Meet woman who studied at IIT, did MBA from Harvard, left high-paying job to create company with revenue of Rs 120 crore

Ahana Gautam is an inspiring example of how women in India are breaking barriers and achieving great success across various fields. A strong and determined entrepreneur, she is the founder of Open Secret, a healthy snack brand that has been making waves in the Indian food industry.

Ahana's educational journey is remarkable. She completed her chemical engineering degree from IIT Bombay, one of the most prestigious institutions in India, and then went on to pursue an MBA from the renowned Harvard Business School in the United States, from 2014 to 2016. With a solid academic foundation, Ahana worked in well-established companies like Procter & Gamble and General Mills, gaining valuable experience in the corporate world. However, despite the lucrative nature of her high-paying jobs, Ahana chose to leave her comfortable career to follow her true passion—entrepreneurship.

In 2019, Ahana took a bold step and founded Open Secret with the financial support of her mother. The idea for the business stemmed from Ahana’s time in the United States, where she developed an interest in the health food sector. Inspired by Whole Foods, a leading health food store, she envisioned creating a brand that would offer consumers an alternative to traditional snacks loaded with refined sugar and artificial ingredients. Her goal was to provide healthier snack options for people who are conscious about their food choices.

Open Secret quickly gained popularity and by 2023, the brand had generated a revenue of ₹120 crore. This impressive achievement highlights Ahana’s dedication, hard work, and ability to successfully navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. She credits much of her success to her mother, who has been her constant source of support. Ahana often mentions that everything she is today is because of her mother’s guidance and the importance she placed on education and financial independence.

Ahana Gautam’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and the ability to turn dreams into reality. Her story is a testament to how women can thrive in the world of business, contributing significantly to India's growing entrepreneurial landscape.