The Women Who Turned Ethnic Wear Into a Startup Goldmine

Image Source: Linkedln

India’s fashion scene isn’t just about trends anymore—it’s about transformation. And women entrepreneurs are leading the way. From smalltown boutiques to techdriven fashion platforms, they’re building businesses that blend tradition, innovation, and purpose.

What’s Changing

More women are launching fashion ventures from home, thanks to better access to ecommerce and digital tools
Government schemes and mentorship programs are helping women secure funding and training
Social media is giving regional and handmade labels a national—and sometimes global—audience

Who’s Making It Happen

Ghazal Alagh, cofounder of Mamaearth, is expanding into sustainable fashion for kids
Falguni Nayar’s Nykaa Fashion is backing hundreds of womenled brands
Boutique owners in cities like Puducherry and Kolkata are using Instagram and WhatsApp to sell directly to customers
Designers like Ritu Kumar and Anita Dongre are mentoring younger women entering the industry

The Roadblocks

Only 14% of Indian businesses are womenled, and funding is still hard to come by
But 74% of women entrepreneurs say they’re satisfied with their ventures
Ethnic and fusion wear are booming, offering creative freedom and local employment

Why It Matters

These women aren’t just selling clothes—they’re preserving crafts, creating jobs, and challenging old norms. As India pushes toward a $5 trillion economy, their work is proof that fashion can be both beautiful and bold.

Sources: StartupTalky, Fortune India MPW 2025, The Hans India, Indian Textile Journal, inc91.com, JETIR Research Journal, Ubuntu Consortium, UN ESCAP India, Pearl Academy Fashion Business Reports