As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the nation embraces its freedom with immense pride and gratitude. Making the most of this day, Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India delves into the perspectives of renowned beauty and hair industry maestros to uncover what independence means to them.
This Independence Day, through these insights, let’s explore how creative endeavours illustrate a profound sense of freedom and self-expression.
Shine Janarthanan | Founder & Director, Time Machine Salon & Academy
“According to me, if there is anything that you really like or love, then you’re free. Your mind is free and your heart is free! And, if there is something that you don’t like or love, then you feel trapped; almost like you’re jailed. This industry has given me that feeling of freedom. Initially, I wasn’t very sure about getting into this industry, but I’m so glad that I did. It has given me the freedom to do whatever I want and create whatever I want. There have been no restrictions, no barriers, and I completely love what I do. Most importantly, I’ve never felt trapped or needed to free myself from this.
A lot of times one gets paid well but they’re not satisfied. So, I don’t relate money with freedom. Sometimes when I do some work that I don’t even get paid for, but if I really like and enjoy what I’m doing, I feel free. That is freedom. I think what I do every single day is exactly what I love. I’m truly blessed to be a part of this industry.”
Ojas Rajani | Celebrity Makeup Artist
“It’s Independence Day, so we’re all free birds, and I think it feels fantastic to be a free bird — in terms of freedom of expression, laughter, personality, or even creativity. I believe my work as a makeup artist, hairstylist, and creative stylist gives me the freedom to break boundaries. Whatever vision I have, I bring it into reality, and I think that’s the best form of freedom. It brings out the best in my work, where there is no pressure at all.
In that sense, it gives me a lot of freedom to express myself and showcase my personality. I see myself as a proud, beautiful woman, and I think my feminine side shines through my creativity. My creativity reaches greater heights, and there’s no stopping me because I can truly express what is within me. What is built up inside me comes out in a very creative manner. As a makeup artist, one should be very grateful for the chance to bring out the best in terms of colour and styling.
We have so much freedom, and I remember when I worked on Aishwarya’s movie Robot, for which I won all the awards. Robot was the remake of a South movie, Enthiran with Rajinikanth, where she looked like a Brazilian goddess or an Indian goddess — stunning, as I created more than 35 looks in seven songs. Looking back at that, or today at my academy, I got the chance to envision and bring that into reality, which gives me great freedom to express and release the pent-up feelings in my body, mind, and soul.
So, wishing everybody a very happy Independence Day in their own way. Bring out the best in you, darling. Don’t hold back your feelings; positively release them. You’re going to fly higher and higher, just as I have. God bless us all.”
Natasha Naegamvala | Director, Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin Salon & Spa
“For me, freedom within the hairdressing world is the freedom of interpretation. It’s the freedom of creativity, it’s the freedom of having an individuality. To me, freedom means being comfortable in choosing whether you wish to conform or not. It’s the opportunity and ability to be able to do as you believe within a creative space and even otherwise.”
Unnati Singh | Director, IHB Education India & Founder, Mansi Beauty Academy &Salon
“On this Independence Day, freedom to me as a beauty and hair educator means the liberty to express creativity, inspire confidence, and empower others through my craft. It’s about breaking barriers, embracing individuality, and contributing to a world where everyone feels beautiful and free to be themselves. mainly bridging the gap between national and international education.”
Chaynn Saikia | Lead Educator & Artistic Team Member, Wahl India
“As a youngster, I heard Tony Robbin say that freedom is when we are able to do what we want, whenever we want, how much we want and with whoever we want and that has stuck with me. Since then, freedom has always been a priority because without it there is no joy in living. As a hairdresser, I get that kind of freedom.
I have the freedom to choose my working days, to choose the level of development I want in my career, and the best thing is the freedom to deal with my choice of people. As a hairdressing professional, I have the freedom to pursue my other interests like music, reading and fitness while having slow mornings to realign and focus on the day ahead.
Sounds quite silly but I have realised from my extensive interaction with my own clients and many people from different spheres of life that they suffer from health issues and psychological disorders. This is only because they do not have the luxury of a slow morning where they can focus on mental alignment and physical well-being. In this age of aggressive rat race and brain melting taxation to have such a freedom is truly a blessing.”
Atharva Takke |Education Head, U Takke’s Institute of Hair & Skin
“Freedom to Pursue My Passion: As a hairdresser and coming from a hairdresser’s family, I’ve been driven by a passion for creativity and self-expression. My work allows me to pursue this passion every day, transforming clients’ looks and boosting their confidence. I’ve had the freedom to specialise in my favourite areas, like cut, colour, and style, and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s a subtle trim or a bold new look, I love seeing the happiness on a client’s face when they feel empowered by their appearance.
Freedom of Expression Through Creativity: As a hairdresser, my work is my canvas. I have the freedom to express myself creatively through every cut, colour, and style. I love how a simple trim can become a work of art with the right technique and vision. My clients and models give me the freedom to interpret their desires and bring my own creativity to the table. Whether it’s a bold new colour or a subtle, natural look, I thrive on the creative challenge of bringing someone’s vision to life.
The Freedom to Learn and Grow: The hair industry is constantly changing, with new techniques, trends, and technologies emerging all the time. I’ve had the freedom to attend workshops, classes, and seminars to stay ahead of the curve and improve my skills. As well as I try to give back to the community by educating through my seminars and workshops. This freedom to learn and grow has kept my work exciting. It has also allowed me to stay competitive and confident in my abilities. Whether it’s mastering a new technique or staying up-to-date on the latest trends. I feel liberated to continue evolving as a hairdresser.”
