From a mother at 16 to the face of Indian beauty cosmetics, Shahnaz Husain's tale is inspiring

It was my independence of spirit that made me become an entrepreneur. I wanted to translate my dreams into reality. It made me determined to emerge from a sheltered life and venture into a totally different world of entrepreneurship. My father also inspired me to follow my dreams. Behind my success lies my father's faith that I would succeed. Also my family's support and understanding made me what I am today.

My life was on a very different course. I was married at the age of 15 and by the time I was 16, I had become a mother. Then the mental upheaval began. I wanted to be someone who made a difference. I was interested in beauty and in making others beautiful, so I decided on beauty as a career. I worked my way to the prized institutions of London, Paris, New York, Germany and Denmark, to learn cosmetic therapy and cosmetology. While training in London, I came across instances of damage caused by chemical treatments. I wanted to find a safe natural alternative, without risks. My study of Ayurveda convinced me that it could offer the ideal answers to modern cosmetic-care.


If you never stop trying, you cannot fail, says the beauty tycoon. (Image: BCCL)

I returned to India and started my own herbal salon in 1971, in my own home, after borrowing Rs.35,000 from my father. I wanted to provide herbal beauty care and adopted the principle of "natural care and cure." I devised my own treatments and started formulating my own products, based on the Ayurvedic system. I started contributing articles in leading newspapers and magazines to make people aware of the healing power of herbs. Entering the international market was the biggest challenge. I participated in the Festival of India in London in 1980 and in the face of fierce competition, I stood alone and sold India's ancient civilization in a jar. I started extending my salons, spa, beauty academies and retail outlets on a unique franchise system, creating an international market for Ayurvedic beauty care. Today we are operating in over 100 countries with our exports and franchise ventures.

To promote Brand India and Ayurveda, I have spoken at various rostrums, like Harvard Business School, MIT, Oxford University and the London School of Economics. Harvard Business School made me a Case Study and recently conducted a video interview as part of its "Creating Emerging Markets" project. It will be part of the Harvard curriculum. Social causes are close to my heart. I am contributing to them through Government Skill Development Projects and free beauty courses for the speech and hearing impaired and the visually challenged. I have written a beauty book which has been put into Braille.

Obstacles and hurdles come up in life, but I have always tried to meet them as challenges, with my desire to excel, my relentless determination and sheer hard work. I believe you should never stop trying. If you never stop trying, you cannot fail. I believe that nothing is impossible. You can make your own destiny. You can be what you will yourself to be.