TONI&GUY is celebrating 6 decades of leading the haircare industry. At the same time, Paulson is celebrating the momentous milestone of opening 500 stores across the country. The one common thread of success between these two is the business coach Blessing A Manikandan. Professional Beauty India’s Gauri D. spoke to him about this success and plans. Read on to get inspired by an angel-like personality!
You are celebrating 60 years of TONI&GUY as well as the 500 stores of Paulson. What is your feeling at the moment?
It is just numbers but we are proud to create successful entrepreneurs, sustainable employment, and beautiful people with smiles on their faces.
Operating 60 Years of TONI&GUY under the leadership of Sacha Mascolo is a great opportunity. Paulson’s group celebrating 500 stores at the same time is not a coincidence, it was destined. We have celebrated both in style however and wherever possible.
This is a big milestone, but there is always more to achieve. What lies ahead for TONI&GUY?
97 projects are already in progress. Only the staff recruitment & training is time-consuming, which we don’t compromise on. All goes well and we should reach 550 by the end of December 2023.
What are the new exciting things coming up that our readers should look forward to?
Expansion is our everyday affair. It is motivating when people from Tier 2 and 3 cities approach us and express interest in launching a salon in these cities. Zenoti software implementation will help the salon team. It will enhance customer engagement and elevate the experience.
Relaunch of TONI&GUY’s official salon professional products Lable.m will make a noise in the industry with its new packaging, and scientific offerings. My international artistic team is visiting India to educate our trainers. TONI&GUY is nominated for many categories in the British Hairdressing Awards 2023. I’m confident we will bag a dozen of them!
TONI&GUY has played a key role in innovating the hairdressing industry. What more awaits the young hopefuls who wish to join the industry in the future?
Our hair stylists draw a fat paycheck and become celebrities. They are most wanted in the fashion industry too, as they can understand fashion better than others. From salon services to celebrity grooming, styling, ramp shows, beauty pageants, model hunts, and photo shoots for personal, professional and promotional, destination weddings and celebrations. Hairdressing is everywhere. It’s a highly satisfying job that is in great demand.
Apart from technical skills, there are career opportunities in franchise development, projects, operations, hiring, training, marketing and finance.
Paulson has reached the golden 500 number. What does the future journey look like?
We have already set the vision for 2025: 1000 Stores. Paulson’s presence in all states, and districts of India, and we plan to go international before December 2025.
What is your personal growth goal for leading forward in the hair beauty and fashion industry?
I always align myself with the organisation’s vision and goal. It is my best-kept secret to success. When the organisation grows, everyone grows with it. Mentoring, Coaching, and Guiding Entrepreneurs for their successful journey always excites me. Being in this beautiful industry and aligning work with our Beautiful Hearts is an accident but I fell in love deeply. I contribute whatever, however and wherever possible.
I have a vision to create a Global Artist Xchange program through Beautiful Hearts. It can give opportunities to artists to work across the world and gain skills and knowledge. We are already working on it!
What is your message to the hair and beauty professionals in the industry in the current, rapidly changing scenario?
Focus. Daily Improvement. Time. This is the trifecta of success in the long run. Hairdressing is a very serious business. Stylists should learn, practice and work on hair cuts, colour, and high-value hair treatments like Keratin, Botox, and Shea to further their careers. Learning Hairdo and makeup will take them places.
Beauticians should evolve as aestheticians. Growth is necessary in every field to grow out of stagnation. I recommend skin professionals and therapists to learn and practice these combo skills for career growth:
- Basic Grooming + Reflexology
- Beauty + Makeup
- Makeup + Nail Art + Eye Makeup
Invest in education and certification. It gives an added edge. Attend industry events and network with peers. Participate in competitions and learn Salon Management. Think and work like an Intrapreneur.
Aspire to become an entrepreneur by taking a successful salon franchise (calculated risk) and then opening your dream salon (Once you have gained experience, exposure and expertise).