Brands
International Women’s Day special: Meet the ladies who created new inroads to success
Mumbai: As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are recognising the multitude of women around us who have truly moved mountains with their inspirational work. These women have redefined success, created new inroads and found a new and innovative path to succeed. Their names are stamped on the wall of fame even as these women create history in never-seen-before territories. Here are some remarkable women who have won us over with their success stories.
Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar launched Nykaa, a cosmetic and wellness products e-commerce website in 2012. Even she wouldn’t have imagined that ten years down the line the company will re-script history with a fabulous opening when the company launched IPO. She worked as an investment banker for many decades before the entrepreneurial bug hit her and she truly created an unparallel brand. Nykaa offers more than 1000 than brands and now has 35 physical stores in malls. Under their aegis Nykaa Fashion and Nykaa Men were also launched to cater to men’s grooming category as well. She has received many coveted awards and her work is now recognized as one the best in the industry.
Clelia Cecilia Angelon
She founded Surya Brasil, a vegan, natural organic multinational brand that provides alternatives to harsh chemical dyes. She founded this global brand in 1995 with a presence in two of the biggest pharmacy chains in Brazil. She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey from a small shop owner at a gallery in London’s Oxford Street, and is the epitome of the woman who can achieve everything she sets her eyes to. Over the years the brand has forayed into different geographies. A trip to Kerala led to this idea of starting a haircare brand, offering the goodness of Henna for hair. These products mixed with Brazilian and Ayurvedic herbs can result in red, burgundy, brown, copper, chocolate and natural black hair, without the impact of harsh chemicals.
Komal Agarwal
Komal Agarwal is one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the circuit. She is the co-founder of Pebble, India’s leading smartwatch brand. Pebble has been named as one the fastest-growing Indian smartwatch brands by IDC. They also have Tiger Shroff as their brand ambassador. Under Komal’s able leadership, the brand has gone stronger and is leading the category. Their consumer-centric smartwatches, with affordable price points, have always won the hearts of the buyers for their utility factors. Recently they tied up with Hollywood studio Warner Bros to launch special edition GoT-inspired smartwatches. The smartwatches in collaboration with Pepe Jeans London are redefining denim for the wrist.
Karunya Sampath
The co-founder and CEO of Payoda Inc is not just acing the business aspects but also breaking the notion that women cannot deal with technology. She has put this tech-based company on a global pedestal and still soaring higher. The Computer Software Engineer from PSG College of Technology has truly made her alma mater proud. She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey only after gaining ample experience at global brands in the IT and service industry. Being highly skilled in Sales Management, Operations Management, Organizational Development, Business Development etc, she certainly knows how to hold the fort. And if this isn’t enough, she is also on the board at HealthViewX, AppViewX and Elyments.
Sanamdeep Chadha
As the director at Genesis Global School, Noida, this educationist has brought about a marked change in the K12 educational spectrum. The school provides world-class amenities which has made it a preferred institution for those seeking holistic education along with a sound foundation in their life. The force behind the school, Sanamdeep Chadha’s proactive attitude and unique ability inspires and fosters an environment that is conducive for students and educators to thrive together. She brings fresh ideas and dynamism to the education style of the country, her constant effort is to provide the latest ideas, technology and pedagogy. Working relentlessly for the past 14 years, she has evolved GGS into one of the best International Day cum residential schools in the region.
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
