Women in family business: Insights from LiFE Marshal Meghana Chandrachud
May 26, 2026
Post Graduate Programme in Family Managed Business (PGPFMB) batch 4 alumnae, Meghana Chandrachud, did not inherit her success; she engineered it. On 26 May 2026, she shared her professional journey with aspiring business leaders at the S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR). Moving away from formal presentations and frameworks, she delivered a candid account of her transition from a business family background to founding a national brand.
The growth of à La Naturelle: From Mumbai to retail
Her professional trajectory began within a Mumbai-based business family, led her through research laboratories in Texas and rigorous certification processes in Zurich, and culminated in the establishment of a manufacturing unit. Alongside her husband, she developed à La Naturelle from scratch. What started as a grassroots venture eventually secured a nationwide presence in premier salons and spas and recently expanded into the retail sector.
A multidimensional professional
During her session, Meghana prioritised active listening over lecturing, drawing from her extensive professional background:
- Specialised expertise: She obtained a CIDESCO double certification in Spa and Beauty Therapy.
- Academic contribution: She taught Aromatherapy at V G Vaze College.
- Operational leadership: She managed the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution arms of her company.
- Personal balance: She maintained these high-level operations while raising her two children.
“LiFE exists because the path from potential to enterprise is rarely obvious, and almost never walked alone.”
The transition from individual potential to a thriving enterprise required more than just ambition; it required a community. For women standing at the precipice of their entrepreneurial journey, the LiFE programme offered the foundational support needed to step forward with confidence.
In the role of a LiFE Marshal: Empowering women in family business
Meghana now serves as a LiFE Marshal, a distinction reserved for alumnae of the Family Business and Entrepreneurship programmes at the S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR). A LiFE Marshal is a woman alumna of the Family Business and Entrepreneurship programmes at SPJIMR who successfully manages her family enterprise and returns to mentor others.
The Ladies in Family Enterprise (LiFE) initiative supports women navigating the unique challenges of family-owned businesses. The programme provides a framework to address the professional fears and strategic doubts that often arise in these roles, offering practical guidance where clean answers are rare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does LiFE stand for in business?
LiFE stands for Ladies in Family Enterprise, a dedicated programme at SPJIMR that empowers women to lead and scale their family-owned businesses.
How does SPJIMR support women in family businesses?
Through the LiFE initiative, SPJIMR provides mentorship, peer networking, and specialised entrepreneurship training, connecting current students with “LiFE Marshals”—successful alumnae who offer real-world business insights.