing and luxury fashion, she took a sharp turn into finance and never looked back She co-founded Sarwa, one of the region’s first digital investment platforms, because she noticed that smart, capable people herself included were being underserved by traditional wealth management The industry felt closed off, jargon-heavy, and unapproachable Sarwa changed that, offering easy tools, clear guidance, and something rare in finance: empathy

Nadine wasn’t just focused on numbers. She cared about stories. She asked questions like, “What’s stopping people from investing?” and “How can we make this feel safe and accessible?” And as a mom, she often viewed these questions through a personal lens She wanted tools that worked for real life with its budget constraints, long days, and small wins

Her leadership style is collaborative. She’s the kind of founder who gives space, credits her team, and believes in staying curious. You won’t find her overselling herself online she’s more likely to be sharing ideas, resources, or lessons from her own learning curve

For Nadine, money isn’t just a financial tool. It’s a way to design freedom, security, and possibility. And by making investment easier for everyday people, she’s quietly changing the future for the next generation including her own kids

DINA ABDUL MAJEED

Designing for Moms, From a Mom Who Gets It

IG :

@dina abdul majeed

When Dina Abdul Majeed launched 360Moms, it wasn’t because she had free time It was because she didn’t A Jordanian mom living in the UAE, Dina realized how hard it was to get trusted, regionally relevant parenting advice Most resources felt too general or too Western, and moms like her were stuck piecing things together from random blogs, WhatsApp chats, and outdated books.

So she built a platform that did what no one else was doing offering holistic, expert-backed parenting content in Arabic and English, tailored for MENA families Think health, nutrition, child psychology, and real-life support. Not just tips, but tools.

Dina isn’t trying to be a “momfluencer ” She’s a builder, plain and simple Her days are filled with strategy calls, content checks, and small family rituals that keep her grounded She’s known for being deeply involved in her team, always asking, “Does this actually help moms?”

She doesn’t hide the hard parts She talks about burnout, about feeling guilty for missing moments, about learning to let go. “The goal,” she says, “isn’t to do it all. It’s to do what matters most and to know what that is.”

With 360Moms, she’s created a space where parenting isn’t idealized it’s supported And that’s something a lot of mothers didn’t even know they needed until they found it

RANIA BADR EL DIN

When Work and Life Speak the Same Language

IG :

@happiness.consultant

Rania Badr El Din built her business long before “ mompreneur ” became a buzzword She started Mother & Child in Egypt over two decades ago not just as a magazine, but as a response to a need she saw in the women around her: the need for calm, credible guidance during early motherhood.Back then, her days were long and scattered. “I used to run around all day,” she says. “Home and work were separate and both were exhausting.” Over the years, she made a shift. More delegation. More focus Less noise And now, her day starts with coffee and conversation with her husband after the school drop-off Her work fits around life not

the other way around Mother & Child is now fully digital, reaching thousands of women with content that speaks like a friend, not a manual. Rania still oversees everything, but she’s no longer in constant motion Instead, she creates space for clarity She reads She volunteers She mentors She listens She’s also a TEDx speaker and regular voice in women ’ s forums across the region, where she shares what she’s learned about sustainable productivity. Her biggest advice? “Decide what actually matters to you Then build around that ”In a world full of hustle culture, Rania’s story is a welcome breath a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.

MOMPRENEURS FROM INDIA

WHO ARE BLENDING TRADITION WITH AMBITION TO BUILD BUSINESSES THAT LEAVE A LEGACY.

FALGUNI NAYAR

Reimagining Beauty at Her Own Pace

IG : @falguninayar

At 50, when many are thinking about slowing down, Falguni Nayar was just getting started After decades in investment banking, she chose to step away not out of exhaustion, but out of vision She didn’t want to advise anymore; she wanted to build With Nykaa, Falguni created more than a beauty platform. She created access. She saw how the beauty industry in India felt elitist and confusing, and she flipped it Nykaa made beauty feel friendly, inclusive, and empowering What’s remarkable isn’t just that Nykaa grew into a billion-dollar brand it’s how she did it Quietly Steadily Without shortcuts As a mother of twins, Falguni often juggled boardrooms and parenting, showing that composure and consistency can drive just as much success as hustle. She leads with clarity and listens deeply to her users She believes women should have choices, in what they wear, how they live, and how they age And through Nykaa, she’s helped millions explore that freedom on their own terms

UPASANA TAKU

Creating Solutions for the Everyday Indian

IG : @upasana taku

When Upasana Taku co-founded MobiKwik, digital payments were clunky, unfamiliar, and often untrustworthy She didn’t just see an opportunity she saw a need With degrees from Stanford and experience at PayPal, she could have stayed in Silicon Valley. But she returned to India to build something that mattered here. MobiKwik was born out of that commitment to bring financial access and simplicity to every Indian, not just the tech-savvy few But behind the product is a woman navigating startup life and motherhood Upasana has spoken honestly about what it means to miss milestones and still show up every day with purpose, even when it’s imperfect. “There’s no manual for this,” she says, “only intention.”

She runs a company She raises a child She talks about burnout, boundaries, and the value of grit For Upasana, success isn’t just measured in downloads it’s in the lives quietly improved because something finally worked better

SUNITAGILL: BUILDINGLEGACIES, RAISINGDAUGHTERS, ANDREDEFINING WHATWEALTH REALLYMEANS

BytheEditorsofWomenpreneurGlobal| IndiaEdition

IG : @sunita.gill sgluxuryhomes

If you sit down with Sunita Gill, you won’t get a rehearsed soundbite or a laundry list of achievements What you’ll get is clarity, purpose, and a deep understanding of why her work matters not just to clients or markets, but to her daughters, her peers, and the future of women in business.She’ll tell you, “It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.” And it’s not just a quote. It’s the backbone of how she lives

Sunita is the CEO and Founder of Singapore Luxury Homes, CEO of Infinite Capital, a Certified Family Office Advisor, mentor, bestselling author and mother to two girls, ages 11 and 9 Whether she’s advising a billionaire family office, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or talking to her daughters about self-worth, one thing stays constant: she believes in building things that last.

