From Baroda to the World
Born and brought up in Baroda, Gujarat, Mona Patel carries great aspirations and a drive to succeed. At the age of 22, she moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education. Also, to turn her dreams into reality. She studied at world’s top universities- Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. Studying there shaped her knowledge, vision as an entrepreneur and help her begin. These experiences were the beginning steps for everything she would go on to build. Her academic background helped her build businesses and be an inspiration.
She earned an MBA from MIT and soon became a serial entrepreneur. Her journey started in 2003 with the launch of MonaLisa Properties. “I was a real estate agent and saw the potential,” she said. Currently, they deal in commercial as well as luxury residential real estate. Inspired by her surroundings, she was determined on building spaces that made people feel good. What began with Florida’s commercial spaces has now expanded to luxurious homes.
A Gujarati Inspiration in Global Business
Mona Patel is more than just a businesswoman. She’s a Gujarati inspiration who has built eight companies across healthcare, technology, and real estate. Her ventures include radXai, an AI health-tech firm, and CareFirst Imaging, a medical imaging business based in Florida. Patel is also the driving force behind HauteX Ventures, an investment platform, and Haute Mindset, a community that supports women entrepreneurs. Through Haute Mindset, she offers mentorship, funding, and valuable resources—especially to women of color who are navigating the business world. Patel believes in building inclusive systems where more people can thrive.
Philanthropy with Style: Couture for Cause
She believed that building a business means more when you’re also building a better world. In 2017, she brought together her passion for fashion and her desire to give back by launching Couture for Cause. Under this non-profit, she auctions designer pieces which are exclusive—many straight from her own wardrobe—to support girls’ education and healthcare. What has now raised over $400,000, started as a personal mission. It has touched more than 4000 lives. Couture for Cause proves that style can be a powerful force for change. This happened by partnering with organizations like Pencils of Promise and Rescue Foundation.
Making Waves at the Met Gala
Mona debuted at Met Gala in 2024 amusing the world. She was seen wearing Iris van Herpen’s designed gorgeousbutterfly-inspired gown. Her look was completed with gloves that moved like real wings. Her unique look turned heads, and people quickly named her the event’s “mystery woman” and one of the best-dressed of the night. She was not aware of the global response at first. “People I hadn’t spoken to in 20 years from India were messaging me,” she laughed. “I thought it was something American, like the Super Bowl. But this was bigger.”
Her 2024 Met Gala appearance wasn’t just a fashion statement. It reflected her vision, planning, and collaborative spirit. Patel credits her success in the business world for preparing her for that moment. From gathering a creative team to executing a bold vision, the entire experience mirrored her entrepreneurial journey.
More Than a Moment: A Movement
Patel didn’t stop at one Met Gala. In 2025, she returned with an even more unique appearance. This time, she wore a custom Thom Browne suit featuring a hand-embroidered corset crafted by Indian artisans. Her look included a dramatic cape and cutting-edge accessories. But what truly stole the spotlight was her robotic dog, Vector. Developed in collaboration with MIT engineers, Vector was inspired by Browne’s iconic dachshund mascot, Hector. Dressed in a tuxedo and accessorized with a 1,000-carat diamond leash, Vector had custom sensors and programmed movements. “He had just the right amount of sass,” Patel joked. Her look showed the world that technology, fashion, and culture can coexist beautifully.
Building a Legacy Rooted in Gujarat
Mona Patel never forgets where she came from. Her Gujarati roots keep her grounded and guide her values. She believes: “success comes not only from hard work but also from staying true to one’s identity”. Importance of inclusion, mentoring, and community is what she often discusses about. “Entrepreneurship can be used to promote change, particularly for underrepresented groups and women.”, She believes. She builds her legacy on purpose and not just profits.
Whether it’s building tech companies or designing unforgettable fashion moments, Patel leads with purpose. Her story is one of hard work. It shows how working on passion can bring you fame across continents. More than anything, it reminds that vision, dedication and Gujarati grit can make anything possible.
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