Women’s Day 2025: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

1. Divya Kadam – Baliboo

Divya Kadam is the passionate force behind Baliboo, Mumbai’s go-to spot for a tropical dining experience. Launched in 2023, Baliboo received a thunderous response right from the start, becoming a favorite for those who love great food with a vibrant vibe. What makes Divya’s journey even more incredible is that she had no background in food or hospitality, just a deep love for travel and good food. Exploring different cuisines across the world sparked the idea of creating a one-of-a-kind space in Mumbai, bringing together flavors, ambiance, and an experience that transports guests straight to Bali.

2. Geeta Amin- Amelia

A visionary architect with over 30 years of experience, Geeta Amin is the creative force behind Amelia,  a new-age European dining destination at OneBKC, Mumbai. Known for her meticulous designs that blend global inspirations with local flair, Geeta draws from her travels across 75+ countries to craft culturally rich spaces. Beyond architecture, she is an avid wildlife photographer whose work has been published in the official book of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. With Amelia, Geeta combines her love for travel and fine dining to offer an elevated culinary experience in Mumbai.

3. Bobby Patel – Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

Bobby Patel is a Culinary Director, certified baking and culinary chef, and entrepreneur with a passion for redefining dining experiences. As the co-founder and Culinary Director of renowned brands like Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, she has brought innovation and authenticity to the food and beverage industry. Certified by City & Guilds London, Bobby has mastered the art of plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan cuisines, championing health-conscious and sustainable dining. Her flagship venture, Thyme & Whisk, founded in Vadodara in 2018, has grown into a beloved restaurant chain with 16 locations. Mad Doh, based in Mumbai, is poised for expansion into Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, reflecting her entrepreneurial vision.

4. Eesha Sukhi – The BlueBop Cafe

With over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, Eesha Sukhi ventured into the culinary world by launching The BlueBop Cafe in November 2019. Located in the heart of Khar, Mumbai, the cafe offers a unique blend of delectable cuisine and live jazz music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for patrons. Eesha’s dedication to top-quality food, a stylish ambiance, and captivating live performances has earned The BlueBop Cafe multiple awards, including the Times Food & Nightlife Award for three consecutive years. Her journey from corporate roles to successful restaurateur showcases her passion and entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Rinka Jha and Rashmi Mehra – Two Gud Sisters

Friends turned into soul-sisters Rinka Jha and Rashmi Mehra co-founded Two Gud Sisters, a venture that has garnered attention for its exceptional offerings in the food and beverage sector. The inspiration behind creating Two Gud Sisters came from a deep-rooted passion for bringing people together over shared experiences and a love for quality products. Whether it’s the warmth of a homemade meal, the comfort of a cup of coffee, or the joy of discovering something new, the idea was to create a space where people could feel at home and connect with others.

6. Aayusha Joshi- ZAKÌ

Aayusha Joshi, 26, isn’t just the owner of ZAKÌ, she’s the architect of its delicious future.  Taking the reins of a 25-year-old Mumbai bakery is no small feat, but Aayusha brings a unique blend of respect for tradition and a hunger for innovation to the table. Her journey began with a solid foundation, earning a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship from NMIMS.  Recognizing the importance of aesthetics in the culinary world, she further honed her skills with a design certification from ISDI Mumbai, in partnership with the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Aayusha’s passion for exploring global cuisines and desserts isn’t just a hobby; it’s the driving force behind her vision for ZAKÌ.

7. Neha Chowdhury- Courtyard by Marriott

With nearly two decades in luxury hospitality, Neha Chowdhury, Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, has mastered the art of blending business strategy with human connection. Her passion for travel and cultural exploration fuels her vision, making hospitality more than just an industry, it’s an avenue for creating meaningful experiences. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, she takes pride in reinforcing the belief that women can be strong business leaders, serving as a beacon of success and a role model for future leaders.

These remarkable women have transformed their passion for food and hospitality into thriving businesses, enriching the culinary landscape and inspiring future generations of female entrepreneurs. Their stories serve as a testament to the impact of dedication, creativity, and resilience in the food and beverage industry.

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