An international beauty icon of India - Shahnaz Husain
A leading woman entrepreneur of Ayurvedic beauty who is an inspiration to all the women who strive to achieve their dreams in life, Shahnaz Husain. She has taken Indian beauty culture to the outside world. Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies, with its global network of franchise salons, retail outlets, beauty training academies, 380 Ayurvedic formulations for beauty and health care have marked their name by completing glorious five decades now. It is a sheer dedication that made her achieve the greatest heights in Indian and the international markets.
You have completed 50 years in the beauty business. How do you feel about it?
For me, the year 2021 has a special significance, as I completed 50 eventful years in the beauty industry. My mission was to take our Indian herbal heritage of Ayurveda worldwide with a crusader’s zeal and I have succeeded in doing so to a great extent. From one small herbal salon to a global network of franchise ventures, it is a phenomenal journey for me. I hope that my journey and success as a woman entrepreneur keep inspiring other women to follow their dreams with faith and courage. For me, it is a dream come true to see the worldwide recognition of Ayurveda. I strongly believe that Indian Ayurveda will lead the international cosmetic industry within the next decade. It has been tested by the most exacting test of all…..the Test of Time!
Why did you choose Ayurvedic Beauty Care?
I was always interested in Beauty, so I decided on beauty as a career. I worked my way to leading beauty institutions of the West. While training in London, I came across instances of damage caused by chemical treatments. So, I started searching for natural beauty care without risks. My study and experience of Ayurveda convinced me that it could provide the ideal and safe answers to beauty care. Then, I opened my first herbal clinic in a small way in my own house and started making formulations based on Ayurveda and natural care and cure. I always believed that India has a great deal to offer the rest of the world, in ayurvedic herbal healing.
Please tell us about the prestigious awards you have received.
I was honoured to receive the Padma Shri Award. I also became the first woman in 104 years to receive the “World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award” from Success, the New York based business magazine. Recently, I received two prestigious awards in the British Parliament for “Pioneering Ayurveda Worldwide” and for “Ayurveda Excellence.” Among some of my other awards are “Award for Excellence” in London for my innovation of the Chemoline Range for Cancer Patients. Last year, I received the Kotler Excellence Award from World Marketing Summit and the New York based IWEC Foundation Award for Global Woman Entrepreneur. I have also received several Quality Excellence Awards in London, New York, Geneva and Cannes.
You became a case study and now you are a subject at Harvard Business School. Tell us more about it.
As already mentioned, I never relied on commercial advertisements. Harvard Business School invited me to speak on how I established an international brand without commercial advertising. Subsequently, I became a Harvard Case Study on brand creation and now I am a Subject and a part of the curriculum in Harvard Business School for “Emerging Markets,” in recognition of the international market created by me for Indian Ayurvedic beauty care.
You have travelled around the globe. How has it influenced your life and what is the greatest lesson you learnt while travelling?
I have travelled around the globe, whether on vacation, or business. Travelling has enriched my life and taught me a great deal about the world and its people. Travel has enabled me to take our Indian herbal heritage of Ayurveda worldwide. It gave me the opportunities to extend the practical aspects of Ayurvedic beauty care, to the extent that I could establish it in international markets. I have travelled on work to open franchise salons and outlets, attend beauty expositions, receive awards, etc. Travel has also added a wonderful dimension to my life, providing a great insight into the culture of different countries. After my hectic schedules, there is nothing more enjoyable than getting away to a place where I can relax and unwind.
I learnt to respect the differences and to accept the people of the world as one big family. But the greatest lesson I learnt is that there is no place like India. “East or West, wherever you may roam; be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”
Which is your favourite destination and why?
London is one of my favourite holiday destinations. London, with its old charm, is my favourite place for business, relaxation and sightseeing. I love everything about it, especially the long walks in beautiful Hyde Park. It is an epitome of peace and tranquillity. The Speaker’s Corner provides a deep insight on diverse topics in its unique amusing style. Serpentine Lake has these beautiful swans. A sight to behold and an unforgettable experience! London also has wonderful shopping destinations.