Interview: Vaishakhi Haria, a Hairstylist, Director at Splash Salon & and Co-founder of Very V Salon

An interview with Vaishakhi Haria, a well renowned hairstylist, dedicated educator, accomplished entrepreneur, Director at Splash Salon & and Co-founder of Very V Salon

In a captivating interview with Vaishakhi Haria, a distinguished hair stylist, educator, and entrepreneur, we delve into her impressive journey. As the Director at Splash Salon and Co-founder of Very V Salon, Haria shares her insights on the evolving beauty industry, her passion for education, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving her success.

Her experiences offer a unique perspective on combining creativity with business acumen in the world of hair styling.

As Director of Splash Salon and Co-founder of Very V Salon, could you share with us your journey in the hairstyling industry and what inspired you to establish these successful ventures?

Vaishakhi Haria: I embarked on my journey in the hairdressing industry at just 17 years old. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce & Economics and later a Master’s in Business Administration, I established my first salon in 2009, setting the stage for my multifaceted career in salons, education, photoshoots, and editorials.

Driven by a deep passion for my craft and a desire to make my clients feel special, each milestone I’ve achieved, from establishing my first salon to pursuing advanced business education, has fueled my growth and learning. My focus remains on excelling in my work and continuously evolving and innovating in the industry.

Being a Creative Ambassador of Schwarzkopf Professional, how has this role influenced your approach to hairstyling and education within the industry?

Vaishakhi Haria: Being a Creative Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional has been a fantastic journey. I have been able to keep up to the global trends, met stylists from different parts of the world. Understanding different cultures opens up new horizons at work and it makes us think outside the usual curve.

Education is a cornerstone of your career. How do you balance your roles as a hairstylist and educator, and what motivates you to share your expertise with others?

Vaishakhi Haria: Education is the biggest key to my growth. By sharing my experiences, I have not only been able to contribute to the industry, but I have also learnt a lot from my students as well. It is a complete two-way street if you are observant enough.

I like to divide my time between my salons & education equally. In this way, it helps me stay connected to my clients and alongside I can contribute my experience to the budding artists in industry.

What are some trends you currently see emerging in the hairstyling world, and how do you stay ahead of these trends at Splash Salon and Very V Salon?

Vaishakhi Haria: The world of hairstyling has come around a full circle. From fancy cuts & vivid colours, we have now completely moved on to wearable & fast fashion. Clients are expecting low-maintenance looks.

To stay ahead of the curve, I create new looks with my team every quarter and we constantly try new combinations that would work for our clients. We create our own combinations to stand out from the usual market standards.

In your experience, what qualities make for a successful hairstylist, both in terms of technical skill and client interaction?

Vaishakhi Haria: Integrity! Integrity! Integrity! The key point to success for a hairstylist. Technical skills can be built over time, precision can be achieved with practice but integrity is a human quality that comes from within and that is what makes the stylist successful. Keeping the client’s benefit as the focal point changes the game and goes a long way.

Could you share a memorable success story or client transformation that highlights the impact of your work as a hairstylist?

Vaishakhi Haria: I once had a client come from Sweden just looking at my Instagram. That day I realised the power of our work as hairstylists. Once I had a client come from Bangladesh only to get her hair colour done by me.

When she said that she came to Mumbai just for haircolor with me and that it was her dream to get the colour done by me before her wedding, it blew my mind away!

What advice would you give to aspiring hairstylists who are looking to establish their own salons or advance in their careers?

Vaishakhi Haria: In this fast paced world, we expect everything to happen fast! We want to learn quickly, work quickly and get successful quickly. But honestly, it is not the truth. Patience will take us a long way. Setting a target plan for the career, building systems and constant learning will truly help in building successful careers.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of Splash Salon, Very V Salon, and your role within the hairstyling industry?

Vaishakhi Haria: I am in expansion mode for my salons. Splash Salon is opening doors in Juhu by August 2024. I am really excited for this project and I hope to expand Very V Salon soon too.

About my role in the industry, I aim to continue my role as an educator, share my experiences with budding artists, create trend collections and inspire through my work!

Vaishakhi Haria’s insights reveal the dynamic interplay between creativity and entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. Her dual role as an educator and business leader exemplifies a commitment to innovation and excellence.

As she continues to shape trends and mentor emerging talent, Haria’s contributions underscore the transformative power of combining artistic vision with strategic thinking in the world of hair styling.

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