Today, as the world celebrates Women’s Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women in the beauty and hair industry who take it to new heights and make it so successful!
Dear women, Professional Beauty India wishes you all a very Happy Women’s Day! Today, we want to let you all know that we deeply respect and admire your resilience, strength, and wisdom — every single day. As we honour women across the globe today, Vidhi Arya spoke to a few inspiring women in the beauty and hair industry to learn from them how their journey as a woman has panned out thus far and the greatest learnings they’ve gained.
So, let’s hear what the lovely women in the beauty and hair industry had to share:
Sareena Acharya | Artistic Head at Enrich Beauty and Artistic Ambassador At L’oreal Professional
“Being a woman in the industry is a journey of resilience and empowerment. With over 18 years in the beauty industry, focusing on education and artistry, I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Also, being a mother has taught me the art of balancing dreams with responsibilities.
My greatest lesson on the way? Embrace your uniqueness and lift others as you rise. To the world: let’s foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, where every voice is heard and every talent is nurtured.”
Manisha Chopra | Co-founder of Seasoul Cosmetics and Seasoul Academy
“I belong to the beauty Industry and I believe being a woman in this industry always gave me an upper edge. Though this industry equally belongs to the males, but being a woman always allowed me to have a better understanding of what women want.
This enables me to create products according to the market need and demands. I can understand their needs, wants, and skin much better and provide solutions accordingly.
Some of the major lessons learnt during my journey as a skincare and makeup brand owner are that the solution to every skin issue is available without the use of harmful chemicals. Our Mother Nature has the power to help us heal in every possible way, so just trust & use things naturally & avoid using harmful chemicals in formulating skincare & Haircare products.
The message I would like to share with the world is: own yourself! Be who you are! We all have a purpose to serve in this world. Find out your true purpose and serve at your best possible! Ultimately, that’s what real beauty means.”
Asha Hariharan | Founder of Beyond The Fringe Salon and Asha Hariharan Academy of Hair & Makeup
“Isn’t it sad that we ask a woman how she feels as a woman working in an industry? Why should it be different for a man or a woman? I do understand that the reality is different, but it shouldn’t be. I’ve been very privileged that I have never felt awkward or I’ve never felt less than myself or not qualified or not privileged. less than myself or not qualified or not privileged.
I’ve learned a lot of things along the way in terms of people, work, and outcome. But I think that one of the most important lessons that I have learned is people management. Because I realise that if you come from a place of respect, values, and concern for your people and your teams and your clients then the outcome is always more successful.
It’s also important that regardless of whether you are a male or a female, you have to be relevant. And I think that to be relevant, you have to work in an authentic manner without the pretences and without not feeling for your people and your clients.”
Zingranwon Shatsang | Celebrity Hairdresser and Founder of Zido Salon
“Being a woman in the industry, has so many great things attached to it. The thing I noticed first is that clients believe women are more sincere to the job at hand. Also, there’s an added advantage of clients assuming we have more empathy and aesthetic sense. It makes it easier for us to win the trust of the client during consultation itself.
In my experience, helping another human with their hair goals comes with a lot of conversation, about their life, goals, and insecurities. In turn, it has helped me let go of my insecurities too. Today I am more comfortable in my body and sense of identity than I have ever been. And, a lot of it has to do with how hairdressing opened my eyes to what the true meaning of selfcare is. That’s why I love telling people that if you can stay grounded, our industry is brilliant for women in terms of self-growth and financial independence.”
Seema V. Jerajani | Founder of SVJ Academy
“Our industry has been majorly dominated by women, and offers unique opportunities for growth and development, whether part-time or full-time, which is so advantageous to strike a balance between the career and the home.
The potential for advancement in this field is truly remarkable. While having the passion for one’s profession, upskilling, commitment, and hard work are sure to lead to success.
Avan Contractor | Hair Designer
“Being a woman in the hairdressing industry for nearly 30 years has been an incredible journey. This field thrives on creativity, transformation, and personal connections. These are qualities that come naturally to many women. While it has its fair share of challenges, especially in breaking stereotypes and establishing oneself as more than just a stylist, it’s been rewarding to see women continue to shape and lead the industry. Today, more women are excelling not only behind the chair but also stepping into leadership, education, and entrepreneurship, proving that we are a driving force in the beauty world.
The major lesson I have learned on the journey is that mastery is just the beginning. Perfecting your craft is essential, but true success comes from continuous learning, whether it’s about business, leadership, or client experience. Secondly, resilience is key and you need to be confident yet not over-confident!
I’d like to tell the world that women have played a powerful role in the beauty industry for decades, not just as stylists but as innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs. We have the ability to uplift, transform, and inspire through our work. My message to fellow women hairdressers is… believe in yourself, invest in your skills, and keep chasing your dreams. Trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to take up space, and, most importantly, do what feels right and makes you happy. Your passion and persistence can create a lasting impact, both in this industry and beyond!”
Gunjann Taneja | COO NSTC- Naturals Skill Development and Training Centre – India and Director -Doctor Bharti Taneja Alps Beauty Group
“I always feel that this is the only industry where I can touch somebody and make her feel good, confident, and beautiful. So, if there’s someone with acne and I can cure it or her hair is short and I cut and colour it nicely or if she has some issues regarding her hair, body, or skin and I make her feel good, what could be better than that?
I think this is the industry which is about empowering other women from all other industries or be it homemakers. I feel super proud to be a part of this industry and a legacy from my parents. Everyone who comes into a salon and when they go out transformed, she gets more confident and performs better. So, as an industry, we are here to empower other women.
It’s been a very long journey of 26 years in the industry and I’ve also seen my parents in the same industry. But then what I have learned on my way is something that hard work and honesty always work for you. If you’re very hard-working and honest, the results will soon be there in front of your clients. And, you will surely go a very long way. Rest, is obviously your creativity and you should do everything on time. The whole combination of these things makes everyone visiting your place go back happy and satisfied.
You know, this is the industry where every month you will have new fashion, new trends. So study more, teach more, do more of an exchange of knowledge with your clients, students, and anybody you meet. Don’t hide anything and work it out. Even if you are refusing a client for a colour or suggesting a client for a colour, tell her why you are doing it.”
