Beauty business well defined

You bought franchise at what age? Does age makes a difference to exist in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

I became a franchise partner of Naturals at the age of 39 years. It has been a journey of almost 8 years and an amazing one. I don’t think age makes a difference to be an entrepreneur. Certain qualities are required to be one, and this can be attained at any age. For example, I find I need to be extremely patient in this business, but there are many franchise partners my age or younger who are very impatient. So, for me, age did not play a great differentiating factor.

How were you received as young/old, franchise business owner?

As a slightly older franchise partner, I find my maturity to be a big plus. Staff look up to me, and are more inclined to listen to what I have to say. They seem to see me as a mother figure.

What's the remarkable change since you became a franchisee? 2-3 memorable moments you would like to share of your business journey.

This journey has been full of moments, but my greatest learning has been that I have learnt to handle many things women are normally content to leave to their husbands. From handling government agencies, to problems in the salon, to salary negotiations, I can handle all this with ease today. I find I have a standing in society today, as taking this franchiseship has resulted in a big leap in my career. I can see my changes for the better with my own eyes and what is more all this has resulted from doing business in a field I love.

How many franchise units do you have and how do you justify your time for multi-unit/ diverse businesses?

I have taken the franchise for two salons, and though it is challenging, there are ways to surmount all difficulties. Today technology plays a huge role in helping me run both my salons. I do not have to be on the spot for business to run. The brand also provides me with excellent technogical support without which I would not have been able to manage. For example, I can check through WhatsApp if the salon is cleaned, if staff has come on time, if clients are being handled well – thanks to improved technology multitasking has become a breeze.

Most franchisees switch or add brands. Why have you stuck with the same one?

I have been associated with Naturals in some form for the past 15 years. Simply put, I have grown with the brand. I have seen it grow from one salon to 500+ salons and I have grown with it. I don’t see Naturals as a business partner but feel it is my brand! I am very comfortable here and have full confidence that the brand will not let me down.

The most important element to grow a blockbuster franchise business.

Personalised care is the only way. The customer should not be seen as a tool to bring in your ROI, but as a means to provide him or her with good service. If I give the customer the service he or she deserves, my business will automatically grow.

Two lines on what’s awesome about being a boss.

As a boss, I can do my work when I feel like and not be stuck to a rigid schedule. I have the freedom to multitask which I might not have had if I had gone in for a regular nine to five job

Five points to maintain cordial relationship with your franchisor.

• Do not expect the franchisor to solve all your issues. You need to learn to handle things on your own.
• Do not be quick to blame the franchisor for everything that goes wrong.
• The franchisor should be able to share in all matters of your business – we should not get in touch with them only when there is an issue.
• Involve yourself fully in all activities of the franchisor so you are connected with them.
• Do not feel that marketing activities have no tangible result on the floor of your salon – a good marketing campaign will definitely increase business.

Do you foresee yourself as a franchisor soon?

I don’t know! I did not plan this career as a franchise partner. It just happened to me. I am sure whatever is in my future will be for the best and will accept whatever opportunities come my way.

Any mistakes you have made in your business journey & what have you learnt from them.

Quite a few mistakes! Every day is a learning process and what are more important is not the mistakes I make, but what I learn from them and whether I repeat them or not. Life in the salon is an ongoing learning and I love every day I spend there. I am proud to be associated with Naturals, it is a superb brand and its success is my success!