RAISED IN REAL ESTATE

Sunita’s relationship with real estate runs deep. With more than two decades in the industry,

she’s not just familiar with the market she understands its rhythm. She’s managed portfolios exceeding $2 billion and built a reputation as one of the most trusted advisors to ultrahigh-net-worth clients around the world Through Singapore Luxury Homes, she offers strategic, whiteglove service for property investments With Infinite Capital, her mission is long-term: helping families create and protect generational wealth. But for Sunita, wealth is more than numbers “Wealth is confidence,” she says “It’s freedom, it’s security, it’s having the ability to make choices and most importantly, it’s ownership Not just of assets, but of your voice, your vision, your life.”

MONEY TALKS AND WOMEN SHOULD BE IN THE CONVERSATION

In 2023, Sunita contributed to the Amazon bestselling book Why Women Don’t Talk Money Her chapter struck a chord:

candid, grounded, and practical. She opened up about why women often feel excluded or intimidated when it comes to financial conversations and how that needs to change “It’s not just about breaking taboos,” she says. “It’s about showing women that talking about money isn’t greedy. It’s responsible. It’s empowering. It’s necessary ” Through her mentorship roles at 500 Startups, NUS, and the Halogen Foundation, Sunita works closely with the next generation many of them women guiding them through the realities of finance, entrepreneurship, and mindset. She’s also an Ambassador for Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide and a core member of the Ladies Investment Club, initiatives that promote women-led innovation across Asia And when she mentors, she doesn’t preach. She listens. “I’ve learned as much from my mentees as they’ve learned from me, ” she says

MOTHERHOODISHERANCHOR, NOTADETOUR

Sunita’s proudest title? Mom. Her two daughters are growing up watching her work. They see her pitch clients, speak at conferences, close deals, and lead teams. But they also see her unplug for storytime, cook dinner, and say no to things that don’t align with her values.

“My goal is for them to grow up knowing they belong in any room they walk into,” she says. “I don’t want them to inherit the fear of not being ‘enough’ not qualified enough, not experienced enough, not assertive enough I want them to feel entitled to take up space ” That’s why she involves them in small, intentional ways They’ve sat in on meetings, asked questions about business, and even offered their own ideas She wants them to grow up thinking conversations about wealth, leadership, and legacy are part of everyday life Because in her home, they are

WELLNESSISN’TOPTIONAL IT’S THEFOUNDATION

With a schedule as packed as hers, burnout could easily creep in But Sunita protects her peace She practices yoga She reads often And she travels not to escape, but to expand her perspective “These aren’t luxuries for me, ” she says “They’re how I refuel If I don’t take care of my well-being, I can’t show up for my clients, my team, or my family ” Her definition of success includes stillness It includes health, creativity, space to think, and time with people she loves. She’s living proof that high performance doesn’t require high chaos.

VISIBILITYCREATESPOSSIBILITY

Sunita is keenly aware that representation matters. In rooms still dominated by men especially in finance and real estate she doesn’t just show up. She speaks up. She makes time to attend panels, write, host workshops, and appear

THINKINGINGENERATIONS

Sunita’sviewofsuccessislong-term She’snotinterestedinquickwins She’sthinkingindecades Everybusinessdecisionshemakesisfilteredthroughonelens:willthis matterlater?Willitholdvalue,notjustfinancially,butmeaningfully? “Legacyisn’tjustaboutwhatyouleavebehind,”shesays “It’sabouthow youlivenow EverytimeIchoosetoshareknowledge,tomentor,toteach mydaughterssomethingnew I’mplantingsomething” Andthoseseeds,shebelieves,willoutliveher

SunitaGillispartofaglobalwaveofwomenshowingusthatmotherhood andleadershiparen’tcompetingpriorities they’recomplementaryones Herlifedoesn’tfitinneatboxes It’slayered,complex,deeplyintentional andrichineverysenseoftheword

PRIYANKA GILL

FromContenttoCommerce, andthePowerofListeningto Women

IG :

@priyankagill

Priyanka Gill didn’t set out to launch India’s leading digital destination for women she just wanted a space where their stories felt seen What started as a lifestyle blog in 2014 quickly grew into POPxo, a cultural force that blends content, conversation, and commerce into one vibrant platform

Her strength lies in how she listens to trends, to markets, but most importantly, to women POPxo was built on simple, relatable storytelling Articles about friendships, family, skincare, or awkward dating moments weren’t just viral they were validating. Women came for advice, stayed for the community, and eventually found a brand that genuinely reflected their lives

But Priyanka didn’t stop there With the backing of Good Glamm Group, she scaled POPxo from a content hub to a lifestyle powerhouse, seamlessly moving into beauty, personal care, and e-commerce Under her leadership, it wasn’t just about writing for women it became about building for them. What makes her story resonate is how naturally she’s evolved From being an investor and entrepreneur to a mother and writer, her roles haven’t conflicted they’ve informed each other She’s spoken candidly about work-life rhythm, about learning as she goes, about the value of building companies with empathy, not just ambition.

And that’s what makes Priyanka’s journey feel different It’s not just that she created a space for w

GHAZAL ALAGH

MakingProductsThatStarted WithaProblematHome

@ghazalalagh IG :

When Ghazal Alagh couldn’t find a single product on the market that was safe enough for her infant’s sensitive skin, she didn’t complain she created Mamaearth.

That one moment, one need, launched a brand that would go on to disrupt India’s personal care space, one toxin-free product at a time But Mamaearth wasn’t built in a lab it was built at home While Ghazal and her husband Varun were researching ingredients, juggling early-stage production, and managing logistics, she was also nursing, parenting, and quietly reinventing what it looks like to launch a business from the ground up.

She’s been clear about how personal the journey is Every formula, every decision, every campaign each stemmed from lived experience. And it shows. Mamaearth isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement that gave voice to thousands of parents who also wanted better, safer options

But what stands out about Ghazal isn’t just her success It’s how she shows up in it with grace, patience, and humility Whether speaking on Shark Tank India or in an interview, she’s disarmingly honest about the chaos behind the calm about learning on the job, questioning herself, and constantly working to improve.

