Celebrating women who pave the way for future generations

Celebrating women who pave the way for future generations

Feature story on the entrepreneurial journey of ESCP student Ines Bensalah

This year, the International Women’s Day community calls on us to #AccelerateAction—urging swift and decisive efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress. At ESCP Business School, we firmly believe that businesses, educational institutions, and communities thrive when every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

While progress has been made, significant obstacles continue to limit women’s participation in key industries, particularly in entrepreneurship. Cultural stereotypes, unequal access to funding, and the underrepresentation of women in venture capital leadership contribute to this ongoing disparity. ESCP Professor Rand Gerges Yammine’s research on the gender gap in entrepreneurship further highlights these challenges (read more).

One of the most effective ways to drive change is by amplifying the voices of female role models in entrepreneurship. When young women see others leading and innovating, they are more likely to envision themselves following similar paths.

By celebrating women entrepreneurs and investors, we can inspire future generations to lead with confidence, creativity, and resilience.

Championing inclusion and innovation through fashion and social impact

In celebration of International Women’s Day, ESCP Business School is proud to highlight the remarkable journey of Ines Bensalah (EMIB)—an inspiring role model who blends entrepreneurship with social impact. With a deep commitment to inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, she exemplifies how business can be a force for good.

From personal struggles to social change

Ines Bensalah’s entrepreneurial journey is as unique as it is inspiring. As a student at ESCP Business School, she has leveraged her education to drive meaningful change in both the fashion industry and social activism. Motivated by her personal experiences with bullying, Ines initiated the project Protège-toi contre le harcèlement en milieu scolaire in Monaco. Developed in collaboration with the Department of the Interior, the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS), Femmes Leaders Mondiales de Monaco (FLMM), and the Association d’Aide aux Victimes d’Infractions Pénales (AVIP), the project harnesses the power of art to raise awareness about school bullying. Launched in November 2024, artists conducted workshops in four schools across Monaco, helping students transform their emotions and experiences into creative expression.

Ines played a key role in this initiative, leading its launch with a theatrical and creative workshop reflecting her personal experiences. Her unwavering dedication to inclusion and equal opportunity underscores the profound impact young entrepreneurs can have on shaping a better society.

Building a sustainable fashion brand

Beyond her advocacy work, Ines Bensalah is an accomplished entrepreneur in the fashion industry. She founded Inessa Creations, a Monaco-based brand that merges fashion, art, and sustainability. Understanding the critical role of sustainability in modern business, Ines ensures that all her designs are handmade, 100% biodegradable, and produced in France. Even her packaging aligns with her eco-conscious vision, with items shipped in fully compostable envelopes made from corn starch, adhering to the highest European and international environmental standards.

Her dedication to sustainability is further reflected in her role as an ambassador for the Principality of Monaco’s Energy Transition Mission since 2022, reinforcing the need for responsible business practices in today’s world.

Empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs

Ines Bensalah’s influence extends far beyond fashion. As the head of the youth division for Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco, she actively supports young women in leadership and entrepreneurship. She also serves as a mentor for emerging designers at the Monégasque Chamber of Fashion, playing a pivotal role in elevating Monaco’s fashion industry on the global stage.

Her achievements have gained international recognition. In December 2023, she joined the Vogue Italy incubator in partnership with Afro Fashion Week, solidifying her status as a rising force in fashion. Additionally, she was the official designer for the prestigious Amber Lounge show at the 78th Monaco Grand Prix.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. She was named to Forbes Monaco 30 Under 30, recognising her as one of the most influential young entrepreneurs in the region. Most recently, in January 2025, she was appointed Ambassador of the Monaco Women in Finance Institute, a distinction announced by Monaco’s Minister of the Interior.

A role model for future entrepreneurs

Ines Bensalah embodies the essence of modern entrepreneurship—seamlessly integrating business, creativity, and social responsibility. Her journey highlights the transformative power of education, resilience, and leadership in creating meaningful change. As an ESCP Business School student, she continues to inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs, demonstrating that business can be a catalyst for social good.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Ines and the many women like her who are shaping a more inclusive and innovative future. By breaking barriers and redefining leadership, they pave the way for a new era of entrepreneurship—one where inclusion, sustainability, and empowerment take centre stage.

Want to learn more about Ines’s entrepreneurial journey and advice for fellow entrepreneurs? Watch the full interview here.