A Star is Born

Beautician Pritisha Barman from Guwahati, Assam, is set to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition in the beauty segment. In an exclusive interview with Priyanka Parshurami, she talks about her exciting journey.

Pritisha Barman, a 22-year-old from Guwahati, will represent India at the upcoming WorldSkills Competition in the beauty segment. We engage her in a conversation to retrace her remarkable journey right from the first steps she took in the industry to reaching the milestone of representing India on an international arena.

Barman’s path into beauty was paved by her lifelong passion for the field. “I have always been fascinated by beauty and make-up. I wanted to turn my passion into a profession to ensure that I love what I do every day,” she revealed. Initially, she embarked on a basic beauty course, unaware of the competitive world that awaited her.

Her journey took an unexpected turn when an opportunity arose to participate in the WorldSkills Competition. “At first, I was not even aware of what WorldSkills was. It was a spontaneous decision. But I got full support from my mentor, Madhumita Saikia of Signature Academy, Guwahati,” Barman admits. When the original participant’s registration was cancelled with only a week to go, she saw it as a chance to test her skills. Despite having limited preparation time, she quickly immersed herself in the competition.

Barman’s preparation was intense and all-consuming. “Preparation for this competition is incredibly demanding,” she explains. “I practised day and night, focusing on per fecting my basics. When I won gold at the regional level, I realised the gravity of the competition and the responsibility of representing my state and country.”

Her enthusiasm and dedication were evident from the beginning. “My motivation came from a deepseated interest in decorating others, which began in my childhood. I used to experiment with makeup on my family and friends,” she recalls. Despite lacking formal training initially, her passion drove her to seek knowledge through online resources and practice.

A significant boost to her skills came when she received an opportunity to train in South Korea with WorldSkills trainers in June 2022. Sponsored by IndiaSkills, this two-week training session honed her abilities and polished her techniques. “That experience was transformative,” she says. “The training I received in South Korea was instrumental in elevating my skills to the next level.”

However, her journey was not without challenges. Balancing her beauty training with her graduation studies, Barman faced numerous hurdles. “I initially pursued a graduation course in arts alongside my beauty training. But the WorldSkills opportunity made me realise where my true passion lay. I decided to focus entirely on beauty and temporarily stopped my graduation.”

The competition process was intense and demanding. “My daily routine was rigorous. I would wake up early, exercise, and head to the institute for intense practice sessions. I focused on both theoretical and practical aspects, constantly pushing myself to improve,” she describes. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Barman had to drop out of the competition just ten days before the final stage. Despite this setback, her journey was far from over.

Overcoming obstacles was a constant theme in Barman’s journey, including the struggle to move out from her hometown with limited resources. Her family’s support played a crucial role in her journey. “Though my family was initially sceptical, they eventually became my biggest supporters. My mother, who was concerned about the stability of a career in beauty, now proudly shares my achievements,” she says.

“Winning a national title has significantly boosted my career. It’s helped me gain recognition and even job of fers from abroad.”

Barman also credits several industry experts for their invaluable guidance. “Industry veterans like Manisha Chopra, Makeup & Beauty Coach and Cofounder of SeaSoul Cosmetics, Leena Khandekar, Director & Founder of Lee’s Beauty Center and Spa Institute, Gayatri Sali from Thalgo, Dr Dipti Abhyankar, International Trainer, and ex-WorldSkills participants like Karishma Gupta and Mahima Gandhi have guided me tremendously,” she acknowledges. Their mentorship, along with her rigorous training, transformed her from someone with basic knowledge into one of the most skilled beauty therapists today.

Despite the hurdles she faced, Barman’s achievements have opened doors to international opportunities. “Winning a national title has significantly boosted my career. It’s helped me gain recognition and even job offers from abroad,” she says. Her experience has been a testament to the potential of pursuing one’s passion and the rewards it can bring.

Looking ahead, Barman’s goals are clear. “I aspire to continue learning from industry experts and eventually establish my own salon. I want to use my experience to inspire others and prove that pursuing a passion can lead to a fulfilling career,” she asserts.

“Do not be discouraged by doubts or obstacles. Embrace opportunities like WorldSkills and use them to showcase your skills and passion. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve great things,” Barman advises aspiring participants.

As Barman gears up for future challenges under the guidance of industry veterans like Dr Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of B&WSSC, and Vaishali Shah, Founder of LTA School of Beauty, her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Her journey from a curious student to a national representative embodies the spirit of ambition and resilience, making her a true rising star in the beauty industry.