Work Smart & Do Better Every Day - -Aalim Hakim

Aalim Hakim is a name that commands immediate admiration and respect in the Indian hairdressing industry and beyond, yet this master of celebrity makeovers and inspiring artistry chooses to stay humble and stick to his dedication to the craft. Speaking to Esha Gakhar over an Instagram LIVE session, Aalim delves deep into his beliefs and hopes for the industry.

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MILESTONES & RECOGNITIONS

For me, the most rewarding experience is people appreciating my work. But I do not dwell on it — if I have done good work today and get appreciated for it, I am happy and then, I forget about it. Because tomorrow is a new day and a new challenge. I do not want to keep tabs on the work I have done — good or bad, or the money I am making. It’s all about enjoying the recognition and celebrating it at that moment and moving ahead with the aim to do better the next day. Tomorrow you could fail; for example, an actor could have a hit film followed by a couple of flops before they can deliver another hit. The same is possible in hairdressing too — so my focus is to work hard every day and be consistent with the results. You have to keep reinventing yourself and your craft. Keep learning, learn from others and help others learn too — do something new and start a new chapter every day.

NEXTGEN & FUTURE INDUSTRY

Today’s young hairdressers are not only hardworking and talented but also aggressively looking for immediate success. No doubt they have the drive to use their full potential, but somehow they lack that ever-important humility and gratitude. Many of them want to be “influencers” and “celebrities” — according to their Instagram profiles; this is completely wrong. When you work with hair, you are a hairdresser; have you ever seen a pilot or doctor calling themselves an aviation influencer or celebrity medical professional? When you are dedicated to your talent and have the right attitude, it reflects on your work which then influences people. The priority should be to work hard and improve yourself; people will naturally like you and be inspired by you.