She believes being a mother didn’t limit her it made her sharper, more aware, more connected And through Mamaearth, she’s given other mothers tools to care without compromise

SHWETATANWAR MUKHERJEE: BUILDINGBRANDS, LIVINGHONESTLY, ANDREDEFINING

WHATITMEANSTO "HAVEITALL"

IG : @shvtas

There’s a certain warmth in the way Shweta Tanwar Mukherjee speaks confident, calm, and completely grounded She doesn’t sugarcoat her journey, nor does she glamorize the struggles What she does offer, with refreshing honesty, is a look into what happens when you stop asking, “Can I do this?” and start telling yourself, “I already am. ”

Shweta's journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with a dramatic exit it began with a decision. “I didn’t leave the corporate world because I had to I chose to,” she says. “Because I found something bigger ” That "something" wasn’t just motherhood, though that played a central role It was the clarity that came with it A pause that turned into a pivot And that pivot became the foundation for her reinvention.

THE CORPORATE CLIMB AND THE QUIET EXIT

With degrees from Delhi University, an MBA, and a leadership program from ISB, Shweta’s early career

moved fast By her late twenties, she was a Deputy General Manager overseeing 25-member teams, managing multi-million dollar campaigns, and thriving in India’s corporate marketing ecosystem Everything seemed stable, set, and successful But when she became a mother, something shifted The pause wasn’t a retreat It was a reset “That break didn’t feel like stepping back,” she recalls. “It felt like a breakthrough.” It was in those early days of motherhood, amid sleepless nights and endless new emotions, that Shweta found her voice in a new way And she used it first in small posts, then in deeply personal reflections What started as honest storytelling slowly grew into something far more powerful.

SHVTAS: MORE THAN A BRAND, IT’S A BOND

SHVTAS, her digital platform, isn’t a glossy highlight reel of motherhood. It’s raw, real, and deeply relatable. From parenting

lows and postpartum mental health to simple joys and personal rediscoveries, every post feels like a conversation you didn’t know you needed Her content quickly struck a chord because it wasn’t content at all. It was connection. Today, SHVTAS is one of India’s most trusted mom-led platforms, with over 900 meaningful brand collaborations and thousands of women finding solace, laughter, and strength in her words She’s been recognized by NDTV, Kidsstoppress, and countless parenting platforms, but accolades are just footnotes in a much larger story.

“I’m not here to influence,” she says “I’m here to relate, reflect, and help women feel seen ”

THE MARKETER RETURNS WITH A TWIST

Shweta’s story doesn’t end with digital content It evolves Her business mind never left it simply found a new expression.

Enter Sociallknot, her boutique marketing and events agency where she combines strategic vision with emotional intelligence Here, she helps brands build not just awareness but trust “Good marketing isn’t about shouting louder,” she says “It’s about saying something that actually matters to the right people, in the right way ” Through Sociallknot, she curates campaigns that are intuitive, audience-driven, and layered with meaning. Brands don’t just get reach they get relevance. What sets her apart is her empathy. She’s not trying to keep up with trends. She’s trying to stay true to people. In a digital world cluttered with noise, Shweta helps cut through it with clarity, care, and intent.

BALANCINGBOLDMOVESWITHA FULLHOME

At home, she’s not “boss lady” or “founder” she’s Mom Her daughter is growing up watching her build watching her juggle pitch meetings and school pickups, creative brainstorms and cuddles And that’s exactly how Shweta wants it.

“I want her to grow up knowing that women don’t have to choose between softness and strength. You can lead and nurture. You can chase dreams and still come home for bedtime stories.” She’s not pretending it’s easy. She talks openly about tough days, the guilt, the exhaustion, and the mental load that comes with being “ on ” in so many ways. But she doesn’t dwell on struggle. She focuses on flow creating a life where her roles don’t compete, they complement Her mantra? “Layered growth ” No rushing No performing Just slow, meaningful expansion personally and professionally

Lookingahead,ShwetaenvisionsSHVTASgrowingintoafullfledgeddigitalcommunityplatform,withdeeperresources,stories, andreal-worldmeetups.ForSociallknot,sheplanstoexpandinto regionalmarkets,offeringculturallyrootedmarketingthatdoesn’t feelmanufactured Herworkisnotaboutscalingfast it’saboutscalingmeaningfully “IfIcanhelpwomenstopshrinkingthemselvestofitintospaces andinsteadcreatespacesthatfitthem,I’vedonemyjob,”shesays Andshe’sdoingjustthat Notwithnoise,butwithpresence Not withperfection,butwithpurpose

SUCHI MUKHERJEE

Designing A Space Where Every Woman Feels Seen

When Suchi Mukherjee founded LimeRoad, it wasn’t just to start another e-commerce site it was to solve a problem she felt in her bones. As a working mom juggling demands in the UK and then India, she couldn’t find a single online platform that celebrated everyday style without overwhelming or alienating So she built one With degrees from Cambridge and LSE, and global roles at eBay and Skype, Suchi had the credentials. But it was her intuition as a woman and a mother that made LimeRoad different. She brought community into commerce letting women curate, share, and shop styles that felt personal, not prescriptive

At home, she’s raising two children and often credits motherhood with sharpening her problem-solving skills. “Being a parent teaches you to move fast, think deep, and never stop adapting,” she’s said. LimeRoad was never about luxury. It was about joy, access, and self-expression especially for women who rarely saw themselves reflected in fashion And in building that, Suchi gave women across India not just a shopping platform, but a voice

GARIMA SATIJA

Turning Loyalty Into Something That Lasts

When Garima Satija launched PoshVine, she wasn’t chasing points or gimmicks she was chasing connection. Her idea was simple: what if brand loyalty felt less like a transaction and more like a relationship?

Her platform curates experiences from bespoke dinners to personalized rewards that feel thoughtful, not templated But behind the innovation is a mother of two, building a business while raising girls who watch her every move. Garima often talks about how becoming a mom helped her understand users more deeply. It taught her to value time, design with empathy, and lead from intuition Her work isn’t loud, but it resonates And in a market full of options, that quiet impact stands out

She reminds us that loyalty isn’t built in offers it’s built in how you make someone feel. And that’s something she practices, both at home and in her work.

