"Listening to the client is the most essential part of client consultation."

Neha Chande, Director and Technical Head, Indian School of Beauty, elaborates on her journey, importance of training, and shares key tips for skin experts, with Shriyal Sethumadhavan.

Neha Chande beautifully replaces ‘young age’ with ‘right age’ as she recalls the time when she made her entry into the beauty industry. What’s more, she attributes this ‘right decision made at the right age’ to her career-focused mother. “She was the one who made me identify my skills and choose the correct path at a perfect time in my life,” says Chande When asked who her 'inspiration forever' is, she promptly said, Dr Blossom Kocchhar, whose humble nature and motherly warmth inspired Chanda to be a trainer. With this, she further delves into her journey, importance of training and some inspiring tips to be a successful artist.

At the beginning of your career, what were the initial challenges that you faced, and how did you keep yourself motivated?

Till few years ago, people did not look at the beauty industry as a career option. It was considered a hobby, also not as much respected during those days. But my mother always told me that if this is what makes you happy, then this must be your destination, and this is what I tell every new comer - ignore what others say, do what makes you happy and proud.

When you started, what was the kind of training available in India for professionals in the beauty and wellness sector?

When I started my career, training opportunities were available. What lacked was awareness about the industry. Also, one of the biggest drawbacks was lack of right guidance.

How does training in soft skills act as a value addition for a skin expert and makeup artist?

Soft skills are the most essential part of a beauty professional. “People remember

how we make them feel” and that is why good soft skills towards handling a client will make a client loyal to your services for far longer. Hence, at my school, all our courses includes soft skills as the main subject.

How did the World Skills Championship add significantly to your growth graph? 

I consider myself as God's favourite child because he brought World Skills in my life. World Skills paved my path to success by giving me opportunities on a global platform. It gave me the skills and confidence to be an entrepreneur. Representing my country at the global stage and getting it recognised is a matter of pride and gratitude for me. I will urge the youth to be a part of the World Skills community because it gives you the courage and skills to stand with your head held high as a professional.

The courses offered by your school, Indian School of Beauty, include in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology. How does this benefit the students? Anatomy, physiology, and cosmetic chemistry serves as a base for skin and hair “I consider myself as God’s favourite child.” jobs. Having scientific knowledge makes the professional much more confident and technically sound. This enables them to deliver best-in-class services.

Which are the common areas where skin experts can go wrong while attending to a client, and what would your advice be to overcome the same?

Professionals generally go wrong in analysing the skin condition and thus recommending the right products. Listening to the client is the most essential part of client consultation, and every skin expert should focus on it.

Also, is there a colour theory that you would recommend makeup artists to follow? Your hottest makeup colours for summer?

The colour wheel is the core strength of a makeup artist – understanding the colour harmonies and mixings in-depth improves the overall makeup look. Summers are more about cool and vibrant colours to keep the heat away. The hottest seasonal makeup colours according to me are vibrant yellow, pinks, lilac, and bright greens.

One key quality that a make-up artist should have to draw in clients and cultivate their loyalty?

Maintain a pleasant and confident demeanour, and with a clear communication with the clients this will keep them coming back for more.

During these pandemic times, when the industry has been hit by an unexpected set of challenges, what would your message be, especially to the beginners in the beauty and wellness industry?

The pandemic was uncertain, but it taught us the new normal. Now we are technically sounder in terms of digital modes of payments, bookings, and trainings. Certainly, we have lost many things in these months but let us look at our achievements as well. This year will bring us more business, more happiness, and everything in abundance. So let us stay motivated.

Also, with International Women’s Day around the corner, and this industry being dominated by talented women, what would your advice be to women who aspire to be professionals in this industry?

“Colour wheel is the core strength of a makeup artist.”

Women are the most beautiful creation of the universe. We own the power to build and nurture every new creation. This industry gives us an opportunity to create a new masterpiece every day. I take pride in saying that here women are empowering other women selflessly. So, open your wings and take a leap in the beauty sector.

Watch Neha Chande’ Instagram Live session with us on ‘Traversing the world of beauty’: