How do you capture the essence of a woman who has been painted by M F Husain; honoured by President Kalam with the Padma Shri; interviewed by Hollywood actor, Goldie Hawn; has been a confidante to India’s most charismatic Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi; presented the International Star Award in Paris; walked the red carpet twice at Cannes; rubbed shoulders with world celebrities including Princess Diana; was launched by Barbara Cartland at the Galleries Laffayette in Paris and Harrods in London; honoured for Outstanding Innovation at the House of Commons, British Parliament; lectured at Harvard & Oxford; invited to speak at MIT; Case Study at Harvard and now a subject; selected as the United Nations Woman of the Decade; awarded the World’s Greatest Entrepreneur by US based Success Magazine; selected Forbes Woman of the Year and made not just an entire nation, but people across the globe wake up to India’s Vedic system of medicine? Corporate Citizen touches base with Shahnaz Husain, pioneer and leader of the Ayurveda beauty movement and the Founder, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies. She shares her story of how she empowered herself and gives tips on how to be and remain beautiful
It is true that my name has become the brand. Shahnaz Husain is not a faceless brand name or corporate. Everyone knows that the name and face behind the brand is, herself, trained in cosmetology and cosmetic therapy. My dream was to be somebody who makes a difference. But, I had never planned it this way. As is well known, I was married at the age of 15 and was a mother by the time I was 16 years old. Life seemed perfect, but I was bored with the drudgery of endless routine. Then the mental upheaval began. I was always interested in beauty and in making others beautiful, so I decided on beauty as a career. I was determined to get the best training possible and worked my way to the prized institutions of the West, to learn cosmetic chemistry and cosmetology, by writing articles for the Iran Tribune, as my husband was posted in Tehran at the time.
I do not believe in destiny. I believe that you can make your own destiny. I have welcomed chal lenges and have looked at them as opportunities
During my training in London, I came across instances of damage caused by chemical substances. In a way, this changed my life and career. It sowed the seeds of my desire to become an entrepreneur. It gave me the idea of introducing a totally new concept. I decided to evolve treatments that are safe and without risks. I was determined to find a natural alternative. The study of Ayurveda convinced me that it could provide the ideal answers to the demands of beauty care. My idea was to provide herbal beauty, based on the principle of “care and cures.” At that time, such a concept did not exist. I knew that the only way I could translate my ideas was by starting my own herbal salon and thus implement my ideas of herbal and customised beauty care. I started my herbal salon in my own home, in a very small way. I rejected existing treatments and devised my own. I also started formulating my own products, based on Ayurveda. My independence of spirit was an inspiration in itself. I knew that I must have the freedom to implement all my ideas and this can only be done in one’s own enterprise. My innovations and creativity needed expression and the right environment to grow and flourish. This can only happen if one becomes an entrepreneur, because then the sky is the limit. I had the burning desire to create something and to establish my ideas and innovations. This was my guiding inspiration. Translating my dreams and ideas into reality inspired me to become an entrepreneur.
I may have started small, but I always think “big.” I believe that nothing is impossible. I also believed that India has a great deal to offer to the rest of the world. So, I decided to take India’s herbal heritage to every corner of the globe, by blending our ancient system of Ayurveda with advanced techniques, so that it is relevant to the modern world. Apart from establishing customized, natural beauty care, based on individual needs, I also followed unique business strategies. Even at a time, when the demand for the product is sustained through commercial advertising, I have not relied on it. Instead, I relied on “word of mouth” and the fact that a satisfied client is the best advertisement. My products grew out of clinical usage, based on massive client feedback.
Initially, I did not retail my products. They were only available at our salons. My system was an integrated one where the treatments and products relied on each other. We formulated a range of therapeutic products that became popular worldwide. That is how the Shahnaz Herbal treatments became known. I extended my salons on a unique franchise system. The Shahnaz Husain franchise is at the core of the success of the brand. Today, it is a successful business model, with tremendous international goodwill. All our other ventures have also extended on our franchise system, like spas, retail outlets and beauty training academies. We manufacture over 375 products for Ayurvedic beauty and health care.
