FROM ARTISTS TO Entrepreneurs

In the latest edition of our Young Guns series, we focus on stars that have charted a trajectory for themselves that took them from being budding talent to successful business owners. Vaishakhi Haria, Creative Head and Director, Splash Salon and Atharva Takke, Business Owner, U Takke’s Hair & Skin Institution, discuss their evolution in the industry.

Professional Beauty x Hairdressers Journal’s Young Guns series is an inspiring collection of success stories of young talent from India’s beauty industry. Here we are following the life journeys of skilled, trained and passionate artists who have honed themselves at the top of their artistry game while being successful at the business of beauty, too.

Balancing Art and Business

“Right from my first step into the industry at the age of 17 till today, it has been a fantastic rollercoaster ride. I have been an integral part of the Indian beauty industry and also been fortunate enough to be exposed to its international counterpart. I started my career as a hairstylist, graduated to be an educator and made my way towards the ultimate goal of being an entrepreneur.”

EVOLVING BEAUTY STANDARDS

“Currently, the Indian beauty industry is in a standardised format. Way back in 2000’s it was not structured or organised. Today, our artists have taken the industry to the top-notch level. Even the academies have become streamlined and at par with the international standards. Moreover, the foray of global beauty brands into India has made the market more versatile and in sync with macro trends.

The artists are also getting a lot of exposure to global trends and acceptance in terms of their creativity, which in turn helps them to get the best out of their art.”

KEEP THE INSPIRATION GOING

“My mother has always been my biggest inspiration. She has been a hair and make-up artist for the past 35 years. I grew up watching her work. When I joined the industry at the age of 17, I knew nothing about it. But as we know every stylist has a different essence and they inspire you in different ways. It’s just that you have to observe and learn.”

EVOLVING BEAUTY STANDARDS

“I think there is so much in store in our industry, and it is only growing and growing and growing. It’s not going to stop. The last few years, I think we’ve a lot of freedom, maximum would mean it’s reached it’s peak. And there are so many platforms that will support you on this. So, I think one should just go for it. Be yourself and you will find your audience.”

The Accidental Hairdresser

“Hairdressing was never my first option. I’m an accidental hairdresser. I wanted to carve my niche before becoming a hairdresser and joining my father’s business. However, being a hairdresser was an inevitable journey, which started at the age of 17 for me and then there was no looking back. I took education from renowned academies and identified opportunities to become a good hairdresser, educator and salon owner.

Although we had our own salon, I opted to work at different salons to enhance my skills and techniques. After these training and jobs, I finally took over the reins of U Takke Salon & Academy.

During my course of journey, I realised that I was also inclined towards the business aspect of the profession. And started working towards enhancing that side as well.

And yes, now I am enjoying this wonderful journey and looking forward to more creative opportunities in future.”

THIRD GENERATION ENTREPRENEUR

“I am the third generation of U Takke Salon & Academy, with a limited chain of salons and 3-4 academies across Maharashtra. I have ensured that no radical changes in the salon business were implemented as we have clientele who are with us since generations. However, at the same time, I introduced a few modern approaches that are still in sync with the traditional roots of the business. As a result, clients still feel connected with the brand.

With regards to the academy, we are now digital, right from seminar promotions to course details, teaching quick hacks and many more. We are also making an effort to stay connected with our students, followers and industry through social media.”

BRAND COLLABS

“My inclination was more towards barbering. As a result, I associated with a lot of, male hairdressing, male grooming products and went ahead and curated looks for their brands.

My first ever brand collaboration was eight years ago, with a multinational company, because of which my work got noticed and recognised in the industry. However, before these collaborations an artist needs to know their niche or inclination as it will be useful for a sustainable brand artist collaboration. As an artist, one promotes the brand and its products, hence identifying the niche is the most important factor in any artist brand collaboration.

Secondly, the artist needs to understand the brand and its products thoroughly as in absence of the same, the artist will not be able to make and demonstrate the optimum use and functionality of the products.

And last but not the least, an artist should have full faith and trust in the brand and its products. In the Indian beauty industry, artists are not just followed but also worshiped. And what they promote, follow or teach becomes a trend. Hence, an artist should be representing the brand and its products with complete honesty and not just for monetary gains.”

MESSAGE FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS

“Hairdressing is a vast field. So, identify your likes, inclinations and passion and then follow them with utmost honesty. When you do that, sky’s the limit for you!”