Founder and Principal Director of Signature Beauty & Ayurveda Institute, Dr Madhumita Saikia, opened up the doors to beauty and wellness education in Assam. Her children Jessica Saikia and Chayan Saikia teamed up with their mother for her flourishing business.
Northeastern India reminds one of beauty and its beautiful landscape. Dr Madhumita Saikia, who hails from Assam, has been the first cosmetologist in northeast India. She established CIDESCO-certified Signature Training Centre & Ayurveda Institute in 1988. The institute started with the aim to provide beauty education. It is now a name that expands across yoga, ayurveda, holistic wellness and traditional medicines. Her children Jessica Saikia and Chayan Saikia followed suit and elevated their mother’s business.
In an openhearted interview with Vidhi Arya, the Saikias shared how they keep their spirits and business blooming and their business resoundingly booming.
Dr Madhumita Saikia
Dr Madhumita Saikia is a well-travelled expert in makeup, hairstyling, nail procedures, ayurveda, yoga, and alternative therapies. Wearing several hats, the mother of two is also the principal of the Signature Group.
She started her career as an instructor and trainer at ITI, Guwahati. After serving for 11 years she knew she wanted something of her own. She set up the Signature Group that offers an assortment of services. They offer courses on makeup, hairstyling, herbal therapies, ayurveda, and natural products to internships, placements, and national and international exposure. The end goal of the group is an all-round development of a student in this discipline.
“Beauty industry is beautiful and has a vast scope to learn,” Dr Saikia notes. Staying true to her belief, she set up the Signature Group in Assam. The aim was to educate and uplift the youth in the industry. With this, she spent over three decades learning and imparting education.
She applies the same mantra at her home. “Since the beauty industry is still growing and the opportunities are vast, I guided my children to be involved,” she further explains. The formal training and involvement her children have shown, she stands proud and tall. Dr Saikia said that her daughter’s understanding and empathy and her son’s technical progressiveness make her swell with pride.
Dr Saikia has been avant-garde in her realm. Besides Signature Group, she has laid the foundation of Signature La beauty products in the northeast. She has travelled extensively for hands-on training in massage and aromatherapy techniques, and herb study. Furthermore, she is also a writer, having written over 10 technical and beauty books. This tenacity and resilience led to her success.
Dr Saikia’s accolades speak for her trailblazing work. She has been felicitated and recognised by the Assam government in 2018 for her efforts. Also, she is the governing council member on the board of BWSSC, NSDC, and Ministry of Skill Development. These are just a few to name.
Jessica Saikia
When I say ‘like mother, like daughter’, I don’t exaggerate. Besides, Jessica is a spitting image of her mother when it comes to her innate talent. According to Jessica, she cherishes the sweet and sour love and friendship with her mother.
A CIDESCO-certified cosmetologist, Jessica earned her master’s degree in Nutrition Deitics and Allied Health from Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong.
With a passion for beauty and wellness like her mother’s, Jessica completed several courses in this discipline. Ultimately she evolved as a learned professional. She completed a Master Class in Beauty from Blossom Kochhar Academy, New Delhi; a diploma in Thai massage from Thai Massage Institute, Bangkok. Further, she completed a diploma and advanced studies in Makeup from Signature Institute, Guwahati. With these qualifications, she blends expertise, knowledge, and proficiency with ease.
Ask Jessica about her service in the Signature Group and she says, “As an Administrator, I manage and support the organisation to grow, keeping in mind my mother’s vision.” Further, when it comes to work, she believes, “ It’s all about teamwork. Working together as a family is like a football match. We are all supporting each other to reach the goal.”
Chayan Saikia
Dr Saikia’s son, Chayan Saikia, has been actively involved in the profession and the Signature Group since very early on. Inheriting a zeal from his mother, he too set on a journey in the industry. And, though mother-son duos are very few in the industry, Dr Sakia and Chayan make a good team. “While it’s my mother we learn from, she is always in an accepting mode when it comes to new ideas,” said Chayan.
He did several courses on hair, beauty and body spa from Signature Institute. He then completed a hair diploma and advanced spa studies from Winda’s International, Hong Kong. After gaining experience with some renowned names, he joined Wahl Professionals and became a member of the Wahl Hair Artistry Group. Additionally, he was also a jury member of India Skills.
Chayan brought this wisdom and exposure back to his family business. It was a homecoming for Chayan. At present, he is the Head of the Department of the Hair Department at the Signature Institute. Backed by experience, hands-on learning, and determination, he ensures the growth and flourishment of the business. Thereby propelling it to new heights of success.
Article by – Vidhi Arya