Ghazal Alagh : Co-founder of Mamaearth and Advocate for Women Entrepreneurship

Ghazal Alagh is a pioneering entrepreneur and the co-founder of Mamaearth, a leading Indian company specializing in organic and toxin-free baby care products. Her journey from a corporate professional to a successful entrepreneur is an inspiring story of determination, innovation, and resilience.

Ghazal Alagh

Early Life and Career

Ghazal’s entrepreneurial journey began when she and her husband, Varun Alagh, identified a gap in the market for safe and natural baby care products. Motivated by their belief in the business idea and their passion for providing better care options for children, they decided to quit their jobs and dive into the world of entrepreneurship. This bold decision marked the beginning of Mamaearth, which has since become a trusted name among parents across India.

Challenges and Solutions

As a woman entrepreneur, Ghazal faced numerous challenges, particularly in managing work-life balance while being a parent. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support, whether for raising a startup or a child. According to Ghazal, asking for help is crucial and there is no shame in it.

Supportive Policies at Mamaearth

At Mamaearth, Ghazal has been instrumental in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for women. The company has implemented women-friendly HR policies, including flexible working hours and mentoring support, to encourage women to advance in their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Balancing Home and Work

Ghazal believes that support is essential for working women to manage both home and work effectively. She advises women to trust someone reliable to take care of their children while they focus on their careers. Additionally, she stresses the importance of dedicating time to family when at home and ensuring to carve out some personal time for oneself.

The Value of Female Co-founders

Ghazal strongly advocates for having female co-founders in businesses. She believes that women are inherently skilled at taking calculated risks and considering long-term goals, attributes that are vital for business success. She compares the role of a mother to that of a CEO, managing various aspects of the household, which parallels the competencies needed to run a business.

Government Support and Suggestions

Ghazal acknowledges the efforts made by the Indian government to support women entrepreneurs through various schemes such as Mudra Yojna, Annapurna Scheme, and Mahila Udyum Nidhi Scheme. However, she points out that women in India often face socio-cultural barriers and lack of financial support, which can hinder their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Addressing the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship

Ghazal is aware of the low representation of women in the Indian startup community. She attributes this to socio-cultural barriers, living in a male-dominated society, and the lack of financial support. Despite these challenges, she encourages women to trust in their abilities and ideas, seek support, and draw inspiration from successful women entrepreneurs.

Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

To women aspiring to become entrepreneurs, Ghazal’s advice is straightforward: trust yourself and your ideas. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network and seeking inspiration from other successful women in the field.

Through her journey and achievements, Ghazal Alagh continues to be a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to break barriers and make their mark in the world of entrepreneurship. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and belief in oneself.