MEENA BINDRA

Dressing Women with Intuition and Ease

IG : @bibaindia

SMITA DEORAH

Building Classrooms That Think Like Children Do

IG : @leadschool in

Before BIBA was a brand, it was just Meena Bindra at her dining table sketching, sewing, and creating clothes for friends while her sons were away at school. She didn’t have a business plan. She had instinct.

That instinct built one of India’s most recognizable ethnic wear labels

Meena understood the needs of Indian women because she was one balancing culture and career, tradition and modernity. Her designs reflected that blend, and so did her life. She grew BIBA from a home-run operation to a national favorite, long before the term “ mompreneur ” existed

Her story isn’t about scale It’s about staying grounded while growing About creating space where women feel comfortable in what they wear, and in who they are

Even now, decades later, her legacy isn’t just stitched into clothes it’s stitched into confidence.

When Smita Deorah co-founded LEAD, she didn’t begin with tech. She began with a toddler and a question: How do we teach children in ways that actually make sense to them?

With a background in finance and development, Smita could crunch numbers But it was her lived experience as a mother that gave her real insight She read to her daughter at six months, watched how she processed the world, and realized the gap between traditional schooling and real learning. LEAD became her answer an ed-tech platform focused on personalized learning for children in affordable schools But more than tech, it’s a mindset Smita believes learning should be joyful, structured, and full of empathy She often works from home, breaks for school pick-ups, and sneaks in reading time between meetings Her life is built not on balance, but on clarity: “Decide what really matters,” she says. “Then make space for it.” She’s not just changing classrooms. She’s changing what it means to raise children who are curious, capable, and cared for

MOMPRENEURS FROM THEUSA

PROVING THAT PURPOSE AND PARENTHOOD CAN GROW SIDE BY SIDE—AND THRIVE.

WHITNEY WOLFE HERD

MakingtheFirstMove—At Work,inLife,andatHome

@whitney IG :

Whitney Wolfe Herd has always believed that small shifts can lead to big changes When she founded Bumble in 2014, she wasn’t just building another dating app she was questioning the norms of how relationships begin. Bumble’s defining feature, where women make the first move, became more than a product decision It became a statement

At just 25, she launched the app from her apartment, envisioning a digital space where women could feel safe, respected, and in control What followed was a movement one that would earn her the title of the youngest woman to take a company public.

But amidst the boardroom wins and business milestones, another chapter was quietly unfolding: motherhood. In 2019, Whitney became a mom. And while much of the world watched her ring the Nasdaq bell holding her infant son, few saw the early mornings, sleepless nights, and deeply personal recalibrations that came with becoming both a founder and a parent

In interviews, she’s been candid about how motherhood sharpened her instincts It taught her to prioritize, to slow down when necessary, and to lead with empathy. “Your time becomes more valuable,” she’s said. “Your purpose becomes clearer.” Her return as Bumble’s CEO in 2024 was not about reclaiming control it was about re-centering the mission About ensuring the company ’ s roots in kindness, accountability, and respect remain strong in a rapidly changing digital world

Whitney’s journey is not about balance because she doesn’t pretend it’s easy. It’s about intention. Whether she’s navigating global markets or school pickups, her compass is the same: build thoughtfully, act decisively, and create space for others to thrive

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON

@ariannahuff IG :

If you ’ ve ever felt like you had to burn out to prove your worth, Arianna Huffington wants to have a word with you

She’s built empires literally. As co-founder of The Huffington Post, she transformed digital journalism and became one of the most recognizable names in media. But her most impactful work didn’t come from breaking stories It came from breaking down

In 2007, after collapsing from exhaustion in her office, Arianna woke up figuratively and literally. The experience changed everything. As a mother, a leader, and a human being, she began questioning the culture of hustle at all costs What followed wasn’t a pause, but a pivot with purpose

She went on to launch Thrive Global, a company that reimagines productivity by placing well-being, sleep, and mental clarity at the center of success Through books like Thrive and The Sleep Revolution, Arianna has become a global voice for unlearning burnout and re-learning balance something moms especially need permission to do

As a mother of two daughters, Arianna has always blended motherhood with mission She talks openly about the juggle how raising kids while running companies demands not just time, but presence Not perfection, but priorities. And perhaps that’s why so many women connect with her message: success that doesn’t include self-care isn’t real success at all. Her version of leadership is calm, intentional, and boldly countercultural in a world that glamorizes “busy ” She challenges women to stop wearing stress as a badge of honor and to start building boundaries like they build brands

Arianna’s voice is powerful not because it shouts, but because it resonates. She reminds us that rest is not a luxury, it’s a strategy. And in doing so, she’s helped redefine what ambition looks like not just for the women in boardrooms, but for the mothers folding laundry skipping lunch or staying up past midnight

SARA BLAKELY

StretchingLimitswithHumor, Heart,andaPairofScissors

IG :

@sarablakely

Sara Blakely didn’t follow a traditional playbook she cut her own path Literally The story of Spanx began not in a boardroom, but in her apartment, with a pair of scissors and an uncomfortable pair of pants. Frustrated with how undergarments fit (or didn’t), she hacked her hosiery, slipped into her new DIY creation and felt unstoppable

That feeling would become her brand

With $5,000 in savings, zero formal business experience, and a background in door-to-door fax machine sales, Sara turned that one smart cut into a billion-dollar shapewear empire She didn't just design a product she redesigned how women feel in their skin And she did it on her own terms, often with a joke, a big smile, and a refusal to take herself too seriously

But beyond the business wins like becoming the youngest self-made female billionaire at the time

Sara’s greatest work might just be at home. As a mother of four, she’s spoken often about the joyful chaos of family life and the lessons her children teach her daily Her Instagram is a scrollable reminder that you can lead a global brand and still host themed birthday parties in your pajamas

She’s been unapologetically vocal about failure, crediting her dad for teaching her to celebrate mistakes at the dinner table. That mindset became her superpower one she now shares with women everywhere through her foundation, which supports female entrepreneurs, and through her visible commitment to lifting other women as she climbs Sara Blakely reminds us that motherhood and entrepreneurship don’t cancel each other out they shape each other. Her story proves you don’t need an MBA, a perfect plan, or even “the right time” to start. You just need an idea, a little courage, and the willingness to bet on yourself again and again

SIMONETTA LEIN

@simonettalein IG :

There’s something quietly magnetic about Simonetta Lein Maybe it’s the way she commands attention without demanding it Or how, in a world where volume is often mistaken for value, she leads through calm, clarity, and consistent vision.

