Blossom Kochhar has such an effect on the beauty industry that when she talks, the entire hall listens intently with paper and pen, trying to keep up with her. At a recent seminar where she gave tips to the city's beauticians, everyone watched with rapt attention as she demonstrated the Aroma Magic line of spa treatments, while her daughter Samantha Kochhar demonstrated bridal make-up and hair styles.
Welcome change
“The beauty industry in the city is growing gradually. There have been some great moments here. A lot of good parlours are coming up. A decade ago, most women here had long hair; now, you see so many with short hair, coloured and styled. It's a welcome change, but there's always scope for improvement,” she says.
Blossom, who has been in the industry for over 30 years, also gave wellness tips and suggested exercises to help beauticians keep fit during work hours. “So many beauticians have back problems. It's important to keep yourself fit. I've moved into the wellness and aroma part of beauty now,” she says.
Samantha has followed her mother's footsteps since she was 11, and specialises in make-up and hair.
Mom and I
“Working with my mother is fantastic. People keep asking me how it feels to be in her shoes, but I tell them that nobody can be in her shoes. I will be in my own and walk beside her. She's my biggest inspiration,” she smiles.
The duo has a beauty school in the city, Pivot Point, which is to soon turn into a college for creative arts. The college will have courses on hair, nail, skin, make-up and every other aspect of the beauty industry, including management.
“Beauty is a vast industry and we're trying to address all its facets. But, we will concentrate on hair, because it's an art by itself. And, someone wears your art all the time. That's what keeps me going even now,” says Blossom.
The Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies also released its “Pro range” products.