Women to Watch: Sequoia Print’s Yashwi Jain

Yashwi Jain’s journey into the world of packaging and printing was shaped by her passion for computer science and problem-solving, as well as a lifelong connection to the industry. As a technical business developer at Sequoia Print, an offshoot of Stylo Media, Jain has been contributing to the company’s mission of exploring innovative and experimental printing solutions. Her role blends technical knowledge with packaging design.

“Sequoia Print is dedicated to creating better experiences for customers through cutting-edge technology,” says Jain. “We are focused on leveraging AI and data-driven insights to optimise the packaging printing process. My role is about ensuring that we use data to improve customer experiences and refine the products we deliver.”

Jain’s first exposure to the print and packaging industry came during her college years. She spent summers working at the family business, gaining an early understanding of the sector. 

“Whenever we’d visit duty-free shops in airports, I’d study the intricate packaging of products. I found myself fascinated by the design and structure of everything from perfumes to cosmetics,” she recalls. This sparked an interest in the science behind packaging design. She pursued subjects like chemistry and physics in school and later combined computer science with marketing during college.

Her decision to join the print industry was influenced by her father’s work in printing and packaging, as well as her technical abilities. “I bring a technical perspective that complements my father’s expertise,” she says, adding that together, they make a strong team. After a stint as a software developer at the Royal Bank of Canada, Jain returned to Kolkata in 2024, fully immersed in Sequoia Print’s growth.

When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned, Jain reflects, “I’ve realised that staying calm and composed is key to overcoming challenges. A quote I live by is: 'You’ve got a dream, you’ve gotta protect it.' It keeps me focused and determined to keep pushing forward.”

In her current role, Jain’s days are structured and varied. She begins each day with a workout, followed by planning her tasks on Google Calendar. The morning is spent aligning with the team and tracking project progress, while afternoons focus on scripting and database management. “We always make time in the evening for quality checks and mock-ups,” she says. Keeping herself updated with industry trends is also a priority, as Jain reads publications like PrintWeek to stay ahead of the curve.

Despite the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, Jain is undeterred. “I’ve learned to embrace being a woman in this field. It offers opportunities to stand out, and I see it as a strength,” she explains. She acknowledges that the printing industry isn’t always viewed as glamorous, but believes this perception can change. "Printing is a fusion of art, science, and technology. It’s an interdisciplinary field with so much potential," Jain says passionately.

Through her work, Jain hopes to inspire more young professionals to explore the rich and diverse world of printing and packaging, reshaping how the industry is perceived for future generations.