Best known for The Simonetta Lein Show, where she’s interviewed everyone from global celebrities to business leaders, she’s built a media platform that thrives not on clickbait but on curiosity. Her questions dig deeper Her tone is respectful And the space she creates, especially for women and creators, is one where people feel safe being themselves

Originally from Italy, Simonetta moved to the United States with a dream that didn’t come prepackaged She didn’t inherit her space she created it, step by thoughtful step. What people often miss behind her polished public persona is just how many roles she’s had to juggle to get here host, producer, founder, wife, now mother Motherhood has added a new rhythm to her life And she’s welcomed it, not as a pause, but as an expansion Interviews now share space with feeding schedules Creative direction is balanced with quiet mornings and moments that don’t make it to social media. She’s spoken openly about the shift how the presence she brings to motherhood is reshaping how she shows up everywhere else “You learn to listen differently,” she once said “You learn what matters, what’s noise, and what’s worth your time ” Simonetta continues to create with purpose, not urgency. And perhaps that’s her most remarkable quality not that she’s everywhere, but that wherever she is, she’s fully there.

JULIA HARTZ

Co-Founder & CEO, Eventbrite

@juliahartz IG :

Running a global tech company with four kids at home isn’t exactly in the parenting handbooks but Julia Hartz doesn’t follow blueprints, she builds her own. As co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, she helped change the way people gather, from concerts to community meetups. But behind the data and dashboards is someone who understands the value of being present in business and in motherhood Julia’s story is full of pivots, from working in TV development to co-launching a startup with her husband When Eventbrite went public, she was one of only a handful of women leading a tech IPO. Through it all, she’s been vocal about the mental load women carry and the importance of flexible work cultures that support caregivers, not penalize them Her version of leadership isn’t about having all the answers It’s about listening, adapting, and showing your team at work or at home that they matter Julia once said the most valuable thing she’s learned is that you can’t be 100% everywhere all the time. But you can be intentional about where your energy goes.

KENDRA SCOTT

Founder, Kendra Scott Jewelry

@kendrascott IG :

Before the flagship stores, the sparkling showcases, and the billion-dollar valuation, there was Kendra packing boxes in her spare bedroom with a baby on her hip and an idea she couldn’t shake.

In 2002, Kendra Scott launched her jewelry line with just $500 She wasn’t backed by investors or business degrees She had vision, grit, and a deep belief that fashion could be more than beautiful it could be personal, meaningful, and accessible The real brilliance of her brand? It celebrates individuality, and that includes motherhood in all its messy, magical reality. As a single mother, Kendra didn’t compartmentalize her life she built a company around it Her son went to trunk shows, napped behind the register, and grew up watching a business bloom from the ground up That ethos remains baked into her company culture, where family comes first and philanthropy isn’t an afterthought it’s a core value.

Kendra’s story isn’t a fairytale. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always fast or polished. Sometimes it’s handcrafted, late at night, one idea at a time

RESHMA SAUJANI

Founder, Girls Who Code & Moms First

IG : @reshmasaujani

Reshma Saujani has never been interested in playing by the rules especially when the rules weren’t made with women in mind.

She founded Girls Who Code to close the tech gender gap, and now she’s shifting her focus to something even closer to home: moms Her latest venture, Moms First, is a loud, unapologetic push to reimagine work, caregiving, and what it means to truly support mothers not with flowers and platitudes, but with policies and power.

Reshma’s journey is personal. After experiencing the pressures of being a working mom during the pandemic, she became a voice for so many women carrying invisible loads navigating Zoom calls while changing diapers, running households while running teams Through her books, talks, and relentless advocacy, she’s helping build a future where women don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood.

She’s not trying to be perfect. She’s trying to be real. And her message is clear: moms don’t need to be superhuman they need systems that work

HOLLY TUCKER

Co-Founder,

Not On The High Street

IG : @hollytucker

If creativity had a champion, it would probably look a lot like Holly Tucker with paint on her hands, a planner full of ideas, and a voice that makes you feel like you can start that business you ’ ve been dreaming about. As the co-founder of Not On The High Street, Holly helped build one of the UK’s most beloved marketplaces for handmade and smallbatch goods But behind the success is a story rooted in motherhood, side hustles, and a fierce belief in independent makers especially women balancing family and ambition. Her passion for storytelling goes beyond commerce. Through her podcast, books, and vibrant Instagram presence, Holly uplifts founders and shares the ups, downs, and behind-thescenes of business life She's candid about the emotional toll entrepreneurship can take especially for moms but also about the unmatched joy of creating something that’s truly yours. Whether she’s mentoring new artists or doodling big ideas over coffee, Holly keeps things real. She doesn’t sugarcoat the hustle But she does make it feel a little more possible

JESSICA ALBA

REE DRUMMOND

Co-Founder, The Honest Company

When Jessica Alba became a mom, she didn’t just read labels she questioned everything From baby wipes to detergents, she realized how hard it was to find products that were safe, transparent, and trustworthy So, instead of settling, she built her own solution: The Honest Company. The brand launched in 2011 with a mission to make clean, ethically produced goods accessible to all families. What began as a mom ’ s quest for safer choices evolved into a $1 billion wellness empire But for Jessica, this wasn’t about chasing business success It was about showing up as a parent who wanted to do better not just for her kids, but for everyone else’s too Juggling red carpets and boardrooms, she’s been refreshingly open about how messy, chaotic, and beautiful that balancing act can be. Whether it’s product testing with her kids or advocating for better standards in the industry, Jessica’s approach is rooted in authenticity She didn’t leave her identity behind when she became a mom she layered it And that’s the heart of The Honest Company: built by a mother, driven by intention, and growing with grace.

