BEAUTY ON TRACK

Local trains are the lifeline of Mumbai. Sonia Nair, Owner, V MAT Salon, is turning local stations into beauty destinations. Priyanka Parshurami finds out more.

You caught the early morning fast train. You are so going to reach the office on time. But your hair is a hot mess and for make-up you just about managed to dab lip gloss on. There’s no way you are making a presentation looking like this! Many of us face this dilemma on a daily basis. Sonia Nair, Owner, V MAT Salon, empathising with this concern of Mumbaikars, opened salons near popular railway stations in Mumbai. V Mat Salons are designed to give their fast-track clients a quick makeover, before or after they begin their daily commute.

Excerpts from the interview…

How they got started

“Conceptualised by the owners of Vijaya Infra Pvt Ltd and established in 2001, V Mat Salons have been catering to the grooming needs of the ‘on the go’ Mumbaikars. Speedily delivered, high quality professional services at affordable prices are the highlights of V Mat Salons.”

For the city that never sleeps

“Mumbai has a fast-moving lifestyle, yet the average Mumbaikar spends hours travelling to work and back. That leaves barely any time for personal grooming. V Mat Salons follow an important parameter of being located at the city’s popular railway stations. This helps ensure that Mumbaikars get their ‘me time’ in spite of their hectic travel routines.”

A few USP of the salon include:

• Pocket friendly services

• Uses professional brands

• Easy accessibility at railway platforms

• Comfortable seating

• Quick turnaround time for the services

Training the talent

“After the recruitment process, the trainee undergoes proper training in hair, beauty and nails, as well as in basic communication skills as it is very important while interacting with the clients.

Our administration staff goes to our salons to take trials of these trainees. Depending on their assessment on a holistic level, we promote them to start working on the floor.”

Expanding the horizon

“We are planning to come up with 400 salons all over India. Apart from Mumbai, we are targeting cities like Chennai and Kochi to launch this format.

We are also targeting to open franchise salons in tourist places on a pan-India level. Everyone wants to look their best when they are on vacation, and end up carrying hair iron, blow dryer, etc. Hence, we are planning to open V MAT Salons at famous tourist attractions and beaches.

As part of the franchise format, we would be offering a complete package including space, interiors, products, furniture and staff, with an affordable fee structure, starting at Rs 5 lakhs.

What’s their success mantra

My success mantra is given by my dad Krishnakumar Nair, Fouder, VMat Salon, “Do not be afraid of competition while starting a business. Focus on what you can do and what you want to achieve and success will be your.”