Empowering Women Across Borders: IVillage’s Inspiring Journey from India to the UK
Aryah Vaibhhav Mahajan
Social Entrepreneur I Manufacturer of Cloth Bags by Women | Helping Doctors Grow their practice organically | Goldman Sachs Global Growth Fellow & 10K Women | UN Women Industry Disruptor | Incubated with IIM Bangalore
A Journey of Connections and Empowerment
From humble beginnings to making a global impact, IVillage's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. When I joined as CEO in 2015, I knew I was stepping into a community brimming with passion and purpose. At IVillage A family , we believe in the power of women supporting women. With 90% of our team being women, we've built not just a workplace but a family committed to empowerment and sustainability.
Recently, this journey took us from India to the Autumn Fair in Birmingham, UK. Representing India at this prestigious event was a milestone for us. This achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of MAWE India and its inspiring President, Archana Bhatnagar . Our presence at the Autumn Fair was more than just showcasing our products—it was about celebrating what women can achieve when they unite for a common purpose.
Celebrating Our Amazing Supporters
While in the UK, I had the privilege of meeting some incredible supporters and clients who have become an essential part of the IVillage story. In Birmingham, I met Katie Tyndale , a shining example of what it means to support one another. We first crossed paths through BNI (Business Network International) , and since then, Katie has been a true ally. Her visit to the fair was not just about business, it was a celebration of women lifting each other up.
In Durham, I had the honor of connecting with Jenny Connor , the visionary behind Dalton Moor Farm, a vegan paradise. Jenny is a leader in sustainable farming, and her choice to use our bags to promote her commitment to sustainability filled us with pride.
Next, in Devon, I met Wendy Prior , an outstanding life coach dedicated to supporting women, helping them overcome midlife crises and also supporting local businesses. Our meeting at Halberton Farm was a beautiful experience filled with warmth and a shared love for community and sustainability.
London was brimming with even more inspiring connections. I had dinner with Anima Gupta Aggarwal , Lizzie Twigger , and Fiona Marshall—three amazing women whose support has been invaluable to IVillage. Fiona, in particular, deserves a special mention. Not only did she offer us her place to stay in London, but she also became our guide, our support system, and chef to cook us home meals when we started to become homesick. Fiona's kindness and generosity went beyond words, embodying the spirit of friendship and care that has been the foundation of IVillage's journey.
Meeting Janet Lacey (Stelling) was another highlight. She placed a special order for our bags and tree free paper diaries and bamboo pens for her cruise, choosing to support sustainable products. Her decision reflected the very essence of our mission—making mindful choices that positively impact the world.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to Bina Rani from iPartner. Her efforts in securing CSR sponsorship from New Look for our production center in 2015 were nothing short of a game-changer for IVillage. Loved meeting Suparna Malhotra, MBA, CPCC , an image consultant, who has been a Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES) supporter in UK charity galas, made herself available on one request to show her help towards IVillage women? and learning how she can contribute in this empowerment journey. Towards the end of my trip, I met Shangami S Muthumani , a client and now a dear friend whose support to grow IVillage has always been there and her loving smile added more warmth and joy to this chapter of our journey.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who has supported me and IVillage A family throughout this incredible journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This journey has been filled with moments of connection, empowerment, and growth—all made possible by the incredible individuals who have stood by us. We've come a long way, but this is just the beginning. Every supporter, every connection, and every act of kindness has helped us build not just a business, but a community. Together, we are creating a legacy of hope, sustainability, and empowerment. Here’s to the next chapter of our shared story.
Together, we’re not just creating change—we’re building a legacy of hope and a sustainable future. Here’s to the next chapter of our shared story.
#WomenEmpoweringWomen #SustainableFuture #IVillageJourney #GlobalImpact #Empowerment #LocalSupport #Sustainability #AutumnFair #GlobalConnections #CreatingChange #IVillageAFamily
PASTRY CHEF, ARTISAN BAKER, GIFTING SOLUTIONS
4 个月So well done aryah. Every meeting ,I learn something new from you. Keep inspiring ??????
Aryah Vaibhhav Mahajan your words truly touched my heart. Meeting you and being part of IVillage’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Your commitment to uplifting women and fostering growth embodies what collaboration should be about. Here’s to more shared milestones and the joy that comes with them. Grateful to stand with you on this journey.
MB.ChB.FRCR.MA ??Rewilding Humans for a Healthier & Happier World ??Regenerative Vegan farmer ?? Teacher ?? Whole Food Plant Based Nutrition Coach ?? ‘Green Witch’ ?? Working with nature ?? Supporting the environment ??
4 个月A beautiful summary of your journey to visit the UK. It was a pleasure and an honour to meet you and spend some time together learning from each other. Keep doing your work. You and all the women you work with have achieved so much. A very inspiring example. Women supporting women is an expression of true love and community ?? Perhaps we’ll get to visit you one day ??
Director, SMC Group of Companies ; Angel Investor
4 个月Great Arya ji Keep it up ????