“Treat the staff as your business partners and not as employees.”

Congratulations on completing your first anniversary in India! This magazine has been a must-read for me as it has given me insights to the industry like no other. From looking at unique hairstyles to the latest news about the beauty industry with insightful tips by experts who share their knowledge, new product launches, which are beautifully displayed in the magazine. This magazine offers a lot to its’ readers

Lata Khanchandani, Owner, Lata Hair & Beauty Salon, shares her top tips for managing and motivating salon staff, importance of training and learning in the beauty industry, existing gaps and challenges and much more.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR JOURNEY IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY, AND HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE INDUSTRY EVOLVE OVER THE YEARS?

It has been a good journey. I have achieved a lot in the beauty industry. I won the Bronze cup at OMC Hair World Asia Cup, which was a lifetime achievement. The industry used to be different back then, and now it has greatly evolved. Back in the day, we had no Internet, and today, we have to keep up with the latest trends; we learn something new every day. The Internet is a game-changer for every aspiring MUA and hairstylist.

WHAT WOULD YOUR TOP IPS BE FOR MANAGING AND MOTIVATING SALON STAFF?

My number one tip for anyone would be to always treat the staff as your business partners and not as employees. I don’t believe in fixed salaries, and work on revenue-sharing basis, so the staff always takes ownership for their work.

Rules and regulations, and regular meetings are important. These form the backbone of our work, and so, we should always empathise with them and listen to their problems. That’s how the staff will always be loyal to you. It is important to have a personal touch and give them the freedom they need.

By following these rules and tips, our staff has been loyal to us for 25 years. existing gaps and challenges and much more.

HOW IMPORTANT IS TRAINING AND LEARNING IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY? WHAT WOULD YOUR TIPS BE FOR THE BUDDING TRAINERS IN THIS INDUSTRY?

Training is as important in the beauty industry as we work with chemicals, and with hair and skin involved, we have to understand everything about the work in-depth and treat it delicately. A single certificate is not enough. Apart from learning things theoretically, it is important to always gain hands-on working experience, as practical training is just as important. We are in the service industry, not only beauty. The number one thing that matters is how you communicate with the clients, so build a great work ethic, and make the client feel special, this not only increases your salon’s popularity but is the main key to success.

AT PRESENT, WHAT ARE THE KEY GAPS AND CHALLENGES THAT EXIST WITHIN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?

As ‘at-home- salon’ is gaining popularity, this remains to be the biggest challenge for salon owners, and we continue to struggle for supply and demand. In my opinion, nothing can replace salons, as we provide experience, not just a service. And this is something that people will not be able to find at their homes. So while things are uncertain, I hope people will return to the salons, as the main thing we offer is a unique and rare talent, which is personal and different.

Every day, new products are coming up, designed to provide a better experience for customers, which is fascinating.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT’S GOING TO BE EXCITING FOR THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY IN THE YEAR 2022?

Hopefully, the pandemic will soon be a thing of the past, and slowly, we will see people go back to normal, this will be an exciting sight to see. Every day, new products are coming up, designed to provide a better experience for customers, which is fascinating. Beauty industry experts should keep upgrading themselves, nd be ready to always provide the best experience to the client with their expertise and their salon’s ambience.