In conversation with Kanishka Ramchandani “Since the lockdown, we have been focussing on training and education,” says Samir Srivastav, CEO, Jean Claude Biguine.
Jean Claude Biguine Salon and Spa was among the few businesses that went in for voluntary closure before the nation-wide lockdown was announced. What prompted this decision and how is the brand braving the lockdown, we find out all this and much from from Samir Srivastav, CEO, Jean Claude Biguine Salon and Spa.
“After the Janta Curfew, we decided that the time was right for closing the down the salons for the safety and health of our staff and clients. Since the lockdown, we have been focussing on training and education,” he explained.
Upgrading your skills
The operations team at JCB has taken the help of Zoom app to conduct virtual meetings and has assigned a code to all the different departments, such as hair, beauty, external partners, managerial staff, etc. Since the focus is more on training and education, the team has put together a comprehensive plan to impart training between noon and 4 pm every day.
Samir elaborates, “We understand that everyone has work to do at home, too, so we have come up with this time slot, which allows them to manage housework with training.”
The virtual trainings at JCB include theoretical refresher courses in client consultation, soft skills, operational skills, personal grooming etc. Advanced training is provided to the employees as per their area of expertise and level of experience. Pre-recorded videos of beauty procedures such as threading are also shared with the team to get them to hone their skills. They have received encouraging response from their 383-strong staff, with 100%
attendance to the virtual sessions.
“We are also receiving lot of support from brands such as L’Oreal Professionnel, Moroccanoil, Olaplex and Skeyndor who are providing training material to us.”
Another important aspect that the JCB team is focussing on is to keep in touch with their customers. Various modes of communication such as WhatsApp are used to send personalised messages to the clients and to enquire about their well-being. Apart from these, there is a constant flow of information about hygiene and home care and home remedies, Samir explained.
Looking ahead
Speaking about the scenario post lockdown, Samir said, “The next six months will be crucial for the salon industry. Retail business will definitely undergo a change.” He further elaborated on how JCB has kept its business plans including launches, expansion and new formats on hold for the next six months.
Regarding asking for economic relief from the government for the salon industry, Samir said that work is underway. He is associated with the wellness arm of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and will be putting together a representation to the government on the industry’s behalf. “The time is not right now as the government has more challenges on its plate. But we will certainly appeal to the government.”
