'Be Passionate About Making People Beautiful'

Blossom Kochhar, the doyen of aromatherapy in India, is set to open 200 natural spas across the country and overseas in the next two years. Chirag Mohanty Samal learns more about her journey

- Chirag Mohanty Samal

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY? My journey in the beauty industry started almost four decades ago. I have used aromatherapy to nourish, condition and moisturise the skins of thousands of clients as well as to prevent wrinkles, acne, alopecia, pigmentation and other skin problems along with poor circulation, obesity, broken capillaries, rheumatism, sinusitis, depression, anxiety and stress.

The state of the beauty industry was really dismal when I started. Salons and beauty parlours were the domain of housewives who set them up to augment the household income. They were mostly run by single owners, almost like mom-and-pop stores in the West. Youngsters were hardly interested in this profession as there was a stigma associated with it; nobody wanted their children to be part of the “barber trade”. I realised that there was a strong need to bring stability and a proper, organised approach to the beauty industry. Thus began my journey and the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies was born. I provided my consumers with honest products and trained professionals for the industry through my academy, Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design.

HOW HAS THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

Consumers are now more focused on buying what is right and healthy for their skin. They are moving away from brands that use harmful chemicals. Keeping this trend in mind, the beauty industry has also evolved. More and more brands are striving not only to provide what the discerning consumers desire, but also to ensure that professionals acquire the right skills through rigorous training and competition.