As we celebrate Independence Day today, it’s important to acknowledge that freedom is more than a national milestone, it’s deeply personal. So, Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India reached out to industry experts to uncover what “freedom” truly means to them in their professional journeys.
For some, freedom lies in the ability to innovate without constraints; for others, it’s the power to challenge norms, create opportunities, and inspire change. In the beauty and hair industry, the concept of independence takes a unique shape for every person. It is shaped by passion, resilience, and vision.
As we celebrate the nation’s freedom, let’s hear insights that remind us that professional independence is a cornerstone of progress.
Jay Pawar | Creative Director and Trainer at LOOKS
“For me, as a hairdresser barber, freedom means having the creative liberty to craft unique styles, the independence to choose and add dimensions in your services, the flexibility to shape my career around my passions while making people look and feel their best.”
Sandeep Shrestha | Creative Artist and Makeup Educator
“For me, freedom in this profession means being able to create in my own way, whether it’s a simple bridal look or something wild and experimental. It’s about having the space to try new things, break a few rules, and keep growing as an artist.
I’m finally getting to live the kind of creative work I always dreamed of; not just bridal looks, but also pushing boundaries with SFX, prosthetic makeup, and other exciting projects in the industry.
Most importantly, it’s having the choice to work on things and with people who inspire me. That’s what keeps the passion alive for me.”
Monica Bahl | CEO, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council
“On this Independence Day, I believe true freedom for a Beauty & Wellness professional is the power to choose, create, and lead. It is the freedom for the youngsters and the women to see this industry not as a fallback, but as a vibrant arena where skills become success stories and creativity becomes empowerment. When women have the liberty to choose their career path, the courage to stand as decision-makers, and the opportunity to shape their own destinies, we strengthen not just an industry, we strengthen a nation. Freedom is not only the right to dream, but the right to decide and to do.”
Elton Steve Vessoaker | House of Elton
“For me, in the salon, Freedom means the ability to create without compromise! — to turn a vision into reality without being boxed in by trends, rules, or fear of judgment and to honour every client’s individuality and to help them see themselves the way they truly deserve to be seen.
We define beauty on our own terms and not by outdated standards. In education, freedom is the power to share knowledge openly. It is to mentor without holding back, and to give the next generation of hairdressers the tools to go further than we ever imagined.
This Independence Day, I celebrate the privilege of working in a field where artistry, authenticity, and empowerment can live hand in hand.”
Unnati Singh | Makeup Artist and Founder, Mansi Beauty Academy & Salon
“Freedom, for me as Unnati Singh, a beauty educator, means the power to create, inspire, and transform lives through the art of beauty. All so, while bridging the gap between national and international education. True freedom is having the courage to shape the world with your own hands, the wisdom to open doors to global opportunities, and the grace to make it beautiful for others.”
Zingranwon Shatsang | Celebrity Hairdresser and Founder of Zido Salon
“To me, hairdressing and freedom go hand in hand. As a hairdresser, once the client trusts my work, I get the freedom to decide what is best for them. That is very powerful and it made me realise that hairdressing is deeper than selling the idea of beauty. We are helping people express their identities through hair one appointment at a time.
Asha Hariharan | Founder of Beyond The Fringe Salon and Asha Hariharan Academy of Hair & Makeup
“Freedom is different to different people. And there are many types of freedom. Emotional, financial, etc. Any freedom demands discipline, consistency, and focus. Above all, it is a privilege one must earn and always respect. And, there is no freedom without the burden of mindful selection of thought or action.”
Kanishka Ramchandani | Editor, Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal India
“I strongly associate the beauty industry with the freedom to create. Once you’ve mastered the skills and worked on a robust educational foundation, you are free to envision, to create, to follow your dreams. You need to know the rules to break the rules and the artistry in hair, skin, makeup and nails allows you to do that. Every hairstylist I’ve met is motivated by their passion and their desire to create something unique, and most importantly, to be better at their craft today than yesterday.
Freedom also means being able to work and earn as per your capability and hard work. From women running beauty parlours at home to artists performing on global platforms, the beauty industry is all-inclusive, offering immense freedom to talented individuals to carve a space for themselves.”
Professional Beauty India wishes you all a very Happy Independence Day! This year, take a pledge to move forward on terms that truly define freedom for you.
