BeyondBound: How Tejasvi Madan Is Empowering Indian Women Through Activewear and Confidence
📝InterviewsBeyondBound, founded by Tejasvi Madan, is redefining women’s activewear in India by combining comfort, style, and empowerment. On International Women’s Day, she shares how the brand supports confidence, inclusivity, and a healthy lifestyle for modern Indian women.
The Indian activewear market is booming, driven by growing focus on health, fitness, and lifestyle among women. Valued at USD 15.1 billion in 2024, it is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2030, while the global athleisure market is expected to hit USD 218 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a rising demand for activewear that combines functionality, comfort, and empowerment for modern Indian women.
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, Tejasvi Madan, founder of BeyondBound, shares how her brand is creating inclusive, confidence-boosting activewear and shaping the future of women’s fitness in India.
Celebrating Strength and Individuality This Women’s Day
StartupTalky: As a women's activewear brand, what does International Women's Day mean to BeyondBound and founder Tejasvi Madan?
Tejasvi Madan: For me, it’s not just a day to celebrate. It’s also a reminder of the different paths that women go through every day of their lives. To us at BeyondBound, it’s the reminder that strength is not just one thing, but many things, such as showing up to the gym, to work, or to life in general, and choosing to put oneself first. As a brand by a woman for women, it’s a day that I see as an opportunity to celebrate stories of strength, confidence, and individuality, such as the stories of women moving freely, unapologetically, in spaces that make them comfortable in their own skin.
Empowering Women Through Thoughtful Activewear Design
StartupTalky: How does BeyondBound empower women through its activewear designs and brand philosophy?
Tejasvi Madan: At BeyondBound, we created a brand that is founded on a simple notion: women should be empowered through their activewear, not held back. Our products are designed to make women feel comfortable and confident in their own bodies so that they can go about their day without worrying about their clothes. However, beyond that, empowering women for us is also about representation. Our mission is to build a brand that is representative of different women, different body types, different lifestyles, and different fitness levels. Our mission is to build a space where women feel included, empowered, and confident enough to just show up as themselves.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman Founder
StartupTalky: What challenges did you face as a woman founder building an activewear brand in India, and how did you overcome them?
Tejasvi Madan: Of course, starting a brand always comes with its own set of challenges, but as a woman founder, you always have to prove a point and make sure you’re taken seriously in a space dominated by men. In the beginning stages of my brand, I had to prove that my ideas, vision, and understanding of consumers were valid. However, I think the key for me was staying focused on why I was creating this brand in the first place and staying focused on the women that we were creating for.
Designing Activewear for the Diverse Needs of Indian Women
StartupTalky: How does BeyondBound ensure its products cater to the diverse needs of active Indian women?
Tejasvi Madan: Indian women are extremely busy. They juggle work, workouts, travel, socializing, and family in one single day. We create products that are versatile, comfortable, and can accommodate different activities. We also spend a lot of time thinking about what women want from an activewear product. Is it comfortable? Is it breathability? Is it stretchiness? Is it longevity? And then, of course, there is a huge amount of time spent on the feedback that we get from the community, as the product has to work for the women.
Promoting an Accessible and Enjoyable Approach to Fitness
StartupTalky: What initiatives does BeyondBound take to encourage women to embrace fitness and an active lifestyle?
Tejasvi Madan: For us, fitness isn’t about how hard you go or how perfect you need to be. It’s about moving and feeling good in your own body. Beyond Bound, we want to make fitness feel accessible, not intimidating. A big part of this is how we communicate as a brand, and how we encourage women to think of moving their bodies in a way that’s just part of their lives, whether that’s a workout, a walk, or just moving throughout their day. We want to change the way the conversation happens from one of pressure and expectation to one of confidence and comfort.
The Evolving Role of Women in India’s Fitness Industry
StartupTalky: How do you see the role of women evolving in India's sportswear and fitness industry?
Tejasvi Madan: The change has already begun. More women today are focusing on their health, both physical and mental, resulting in the rise of interest in the fitness industry. I think it is great that women are no longer just consumers of this industry but are becoming the founders, creators, athletes, etc., of the industry. I think the industry will continue to grow with more inclusive designs, representation, and products that cater to the needs of women in India.
Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
What message would you like to share with aspiring women entrepreneurs in the fashion and fitness space this Women's Day?
Tejasvi Madan: If I have learned one thing, it is that it takes patience and conviction in one’s voice to create something meaningful. There will be moments of doubt, but these can also be opportunities for tremendous learning. My advice would be to remain curious, listen intently to consumers, and never hesitate to take up space with your ideas. The fashion and fitness industry in India is still in an exploratory phase, and there is much scope for new ideas.
Sakshi Jadhav