Creator, The Pioneer Woman

There’s something comforting about Ree Drummond’s world Maybe it’s the cinnamon rolls Maybe it’s the way she talks about feeding her ranch family Or maybe it’s that, through her writing, TV shows, and recipes, she’s made “home” feel like a warm hug.

Ree didn’t plan to become The Pioneer Woman. She was a mom of four, blogging about her life in rural Oklahoma horses, homeschooling, and a love of butter But her voice was unmistakably real With humor, heart, and a little mess in the kitchen, she drew people in Today, her empire includes cookbooks, a TV network, a product line, and even a boutique hotel. But she still posts about her dogs stealing food or her teenagers rolling their eyes at her TikToks. She doesn’t pretend to have it all together and that’s why millions of women trust her

In a world obsessed with perfection, Ree made room for real life Her secret? Celebrate the small stuff And never underestimate the power of a good meal shared at the kitchen table.

MomBossHacks:TimeManagement, ParentingTips,SupportSystems

It’s barely 6:00 a.m. when the mental checklist starts rolling Bottles, lunchboxes, emails A missed school form A rescheduled Zoom One child needs helpwith a mathworksheet the other won’t eat anything green Somewhere between the chaos and the clock, a mother steadies herself, steals a sip of cold coffee, and gets on with her day

Ask any working mom, and she’ll tell you: it’s not about having it all together It’s about having the systems and grace to keep going when everything is only halfdone

This isn’t a list of perfect routines It’s a collection of real-life survival strategies

Because behind every mom who’s managing a business or a full-time job and still remembers to sign the field trip form, there’s a hack orten

The Clock Isn’t Your Enemy, But It Needs Rules

Time, for a mom juggling work and kids, isn't linear it's fragmented The trick isn’t in getting more hours (no one ’ s cracked that code), but in owning the onesyou do have

One of the most effective habits? Timeblocking. Not the color-coded Pinterest kind, but real-world chunks where you batch similar tasks together Mornings can be for logistics emails, school dropoffs, client check-ins Afternoons, if energy allows, for focus work Evenings, predictably, belong to the home front. Protecting “deep work” hours even if they’re just 90-minute windows makes a massive difference

And when time gets stolen (as it inevitably does), flexibility is key. Give yourself permission to move things to tomorrow, or next week The calendar is a guide, not a guilt trip

If it doesn’t get done today, it doesn’t mean you failed It means you ’ re human And if you ’ re building a business while raising tiny humans, then give yourself a little more credit You’re likely doing far more than you give yourself credit for One strategy that helps: the “Top 3” method start each day by identifying three realistic goals. Hit those, and the rest is bonus.

Parenting Isn’t a Side Project It’s the Center

Most moms don’t need a seminar on presence They need someone to tell them that small, intentional moments count more than constant availability There’s a parenting theory called the "9minute rule": spend three focused minutes with your child when they wake up, three when they return from school, and three before bed Just nine minutes, fully present, phone down That’s often more powerful than an hour of distracted multitasking [Source: NY Post, 2024]

Being emotionally available doesn’t mean being perfect It means being willing to listen really listen even when dinner’s burning and deadlines loom. It means saying, “Tell me about your day,” and pausing long enough to hearthe answer

Positive reinforcement, humor, letting go of things that don’t matter in the long run these become the glue in a busy mom ’ s home And perhaps most important: letting your kids see you try, fail, and keep going When they watch you juggle, they’re not seeing chaos They’re witnessing resilience One day, they’ll remember how you always showed up even when youwere tired, orscared, orunfinished.

Build a Village, Even If You Have to Start With One Person

Support systems aren’t luxuries They’re infrastructure. Some mothers have help from partners or family Some build their own teams from scratch A neighbor who swaps pickup dutyonce aweek Afriendwho’s

your 10-minute vent call A colleague who understands when you ask for that 2:30 p.m. meeting instead of 5:00. Professional circles matter too A WhatsApp group of fellow founders A Slack channel for working moms A coworking space with childcare These aren’t “extras” they’re what makes the hustle sustainable.

And at work? Ask for flexibility if you need it The pandemic proved that remote work isn’t laziness it’s logistics But communicate clearly Set boundaries And don’t let “flexible” turn into “always available.”

Don’t wait for people to offer support Ask Be honest aboutwhatyou need And don’t underestimate the power of mutual aid: when you help others, you build a system that can supportyou too

The Unspoken Hack: Taking Care of You

Self-care has been commodified into candles and bath bombs But for most moms, it looks like twenty minutes of silence, a walk without your phone, or just five deep breaths in the car before you go inside

Some moms sneak in self-care at the gym dropping kids off in the childcare center and sitting in the café with a book instead of breaking a sweat Others schedule "fake" meetings on their calendarjust to grab a solo lunch Whatever it is, it counts Because a burned-out mother might still function, but she won’t flourish And that joy? That centeredness? It matters to you, and to yourfamily.

There’s no badge for running yourself into the ground But there is deep reward in choosing rest Refilling your cup isn’t selfish it’s essential When you ’ re grounded, you parent better, lead clearer, and breathe easier.

The Bottom Line

Being a mompreneur, a working mom, a “ mom boss” whatever you call it doesn’t mean running at 100% all the time It means knowing where to slow down, where to ask for help, and where to plantyourfeet.

So here’s to the sticky-note calendars The voice notes from the car The women writing pitch decks with one hand and packing lunches with the other. They’re not doing it all. They’re doingwhat matters.

And that’s the real hack

BrandStories

HowMom-LedBrandsAreQuietly

ReshapingtheWayWeBuy

It often starts with something deeply personal A toddler with food allergies A preschooler’s restless sleep A moment in the kitchen when nothing feels quite safe orright Formost people these are problems to solve For some mothers, they become products And for a growing number of women around the world, theybecome brands.

Not the boardroom kind The bedroomfloor kind Built during nap windows Funded with savings Shaped by intuition And quietly, these brands are changing the way the rest of us shop not with slogans, butwith sincerity.

