Challenges Are Opportunities to Grow, I See Them as the Steps to Success - Maria Kapadia

I am an internationally trained and certified Hairdresser and Make-up artist, with Fashion Industry experience and over 28 years of field involvement. One of the most renowned Salon owner of Pune, Salon Pretty Woman, Camp.

1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.

I found myself interested in the beauty industry and styling when I was a young adult of 18 years of age. I completed my formal education in M.Com in 1996 and at the same time also worked with the fashion industry and become the Pioneer for Fashion Make- up and Styling of Pune in 1992.

I was not only the youngest but also the only Fashion Make- up artist and Stylist in Pune. I was passion-driven and inspired by my sisters who are professionals in the same field. I started off doing basic salon services and management work at Pretty Woman itself and gradually learned and gained experience.

I am not only Nationally But also Internationally trained by ‘Toni and Guy’, ‘Wella’, ‘L'Oreal’, ‘Schwarzkopf’, ‘Eve Pearl’, 'Geogiy Kot', 'Guykremer', etc. I Graduated from ‘Vidal Sassoon’ and completed my Masters from ‘Kryolan’ Academy of New York and Chicago’.

I have done end number training and courses in the same and made sure to keep up with the global current trends of fashion. Now Salon Pretty Woman has achieved its stand in the market over these years, specializing in rendering various services relating to hair, skin, make- up and styling with clients coming from different walks of life, from reputed institutional principals to IT professionals to actresses, to inspiring businesswomen to hardworking and skilful homemakers and women of different generations and age.

2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?

As mentioned, I always found myself interested in the Fashion industry. I was inspired and passionate and wanted to explore the field. Moreover, my sisters supported the idea and helped me grow and with mere dedication.

I managed to make a place for myself in the Fashion industry and became the only fashion make-up artist in Pune. I got my big break in 1992, where I did 99% of the Fashion shoots and shows of Pune, making us the Monopoly and pioneer of Fashion Make- up in Pune.

I have worked with models like Pooja Batra, Arjun Rampal, John Abraham, Dino Morea, Noyonika Chatterjee, Aditti Govitrikar, etc. With Photographers like Boman Irani, Daboo Ratnani, Girish Mistry, Bunty and Prashant, Rajesh Banni, also did a couple of shows with India’s first Super- Model Shyamoli Varma.

I also did a lot of Brand shoot Make-ups for Mumbai Jai Hind, Kajri Sarees, Damini Sarees, Dulhan, Saheli and other stores on Lakshmi rood Pune, completing 100 shoots in a year and getting interviewed by Times Pune.

3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?

I believe in recreating and redesigning not only the definition of beauty the client comes to me with but also the magic she longs for. I thrive to achieve and do better than yesterday and so it definitely feels like a challenge, I look forward to.

Challenges are opportunities to grow, I see them as the steps to success. Risk due to competition exists in every business, however, I am not afraid of anything, in fact, I am ready to face every obstacle that comes my way as every experience teaches something valuable and in turn, definitely helps you grow.

I advocate for the fact that where there is no competition, there cannot be growth and I appreciate the healthy and positive competition.

4. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?

I personally feel that factors like self-discipline, integrity, persistence, hard- work backed up with a never giving up attitude, awareness and accountability makes one a successful entrepreneur, nevertheless, passion and liking towards the field is the most important factor.

Achieving my client’s expectations and seeing them happy brings me immense joy and is one of my favourite aspects of being in my field along with being an entrepreneur.

5. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?

As of my understanding success is not an event but it is the overall process, it is the process of working through each step to arrive at the next one, consistent motivation allows one to progress. Success does not come without failures, acknowledging each and coming out stronger is the real achievement.

Today everything depends on the personal relations you maintain with your client. It is that, which differentiates you from the rest in the market. Undoubtedly basic components of business like appropriate amount marketing, finance, management play an important role.

6. What are your tips for the first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?

‘With great power comes great responsibility’, similarly with entrepreneurship, requires a great deal of courage, risk-taking ability, patience, dedication, forever adapting and proactive accepting nature.

Not only formal education, professional training but also on- job and field experience is equally required to become a successful entrepreneur. I started my career at the age of 18, doing basic salon services, which explains that no work is small and age is no restriction to follow your passion.

To be ever ready and positive to face challenges as every experience is a learning lesson. Nothing comes fast, therefore not to give up and self-motivation at every stage is essential.

7. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?

‘Instant’, ‘Quick’, ‘Fast’, ‘now’ is something we all desire for and devour we compromise on various aspects. Nothing is impossible, starting off can be difficult in terms of finance, although curiosity and fascination with a start-up often outweigh any thoughts about risk.

When you understand, believe in your own idea, that confidence will win you over your funds. One does not always need an out of the box idea to sell, but just the trust in the idea.

Maria Kapadia

Entrepreneur | Hair Dresser | Make-up Artist

Interviewed by - Amatullah Lightwala