Dreams are what we have when we grow up. More for women dreams become like a habit and women with conviction fulfil them while for others they just remain a dream. A beauty-preneur and a groomer share her story with us.
WT: How has your childhood been as a girl?
RS: My childhood has been very simple. Though there was no such discrimination based on my gender yet to be a businesswoman was never on my mind. My parents had always motivated me to dream and fulfil it. I knew dreams are what we have when we grow up. It more the informal education that we receive from our surroundings in general and parents in particular. I am lucky that I am brought up with more encouragement for my dreams and career.
WT: What motivated you to walk on the path of entrepreneurship?
RS: ‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder‘ but to look beautiful one must groom herself. Since childhood, I loved styling myself and my friends. They were happy to be experimented by me. New hairstyles, fashion collage and making them beautiful was my passion. My mother was the fashion house for me, wearing her dress, smearing her lipstick on my lips, dabbing her kajal on my eyelids I successfully portrayed myself as a lady then. So, this was within me and it was my dream that motivated me to be what I am today.
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WT: Tell us some of the challenges that you faced while carrying out the venture?
RS: As a woman being an entrepreneur was not accepted in 2010. When I started, it was a real struggle to find myself competing with the already existing industry players. To establish something of your own is anyway a gigantic task and on the top of it for a woman, things become more herculean than thought.
The place where I established my salon was not on the main road, that was also a big challenge for me. Though I had the support from my husband, children and my parents this was my lone struggle. From financing my startup till today I have always paid my own bills and that has been the fuel for my energy.
WT: Tell us some of your achievements in carrying out your career path.
RS: I have completed courses from City & Guild (London) & Institute of Beauty & Holistic Training (IBHT, Ireland) before I started R4 Professional Salon and Spa. I have gained more confidence in managing workers. I have to deal with different aspects of customer services and have also learned precision for work.
WT: What according to you is the biggest fashion mistake one can ever make?
RS: Fashion mistake – don’t pretend what you are not. Be yourself, because beauty lies in being the best of you. I see many women doing fashion mistakes even in their daily lives. I wish to conduct workshops someday so that they get the knowledge that I have gained through my education and become more beautiful.
WT: Where do you see yourself down 10 years?
RS: 10 years I see myself have a chain of salons in pan India & North America. Be a famous renowned makeup artist and also bring in international certification in the salon industry.
WT: Whom do you idolize in the fashion industry?
RS: My inspiration is Jammie Kerl.
WT: Tell something about your passion for helping others or women specifically
RS: I want to establish an academy and uplift women by giving the underprivileged women an opportunity of growth, skills and employment I want to establish independence in women
WT: Your message to other women entrepreneurs.
RS: Live your dream and don’t let it go for anything. You have the power to unleash it 10. What has been your financial turnover in the past year as compared to you when you started. I started with nothing and today I own two salons of my own. It has been a journey of hard work and lots of learning and I envision to work hard to achieve more.