My dream was to be somebody who makes a difference. But, I had never planned it this way. As is well known, I was married at the age of 15 and was a mother when I was 16 years old. Life seemed perfect, but I was bored with the drudgery of endless routine. Then the mental upheaval began. I was always interested in beauty and in making others beautiful, so I decided on beauty as a career
I am closely involved with innovation, Research and Development (R&D), packaging and even marketing of my products. Right from the beginning, I have been very particular about fragrances, developing them to suit our products, keeping them subtle and natural. In fact, the initial R&D was conducted by me. Since then R&D has always received high priority in the organisation. To ensure the purity of raw material, an herb and flower farm was also set-up near Delhi. Thus quality control is exercised right from the raw material stage. This is done through rigorous testing and research. The extraction of essential oils, infusions, decoctions, tinctures and other extracts is carried out by the Group itself. These are made under strict supervision, using the latest technology. Various methods of soil culture and cultivation are being followed, using superior natural composts and fertilizers, which actually contribute, not only towards the purity and quality of the raw material, but towards actually creating a superior product. Stringent quality control tests are carried out for various dilutions. Thus, by exercising control at each stage, high quality is ensured.
I may have started small, but I always think “big.” I believe that nothing is impossible. I also believed that India has a great deal to offer the rest of the world. So, I decided to take India’s herbal heritage to every corner of the globe, by blending our ancient system of Ayurveda with advanced techniques, so that it is relevant to the modern world. Apart from establishing customized, natural beauty care, based on individual needs, I also followed unique business strategies
I was invited to a star-studded Celebrity Event at Beverly Hills, California, USA, during the Hollywood Film Festival. I was also invited to a pre-Oscar event, which was a part of the Oscar Awards Ceremonies. I was happy that my relentless efforts have helped to increase awareness in the western world of the dangerous side effects of chemicals in the global beauty and wellness business. In my trips and speeches abroad, I have always highlighted India’s medicinal plant power and our ancient system of herbal healing. There is an ever increasing demand for holistic and organic beauty care in the West. At a time when the western world is staggering under the side effects of synthetics, I have stressed on the fact that Ayurveda is the only natural alternative. My Starlight Range was introduced to Hollywood Stars during the event. It has been specially created for film and television stars, keeping in view their professional stresses, like exposure to bright arc lights and other external aggressors. My dream is to see Ayurveda lead the international beauty industry within the next decade.
In 2013, when I walked the red carpet at Cannes, I also attended the celebrations of 100 years of Indian Cinema at Cannes, which was also held that year. It included a formal candle- lit sit-down dinner. The Indian Tourism Minister, as well as leading stars, were present at the event. Indian cinema evokes a great deal of interest and the biggest crowds were seen during the celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema. Everybody seemed obsessed with India! Indian stars were a big attraction. While walking the red carpet, the celebrities were being asked about their dress and the designer brand. When they asked me, I said, “I am wearing a handcrafted Hyderabadi outfit; I am wearing Brand India!”
The Starlight Range for beauty care was formulated, keeping film and televisions stars and their occupational stresses in mind. Film stars have to counter the damaging effects of exposure to harsh arc lights, sun, pollution, dust, wind and heavy make-up. Stars of the big and small screens, theatre artists and even models are forced to contend with these constant external aggressors, including heavy make-up, which dehydrates the skin and leads to visible signs of premature ageing. The Starlight Range was formulated to counter these effects. It consists of delicate blends of plant extracts, aromatic essential oils, active vitamins and minerals, which have been handpicked for their potent protective, restorative and healing properties. It comprises of a Make-up Cleanser, Day Cream with Sunscreen, Night Cream, Spotlight Damage Control Moisturiser, Rejuvenating Mask, Cream Shampoo and Ayurvedic Massage Oil. They represent the latest technology in Ayurvedic beauty care.
I wanted to make a positive contribution towards empowering the less privileged by supporting vocational beauty training for the physically challenged, so that they have the opportunity to be financially independent and self-reliant. I started my free beauty training courses for the speech and hearing as well as the visually impaired over 35 years ago. The learning of different skills not only opens the door to employment, but is also important for the development of the country. We are also involved in the government’s Skill Development projects for Training and Certifying under-privileged women in the beauty and health industry. Our Academy has created Study Material and Class Plan to train the women. The beneficiaries also received Toolkits to help them start their own business from home. Over 40,000 women have been trained. I believe that Skill Development certainly has great social relevance in a developing country like India.
