These 5 women founders tell us about their entrepreneurial journeys

In the ever-evolving world of business, women entrepreneurs are breaking boundaries, leading with innovation, and inspiring change across industries. Among these trailblazers are Devangi Nishar Parekh, Managing Director of Aza Fashions, whose vision has redefined luxury retail in India; Stacey Gallello, founder of Gallello, a brand that seamlessly blends creativity with conscious living; Fatma Rashid, the force behind The Maternity Project, which is a curated journey crafted for the modern mother.; Fatma Al Bannai, founder of Baguette Design, a name synonymous with artistic luxury and bold pieces; and Gulzeb Asif, founder of Oneness, a brand built on the principles of unity and empowerment. These inspiring women are not only shaping their respective industries but also paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs to follow. JDEED wanted to dive deeper.

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Fatma Rashid, founder of The Maternity Project

The Maternity Project transcends the typical e-commerce platform—it's a curated journey crafted for the modern mother. With a mission to create a digital haven where women can fully embrace the beauty of motherhood, it redefines the experience by making this life-changing transition effortlessly stylish, informed, and empowering. Every detail is designed to inspire confidence and celebrate the individuality of each mother’s journey. Fatma Rashid, founder, tells JDEED: “The Maternity Project was born out of my personal journey into motherhood. During my first pregnancy, I realized the gaps in the maternity market, especially in finding stylish, functional clothing that reflects individuality. Inspired by my experiences, I wanted to create a space that not only bridges luxury fashion with maternity wear but also empowers women by providing expert knowledge and support throughout their maternity journeys.”

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More on TheMaternityProject.com

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Stacey Gallello, Founder and CEO of Gallello Atelier

Gallello Atelier redefines tailoring as an art form, celebrating the craft and soul of the artisans behind every stitch. Each piece is a testament to the precision and dedication of a singular tailor, handcrafting in the heart of Venice. Rooted in the legacy of Dominic Gallello, a revered pattern maker who once worked alongside Christian Dior in the 1950s, the brand carries forward a family tradition steeped in history. Gallello Atelier breathes new life into the narratives woven into family heirlooms, merging them effortlessly with bold, contemporary design to create timeless pieces that speak to the past and present.

The inspiring founder told JDEED: «Inspired by our family heritage, I created the Atelier to preserve the art of true craftsmanship that has been forgotten with the fast pace of the luxury industry today. Today’s clients desire more than just beautiful garments; they seek collectible masterpieces that represent true artisanal excellence. Our pieces are designed to offer a unique experience, bringing back the essence of luxury through meticulous craftsmanship, meaningful connection, and a dedication to creating heirloom-quality designs.»

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More on GallelloAtelier.com

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Fatma Al Bannai, Founder of Baguette Design

At JDEED, we're captivated by Baguette, the refined jewelry brand named after the iconic Baguette diamond cut. With a mission to empower women and encourage them to embrace their individuality and strength, Baguette aims to help women "make a bold statement" in both their everyday moments and special occasions. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance and charm of the Baguette cut, their creations are a perfect blend of femininity and strength, ensuring you feel confident and unstoppable.

Al Bannai told JDEED: "I am grateful to be a founder in a society that champions women in leadership roles. Being able to lead a brand that strives to inspire and empower others brings me a deep sense of fulfillment. It’s a privilege to be part of a community that supports women leaders, and I am committed to ensuring that my brand continues to uplift and empower others in meaningful ways."

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More on Baguette Design's Instagram

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Devangi Nishar Parekh, Managing Director of Aza Fashions

Since its launch in 2015 by Devangi Nishar Parekh, Azafashions.com has revolutionized the global shopping experience, offering effortless access to high-end, on-trend Indian fashion for a worldwide clientele. Fusing sharp business insight with creative vision, Devangi has been the driving force behind Aza’s omni-channel growth, introducing exclusive private labels and pushing the boundaries of luxury retail. Under her leadership, Aza continues to set new benchmarks in the world of luxury fashion, both online and in-store, redefining what it means to shop Indian couture on a global scale. The inspiring Devangi tells JDEED:

 "Aza’s digital presence began with social media. When I started Aza’s Facebook page in 2011, followed by Instagram thereafter, luxury brands were highly apprehensive to post product pictures online for fear of copying. There was a lot of doubt around whether it could convert to sales. I was confident that social media would be a great way to drive organic visibility and build a loyal customer base who resonated with our mission. Today, Aza has 1.6 million followers on Instagram, almost 1 million on Facebook and 10 million+ viewership on each of our Pinterest pages, which is the highest amongst peers in this industry.

Aza was also the first brick and mortar multi-designer brand in India to launch an e-commerce platform and invest seriously in its growth. Most of our competitors forayed into this space much later, around the time of the pandemic, when they realized that online and omni-channel is here to stay. At the time I founded Azafashions.com, I had to call many designers individually and convince them to come online with us, because a lot of them did not think that customers would be willing to buy expensive clothing online. Today, we have 80,000 clients spread across 75+ countries."

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More on Azafashions.com

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Gulzeb Asif, Founder of Oneness

Oneness, the newly launched Dubai-based fashion brand by Gulzeb Asif, is more than just a label—it's a philosophy of empowerment woven into every piece. Rooted in the idea of unity and self-expression, Oneness blends elegance with purpose, crafting garments from the finest fabrics that become timeless wardrobe essentials. Each creation is a tribute to strength and individuality, offering more than just style but a statement of empowered living. Asif told JDEED: “When I started Oneness, it was during a pivotal time in my life when I reconnected with myself emotionally and spiritually. I realized that the way I was living wasn’t bringing me peace. Fashion, for me, is more than just trends—it’s a deep, empowering sense of connection and belonging. That’s how Oneness was born. I want my brand to be known as the blazers for trailblazers—pieces that empower women to feel confident and unstoppable.”

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More on Oneness.ae

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Cover picture / Gallello Atelier