Rise of Mother-Daughter Enterprises

Rajini Yarlagadda and Bhuvana Malineni, proprietors of Rajini sarees

After completing my formal education in fashion and textile design, I became increasingly drawn to collaborating with my mother as I began running my label,” says Bhuvana Malineni. “Working alongside my mother in her saree business has been a deeply rewarding yet challenging experience. While my mother tends to be more traditional and direct in her communication, I lean towards a more modern and diplomatic approach. Over time, we have learnt to recognise and acknowledge these differences while striving to find common ground, where both our voices are heard and respected,” says Bhuvana.

A legacy in silk

Jyoti Reddy and Rukmini, Co-Founder & Director, EREENA

For nearly 20 years, my passion for meaningful creative work with novel yarn has driven me to learn, experiment, and create exceptional products using this unique, sustainable, naturally ahimsa eri silk. We have now strategically rebranded to exclusively market ethnic wear under ERISRI, while EREENA, under the leadership of my daughter Rukmini, is evolving into an international apparel brand that will include truly innovative eri silk knitwear. A graduate of Princeton, with a background in biomedical engineering, she brings in a keen understanding of fibre properties, their application and potential, along with a clear vision, organisation, and focus,” says Jyoti Reddy.

‘We balance each other out really well’

Smita and Aakriti Shroff of Elahe, the multi designer store

Aakriti joined our business three years ago, after completing her studies at MIT in Boston. We had already been in business for 27 years at that time, and she returned to India during Covid before joining us,” says Smita Shroff.

“When I came back, I realised that Elahe and the entire fashion industry had huge potential. I identified significant potential for expanding the business, particularly in light of the COVID pandemic. Given the urgency of the situation and my technical background, the first logical step for me was to shift the business online. So that’s how I started,” adds her daughter Aakriti Shroff. “Throughout my life, my mother has often been referred to as Aakriti’s mother due to my college background. But for the past three years, I have been recognised as Smita Shroff’s daughter because this is her industry, and having her as a mentor provides me with extensive knowledge, intuition, experience, and a vast network. Furthermore, I didn’t begin from scratch; rather, I have a legacy to honour, uphold, and progress,” says Aakriti.

Having an industry leader as a mentor and my mother is challenging and rewarding. "The real challenge is navigating the tension between honouring what she’s built and pushing it into spaces she never had to face, whether that’s digital positioning, scaling, or a more editorial voice,” says Aakriti.

‘Daughters value their mother’s outlook’

Archana Kumari Singh, founder of House of Badnore

My elder daughter Anantika works with Citibank in London as Vice President of HR, and my younger daughter Krittika, is an art historian. Both are aligned with my business. I run my own brand under the name House of Badnore, the name of our ancestral place in Rajasthan. While Anantika is integrated informally and is exploring marketing avenues overseas (an area we are looking to foray into), Krittika is hands-on with many layers of the business.

Daughters imbibe and value their mothers’ outlook, hence working together is the right option/choice.

‘I have walked the journey with her.’

Nelofar Currimbhoy and Shahnaz Husain, of the Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies

I do believe in destiny, and often feel that the lines of my mom’s kismet flow onto mine. There is a joint destiny. When she first initiated what became an iconic company, I recall labelling the first cream jars with handwritten labels after returning from school. As I have said in my book ‘Flame, The inspiring life of my mother’, I have walked the journey with her. The loss of my father, who played a significant role in the company’s success, led me to assume his role and support my mother and the company, which had grown into a phenomenal success.”

“My mother was 17 when I was born, and as I grew, our relationship became more like friends. We enjoy taking time off from work to step out for some shopping, sitting together at Starbucks and chatting. At work we run the company together. I am her closest adviser and confidante, as she is mine,” says Nelofar Currimbhoy.

‘We compliment each other’

Rayane Mithun and Radikaa Sarathkumar, Radaan Productions

There’s a unique strength in the bond between a mother and daughter — especially when that bond extends into the world of work. Growing up with Radikaa as my mother meant learning from a woman who led with resilience, instinct, and grace. Today, working alongside her is more than a professional collaboration; it’s the continuation of a legacy. She brings wisdom shaped by decades of experience, while I offer fresh perspective and digital intuition. Together, we challenge, support, and complement each other. What makes our dynamic so special is that it’s rooted not just in business but in deep trust, shared values, and an unbreakable love that only mothers and daughters can truly understand.”

A business bond beyond borders

Roopal and Diya Pillani are serial entrepreneurs who own a chain of hotels in the UK

They say children learn more from what they see than what they’re told — and in my case, that’s precisely how our family’s journey into business evolved. My daughter Diya may have officially stepped into the business around 2021–22, but her real introduction began much earlier, at our dining table, during casual conversations about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship,” says Roopal.

Over time, she started to take a step back, confident that she had established a solid foundation. “Today, Diya runs our business from the UK while I continue to support her from India. Although I have gradually stepped back from the daily operations, I still remain involved — not only as a guide but also as a proud mother observing my daughter carry forward our legacy with strength, intelligence, and grace.

‘Mom is always there for me’

Avantika on mom Khushbu Sundar of Avni Telefilms

My mom has been a working woman my entire childhood; I say this with pride. Whether it was movies, television, or politics, I don’t remember her not working. She took pride in it, and always looked forward to it. Despite all the work she had, she is always a very present mom – whether it was for parent-teacher meetings in school, medals I’d win (of which there was only one), if I had a difficult day, if I was even mildly sick, if I had to move to another country, or even if I just wanted to hang out – she was always there. But watching her work and excelling at what she does has instilled a powerful work ethic in me.”

As told to Apsara Reddy