In a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and generations of businesses, Kanpur has produced another kind of entrepreneur—one who believes the most important wealth a woman can build is not just what she earns, but what she understands, owns and controls.

Meet Aarti Sanghi Gupta—economist, investor, mother, digital creator, entrepreneur and now author.

Aarti Sanghi Gupta’s recently launched book, I Am My Own Laxmi, builds on her belief that women should take an active role in their financial lives—understanding money, making informed decisions and owning their financial futures.

As CIO at FamilyOffice and Anikarth Ventures, Aarti works across investing, economics and wealth creation. Through her platform @iammyownlaxmi, she takes these conversations beyond boardrooms, making finance and investing more accessible to women.

The book’s title turns the traditional idea of Laxmi as a symbol of wealth and prosperity inward. It encourages women to see themselves not just as recipients of wealth, but as its creators.

For a young professional, that could mean investing early; for a mother, understanding household finances; and for an entrepreneur, recognising her value and building sustainable wealth.

Aarti’s own journey reflects this philosophy. An economist, investor, entrepreneur, mother, digital creator and author, she challenges the idea that women must choose between personal and professional identities.

Her connection to Kanpur adds another layer to the story. From a city rooted in enterprise and ambition, her work speaks to a growing generation of women thinking beyond earning towards ownership, investing, security and long-term wealth.

At its heart, her message is simple: don’t wait for someone else to build your financial future. Learn it. Build it. Own it.

I am my own Laxmi.