Digital media has changed the landscape of the corporate and entertainment world. The two coincide now. Today’s digital-forward ecosystem has enabled entrepreneurs to transform into influential creators and successful creators evolving into savvy business owners. It’s worth noticing how most business sectors have gone digital, how entrepreneurs present themselves as influencers, how they garner customers through social media, and how content creators make entrepreneurship their next big goal.
This dynamic shift highlights a new breed of innovators who leverage digital platforms to build personal brands, launch businesses, and reach global audiences. Whether it’s entrepreneurs harnessing the power of storytelling to connect with their market or creators turning their passions into thriving ventures, this intersection of creativity and business redefines success in the digital age.
In this article, we explore the inspiring journeys of some of those professionals and influencers who seamlessly navigate both worlds, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit in today’s content-oriented landscape.
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When Business Becomes Content
Entrepreneurs are not just building brands today, they are sharing their journeys, insights, and strategies through engaging content that appeals to netizens who are potential customers as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. They have now realised the role of social media platforms and the power of digital marketing to help grow their brand and customer base.
Let us take you through some of the success stories of business owners-turned-creators and podcasters:
Deepinder Goyal
Zomato revolutionized how we experience food, making the best culinary delights from local restaurants accessible for delivery or dining out. The Founder and CEO of Zomato, Deepinder Goyal has always served as the top voice for his brand’s marketing and growth. He ventured into podcasting last year with his show called “Breaking Bread” where he dishes out insider information on the food and hospitality industry with experts in the field.
Aman Gupta
The prodigy in business marketing, Aman Gupta, is looked up to by many professionals and brands. The co-founder and chief marketing officer of BoAt is also touted as the coolest shark on Shark Tank India. He was awarded the “Celebrity Entrepreneur Award Of The Year” by the Prime Minister at the National Creators Award. Aman shares interesting glimpses of his corporate and public life on his social media while always pushing his BoAt products to the forefront.
Nikhil Kamath
When we speak about entrepreneurs turned creators, Nikhil Kamath will be one of the first few names that will pop into your mind. The co-founder Zerodha, True Beacon, and Gruhas is also a podcaster with a successful show called “WTF Is?” From celebrities to entrepreneurs to creators, Nikhil has gotten into the minds of everyone to bring his viewers insights from the best in the business.
Shantanu Deshpande
Founder CEO at Bombay Shaving Company, Bombae, and 100Days, Shantanu also hosts a podcast. BSC is a loved personal care brand which has scaled immensely in the last 5 years. The BarberShop with Shantanu uncovers insights on building businesses, brands and leadership lessons from industry stalwarts. He explores the nuances of entrepreneurship through these value-add conversations.
Namita Thapar
After Shark Tank India, Namita became one of the most popular female entrepreneurs in the country, inspiring lakhs of women to pursue their entrepreneurial journey. She is the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, an angel investor, and the founder of Thapar Entrepreneur Academy. The businesswoman also hosts the podcast titled “Uncondition Yourself with Namita Thapar.” As the name suggests, she uncovers various health-related insights that you thought you knew with credible medical professionals.
Some other entrepreneurs turned creators that are worth checking out are:
Now, let’s take a look at the other side of the coin.
When Content Becomes Business
It’s not just entrepreneurs turning creators, but content creators too have wielded the power of social media to build their businesses. Influencer marketing is the most adopted and effective advertising strategy in the world today. Many influencers leveraged their online influence to transform their personal brands into thriving business ventures. These digital innovators are redefining the traditional paths to business success, proving that with the right strategy, content creation can lead to entrepreneurship too.
Diipa Büller-Khosla
Diipa is the first Indian founder of a beauty brand to launch her brand in four countries including the UK, US, Canada, and India within the first eight months of its inception. In India, inde wild entered the market in partnership with Nykaa. The beauty line combines the ancient practice of Ayurveda and modern chemistry to create products that are suitable for all skin types. She was also invited to the 33rd Women in Business conference at the Harvard Business School to talk about her brand.
Parul Gulati
After nearly six years in the movie industry, Parul decided to enter the world of entrepreneurship in 2017 with Nish Hair while continuing her acting career. Calling herself “Nish Hair ki Malkin,” her company offers a diverse range of 100% human hair extensions and other hair accessories. She also showcased her products on Shark Tank India in 2022 and raised Rs. 1 crore for 2% equity from Amit Jain, CEO and Co-Founder at CarDekho. Parul has successfully grown her online business and also opened 2 physical stores.
Sharan Hegde
Hegde catapulted to success through his YouTube channel ‘Finance with Sharan.’ As an angel investor in multiple fintech startups, he simplifies complex finance topics in an entertaining and humorous manner. Sharan founded his startup ‘1% Club’ through which he wishes to help individuals achieve financial independence. He has also ventured into the NFT space, selling his animated signature outro.
Raj Shamani
Having an entrepreneurial background, Raj always had a knack for doing business. He began sharing his journey on YouTube and Instagram. His podcast “Figuring Out” is one of India’s top leadership podcasts. Shamani’s content spans finance, startup, sales, and opportunities for youth. In 2022, he founded House of X, empowering creators to launch and scale their D2C brands. Raj has roped in multiple sharks and investors to fund creator-led brands. His company has launched popstar King’s perfume brand Blanko and Sanjyot Keer’s kitchenware brand YFL Home.
Here are some more creator-turned-entrepreneurs who launched successful businesses:
| Creator | Brand |
| Shlok Shrivastava (Tech Burner) | Layers |
| Malvika Sitlani & Veronica Behl | MASIC Beauty |
| Masoom Minawala | Empowher & Support Indian Designers |
| Vishnu Kaushal | Peach by Vishnu |
| Deeksha Khurrana | Dee Clothing |
| Kabita Singh | Kabita’s Kitchen Masalas |
| Kamiya Jani | CurlyTales |
| Debasree Banerjee | #Debasreee |
| Himadri Patel | Dri by Himadri |
| Shivangi Sharma | Snacc Cosmetics |
How inspiring is it to see the worlds of entrepreneurship and content creation collide? The possibilities are just endless. The world is truly your oyster. I hope this article serves as a source of inspiration for you to jump head-first into your passion and make the most out of it!
