Women leaders are transforming India’s fashion retail industry with innovation, strategic vision, and customer-centric approaches. From luxury to fast fashion and D2C brands, they are driving growth, sustainability, and inclusivity while redefining brand storytelling and digital transformation.
Despite challenges like gender biases and work-life balance, they continue to set new benchmarks and influence Indian fashion globally. This special feature highlights inspiring women who have redefined business strategies, introduced breakthrough innovations, and led their brands to success.
In this edition, we are featuring Avanti Deo Mishra, Business Head-Raymond Made To Measure, Raymond Lifestyle Ltd., a visionary leader making waves in the industry.
With an MBA in marketing, Avanti has always been driven by a passion for solving consumer problems and making a meaningful impact on their daily lives. This passion led her to the dynamic world of retail, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Avanti thrives in the ever-evolving retail landscape, finding inspiration in the fast-paced environment of stores, where problem-solving and consumer engagement create a continuous learning experience. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing customer experiences and driving retail excellence.
Current Role & Responsibilities
As the Business Head of Raymond Made-to-Measure, Avanti is responsible for overseeing and managing the brand’s operations and growth.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
As a woman leading a men’s brand, Avanti has often encountered questions about experience versus theory in the category. However, she firmly believes that actively listening to customers allows for insights that can refine and adapt theoretical approaches. By prioritising their experiences and adopting a problem-solving mindset, she ensures that strategies are both practical and impactful.
Game-Changing Decisions for Brand
Leveraging digitisation and modernising the value chain to provide faster, more accessible products—delivering customised garments within just five days!
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Resilient | Passionate | Empathetic
- Area of Improvement: Working to improve the digital marketing skills
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To grow the business by offering tailored solutions that meet customers’ customisation and personalisation needs for their wardrobes.
Essential Skills for Success
Customer Centricity
3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
- Personalisation
- Convenience
- Digitisation
3 Career Learnings
- Customer is at the centre of all innovations
- Execution is the key to success
- Step up – occupy that chair at the table – cause you have earned it!
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Focus on your strengths and don’t let self-doubt hold you back— you’ve earned your place through hard work, and you deserve every success. Never let anyone convince you otherwise!
Vision for the Future
The future of retail is omnichannel, with the customer at its core. Transforming stores into of highly digital and personalised centres of excellence for ultimate convenience.
Biggest Role Model & Why
Indra Nooyi, one of the first women leaders to rise to a CEO position in a global company.
Life Mantra
‘Be Authentic – Be You!’
