In today’s rapidly evolving beauty and wellness sector, practical knowledge paired with real-world experience is fast becoming the gold standard. Harshada Takke, Co-Founder, Uday Takke’s Hair & Skin Institution, brings this philosophy to life through the Assistant Wellness and Beauty Consultant (AWBC) programme, developed in association with the Beauty & Wellness Skill Sector Council (B&WSSC). She tells us about this unique sales training module that is transforming fresh talent into confident professionals.
From the outset, Takke’s approach was clear: theory alone wasn’t enough. “We focused on site visits, experience-based learning and ground realities rather than hypothetical scenarios,” she explains. Students were taken to malls and retail outlets to observe product placement, customer behaviour and actual sales strategies. This approach demystified the concept of consulting and selling a crucial yet often overlooked skill in the beauty world.
What made the training particularly inclusive was its adaptability. “AWBC saw enrolments from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds,” Takke shares. Despite this, the core focus on understanding skin anatomy and physiology remained constant. Practical learning environments helped bridge gaps in comprehension, making sessions equally enriching for all participants.
“Beauty may trend online, but salons thrive on offline, one-on-one interactions.”
The transformation in students was not just academic. “We saw a visible shift in confidence levels be it in soft skills, body language, punctuality or classroom interactions,” she adds. Students who once hesitated now engaged more freely and respond with enthusiasm. The journey was not without its challenges. “There’s a lack of awareness in the industry that beauty consultants can be officially trained and certified,” she observes. Additionally, the programme focused on physical consumer brands often unfamiliar to a digitally driven generation of learners which required extra effort in orientation and engagement.
What makes this initiative truly impactful is its relevance to real salon dynamics. Harshada points out that while brands often demonstrate product use to staff, rarely are they taught how to sell or consult effectively. AWBC changes that. It teaches budding professionals not just product knowledge but also how to communicate, build trust, and guide client’s skills that are indispensable in client servicing.
She concludes with a powerful insight: “Beauty may trend online, but salons thrive on offline, one-on-one interactions. This kind of real skill-building, when paired with placement opportunities, can truly shape a stronger, more reliable workforce for the future.”
In an industry where credibility is built on human connections, the AWBC programme stands out as a vital step towards professionalising beauty consultancy from the ground up.