The Entrepreneurs of IndiaPARCEL SERVICE When the world slowed down during the lockdown, most people looked for new ways to spend their days. For Alka Karotia, it became the beginning of something beautiful. What started as a small family project soon turned into a heartfelt venture called Explore with Alka. Her journey began when her advertising business came to a halt and her ten-year-old son edited their first travel vlog from Kerala. That moment marked the start of a new chapter. "Once we began, there was no looking back," she says with warmth. What began as an experiment grew into a creative mission where food, family, and storytelling found their voice together.
BLUE STARLike many creators starting out, Alka faced her share of challenges. Balancing motherhood, household responsibilities, and a new creative path often tested her patience. There were days when the editing felt endless or when self-doubt crept in after hearing criticism about her technical skills. But she never stopped. "My husband's constant support and my son's encouragement gave me strength," she says. That belief from her loved ones turned struggles into lessons, and today she looks back at those early obstacles as the foundation of her strength. In today's world of endless travel content, Alka believes the audience is changing. People do not just want to see beautiful places anymore, they want to feel connected to the story behind them. Viewers care about people, culture, and emotion. "Stories matter,” she says. "Trends come and go, but connection and authenticity last.” Her ability to make each video feel like a shared memory has become the heart of her growing community.
The Entrepreneurs of IndiaChef Davinder Kumar Vice President, Food and Beverage, and Executive Chef, Hotel Le Meridien, Delhi. President, Indian Culinary Forum | Author and Television Host
MERIDIENFamily support played a critical role in shaping his journey. Pursuing culinary arts was not the obvious choice at the time, yet his family believed in his vision and gave him strength. He emphasizes that families today should encourage exploration, provide space for young professionals to find their passion, and stand beside them even when they take less traveled paths. These early foundations of support often define the confidence and resilience that professionals carry forward. Resources were limited when Chef Davinder started. Ingredients, appliances, and training were scarce, and there was no internet or digital tutorials. Senior chefs closely guarded their recipes. He learned to experiment, document, and master techniques through repetition and discipline.
CASTELThese limitations, he says, fostered resourcefulness and creativity, lessons that remain valuable even with today's abundance of tools and platforms. Challenges arose in unfamiliar environments, especially while working in international kitchens where language and cultural differences were barriers. Food, however, proved to be a universal language. By focusing on excellence and staying true to his craft, he gradually earned trust and recognition. Leadership required learning to delegate, oversee operations, and bring out the best in every team member. Guiding and motivating a team, he believes, is far more challenging than simply executing a recipe in the kitchen.
Page 12A Stop chasing shortcuts-whether in business or life. Focus on building discipline, resilience, and trust. Growth compounds quietly, and if you stay consistent, success will come louder than you ever imagined. 12. Edition 41
Page 13It's unbelievable how 1 simple incident can spark a billion-dollar Idea into someone's mind. But for someone born to be an entrepreneur, it's possible. Aayussh once went for a haircut. He asked the owner of the salon how she operated her business. She confessed that she struggled with day-to-day inconveniences such as irregular supplies and fluctuating prices, and that there was no proper system in the shop. Handling large projects overseas had taught Aayuush how organization can redefine industries. When he returned to India during the pandemic, his thoughts returned to the business. of beauty and how fragmented it appeared to be. Everything ran on guesswork and scraps of paper. He hoped to fix these problems with Zalon, a salon technology and supply chain business eager to expand. It began as a simple effort to make the salon supply chain less chaotic. Touring salons in cities and small towns, the team listened to owners and discovered that supply was only one part of the challenge. Salons also needed affordable products from reliable brands and software to assist in daily operations. These insights led them to create Aurey, a line dedicated to good quality at affordable prices. Zalon also developed unique billing software. The mission was not merely selling but empowering beauty professionals to make their businesses thrive.
The Entrepreneurs of IndiaZALON A simple salon visit inspired Aayuush Ahuja to create Zalon, a platform transforming the beauty industry through technology, trusted brands, and reliable supply. Today, it supports thousands of salons across India, helping small business owners grow with innovation and consistency.
Page 15At startup, Zalon raised two crore rupees from Black Merlin and received a bridge round from angel investors. Now, the company is heading toward a pre-Series A round of two million dollars. Zalon has maintained positive EBITDA since May 2025 and uses its funds with discipline. "All the funds raised are aimed at expansion and building of the brand, never at cash burn.” The company works hard to find people with the right attitude and talent. Wins and failures are shared openly, and new recruits soon take on important roles.
Page 16Mamaearth a mix of engagement, education, and entertainment. When Ghazal and Varun Alagh started Mamaearth in 2016, their goal wasn't to build India's next unicorn. It began in their kitchen, driven by a simple parental worry.
Shilpa Khadilkar, founder of under DynamoRenewtra Nutrition Pvt Ltd, has been reshaping the Indian supplement industry with a focus on transparency, clean labeling, and science-backed formulations. Born and raised in Mumbai, Shilpa's journey began with a strong academic foundation-a pharmacy degree and an MBA from NMIMS, followed by a masters in International Business from Scotland. Living independently during her time abroad instilled in her a sense of self-reliance that would later become essential in her entrepreneurial journey. Upon returning to India, she gained valuable experience in the health supplement industry, working on formulations, ingredient sourcing, and product launches, building the expertise that would eventually form the backbone of Renewtra.
Page 20TM ReNewtra sustainable foundation. Being a solo female founder came with its own set of hurdles, yet she found support along the way and learned to trust her expertise.
Page 21Scan QR Code to Connect! Remember, Networking is a great way to build Business!
The Gap Between Graduate Skills and Industry NeedsReports show that only about 42 percent of engineering graduates are considered job-ready. The numbers drop even lower when it comes to fields such as Artificial Intelligence, data science, and machine learning. Many graduates have theoretical knowledge but lack the practical experience required to apply it effectively. For businesses, hiring is no longer just about filling vacancies; it is about finding people who can think creatively, solve problems, and keep up with a field that changes almost every month. Bridging the Skills Gap Through
Page 24Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) terminal designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) The Entrepreneurs of India
THE ENTREPRENEURS OF INDIAMAGZTER Read all our latest issues for free on our official website and on Magzter - World's Biggest Magazine Portal www.theentrepreneursofindia.in/magazine www.magzter.com/IN/The-Entrepreneurs-of-India/
Text of this page
Scan QR Code to Connect!
Remember, Networking is a great way to build Business!
Get all our activities and news updates related to Entrepreneurs, Startups, stories, and more only on the official channels of The Entrepreneurs of India