The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, disrupting businesses and economies worldwide. However, amidst the crisis, several women entrepreneurs emerged as inspiring leaders, turning adversity into opportunity. These visionary women not only adapted to the changing landscape but also built thriving businesses, showcasing resilience, innovation, and determination. Their success stories serve as powerful examples of how creativity and perseverance can transform challenges into remarkable achievements.
This article highlights women entrepreneurs who defied the odds, reinvented their businesses, and turned the pandemic into a stepping stone for success.
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Ms. Anindita Kannan, Founder, ECRU PR
Starting a business during the pandemic was both challenging and eye-opening. It gave me the space to reassess the PR landscape, refine my expertise, and focus on helping homegrown D2C brands build their voice. The shift in consumer behavior emphasized the need for authentic storytelling and digital-first strategies, shaping how I approached brand communication. Despite uncertainties, I scaled my team, expanded across cities and countries, and adapted to a new era of PR—one that prioritizes community, connection, and adaptability. The pandemic didn’t just change my business; it reinforced the power of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven branding.
Ms. Jinita Sheth, Founder, Label Jenn
Launching The Label Jenn during COVID was my biggest challenge. Just as we were set to launch, the pandemic hit production halted, vendors shut down, and I lost a significant amount of money. I started with just INR 10,000 in my bank account. With no staff, resources, or stable vendors, I had to completely rethink my whole strategy and start small. But challenges fuel resilience. Against all odds, I rebuilt, adapted, and kept pushing forward. Jenn is not just a brand. It’s a testament to perseverance, proving that even in chaos, determination can turn dreams into reality.
Ms. Hardi Oza Patel, Founder, Velvet Escapes
During the pandemic, when the travel industry was uncertain and many were diversifying into other businesses, I chose a different path. Instead of giving up, I traveled across states, meeting top industry leaders and introducing them to the curated, experiential travel experiences our company designed. While others doubted travel’s comeback, I built relationships and showcased our expertise. Two years later, as travel rebounded, those very connections started entrusting me with their luxury travel bookings. This strategic move not only kept us relevant but also helped establish a strong foothold in the luxury travel market, setting us apart from the rest.
Ms. Surabhi Trivedi, founder, Media Maniacs Group
The pandemic disrupted career paths in many job sectors around the world, and for me as a PR consultant, it was no different. I witnessed firsthand brands cancelling all of their PR and digital services the moment the crisis struck. Luckily for me, one of my existing clients offered a job which I quickly accepted.
This allowed me to transition into a Branding Manager role. My past experience made me realize the depth of my expertise and how narrow my focus had been. The company which happened to be a beauty and makeup brand, was faced with a complete standstill. During a meeting with my director, I pitched the idea of launching the brands to E-Commerce & continue the sales of home care products. After a few discussions, a decision was made to move forward with the idea.
So I can boast now that I was successful in creating an E-Commerce platform for a beauty brand, but the only problem was that I had no experience whatsoever in website design or digital marketing. But this did not stop me from building a website and creating a 10-member digital marketing team. I approached professionals who specialized in the particular field, and began my journey into the depths of the digital world so I could get a grasp on SEO and paid marketing.
Once business picked up momentum after 2.5 years, I was ready to manage my own company again. The business had shifted from a PR focused Agency to a full-service company that included website development, SEO, SMO, paid marketing, and other services.
In hindsight, the pandemic was the thing that wholly transformed my career since it motivated me to step out of my comfort zone. What was a crisis turned out to be an opportunity not just for my career but also for my business.
Ms. Shriyal Sethumadhavan, Founder & Director, Panoptic Solutions
The pandemic hit B2B media hard, freezing client budgets and forcing pay cuts. Faced with uncertainty, Shriyal Sethumadhavan, a B2B journalist then, had two choices — accept the setback or carve a new path. Choosing the latter, she founded Panoptic Solutions, a content and communications firm tailored for B2B companies — corporates, media houses, and event firms. Despite no prior business experience, her innovative digital-first approach quickly gained traction along with her company’s offerings across print, events, and digital spaces. Within three years, she built a thriving company with 30+ clients and a global, remote team of 15+. Shriyal’s journey is a testament to determination, proving that bold, resourceful women can turn even the toughest crises into remarkable success stories.
Ms. Sanjana Nischal, Founder, Digital Kong Pvt Ltd
I’m Sanjana Nischal, and my journey has been anything but ordinary. Leaving my hometown of Jammu was a leap of faith, driven by my passion for creating something of my own. I worked with various brands, immersing myself in the world of digital marketing and brand building.
In 2020, I took another bold leap and started my own venture. What began as a solo endeavor with just one laptop has now grown into a thriving team of 40. Balancing entrepreneurship with an executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad was challenging, but it reignited my passion for learning and equipped me with the skills to scale Digital Kong and our partner brands.
Today, as I continue to build and grow Digital Kong, I’m reminded that every risk, every challenge, and every late-night hustle was worth it.
Ms. Rati Misra, Executive Director, Milaan Foundation
The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated vulnerabilities for many girls. Milaan’s response included providing resources to affected families and leveraging its Girl Icon network to identify community needs. The foundation also introduced scholarships for job-oriented courses in fields like nursing and law, encouraging girls to pursue higher education. Rati Misra acknowledges that while they have made progress, the pandemic set back their efforts to create gender equality by decades, with much of their work now focussed on regaining this lost ground. Since most of their girls did not have smartphones and laptops, the teachers visited their homes during the pandemic to ensure they were not married off and continued learning where they left. They had also tied up with primary health centres to offer routine medical checkups for our girls at Swarachana and have an in-house counsellor to address their mental health challenges.
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Ms. Gunjan Adya, Founder, Tula Journey
During the pandemic, I founded Tula Journey, a mental wellness brand born out of my desire to help people recognize the value of pausing and becoming more mindful. Observing how individuals were mentally running aimlessly, much like hamsters on a wheel, motivated me to create a platform emphasizing the importance of reflection and self-awareness. Through journaling practices and community support, Tula Journey guides individuals to reconnect with themselves, set meaningful goals, and cultivate mental clarity. This approach not only helped people navigate the chaos of the pandemic but also transformed Tula Journey into a thriving success story, empowering countless lives.
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