When hairstylist Geetanjali Dograa started a hair and beauty salon almost 15 years ago, little did she know that both her daughters would follow suit. Today, the trio — Geetanjali and daughters Manasee and Hiteshi — run three hair and skin salons under the title Manasee Studio 101 across the city. Ask them what helped their business grow and the Dograa girls say, “Giving personal attention to clients was a major factor for our success”. Sometime back, they launched their outlet on MG Road where they cater to a host of A-list clients. The trio talks to Debarati Palit Singh about working together as a unit and share their success fundas

What prompted you to start your third studio at MG Road?
Manasee: We have clients from across Pune and they keep telling us to open outlets in different locations. We are planning to kick off six to seven salons and we are moving in that direction.
In 2001, we started our first salon which was a small place. After graduating, I joined mom in her business. Later, Hiteshi joined us. Both of us have studied hair, skin and makeup. We decided to expand our business because all of us were inclined towards running salons.

Is work more fun when you have family around?
Manasee: Oh yes, work does become fun. Each one of us is equally responsible for the running of the salons. Mom looks after the business while dad takes care of the interiors. In fact, he has done a course in salon management and has also learnt hairstyling from Jawed Habib salon. You need practical knowledge for a business like this.

Hiteshi: The best part is that the entire family is involved in the work. So our discussions and chats revolve around hair, makeup, latest trends, what’s in vogue and so on. Interestingly, all of us come up with innovative ideas and we put our inputs to use.

Geetanjali: As ours is a family enterprise, we have no worries about the ‘trust’ factor in our business. As far as my work goes, I am involved in the functioning of the studios making sure that the staff and supplies are in place. If I find the staff even slightly discourteous to clients, I immediately take stock of the situation. Besides, my daughters keep travelling to Mumbai and other cities for work or short-term courses, so then I have to be at work. It also makes a difference if the owners are personally involved in the business, especially in the salon business; it makes the clients happy.

How important is it to keep yourself updated in a profession like this?
Hiteshi: It’s very important because we need to know what’s in trend and what’s not. Clients go by market demands, so we need to know what’s happening in the market and the industry.

Considering your mother was already part of the salon business, was it an obvious career choice for you?
Manasee: It was a natural process, but mom always gave us the freedom to choose our career. She said, ‘It’s a good profession, but pursue it only if it interests you. If you become an entrepreneur, you are your own boss. Also, it’s fun to work in the salon business where you get to meet different people and there’s also job satisfaction. If clients are happy, they come back to you!’

You have been in the profession for 15 years. What changes have you witnessed in the hair and beauty industry?
Geetanjali: The industry has changed a lot. People have become conscious about their skin, beauty and hair. Today, clients are willing to pay Rs 2000+ for quality service and treatment. Initially, they would shell out only, say, Rs 150 or 200. Besides, more people are ready to experiment with new styles and products, which also indicates that they are more confident.

Do you look up to your mother for advice?
Hiteshi: Yes, all the time because she is more experienced. She’s been in the profession for a long time. If she doesn’t like some of our ideas, she tells us directly. She’s always there to guide us.