Yassmin Mistry: A Trailblazer in Business, Community, and Empowerment

Dynamic Leadership Across Industries

Yassmin Mistry stands out as a multifaceted leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as Managing Director of three major companies: Durand Forms India Private Limited, Mistry Logistics, and YM Securities. Under her stewardship, Durand Forms has become the second-largest manufacturer of aluminium formworks in India, while Mistry Logistics has grown from a family-run transport business into a logistics powerhouse. Her leadership is marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

From Modelling to Boardroom: An Unconventional Beginning

Yasmin Jal Mistry was inspired to transition from modelling to entrepreneurship primarily due to the sudden and tragic passing of her father, Jal Mistry, a respected industrialist. At that critical juncture, with her only sibling settled abroad, the responsibility of managing her father’s entire business fell on her young shoulders. This life event compelled her to shift her focus from a successful modelling career—where she had worked with top Indian brands and even signed for Bollywood films—to taking charge of the family’s transport business. She not only learned to manage it swiftly but also expanded it into a logistics giant, Mistry Logistics, within eight years. This transformation marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, which later included founding Durand Forms India Pvt Ltd, a major manufacturer of aluminium formworks, and YM Securities, a company registered on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Academic Excellence and Early Inspiration

Additionally, Yasmin’s passion for entrepreneurship was ignited during her Master’s degree in Commerce at Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics, which laid the academic foundation for her business pursuits. Her upbringing and the example set by her mother, Arnavaz Jal Mistry—a prominent community and social service worker—also deeply influenced her leadership style and commitment to social causes. This blend of personal tragedy, academic preparation, and family inspiration propelled Yasmin to embrace entrepreneurship not only as a career but also as a platform for community service and women’s empowerment

Accolades and Recognition

Yassmin’s achievements have garnered numerous prestigious awards, reflecting her influence and excellence:

• Honorary Doctorate in Women Entrepreneurship & Welfare (2018)
• Crowned ‘MRS. WORLD INTERNATIONAL’ (June 2022), also winning ‘Mrs. Photogenic’ among 52 finalists from across the globe
• ‘Top 10 Emerging Leaders of 2022’ by India Today and Heylin Spark
• ‘Dynamic Woman Entrepreneur’ at the Atal Achievement Awards 2022
• ‘Business Leadership of the Year 2023’ by the National Achievers Recognition Forum
• Named among the Top 30 and Top 50 Women Entrepreneurs of 2023 by Indian Alert
• Featured in Times Now’s ’10 Outstanding Business Leaders of 2024′
• National Level ‘Real Women Award’ in construction on International Women’s Day, 2025

Commitment to Social Upliftment

Beyond business, Yassmin is deeply committed to community service. As a founder trustee of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of India (ZTFI), she champions social upliftment, especially within the Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian community. Her advocacy extends to women’s empowerment, protection against child abuse, and broader social causes, leveraging her public platforms to raise awareness and drive change.

Empowering Women and Inspiring Change

Yassmin’s journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph is a beacon for aspiring women entrepreneurs. She has consistently challenged stereotypes, promoted inclusivity, and demonstrated that business success and social impact can go hand in hand. Her story exemplifies resilience, vision, and a relentless drive to uplift others, making her a role model for the next generation of leaders.

Her noteworthy entrepreneurial skills, along with her dedication to social impact, have made her a person of influence and someone to look up to. As Yassmin’s impressive list of accomplishments continues to grow, she remains an unending source of light to everyone wishing to follow her path.

A Legacy of Excellence

Yassmin Mistry’s legacy is defined not just by her business acumen, but by her unwavering dedication to empowering others and creating meaningful change in society. Her journey continues to inspire, reminding us all of the power of determination, compassion, and authentic leadership