Continuous replenishment of talent is a major challenge faced by the industry. - Dr G. Vijayalakshmi
Every brand works to impress and build a strong customer base. A lot of money is put in to provide the best services and comfort that the clients require. It is important for every brand to realise that they can keep their customers happy by having a staff that is committed and well taken care of. In a conversation with Dr G. Vijayalakshmi, Owner, Mirrors Salon, for our Indian Salon and Wellness Yearbook 2017, she tells us her journey of building her brand, the USP it has and what she thinks of the Salon and Spa businesses.
Kindly share a brief about your brand.
Mirrors has an extensive client base and is favoured by film stars, models, cricketers, industrialists, politicians and style connoisseurs. Addicted to success, we have put in tremendous effort to make Mirrors what it is today- the best salon in South India. From top hair stylists and colour technicians to assistants and management, every member is important.
How has been your entrepreneurial journey?
From a mere 2-chaired salon to one of the best salon brands in the country, the story of Mirrors has been of hard work, grit and an unending hunger for success. For all the hard work and commitment to excellence, Mirrors has won prestigious awards.
What is your brand’s USP?
At Mirrors, guests are treated like royalty. There are no two ways about it. From the moment the client walks in, a client service manager will be responsible to ensure that every detail of the customer service experience is carefully crafted to allow the client to indulge in sheer luxury. The brand supports a strong message of uncompromising attention to clients.
What all challenges did you face & how did you overcome them in your business?
Continuous replenishment of talent is a major challenge faced by the industry. Continuous education is the heart of everything done by Mirrors to present itself as a preferred luxury salon. An authentic policy sets out Mirrors’ commitment to the current and future development of staff skills, know-how and aptitude in support of its strategic and operational plans and the career-related ambitions of every staff.
Any unforgettable moments for you & your brand?
Unforgettable moments for me and my brand include: Winning the ‘Best Academy’, 'Best Salon of the Year,' ‘Regional Standalone Salon of the Year (Premium Segment),’ ‘Spa of the Year (Aesthetic Design),’ ‘Customer Service Excellence,’ ‘Best Day Spa in South India’, ‘New Creative Force of the Year’ at the prestigious Indian salon Awards 2014-16. Winning ‘Best Salon in South’ award twice at the L’Oreal Professional Indian Hairdressing Awards in 2015 and 2016 is also special to me. I have been recognized as a ‘Business Leader in Salon Industry’ at the TV5 Business Awards. Our trend-setting work can be found in many of the high profile events organized in the City including IIFA Utsavam (two years in a row), ‘Memu Saitham,’ Celebrity Cricket League, Hyderabad Fashion Week, Times Fresh Face and many other prestigious high-profile fashion and entertainment events.
What are your views on how co-related are salon & spa biz & what future does this industry holds?
Salon and Spa businesses are intertwined because both of them involve service and skill in similar settings of luxury and indulgence. A culture of superior hygiene and an environment that could be trusted is a major advantage for salons and spa that co-exist. Since both of them help clients relax, refresh and rejuvenate, it is beneficial for owners to not miss out on clients who might go to services that are not available under one roof. The industry is growing at a rapid pace. The wellness industry is expected to cross 1.2 trillion INR by 2018, marking a significant milestone for this sector in India. This is the right time to get into the business and make a mark.
