When Skill Meets Determination:A Salon, A Story and a Salute

Since time immemorial, both men and women have wished, ventured, and craved to look good, better, and sometimes the best. In every nook and corner of the world, whether in a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a small village, salons and beauty parlours stand as testimony to this universal desire. With each generation, the dependence on such services has grown, shortcuts have become acceptable, and professional grooming has turned into a necessity rather than a luxury.

This observation isn’t a conclusion drawn from research; it is born from personal experience with my twenty-one-year-old daughter. Having recently begun to manage her life independently, she is particular about her appearance and outlook. For the past three years, she has been living abroad and returns home every December for a month. During this time, she sweetly wishes to be pampered in every possible way. One such indulgence is getting her hair washed and blow-dried at a salon so that her curtain bangs remain flawless throughout her stay.

I always try to fulfil this little whim of hers. However, during her previous visits, she was far from being impressed with the salons in India be it in Kurukshetra, the city of her birth, or Solan, my hometown. This time, acting on a recommendation from a dear friend, I took her to a unisex salon called Paris Parker.

Ironically, my own past experience with salons hadn’t been pleasant. A hair treatment done months earlier had damaged my hair terribly. Although free repair was offered, repeated chemical treatments in a short span led to excessive hair fall. The lure of a ₹2000 discount had tempted me to compromise on quality, a decision I later regretted. A close well-wisher had gently scolded me for it and praised Paris Parker. This time, I was determined.

The moment we stepped inside, I was charmed by the ambience and the warmth of the smiling staff. Two expert hairdressers, Bhanu and Hemant, guided us in choosing the best spa treatment for my daughter. As we waited, a striking woman in her early thirties walked in, dressed elegantly in black trousers and a long fawn-coloured coat. Her face radiated a quiet confidence that only rare achievement can bestow.

At first, I mistook her for a customer, perhaps a professional seeking a quick styling session. But soon she entered a private cabin, and my curiosity was piqued. Minutes later, she emerged carrying liquid sandalwood prayer powder and gently applied it to the foreheads of every staff member. In that moment, I realised she was the owner.

That day, my daughter opted only for a hair wash and blow-dry. I booked her spa appointment for the following Sunday and left, but the owner’s aura stayed with me.

When we returned, slightly late, we were greeted by the owner herself. She remembered our appointment. As my daughter underwent her spa treatment, I introduced myself and shared my love for writing. I told her about my blog and my desire to write about people and stories that touch my heart. She listened intently and, with a warm smile, began sharing her journey.

Before meeting her, I had already learned that she owned two salons in Solan; one on Mall Road and another at Vivanta Mall. I assumed she must have been trained under a big brand name be it Shehnaz, Lakme or VLCC. Instead, her story humbled me.

She came from a small village near Solan, born to an agriculturist father, with two brothers, and was educated only till the twelfth standard. A government initiative aimed at empowering rural women through vocational training had changed her life. She joined the programme casually, along with friends, learning stitching and parlour skills, unaware that it would shape her destiny.

Her career began modestly, working as an assistant in parlours where pay was low and labour was intense. But passion fuelled perseverance. She travelled to cities like Bangalore and Mumbai to attend seminars and upgrade her skills. Every challenge strengthened her resolve.

Her simplicity was winning my heart. I asked her if it was easy for a rustic girl to enter such an offbeat field. Initially, she seemed reluctant to share. I simplified my query and asked about the support she received from her family and whether the road was smooth or difficult to traverse. I got to know that for her family support, however, was not always unwavering. At one point, a marriage proposal from a police official tempted her father to prioritise security over ambition. 

At that time, the young girl had just started spreading her wings and was planning to start her first salon Paris Parker, the very branch where I was conversing with her. She put her foot down and it was her mother who stood firm and dared to decline the proposal and convinced her father to lease her a couple of years from her life, giving her daughter time to pursue her dream. And as stated earlier, that dream soon took shape as Paris Parker,the very salon where we sat talking.

Today, her salons are among the most respected in the district. Her husband, whom she met as a client years ago, supported her wholeheartedly and invested in the second branch. She spoke lovingly of her in-laws, who take pride in her achievements.

What impressed me further was her leadership. With nearly thirty employees, she treats her staff like family offering weekly offs, bonuses, annual trips, and a healthy work environment.Conversations with Bhanu and Hemant further confirmed that the workplace atmosphere was healthy.The steady stream of customers, including local celebrities, bore witness to the quality of service.

The charming businesswoman, who saw only the bright side of everything, also had concerns. She mentioned how local parlours unethically poached her staff by offering small raises. She challenged me that if I visited any local salon, I would surely find one or two of her former employees there.

 As I pondered what more to ask, she shared that relatives who once avoided her family now claimed her acquaintance, and previous employers called her for updates. 

Her name, aura, and position prove that first-hand experience and skill, adorned with staunch determination, can pave the way to success. As our conversation ended, my daughter emerged with a radiant smile and beautifully styled hair. I left inspired.

Her journey proves that degrees do not guarantee success, but skill,determination, and resilience do.She proves that the sky isn’t always the limit. She is an exemplary leader for young men and women who chase only high-paying white-collar jobs or give up easily.  She stands as a true symbol of women empowerment, reminding young minds that success is not served on a platter rather it is earned.

A salute to the young entrepreneur behind one of Himachal’s most prestigious salons, who has not only set standards but also rewritten dreams.