I started Shamute, my free beauty training course for the speech and hearing impaired in 1984. It was inaugurated by the then President of India, late Dr Giani Zail Singh. Later, in 2008, I started Shasight for the visually impaired. I started these free beauty courses, to equip the physically challenged to be financially independent and self-reliant. Today, Shamute and Shasight are offering free vocational training in beauty and career opportunities. At the end of the course, the students receive the Shahnaz Husain Beauty Diploma, so that they can find jobs and lead meaningful lives.
The syllabus at Shamute includes theoretical knowledge, along with the learning of practical skills, like facial, head and body massages and other salon treatments, like waxing, threading, manicure, pedicure, hairdressing, hairstyling and so on. At the end of the training, the students receive the diploma, thus opening career avenues for them. The Shasight Beauty Diploma Course is in Ayurveda Massage, which includes Face, Head, Body, Hand and Foot Massages along with all the different strokes of massage. Knowledge of cosmetics / products for skin and hair care is also provided. The students also learn about specialised Shahnaz Husain treatments and products, along with benefits of herbal care. Practical training is given according to the needs of the physically challenged students. The duration of the training for Shasight students is six months. I have also written a book on beauty, which has been put into Braille for the visually challenged students. The book also serves as a reference book, as they can refer to it. It contains all the details of massage, the various massage strokes and also includes theoretical knowledge of the skin and hair, skin and hair types and problems, clinic management and business management.
My father has been the greatest influence and inspiration in my life. I come from a conservative family, but I was fortunate to have a broadminded, Oxford-educated father, Chief Justice NU Beg, who put me through schooling in an Irish convent and instilled in me a love of poetry and English literature. He also encouraged the right combination of traditional values and progressive ideas and I learnt to love and respect the rich heritage of India. My father inspired me to follow my dreams. When I started my business, he taught me to have faith in my own abilities. When I opened my first herbal clinic in my own home, it was my father from whom I borrowed Rs. 35, 000. Behind my success lies my father’s faith that I would succeed. He was a constant source of support. My father also inspired me to start philanthropic causes. He said building up spiritual goodwill was more important than worldly success. My father gave me some valuable teachings, which really stood me in good stead, especially during times of tragedy and loss. His teachings gave me inner strength and I emerged stronger from times of adversity.
Include a variety of natural foods, like fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, leafy green vegetables, ‘dalia’, oats and green tea in your diet. Fresh fruit juices should be diluted with water. Drink plenty of water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning. It flushes the system and adds a healthy glow. Daily exercise also adds a healthy glow to the skin by improving blood circulation to the surface. After cleansing, tone the skin daily with chilled rose water, or rose skin tonic. Toning stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow. Wipe the skin after cleansing with cotton wool pads soaked in chilled rose water. Then pat the skin. Cleanse the skin daily at night and rinse well with plenty of plain water. This keeps the skin healthy and radiant.
Exfoliating the skin once or twice a week works wonders, removing dead cells and brightening the skin. Take sesame seeds (til), dried mint (pudina) leaves and honey. Crush the sesame seeds coarsely and powder the dried mint leaves. Mix them with a little honey and apply on the skin. Leave on for five minutes. Rub gently and wash off with water. Or, mix ground almonds with yogurt, apply it on the face, leave on for 15 minutes, then moisten with water and rub gently. Wash off with plenty of water. Face packs play a vital role in skin care, by completing the cleansing process, dissolving impurities, softening dead skin cells, removing them and adding a healthy glow. Fruit packs are great for adding radiance to the skin. They can also be applied daily. Mix grated apples with ripe papaya pulp and mashed banana. Yogurt or lemon juice can be added to the mixture. Apply it on the face and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with plain water. It not only adds a glow, but also removes tan and softens the skin.
I think Indian women are among the most beautiful women of the world. They look exotic and feminine. The quality of femininity is so important. The women of South East Asia also have beautiful skin. This could be due to their diet of seafood and seaweeds. Women of South American countries, like Argentina and Brazil are considered beautiful and continue to win beauty titles.
Today, Indian women have become aware of beauty and beauty treatments. There is more exposure to global trends and higher disposable incomes, due to the increase of working women. Women from the middle class are working and look after their grooming. There are many jobs where the appearance counts, like front office jobs in the hotel industry, in travel and tourism, sales and marketing, fashion and television. A large number of beauty products are available today and the beauty salon business has also seen phenomenal growth. There is also a great degree of awareness that beauty salon treatments provide psychological benefits too, in terms of inducing relaxation, reducing stress and boosting self-confidence.
