Women leaders are reshaping India’s fashion retail landscape with bold innovation, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs. Across segments—from luxury and fast fashion to D2C—these trailblazers are championing growth, sustainability, and inclusivity, while leading the charge in brand storytelling and digital evolution.
Overcoming challenges such as gender biases and work-life dynamics, they continue to raise the bar and elevate India’s presence on the global fashion map. This special feature celebrates dynamic women who have reimagined business strategies, introduced game-changing innovations, and driven their brands to new heights.
In this edition, we spotlight Aparna Thyagarajan, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Shobitam Inc.—an inspiring leader redefining product innovation and retail excellence.
About Aparna Thyagarajan
Aparna Thyagarajan is the Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Shobitam Inc., a brand dedicated to revolutionising ethnic fashion through technology and innovation. Holding a Master’s degree in Computer Applications, she began her career as a Software Engineer at Aboundsoft Solutions before moving to Microsoft in Silicon Valley and Seattle, where she spent 7.5 years in key roles, including Tech Lead in Social Search at Bing and Software Design Engineer in Test for Microsoft Dynamics AX. While her time at Microsoft was instrumental in shaping her technical expertise, her entrepreneurial drive led her to co-found Shobitam, where she blends her passion for technology and fashion to create a global impact.
Current Role & Responsibilities
As Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Shobitam, Aparna leads product development, outreach, and the brand’s future roadmap for artisans. Passionate about fashion and global design, she blends creativity with technology to elevate handlooms. Her ambition and attention to detail ensure quality, impact, and innovation at Shobitam.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
Aparna Thyagarajan has navigated key challenges as a woman in retail leadership. Building and scaling a business can be isolating, but her family’s support, especially from her sister, father, and husband, was instrumental. Securing funding was another hurdle, yet strong customer trust helped Shobitam grow, eventually attracting VC investments. Recognising the lack of mentorship for women entrepreneurs, she became an angel investor and co-founded the Shobitam Centre for Women Entrepreneurship at BITS to foster future leaders.
Game-Changing Decisions for Brand
Shobitam’s “Weavers First, Customers First” approach transformed the brand. Co-creating designs with artisans ensures authenticity, while Silk Mark certification guarantees quality. This customer-focused philosophy has earned 10,000+ five-star reviews, turning loyal buyers into global brand evangelists.
Essential Skills for Success
Aparna’s success stems from strong communication, connecting seamlessly with weavers across India. Her design expertise ensures premium products, while her entrepreneurial mindset integrates technology into handlooms, redefining possibilities in the industry.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To democratise ethnic fashion on a globally, fostering inclusivity, accessibility and affordability across diverse markets.
To elevate Shobitam into a world-class direct-to-consumer brand originating from India, transcending borders and resonating with audiences worldwide.
Top 3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
Shobitam’s custom-built Rite Track App connects weavers and artisans, providing real-time inventory tracking and complete transparency across the supply chain, ensuring seamless production and efficient product delivery.
The Automated Blouse Stitching Solution revolutionized operations by enabling global size collection and optimisng the stitching process, improving efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction across all tailoring units.
3 Career Learnings
- Customer obsession triumphs
- Product-Market fit imperative
- Technology as a scaling tool
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Dream big, believe in yourself, and work relentlessly towards the goal. Passion, dedication, and perseverance will set you apart when challenges arise
Biggest Role Model
Amancio Ortega, Founder, Zara.
Life Mantra
Passion, Purpose, and Performance.
