In today’s dynamic business landscape, women leaders are reaching new heights driven by their unwavering determination and dedication to success. They exemplify the idea that memorable businesses are crafted through meticulous research and a laser focus on key areas. In the realms of fashion, beauty, and beyond, women are not just competing but excelling in this game. Their ability to identify trends, tap into consumer desires, and innovate have set inspirational examples for countless individuals in India and around the globe.
Shahnaz Husain, a renowned beauty expert and entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the beauty industry, internationally. She is celebrated for her pioneering work in the field of Ayurveda and has successfully established an eponymous brand that emphasizes the fusion of traditional wisdom with modern beauty practices. With a career spanning several decades, Shahnaz Husain’s expertise, dedication, and innovation have solidified her status as a trailblazing leader in the beauty world.
This week, IMAGES Business of Fashion offers an in-depth exploration of the career, history, and growth trajectory of Shahnaz Husain.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures as well as Ayurvedic formulations for beauty and wellness. A Case Study at Harvard Business School for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets.” She has received the Padma Shri Award and became the first woman in the world to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Success Award. She was honored with Awards in the British Parliament for “Pioneering Ayurveda Worldwide” and “Ayurveda Excellence.” Indeed, today Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.
Education Profile
- Shahnaz passed the Senior Cambridge School Leaving Examination from Queen Mary’s School, Allahabad.
- She then worked her way up to the prized institutions of the West to learn cosmetology and cosmetic therapy at leading institutions like Helena Rubinstein in London, Christine Valmy in New York, Swarzkopf in Germany, Lancome in Paris and Lean of Copenhagen.
Career History and Experience
- Internationally renowned for Ayurvedic Beauty Care, Shahnaz started her first herbal salon in 1971.
- She extended her salon presence and other ventures through a franchise system worldwide.
- So far, Shahnaz Husain has formulated nearly 400 products for beauty and wellness.
- Additionally, she has also established factories to manufacture her products.
- She has successfully completed 50 years in the Beauty Industry.
- She also became a subject of a case study at Harvard Business School on “Emerging Markets.”
Her Core Strengths
According to Shahnaz, “Deterrents come up in life, but I have tried to meet them as challenges with my desire to excel, my relentless determination to succeed, my creativity, an iron will and sheer hard work. I believe that one should never stop trying. If you never stop trying, you cannot fail. I believe that nothing is impossible. You can be what you will yourself to be. You can make your own destiny.”
Her Aspirations
To this, she said, “My aspirations are directed towards making India lead the international cosmetic market with Ayurvedic Beauty Care and products.”
Shahnaz’s Game-Changing Retail Technology
She said, “Digitalization has opened up the entire world of e-commerce and online business and also helped to streamline the process of inventory.”
Skills that Helped Her Succeed
She said, “Creativity and innovativeness. The fact that I pioneered herbal beauty care is due to my ideas and efforts in finding safe and natural beauty.”
Her Take on the Future of the Industry
Sharing her insights on this she added, “Going organic and eco-friendly are the trends that will mark the coming years, as far as the beauty and wellness business is concerned. Greater awareness of the link between good health and beauty will be influencing the demand for organic and natural products in the days to come.”
Business Changes that Shahnaz Inspired
She told us, “I pioneered herbal beauty care and opened the first herbal salon. I also started extending my business on a franchise system. This was an important business model, as it helped me to take Ayurvedic beauty care to many countries of the world. I also introduced Care & Cure and started manufacturing therapeutic products for skin and hair problems.”