In the heart of Texas, Ree Drummond didn’t plan on creating a homeware empire She just wanted to share her life on a cattle ranch with four kids Her blog, The Pioneer Woman, started as a way to document family life It turned into a multi-million dollar brand, one that spans cookware, clothing, and even a Food Network show But what makes Ree’s success meaningful isn’t the reach it’s the tone. She never sold the fantasy She sold the feeling And her audience followed, not just for the recipes, but forthe realness

In France and Dubai, Dr Angie Kassabie built a nutrition empire by connecting science with maternal instinct Her practice started with meal planning and dietary care but it grew because women trusted her with their bodies and their families Angie didn’t frame her brand as prescriptive She approached it like a conversation Her clinics and wellness products expanded not because she chased virality, but because hervoice was consistent firm, informed, and never above the people she served

This is a quiet revolution but make no mistake, it’s reshaping industries. These brands aren’t winning by being louder. They’re winning by being closer Closer to their customers’ needs, closer to their values, and closer to the emotions that actuallydrive decisions

And that sensitivity? It’s shaping how we all engagewith brands.

The same applies to Kendra Scott, who built a billion-dollar jewelry business with a newborn at her side and a firm belief that women deserve more than mass-produced sparkle. She didn’t create scarcity She created accessibility pieces that felt personal, gifts that carried stories Her stores were designed with strollers in mind, her staff trained to meet women where theywere, not where the industrytold them to be.

Consumers aren’t just buying for function anymore They’re buying for feeling According to a 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer report, 61% of global consumers now say brand trust is more important than price when making a purchase [Source: Edelman 2022] That shift didn’t happen by accident it happened through years of slow, thoughtful work by founders who were never just selling products. They were selling peace of mind.

ITake Shweta Tanwar Mukherjee, founder of SHVTAS and Sociallknot. Her voice soft, funny, disarmingly honest turned an Instagram handle into a fullfledged brand and marketing agency She didn’t set out to influence She set out to relate Her audience didn’t grow because she mastered an algorithm. It grew because she showed up as herself tired, thoughtful, and determined to give voice to the real parts of womanhood That energy now fuels every brand she works with In Bahrain, Jwana Karim uses storytelling and fashion to shape identity not as spectacle, but as empowerment. Her visibility on platforms like Dubai Bling isn’t performative It’s purposeful For Jwana, clothing isn’t about trends It’s about belonging Her style posts are as much about confidence as theyare about color palettes and her growing business reflects that clarity

What connects all these women isn’t just that they are mothers It’s that they have an almost intuitive understanding of how trust works. You can’t shortcut it. You build it through repetition, consistency, care and by offering something real

From Cairo to California, what these women have built is a new kind of blueprint One where branding isn’t loud, but layered Where aesthetics are not about aspiration, but reflection They’ve shifted the idea of who gets to lead a brand and how

And the result? We’re seeing more brands speak softly and mean more More companies prioritize transparency in labeling, kindness in tone, and ethics in production More marketing that reads like a diary, not a directive. More products that are meant to live in your home not just your shopping cartThese aren’t branding tricks They’re deeply maternal strategies: listen first Protect the people you serve Give without demanding attention. Show up when it matters

Mom-led brands don’t just disrupt they evolve They introduce patience into a fast-moving world They bring humanity into systems designed for profit. And in doing so, they remind us: business isn’t onlyabout scale It’s about resonance So next time you buy something that feels different calmer, more thoughtful, more you pause and check the story behind it. Chances are, a mom wrote it

“These brands weren’t built in boardrooms. Theywere born on kitchen floors, in between naps and night feeds.”

TheGuiltGap:MentalHealthandtheMyth ofBalance

Iused to think balance was a finish line Something I'd eventually reach once the baby slept through the night, once the business found its rhythm, once the house ran on autopilot and I finallygot on top of the calendar I believed, or at least hoped, that if I could get all the pieces to fit neatly together, I’d feel... calm. Like I waswinning at this.

But the pieces neverreallyfit

And if they did, it was only for a day or an hour before something shifted again A meeting ran late A school project was forgotten. A fever came out of nowhere. And suddenly, everything was off-kilter.

Again What no one told me, and what I’ve only recently begun to understand, is this: balance might be the wrong thing to chase.

TheWeightWe Carry

There’s a particular kind of guilt that follows mothers who work It’s quiet Constant. Hard to explain. It’s the guilt of being in a meeting while your child’s performing in the school play Of sending a store-bought cake to the class party Of knowing the nanny knows your baby’s nap cues better than you do right now. It’s the tiny voice that asks, “Shouldn’t I be there?” no matter whereyou are

And the cruel part is when you are there, fully present you often feel like you ’ re letting something else fall The project. The deadline. The emails piling up, unanswered

So you keep trying to adjust the dials, to do it all a little better, hoping the guilt will ease It doesn’t

Maybe the Problem Is the Premise

Lately, I’ve been wondering if the concept of work-life balance was ever meant forwomen like us.

The kind who are building companies and families at the same time The kind whose minds never fully clock out, even at 2 a m while rocking a feverish child

The kind who’ve learned to do pitch deckswhile organizing birthdayparties.

Balance suggests symmetry Evenness

Two sides in harmony

But life especially for mothers isn’t even. It’s fluid. Sometimes it’s overwhelmingly tipped toward parenting Other times, it’s all about survival atwork Most days, it’s a see-saw I read recently (in a piece from the Women Lawyers Association of NSW) that we should stop calling it “balance” and start calling it “life integration” That landed Because maybe the goal isn’t to divide ourselves into equal parts Maybe it’s to feel whole in whateverwe’re doing, even if that “whole” keeps changing shape.

Burnout in the Gaps

When people talk about burnout, they picture late nights and overloaded calendars. But for me, burnout felt more like numbness

Like going through the motions and wondering where I’d gone Like missing myself in myown life

According to McKinsey’s report, women especially working mothers are more likely to burn out than men And I believe it Because we don’t just do the work We carry the emotional load We remember the dentist appointments, the birthdays, the grocery lists, the school schedules. We apologize for every missed call We shrink our needs down so theydon’t take up too much space

And when we try to talk about it, we worry that we sound ungrateful Because aren’t we lucky to have careers? To have healthy kids? To even be having this conversation?

