Kanta Motwani Insights Into the Industry

With a career spanning three decades and a chain of salons across Mumbai, Kanta Motwani is a familiar name in the business. From her first job with Nalini & Yasmin to the current challenges, Kanta shares with Salon India her journey, challenges, and hopes for the industry

Take us back to the beginning — how did you become a part of this industry?

It all started about 30 years ago when I casually enrolled for a course in hairdressing. I was studying and had every intention of becoming a Therapist following a Masters in Psychology. After the course, I realised it was ‘the’ career for me and took it up full time. Hairdressing has opened up several avenues for me. I was shy back then, but the constant interacting with people helped me overcome it and evolve as an individual.

Soon I began work at Nalini & Yasmin. My first salary of ₹650 made me feel on top of the world. At this time, my family had shifted from Dadar to Vashi, which meant I would be commuting for two-and-a-half-hours daily from my residence to the salon. I spent a lot of money on taxis, but I was happy. Joining Nalini & Yasmin paid off as I got an opportunity to learn from the best. Nalini Naegamvala and Yasmin, both, have a wealth of experience and even today I go to them for advice. My first lesson was ‘Listen to your clients and do not repeat what you hear from them’. Salons can be gossip mills, but you have to be cautious and respectful to everyone.

How has the journey been till now?