Our business model is a unique franchise system, which is at the core of the success of the Shahnaz Husain brand. In fact, the fast-paced extension of the Shahnaz Herbal salons is due to this system, by which the franchisee obtains the right to use the Shahnaz Herbal name and treatments, as well as enjoy a margin of profit on the sale of products. The franchisee, in turn, has to acquire training in specialised treatments in Shahnaz Husain’s beauty training academy and also satisfy the stringent requirements of a name that has become internationally known.
Apart from strong branding, the Shahnaz Husain franchise offers an established business model with proven success rate and efficacy. The brand name has established tremendous international goodwill. The Shahnaz Husain Signature Salons have become internationally known for path-breaking treatments and innovations, while the Shahnaz Husain organic formulations have taken international markets by storm. The franchisee also derives the benefit of advanced research and development in the Shahnaz Husain R&D units. The franchisee support programme provides Technological Know-how and Support, Marketing Support, Unit Setup Assistance, Administrative Support and Website and Salon Software. The benefits of the Shahnaz Husain franchise have made it a valued business opportunity for entrepreneurs, giving them the golden chance to share Shahnaz Husain’s phenomenal success. Each franchise venture is an integral link in a globally renowned chain.
When I started my first herbal salon, it was in my own home. To that extent, I was always at home for my children and family. I always say that I could never have achieved what I have, without the support and understanding of my family. First of all my father guided me and then my husband became my real inspiration to take up a career. I was also fortunate to have the support and understanding of my family, while I struggled relentlessly to achieve my dreams. As a family, we discussed everything and valued each other’s suggestions. However, along with the recognition and acclaim that success has brought me, I have also experienced the inevitable “other side”……. the lack of time that I can truly call my own, the time which I can spend with my family. But, no matter how hectic and demanding my work was, we used to spend quality time, getting away for vacations and weekends together. These are moments which help understanding within the family and later become times to remember and cherish.
Today, Indian women have become aware of beauty and beauty treatments. There is more exposure to global trends and higher disposable incomes, due to the increase of working women. Women from the middle class are working and look after their grooming. There are many jobs where the appearance counts, like front office jobs in the hotel industry, in travel and tourism, sales and marketing, fashion and television
First of all, professional qualifications and training is the order of the day. So, it is very essential today to acquire professional and vocational training in your field. If you can get advanced training and also specialise in some aspect, it can be an advantage. Believe in yourself and your own abilities. Keep learning. Have the courage to say “I don’t know this, but I can learn it.” The sky is the limit, but one should have relentless determination to excel and the ability for sheer hard work. Never give up. If you never give up, you cannot fail. Have the ability to adapt and adjust, because one has to adapt to the changing demands of the market and trends. As I did, you may start in a small way, but think “big.” You have to think that nothing is beyond you.
It is within the family that values are learnt, which ultimately helps us to deal with the world. The values within the family help us as parents to raise our children and inculcate the values that will give them the strength to deal with the outside world. The family is also where we can return to recharge our batteries and to get help and support. For the working woman, a family value system helps in managing the household and yet delegating work to the family. It can even give children a sense of importance, if we rely on them for small tasks at home. The idea of self-help can be inculcated in the family. Discuss the problems with the older children. Ask for suggestions. This also gives them a feeling of self-worth.
I am a staunch believer in “internal health for external beauty”. I have a demanding career, with hectic schedules. But, I make it a point to set aside some time for daily exercise. I have found yoga to be an excellent way of relieving stress and strain. I start by doing some breathing exercises. The first step in yoga is learning to breathe better. Yogic Pranayama is probably one of the best exercises of correct breathing. They are of great benefit to overall health, in terms of cleansing the body of toxins and wastes. I have found that it helps me to get rid of both physical and mental fatigue. I follow this up by performing some yogic exercises. Yoga gives the body flexibility and strengthens the spine. An important advantage of yoga is that it can be done anywhere and no elaborate equipment is necessary. Even when I am traveling abroad, I can perform a few exercises. Another advantage with yoga is that at the end of the exercise routine, there is no fatigue. I find that it makes me feel relaxed and gives me a sense of well being.
