Honoring Stories of Strength, Creativity & Impact: Celebrating AIWB’s Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

A Special World Women Entrepreneurs Day Spotlight on the Best Woman Business Pitch Winners: A Celebration of Vision, Courage & Community

Women entrepreneurs do far more than launch businesses—they build movements, preserve heritage, reshape industries, and pave the way for the next generation. At Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB), our community is filled with women whose journeys reflect courage, creativity, and a deep desire to uplift others along the way.

On this World Women Entrepreneurs Day, we proudly celebrate the extraordinary achievements of four women whose passion and purpose led them to win the Best Woman Business Pitch Award 2025. Their journeys, each unique yet connected through resilience and vision, embody what it means to be a woman entrepreneur today.

These founders did not simply present business ideas—they shared stories rooted in identity, culture, and determination. Their success marks a milestone not only for themselves but for the entire South Asian entrepreneurial ecosystem in Austin. Today, we honor their journeys as one collective story of impact.

Among the inspiring voices of AIWB stands Pallavi Mathur, whose brand Laung Elachi beautifully preserves the essence of Indian chai culture. For her, chai is more than taste, it is memory, warmth, and tradition. What began as homemade masala blends crafted with love soon blossomed into a brand that brings people closer to the flavors of home. Pallavi’s entrepreneurial spirit lies in her authenticity, her unwavering dedication to heritage, and her ability to turn a simple spice blend into a cultural experience. Her journey is a reminder that even the smallest ideas, when rooted deeply in purpose, can touch countless lives.

Another remarkable leader in this year’s spotlight is Rohini Kummitha, founder of Million Raagas, a brand that harmoniously blends Indian heritage with modern elegance. Her artistic eye and commitment to curating timeless ethnic pieces have created a space where women feel proud, confident, and connected to their cultural identity. Rohini’s story is not just about fashion—it is about the emotional power of clothing, the comfort of cultural expression, and the joy of seeing women radiate confidence in pieces that honor their roots. Through Million Raagas, Rohini continues to inspire women to embrace their identity with grace and pride.

Equally inspiring is Seema Rayudu, the creative force behind Theeya Jewels. For Seema, jewelry is a language, one that conveys emotion, memory, celebration, and heritage. Her handcrafted designs breathe life into traditional artistry, transforming each piece into a story that women wear with sentiment and meaning. Her entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for art and evolved into a brand that elevates handcrafted jewelry with purpose and personalization. Seema’s work reminds us that true entrepreneurship often begins in the quiet moments of creativity, fueled by the desire to create something meaningful and lasting.

Adding a delicious dimension to this collective celebration is Harika Thupkar, founder of Spice Jar Fusion Kitchen. Her approach to food is bold, innovative, and joyfully experimental. By blending Indian flavors with global influences, Harika has created a culinary identity that is uniquely her own. Her journey reflects the courage to take risks, the discipline to refine her craft, and the creative curiosity that pushes boundaries in the culinary world. Harika’s story is a powerful reminder that food can unite cultures, create memories, and spark inspiration—especially when crafted with passion and soul.

Together, these four women represent the heart of AIWB:

Women who turn cultural roots into business strengths.Women who build with intention and lead with authenticity.Women who uplift others through community, mentorship, and example.Women who show the next generation that success is not a competition—it is a shared movement.

On this World Women Entrepreneurs Day, we honor their courage, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the countless hours, sacrifices, and dreams behind their success. Their stories inspire new women to step forward, start their journeys, and believe in the power of their own ideas. These women remind us that when one woman rises, she lights the path for many more. And that is the true spirit of AIWB: women supporting women, building together, and celebrating every milestone as a community.

Written by

Priyanka Puppala, Founder, AIWB • Cultural Spotlight Feature Writer