Hello LGs,
This post is in support of the challenge “Supporting Women-Owned Businesses” by @Globe_trotter_Ish .
In the vibrant semi-urban landscape of Miraj-Sangli, where tradition meets modern ambition, Vrushali’s journey with Kairavee Beauty & Spa is a beacon of perseverance and empowerment. What began as a simple dream has now lasted 27 years, transforming lives, increasing confidence, and fostering a strong community of female entrepreneurs.
For the same, I shared twelve pointers/questions for her responses.
Exclusive Interview with Vrushali, the Founder of Kairavee Beauty & Spa, Miraj
1. What motivated you to start Kairavee Beauty Parlour?
Having my own beauty salon was my dream. And finally, I took the bold step after completing the training in 1998. I was married at the time, and my daughter was three years old. I’m from a small town, Miraj, and very few salons were in the business at that time. I aspired to create a space where women could celebrate their inner and outer beauty. “Kairavee” was founded on a dream to empower women through self-care. Beauty has always been a passion of mine, not just in terms of appearance, but also in making others feel confident and radiant.
2. How long have you been in this profession, and what were your early days like?
I have been in this field professionally for 27 years. Initially, I found it difficult to find natural and effective products. Despite their low shelf value, I frequently created my own combinations with organic and ayurvedic ingredients. However, I enjoyed creating hypoallergenic products on a daily basis and receiving honest feedback. It was a tough time for any woman to start her business, and getting customers was an even bigger one. Doing such self-innovating products was the key to my initial success and gaining client confidence. This was a valuable experience for me, and it will live on in my memory.
3. What challenges did you face as a woman starting a business in Miraj?
It was a tough time for any woman to start her own business, especially in a small town like Miraj. I had a huge struggle getting the necessary instruments and aesthetic products. It was an even bigger task to get and train supporting staff as well as get the customers. But my family stood by me, and that kept me going. Today, Kairavee is living proof of that belief. As a member of a cultured family, I placed a high value on hair care and haircuts. I also considered myself fortunate to receive training from some of the industry’s top professionals, such as Javed Habib, sir. As a result, I proved my ability to provide quality services.
4. What kind of services does your salon specialize in?
I specialize in all skin treatments, utilizing a variety of massage techniques and therapies. Include any designer haircuts requested by the client. Bridal makeup and pre-wedding care, including a diet plan, are orientation tasks. My first specially designed spa massages using stones, potlis, and essential oils helped me gain popularity.
5. How do you keep up with the most recent beauty trends and techniques?
These days, I always keep myself updated on fresh, new techniques for various makeup tricks, skin peeling treatments, new fashion trends, and everything else that people need for their lifestyle.
6. Do you use local or homemade beauty products in your services?
My clients prefer my organic treatments, as nowadays, many quality hypoallergenic products are easily available. Of course, when applying such products, I never go manually; instead, I use and develop my own techniques that are best suited for the application.
7. How has the community helped your business over the years?
Oh, the community is a driving force in the success of Kairavee. I always believed in sincerity, and I kept that as a top priority over earning. And being loyal to my customers is the key to my success so far. All my customers are a family now, and their trust, loyalty, and recommendation contributed to Kairavee’s success.
8. Do you offer training or jobs to other women in the community?
Until the pandemic, I ran my academic institute very successfully. Many females learned in my salon and now own a successful business with strong technical knowledge and training. Students working part-time have also achieved success in their respective fields.
One of my students from a low-income household earned her double graduation in law and is currently practicing with Sangli District Court. I am so glad for her education support. I consider myself extremely fortunate and proud to be able to support many girls from low-income families who have been trained in my salon and are now self-sufficient.
9. Have you ever updated your Google Maps business information, photos, or services? How has this aided your customer relations efforts?
I knew Google Maps was important for businesses, so I added my business initially, but I only recently became more interested in it. My salon has moved several times in the last four years and is now in a brand-new location with a luxurious ambience. I am learning how to update information, upload photos, and interact with customers via reviews. It is exciting to see how it can increase visibility and introduce more people to Kairavee!" In today’s digital age, online presence is essential.
10. What exactly does success mean to you?
According to me, success is not the profit, but the drive, a force that transforms hard work and honesty into major achievements. Making our own identity is an experience of enormous happiness. When someone asks for career advice and a path to success and follows your counsel, it is the greatest achievement we have ever identified.
11. What advice would you have for other women who want to start their own businesses?
Each and every woman should stand up on her own two feet, is my sincere advice. Not only do we lead family, we lead society as well. The woman who is the heart of the family, if she succeeds, the whole family also succeeds with good financial status as well as being good society members. Having your own business opens various business doors.
12. Do you have any future plans for expanding or growing your beauty salon?
My goal is to grow Kairavee into a beauty academy where more women can acquire professional skills, encouraging them to be successful and self-sufficient. I also intend to strengthen Kairavee’s digital presence, making it a trusted name beyond Miraj-Sangli.
Vrushali’s journey exemplifies determination, resilience, and the importance of believing in oneself. Kairavee is more than a beauty salon; it is a movement for confidence and success.
Cheers!
#supportingwomen-ownedbusinesses
local-business #womenempowerment