I do not believe that eating for health and beauty means that one must deny oneself food and suffer pangs of hunger. It is basically a question of developing a positive attitude about choosing the right foods. I start my day with a glass of ‘nimbu paani’ in which I add a dash of honey. It helps to flush the system and is an easy way of taking in essential nutrients. For breakfast, I have fresh fruits and freshly extracted fruit juice. Raw salads and sprouts are kept prepared for me, or I may have oats. I not only have this for lunch, but eat a small bowl of it whenever I am hungry. I am very fond of yogurt. I think it is a wonder food. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and also meets protein requirements. It is easily digestible and can be taken in a variety of ways.
Good health and beauty are two sides of the same coin. A beautiful woman has a vitality that comes from sheer good health and fitness. Looking good imparts self-confidence, so necessary in a competitive world. There are so many jobs today, where appearance counts. Also, for a flawless skin, shiny hair and a slim figure, good health must be on top of the list. Diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are necessary to look and feel good. They are the foundations of beauty. Select a diet, which provides the necessary elements. Fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouted grains, yogurt, cottage cheese, leafy green vegetables, daals and beans are foods that ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. Drinking adequate water helps to eliminate toxins and wastes from the system. Add the lemon juice to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning. Some form of daily exercise is necessary for fitness, a slim and supple figure, good posture and grace. Exercise increases oxygenation, builds up stamina and reduces stress. Walking is a good physical activity, as it exercises all the muscle groups. Stretching is of immense value in improving the figure. You can also learn yoga and practice it daily. Remember to take your doctor’s ‘go ahead’ before taking up any regular exercise programme. Adequate sleep is also essential to beauty. Sleep is a way of restoring energy to the body and is nature’s best cure. It is a beauty treatment in itself.
I believe that respect and friendship are very important in a marriage. Husband and wife should be on an equal footing. After the initial fire of romance dies down, the friendship and respect endure. It is the companionship and unconditional support that one values in a good marriage. Each can be a sounding board for the other, sharing opinions and ideas and also ask for suggestions and advice. It becomes so much easier when one gets unconditional support from the partner. It not only helps in personal growth, but also in furthering careers and ambitions. Life today can be stressful. It is important to recognise this and take steps to reduce stress. I would say that one partner should never take the other for granted. Also, adjustment, consideration, selflessness are some of the qualities, on the part of both partners, that help the marriage survive and succeed.
Once married and becoming a mother, many women also tend to let themselves go and don’t give that much importance to their appearance. The result is spreading outlines, dull skin and hair as well as careless grooming. I think efficient time-management is the answer. No matter how demanding housework is, you have to set apart some time for yourself every day. Actually, daily skin and hair care take only a few minutes. So does daily exercise. Getting up half-an-hour earlier than you normally do can solve this problem of lack of time. A brisk walk is a good exercise. Start with a few stretching exercises and deep breathing. This would not only benefit the figure, but also help to induce relaxation and reduce fatigue. Regular exercising and a nutritious diet are bound to help. Beauty care takes only a few minutes of your time. You can cleanse and tone the skin before your bath. Keep ten minutes, during the day, to just lie down and relax. You need to recharge yourself. In fact, you can combine it with a beauty treatment. Dip cotton wool pads in rose water and use as eye pads. Used tea bags also make good eye pads. Eye pads revitalise the skin around the eyes, remove fatigue and add brightness to the eyes. The relaxation certainly helps. A few times in the week go to bed early and catch up on lost sleep, especially if you have a baby. Set aside one day a week to give yourself a manicure and pedicure, condition your hair and apply a facemask. If you can manage to get away to a beauty salon, there is nothing like it.
I do not believe in destiny. I believe that you can make your own destiny. I have always had a positive attitude towards life. I have welcomed challenges and have looked at them as opportunities. I always look ahead with optimism and I never stop trying. I can never rest on my laurels. I always look for another frontier to cross and another mountain to climb. My philosophy of life has also been, “Do your best and leave the rest to the Will of God.” This total surrender to the Will of God has helped me to stay grounded and face insurmountable tragedies with inner strength. Happiness and sadness, success and failure are different aspects of life. They are transient and ever-changing. What remains constant is inner spiritual strength. It helps one to remain firm, even when one is buffeted by the tempest of life.
by Vinita Deshmukh
