Marking Milestones

Disha Meher, Principal Expert -Beauty and Wellness, Urban Company, in an exclusive chat with Priyanka Parshurami, takes us on a captivating journey through her 20-year career in beauty.

Though 20 years looks like a long time, I feel like I just started yesterday says an excited Disha Meher. A journey that started with a course at Butic Beauty and Spa has culminated with her being the Principal Expert af Urban Company. With a carser graph that's filled with milestones and accomplishments, Maher fools she still has 'miles to go' in the beauty and wallness sector. Here are the excerpts from her interview..

TRANSFORMATIVE TRENDS

“The beauty and hair industry has witnessed significant changes, especially in training and education, over the years, reflecting evolving trends, technology and consumer demands. Some of the most notable changes include:

Digital transformation through technology: Evolutions like online courses, tutorials and virtual workshops provide accessible and convenient learning opportunities.

Personalisation and customisation of training programmes: This helps underscore the importance of understanding the client’s preference, skin type, hair condition and lifestyle factor for personalised recommendations and treatments.

Continued education: By attending workshops and participating in advanced training programmes, the beauty profession needs to stay updated with the latest techniques, products and industry developments.

Entrepreneurship and business skills: Modules on entrepreneurship and business management like marketing, financial management and client retention are available to equip professionals with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive beauty industry.”

SPEARHEADING INITIATIVES

“I have worked across the spectrum - from writing curriculums for various courses to conducting classes with zero experience in training, product launches and seminars conducted across the country. I have educated audiences on innovative beauty solutions such as:

+ Emphasising on practical training by shifting focus on practice training over theory, hands-on approach and real-world application.

+ Continuous learning and development through re-training, refresher courses and ongoing skill development, ensuring professionals stay updated with the latest trends, techniques and industry standards.

+ Utilising learning management systems such as convenient access to learning resources, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace and conveniently update their knowledge and skills whenever needed.

+  Master classes and specialisation, which enables professionals to refine their skills in specific areas of interest within the beauty and hair industry. Giving them a competitive edge and helping them excel in their chosen niche.

+  Recognition and career pathing programmes to identify and elevate experts within the organisation and rewarding their expertise encourages professionals to continually strive for excellence and contribute to the advancement of the industry.”

REINVENTING FOR RELEVANCE

“The training and educational approach has evolved significantly over the years. And to stay relevant in this ever-changing landscape of the hair and beauty industry, following factors proved to be important:

+  Shift from theory to practice-led training to develop practical skills through repeated practice, ensuring they are better prepared for real-world scenarios.

+  Integration of learning management systems to ensure that training remains accessible and effective in meeting the diverse needs of learners.

+  Specialised expert sessions with focus on specific skills or subjects, allowed aspirants to delve deeper into the nuances of these areas under the guidance of experts. This targeted approach ensures training is tailored to the individual needs and interests of learners.

+  Emphasis on continuous training ensured the participants remain competitive and adaptable in the dynamic beauty and hair industry.”

IMPORTANCE OF UPSKILLING

“In a rapidly evolving industry like beauty and hair, ongoing education and upskilling are paramount to the success and longevity of professionals, as they help them in:

+  Staying relevant with the trends, techniques, and technologies in the beauty and hair industry allowing them to remain relevant in a competitive market.

+  Meeting client expectations with continuous education enables professionals to deliver high-quality services that align with current trends and client preferences.

+  Enhancing skills through ongoing education allows them to continually enhance their capabilities, providing a competitive edge expanding their repertoire of services in the industry.

+  Building confidence not only enhances technical skills but also positively impacts their performance and client interactions.

+  Adapting to changes equips professionals with the agility and adaptability needed to navigate changes effectively, ensuring their continued success and relevance in the industry.

+  Professional development with ongoing education expands their knowledge base, broadens their skill set and positions themselves as leaders in their field.”

CHALLENGING THE NORMS

“At Urban Company, my greatest challenge and most significant opportunity was the imperative of training and skilling our service partners.

Recognising the lack of skilled workforce in India, we realised that superior service quality was paramount. We addressed this by instituting an intensive training regime for our partners. Our rigorous programmes are not just about imparting skills but of instilling a sense of ownership and pride in their work. We trained our partners and empowered them to become micro-entrepreneurs.”

TIPS TO ASPIRANTS

“As you embark on this journey, remember your passion, creativity, and dedication will be your greatest assets.

● Stay curious, stay inspired and never stop honing your craft.

● Treat every client as an individual, listen to their needs and strive to exceed their expectations with your talent and expertise.

● Your authenticity and passion are what will set you apart in a crowded market.

● Never underestimate the transformative power of your work.

● You have the power to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.”.

DISHA MEHER’S CAREER GRAPH