A Lifetime of Achievements

Dr Sangeeta Chauhan, President, AIHBA, has been honoured with the OMC Lifetime Achievement Award 2022.

Dr Sangeeta Chauhan, President, All India Hair and Beauty Association (AIHBA), is bestowed with the most prestigious award of Lifetime Achievement by OMC for her exceptional contribution in the hair and beauty industry. Priyanka Parshurami conducts an exclusive interview with Dr Chauhan about AIHBA’s role in elevating the Indian beauty industry to international standards.

Here is the excerpt of the interview.

How does it feel to receive this Award?

It feels really nice as the work which I am doing for the people of our Indian beauty industry is being recognised by the high end professional International forum like OMC.

It’s the proudest moment for me and AIHBA.

Today, you are President of AIHBA, on board with several government organisations, Jury member for International competition and conducting training programs. But can you shed some light on your initial days in this journey?

I’m so honoured, I feel so privileged that AIHBA, which came into existence in 2011 as a platform to initiate improved standards of international level education. We also started imparting jury education to all academies through AIHBA, which is one of its kinds in India.

What was your inspiration and motivation that kept you going ahead to achieve your dream?

Firstly, since my father was in the army, I have a strong patriotic feeling in my blood. Secondly, I have attended a beauty competition in Sri lanka back in 2010, where I saw the flags of many countries except India. That incident motivated and inspired me to set up AIHBA with a motto of uniting this highly unorganised Indian beauty industry and with an aim of getting government recognition I keep on doing my work for my fraternity.

During the COVID-19 phases when the entire world was under pressure and lockdown, AIHBA still managed to be part of online competitions and win medals for the country. How did you motivate your team during this difficult phase?

It was an international issue that affected the world.

I motivated my team by telling them that it’s a resting period so make the most out of it by investing in themselves for learning new things to grow in life and career.

You have been part of a lot of international training programmes and seminars.  Are our beauty industry courses and training at par with the international standards?

Now, the current training, courses and educators in India are at par with the International standards. Initially, the artist knew only one make-up i.e bridal, but today they are doing commercial, stage, fantasy and character make-up. Along with make-up they are developing a variety of arts in nail, hairstyling, colours, etc.

The Delhi University has recently introduced BA in Aesthetics and Beauty, what is your take on the curriculum and the course offerings?

It is a good course started by the authorities. But what I would like to suggest is, unlike BSC, BCom, there should be a stream of BVOC (Bachelor in Vocational Training) as it will help our industry and the aspiring and budding talent to get proper mainstream education for the beauty and wellness industry.

As part of the prestigious government initiatives, what policies should be incorporated for elevating the Indian Beauty Industry to International Standards?

Only education will not suffice in the overall growth of this industry. Along with proper education the artist and workforce should get proper remunerations as well.

is gearing up for?

The industry should be in a profitable position so that it attracts the new talent with open arms. As a result, my industry will grow more and the education system will also grow.

Which are upcoming competitions Team AIHBA

We did a hair carnival at a beauty Show. The South Indian awards are lined up in August. We are also planning to do our National Awards soon. So, yes AIHBA I am all geared up to come back with a bang.

Going ahead, what are your plans for advancing AIHBA in coming years and where do you think the organisation will be in the next 10 years?

After 10 years, I see myself sitting at home, and the government asking what we shall do now to elevate your industry. I envision that our industry also gets the same acknowledgement the way engineers, doctors and other professionals are getting. On that day I will see my dream come true.

Last but not the least, what messages would you like to convey for the aspirants, who want to make a career in the beauty and wellness industry?

If you are a true artist who is ready to work diligently and hard then the hair and beauty industry is your destination.

So all the aspirants and budding talents who want to do a career in creativity then the Indian beauty and wellness industry will welcome you with open arms. PBHJ