How Women Entrepreneurs Are Shaping the World

By: Twinkle Keswani Restaurateur, Co-Owner: Pisco by the Beach, Toro Toro, and Cafe Montagne

Twinkle Keswani is a young F&B entrepreneur who transitioned from being a banker to a restaurateur with great aplomb. Formerly, the Executive Vice President of Silver Beach Entertainment & Hospitality, she has conceptualized an array of restaurants across Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kenya, and Dubai and successfully spearheaded some of the most popular brands in the country before venturing out individually. Twinkle found her calling as a restaurateur and started restaurants like Toro Toro and Pisco by the Beach in Goa, Cafe Montagne in Leh, and a kitchen in Nairobi, Kenya.

Women entrepreneurs are making waves in the business world by breaking down barriers and driving innovation. As a woman entrepreneur, I've seen firsthand how the community is challenging the traditional power structures and patriarchal norms.  Women entrepreneurs are breaking down glass ceilings and shattering stereotypes that have long held women back in the business world. As more and more women take the helm of their organizations, we are seeing a paradigm shift in the way business is done - one that is more collaborative, empathetic, and compassionate.

What's even more impressive is how women entrepreneurs prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity in turn making a positive impact in the world beyond just profit and growth. Women entrepreneurs show us that business can be a force for good and that it's essential to put people and the planet at the center of everything they do.

For centuries, women were expected to conform to traditional gender roles, limiting their opportunities for education and career advancement. However, in recent years, we have seen a significant shift in the status of women in India and across the world - with women breaking barriers and excelling in diverse fields. From sports to CEOs of multimillion-dollar conglomerates, women are challenging traditional gender roles and proving their capabilities in every field imaginable. Women have proven that they have the skills, knowledge, and resilience required to succeed in business. Women are leaving their mark in a multitude of fields, ranging from tech to fashion.

Speaking about the hospitality industry, women entrepreneurs are making a wave in their respective ways. In India, women own and operate a sizeable amount of all small and medium-sized restaurants. These entrepreneurs have been instrumental in introducing innovative concepts which have contributed meaningfully to the country's culinary diversity. Women entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry have not only created job opportunities but also contributed to the growth of the industry.

The growth of women in business keeping in mind our country has not been just limited to a particular age group. From grandmas running successful pickle-making or food delivery businesses to women excelling in the niche trousseau packaging or the event decor industry, women entrepreneurs in India are creating economic opportunities and inspiring others to follow their dreams. By turning their passion into a business, these women are not only preserving their heritage but also creating economic opportunities for themselves and their families. Their success is empowering women of all ages to pursue their passions and become financially independent.

Through their efforts, women are building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive business community that welcomes and supports women at every stage of their careers. Women entrepreneurs are not just bringing new ideas to the table but are also natural collaborators, communicators, and problem-solvers with strong emotional intelligence. These qualities allow them to build strong relationships with their employees, customers, and stakeholders, creating a supportive and empowering workplace culture. They are inspiring the next generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs by serving as role models, mentors, and advocates.

As we look to the future, I believe that women entrepreneurs will continue to shape the world in profound and transformative ways. By bringing their unique skills, perspectives, and values to the world of business, women entrepreneurs are creating a new kind of business culture that values collaboration, empathy, and social impact. As a woman entrepreneur, I am excited to be part of this dynamic and inspiring community, and eager to see where the future takes us.