Where
have you trained?
Romila: I inherited the talent in beauty and styling from
my mother, who has been an expert in herbal preparations and Oriental
beauty treatments. In 1966, there were hardly any training institutes,
so I practised make-up and hairstyling on my friends. I used to
subscribe to foreign magazines and managed to get study material
from schools of beauty in London and specialised in skin therapy.
Soon, my clientele increased and I started a small professional
practice from home. Schnell Hans kicked off in 1968 at Mahim and
the other branches followed later. I also trained at several schools
in London and New York. When I did my first make-up course from
U.K., I knew so much that people there were literally learning from
me!
Sunita: I was interested in the field and started helping
mum since the age of ten. I did many courses abroad, studied Nutrition
and Dietetics too and also trained in yoga. We hold the World Federation
Diplomas. I go abroad every year, especially to London for the International
Hair Festival in October. Today, I want to know the latest in the
market, the new products, techniques, etc. When we train students,
we ourselves should be up-to-date with the international global
market.
What do you
think makes a successful stylist?
Sunita: It’s essential to maintain a high level of
honesty with your client. Today, clients are aware of various products
and techniques. As a stylist, you need to advise clients as to what
is good for them, and not just do things to make a quick buck. Giving
clients good quality service is imperative so that they keep coming
to you. A stylist’s service should be consistent and shouldn’t
be affected by their moods.
Romila: Communication and patience is also very important.
For instance, some clients ask the same questions every time they
visit the salon, but I don’t get angry or irritated; I patiently
listen to them and give advice.
Is creativity more important than training in this industry?
Sunita: While you need to have a love and flair for the
subject, training can make you technically sound. Every time you
cut someone’s hair, if you don’t like it falling on
your hands, it means you aren’t doing the right thing since
you aren’t enjoying it. But if you are slow in cutting hair
or in blow-drying, or if your hand shakes a little while applying
make-up, training can make you perfect.
Romila: Sometimes while doing a massage, a cleaning or
a facial, if a blackhead pops up, some trainees get grossed out—that’s
an indication that perhaps beauty isn’t the field for them.
Also, many people feel that it’s all very easy. When they
see us working, they feel it’s simple, but when we ask them
to hold the scissors, they fumble.
Romila, what words of wisdom do you have for Sunita—as
a mother and also as a successful stylist?
Romila: As a human being, it’s most important to
be honest, loving, caring. We have always given family the highest
priority. As a stylist, she’s excellent. All I tell her always
is love your job.
What important lesson have you learned from Romila?
Sunita: The most important thing is that our work has to
suit the family, not that the family has to adjust to suit our work.
That’s why I took a break during my pregnancy and went slow
with work when my children were young. Now that they’ve grown
up, I am ready for my second innings and geared for my new salon
in Bandra. I’m now looking forward to my daughter joining
Schnell Hans, probably in a few years, which will make it a good
three generations! I’ve also learned time management from
mum. If you are running late everywhere, you will run late in life.
What kind of relationship do you share?
Romila: My daughter is my friend. My husband, Shyam Motwani,
founder director of RBCS, is my best friend.
Sunita: I’ve been able to grow because of mum. There
are many mothers who put themselves ahead of their children. But
mum has never promoted herself. She’s always put me in the
forefront. I know she’s there and that I can rely on her.
Romila: I encouraged her to learn Bharat Natyam, Western
dance and piano. These were things I wanted to learn, but couldn’t;
now I am living them through my daughter.
Sunita: I must add that these dreams were never forced
on me. God couldn’t be everywhere, so he made mothers. Maybe
God is a She and not a He. Maybe God is a mother ‘Herself’!
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