Yes And also it’s heavy

A Different Kind of Success

I’m still learning this, but I think part of healing from the myth of balance is redefining success altogether

Not as being everything to everyone, all the time but as showing up where it matters most, and forgiving yourself when something slips

Sometimes, success looks like asking for help Saying no Turning off your phone

Missing the meeting and trusting the world won’t end Or leaving the dishes because your kid wants to play Uno and that feels more important

I used to think I needed to be excellent at both work and home to feel like I was enough. Now, I’m trying to be present in both And some days that’s a stretch But it’s a start

IfYou're In It Too

Ifyou’re in this place navigating the never-ending calendar, the pressure, the guilt I hopeyou knowyou’re not alone I hopeyou knowthere’s nothingwrongwithyou if balance feels like a trick mirror

And I hopeyou’ll considerthis: maybewewere nevermeant to balance Maybewewere meant to live in seasons.To do the bestwe canwithwhatwe have.To honorwhat matters most in the moment To let some things go, not because they’re not important, but becausewe are

Because ourmental health is not a luxury It’s not optional And it shouldn’t come last So if todayyourversion of balance is askingyourpartnerto handle bedtime, or skipping a meeting to breathe, orshowing up imperfectlybut fully that counts That’s not failure. That’swhat real balance might actuallylook like

Finance for Founders: Raising FundsWhile Raising Children

It’s 2:00 am in Austin Whitney Wolfe Herd’s team is waitingonanupdatedinvestorbriefforBumble’snext strategy call Her toddler stirred twice tonight, each timejustasshewassettlingbackatherdesk

On the other side of the world, in a quiet apartment in Dubai, Sarah Toukan scrolls through term sheets while her newbornsleepsonherchest She’lljumponaZoomcallin three hours, but right now, she’s making notes with one handandbalancingabottleintheother.

These moments might sound scattered But they aren’t rare Infact,they’rebecomingthenewrhythmofbusiness Acrosscontinents,agrowingnumberofwomenarenotjust launching companies they’re raising capital while raising children Theirpathsaren’tlinear Theirworkdaysdon’tstart at 9 But their impact? It’s reshaping how we think about leadership, investment, and what it means to build somethingwhiledeeplylivingit,too

Foryears,thestartupworldcelebrated“hustleculture” the ideathatsleepwasoptional,andifyouweren’tpitchingat midnight, you weren’t serious. But when you’re running a company and a household, hustle looks different It’s quieter It’ssofter Andit’sequallyrelentless

InBahrain,NariseKamber,founderofSaffronbyJena,often scheduledinvestormeetingsjustafterschooldrop-offs.By noon,shewasmanagingcafélogistics Byevening,shewas overseeing homework and dinner Fundraising wasn’t something she prepared for it was something she fit between moments “There was no clean separation,” she says “Thebusinessandthebabiesgrewtogether”

She’snotalone

InIndia,Mamaearth’sco-founderGhazalAlaghhasopenly sharedthatthebrand’sinceptionwasfueledbyhersearch for safe products for her son While raising funding for Mamaearth nowoneofIndia’stoppersonalcarebrands sheoftenmetVCswhoweresurprisedathowfastherpitch moved. “When you’re a mother, you don’t ramble,” she laughs “You say what you mean There’s no time to overthink”

Across the Middle East, Mona Tavassoli, founder of Mompreneurs Middle East, turned her own struggle with balancing motherhood and career into a thriving support ecosystemandaccelerator “Wedon’tneedshortcuts,”she saidinonetalk.“Weneedflexibility.Trust.Andfundingthat understandshowwomenbuild”

Yet,despitetheirsuccess,thefundinggapremainssteep Globally,only21%ofventurecapitalfundingwenttofemaleonlyfoundedstartupsin2023,accordingtoCrunchbase The numbers are even lower when you factor in founders with children It’snotbecausethesebusinessesaren’tpromising it’s because the pitch table still leans toward a single narrative:male,full-time,aggressivelyscaling.

Andthat’sexactlywhatthesewomenarerewriting AtZiina,UAE-basedfintechfounderSarahToukanraisedover $9 million for her peer-to-peer payments platform while navigating early motherhood “Investors asked me, ‘Are you sureyouwanttoleadproductandraiseababy?’”sherecalls.

“I said, ‘Yes Because they’re both going to change the future’”Her answer isn’t bravado It’s clarity The same kind thatcomesfromknowinghowtosootheacryingchildwhile debugging a UX flow The kind that lets you read a room whether it’s your toddler’s tantrum or a boardroom’s resistance

Thesefoundersaren’tlookingforsympathy They’reaskingfor asystemthatrespectshowtheywork.

That system is slowly evolving Many are turning to alternate routes like crowdfunding, angel syndicates led by women, andgrantprogramsspecificallyformom-ledstartups Inthe US, Bumble launched a Bumble Fund, aimed at backing womenentrepreneurs.InIndia,platformslikeCXXObyKalaari Capitalarefocusedonsupportingfemalefounderswithlongterm capital and mentorship These initiatives aren’t just aboutwritingchecks they’reaboutrewritingtheroom. And they’re working According to a 2022 report from First Round Capital, companies with at least one female founder performed 63% better than their all-male counterparts in termsofreturns [Source:FirstRound10-YearReport] Butbeyondperformance,there’spresence.

InLosAngeles,JessicaAlbabuiltTheHonestCompanynotin spite of being a mother but because of it Her pitch wasn’t aboutmarketgaps.Itwasaboutbedtimeroutines,ingredient lists, and the quiet fears new parents face Investors who listened?Theygotmorethanabrand Theygotamovement

So, what does fundraising look like when your cofounderisababymonitor?

Itlookslikevoicenotesatmidnight Pitchdeckswith crayon marks in the corners Calendars colorcodedaroundballetclassesandboardmeetings It looks like women building companies in fragments oftime andstilldeliveringfull-scaleimpact. Andmostofall,itlookslikechange

Becausewhenthesewomengetfunded,theydon’t just build companies. They build paths. They hire withempathy Theymentorwithoutjudgment They show a generation of girls and boys that leadership isn’t about pretending you have it all together It’saboutshowingupanyway

Raisingcapitalwhileraisingkidsisn’ttheexception anymore It’sthequietrevolution Onenapatatime Onecallatatime Onecourageous“yes”atatime