Nalini Naegamvala and Natasha Naegamvala from ‘Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin’ changed the name and game of the haircare and hairstyling industry back in the day when these specialities were obscure to many. And to date, they continue to inspire the industry in innumerable ways.
Despite mounting challenges and competition in the industry, the duo continues to put their best foot forward and step up the game for all to follow. In a candid conversation with Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India, the mother-daughter duo spill the beans about how beautifully and seamlessly they have integrated their personal and professional lives. Let’s delve deeper into the relationship they rejoice!
The relationship the mother-daughter duo share
Nalini and Natasha are undoubtedly a power duo. Together running a reputed and long-standing name ‘Nalini of Nalini and Yasmin’, they have together contributed to the hairstyling industry like none other. Being in the same business gives them a lot to bond over and share. Discussing hairdressing is something that keeps them both going.
Nalini and Natasha share a wholesome and fun relationship, like any other mother-daughter. From meeting every week for lunch to taking spontaneous trips keeps their bond beaming with joy. While casually chilling, they keep professional conversations at bay. It’s the big hugs and hearty laughs that make their bond ever so special.
The birth of ‘Nalini of Nalini and Yasmin’
Nalini said, “Nalini and Yasmin was the first professional set-up in the industry in India.” Nearly 45 years ago, when Nalini’s husband was posted in England for three years, she accompanied him for the tenure. Not finding joy in ladies’ get-togethers and playing cards pushed her to do something fun. Something different. She impulsively decided to take a hairdressing course, only to discover true joy.
On returning to India, oblivious to the grandeur that awaited, together with Yasmin, she set up ‘Nalini and Yasmin’. A few years later, the two amicably split ways, and ‘Nalini of Nalini and Yasmin’ was born. What started as a hobby became a path-shattering business in no time.
Natasha joins ‘Nalini of Nalini and Yasmin’
Seeing a mother being fulfilled with her job is an unmatched inspiration for any child. Natasha saw her mother being blissful with what she did. She saw her mother carving the path for hairstyling for the entire country to follow. Alongside, she also saw her building connections with her clients and others. She knew it was what she wanted for herself — the joy of pursuing a passion. There she was, with hairdressing in her blood she joined her mother.
The valuable lesson the mother handed over
While our mothers are our first teachers, they never stop showing us how much there is to learn. Sometimes on the way, the daughters can also have a fresh perspective for the mothers to learn from. And the same has been the case with this power duo.
Natasha believes the most prominent lesson her mother has given her is “Client is the king,”. She says that while the industry and the clientele are changing, the motto remains applicable even today. The clients are more aware now than they were back in the day. However, the issues are now more severe than ever. To provide them the best possible results is their ultimate aim. To be able to solve their problems and build connections keeps them going!
On the other hand, after all the years of experience, Nalini has seen Natasha imbibe these values beautifully. She told us, Natasha always patiently listens to all her clients, empathises with them, and talks endlessly. They often joke about it but it makes Nalini very proud to realise that her daughter has turned out as soft, patient, and talented as she is.
From Nalini to Natasha, how the business grew
Nalini was the one who opened the hairstyling industry doors and made a noise no one could ignore. Whereas, with an interest in attention to detail, Natasha runs the salon in a more intimate setting. Natasha finds her mother’s presence in the space exceptional.
Nalini feels that Natasha has taken the business to unmatched heights, and both her babies are doing phenomenal with each other! However, she still stands as a guiding light and a pillar of support for Natasha. With experience worth decades, Nalini does not shy away from imparting wisdom she garnered along the way. With the best interest of her daughter and the brand in mind, Nalini always has it in her mind to teach her daughter all the valuable lessons she has learned.
To conflict is natural, to resolve is to evolve
Both Nalini and Natasha do not shy away from admitting that two people of independent mindsets can sometimes conflict. Also, they’re both on the same page when it comes to resolving those conflicts.
The two have a clear strategy for talking out their conflicts to come to a solution. They both recognise that come what may they’re each other’s rock-solid support. Hence, no issue is big enough to hinder their bond.
The realisation that they always have each other’s back and the shared love for the brand makes them join hands against all odds. While Nalini is the air beneath Natasha’s wings, Natasha takes a flight with independence.
The way forward
When you put all your passion and hard work into something, you want it to blossom. The duo has given decades of grit and perseverance to their brand. Despite numerous odds and a rapid increase in competition, they have managed to stand tall and big. With a history so grand, they aim to only move forward with love for their work and the quality of their service.
They both share the belief that every service, regardless of its scale or scope, should be delivered with the utmost quality. With customer satisfaction as the end goal and a lot of passion for their profession, they continue to be a power duo and make a mark.