In a conversation, Quazi Qumrul Islam, Owner and Founder of Banthai Barber & Beauty Salon, talks about his journey, achievements and the most rewarding part of being a beauty entrepreneur.
Owner and Founder
Banthai Barber & Beauty Salon
Photograph: Najmul Haque Sagor
You have been in the beauty industry for more than two decades. What ignited your passion for beauty?
When I was an undergraduate student studying Computer Science at the National University of Singapore, I was drawn to the fashion industry. It was an exciting world I wanted to explore, so I started working at Tiffany & Co. That’s where everything changed. I worked with models at Tiffany & Co. and quickly realised just how important hair is. I became so fascinated with hair styling that I enrolled in a hair training program in Singapore while continuing my undergraduate degree. Unfortunately, life had other plans for me. My father passed away suddenly, and I had to leave the program and focus on my undergraduate degree.
But I always remembered my passion for hair styling. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I teamed up with a partner from Thailand and started Banthai, a departmental store. At first, it was just an empty room, but we didn’t let that stop us. We started a hair styling business with just two chairs and another hairstylist. It was tough going at first, but we worked hard and persevered. Eventually, we had to shut down the store and expand the business, and that’s when things really started to take off. By 2000, Banthai had become incredibly popular thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.
In 2019, I was crowned the best hairstylist champion at Hair Asia, but unfortunately, only a few people know about it.
How has your professional journey been so far? What have been some of the highlights of your career?
As a man in the beauty industry, my journey has not been without its bumps. I have faced plenty of comments and criticism, even to this day. But I’ve also had some significant accomplishments, like being Bangladesh’s first beauty industry pro to earn international recognition. In 2019, I was crowned the best hairstylist champion at Hair Asia, but unfortunately, only a few people know about it. I have all the certificates, trophies, and videos to prove it. Luckily, ICE Today featured me as the first national media outlet to do so, and I even got interviewed by ATN Bangla with Munni Saha before and after my big win.
Currently, I hold the title of the only international instructor from Bangladesh at the prestigious Bangkok Beauty Academy. I go there quite regularly and also serve as a guest lecturer at the MTI makeup school, where I give lectures on Airbrush Makeup every two months. Some people believe in self-promotion, but I’m not one of them. I believe in letting my work and achievements speak for themselves. And with my track record, they certainly do.
People often struggle to visualise a hairstyle that suits them best and choose to stick to a ‘safe’ haircut. How do you give your clients the confidence to explore a new, perhaps better look?
I don’t believe in trends. Ensuring my clients are comfortable is my first priority. Sometimes, clients will show me pictures of certain celebrities, and ask me to give them that exact hairstyle. However, if I believe that it will not suit them for some reason, then I will tell them. I suggest hairstyles according to the client’s facial structure, age and profession, and what will be convenient for them.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a beauty entrepreneur?
The most rewarding aspect is the satisfaction of my clients. Whatever I have achieved, both internationally and in the country, has only been possible thanks to my mother and the support I receive from my clients. In addition, if my team had not supported me, I would not have been able to get this far. Most of my team have been with me for 20 years, and it is because of them that I have come this far.
What beauty advice do you have for our readers?
Don’t spoil your natural beauty by going for something overdone.