HOW HAS THE BEAUTY LANDSCAPE IN INDIA CHANGED SINCE THE TIME YOU LAUNCHED THE SHAHNAZ HUSAIN BRAND?
I have observed significant changes in the way the beauty market is shaping up. It is more about wellness and leading a holistic way of life. Consumers today are aware regarding the choices they are making that should be supportive of their wellness journey, choosing organic products and Ayurveda is a trend now. Thinking of which, I laid the foundation of Ayurveda products even when people were not aware of it all. Nonetheless, youngsters and people with growing awareness are choosing Ayurveda skincare as they know what’s good for their overall health.
WHAT ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SKINCARE SCIENCE THAT YOU ARE FINDING INTERESTING AND RELEVANT FOR INDIA?
The very focus on preventive care and rejuvenation is something that I like the most. It is positively impacting the psyche of consumers. They are now making choices that help in maintaining skin health and choosing care over surface cover up. Interestingly, the scenario is such that rejuvenation is the focus, whether it is opting for treatments with quick results or choosing long term benefits of Ayurveda, consumers are becoming smarter.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE SHAHNAZ HUSAIN BRANDS FOR THE NEXT DECADE?
Expansion, reaching out to potential consumers, increasing online reach and connecting with consumers to understand more about what they want. It is more about establishing a good communication with consumers as social media is rapidly influencing the minds of people. Every day we see a new skincare trend coming up online and people following it with great zeal.
SALONS IN INDIA HAVE TRANSFORMED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT A SHAHNAZ HUSAIN SALON STAYS RELEVANT TO THE NEW GENERATION?
Relevancy of a brand depends on how well it moulds to the requirements of its consumers and Shahnaz Husain brand is all about providing individual solutions or tailor-made solutions as per individual concerns. It’s a premium care signature salon where all the healing therapies are provided, focus on mind, body and rejuvenation. I am all for a complete 360-degree approach to holistic care with herbal solutions that are rooted in the ancient principles of Ayurveda.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TEACHINGS THAT YOU WANT YOUR STUDENTS AND FOLLOWERS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE BEAUTY BUSINESS?
Beauty is always from the inside out, as Ayurveda focuses on healing the body, balancing doshas that reflect on skin health directly. If you are balanced within and have a healthy body, your skin, too, will be flawlessly beautiful. Another thing that I emphasise upon is that Ayurveda is not a trend, but a way of life that springs from ancient texts with complete solutions. Also, beauty when treated as something as holistic care goes beyond just being a business. Had I been only focusing on business, Shahnaz Husain wouldn’t have grown as a global brand. Our loyal customers love the brand because it is purely herbal and pro health, not just another beauty brand, this is why we are a class apart.
WHAT SKINCARE RITUALS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR BRIDES-TO-BE TO START AT LEAST SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING?
It is important to note that a bride-to-be should first consult a beauty therapist six months prior to her wedding, to understand about the procedure, discuss skincare routine, get diagnosed for her skin condition or opt for any specific skin concern treatment. The next step would be facials, fruit peels, herbal masks and multiple sessions that will enhance her skin’s quality. Skin hydration and opting for healthy lifestyle supportive of skin health is what is required and one needs to understand, it becomes a part of pre-bridal skincare plan.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN MODERN BRIDAL BEAUTY TRENDS, ESPECIALLY AS BRIDES LOOK FOR NATURAL YET EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS?
Ayurveda stands as an example of providing solutions, using essential oils, herbal and botanical blends. With this it is evident that when these are used on the skin or hair it enhances the quality and restores the natural beauty as it heals. Today, the brides are looking for holistic solutions that would not cause harm to their skin or any reactions to their skin on their wedding. It is not only a safe solution but something that is in harmony with nature and nature is always compatible with human body.
QUICK ROUNDS
1. One bridal skincare tip you swear by - CTMP should be a routine (cleanse, tone, moisturise and protect)
2. Your favourite ingredient for radiant skin? -Sandalwood oil
3. Your 5-product kit that you recommend for every bride - Diamond Facial Kit
4. One tip that you can share with a beauty therapist for the bridal season - Go for dewy look that enhances the natural beauty of the bride
5. One global beauty trend you would never endorse - Chemical treatments, of course!