WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND S|E SALON’S ESTABLISHMENT?
The founding of S|E Salon in August 2016 is quite an interesting story. When a group of women, all primary earners for their families, were let go from an existing salon and approached me for financial support, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. Together with my sister Farhana Karim and sister-in-law Zareen Chowdhury, I created S|E Salon as a means to provide employment for these skilled women. We wanted our brand to reflect who we are as women and our values in the beauty industry: a combination of simplicity, high-quality service, and affordability. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes each client feel like a cherished guest in our home.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR CLIENTS HAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE AT YOUR SALON?
As a customer myself, cleanliness and hygiene are important to me when visiting a salon. At S|E Salon, we share these values and strive to create a spotless, sanitary environment that puts our clients at ease. One aspect that sets us apart is our customer-centric approach, with the salon being designed from a client’s perspective. We ensure that each individual’s needs and preferences are met, encouraging open communication and feedback to continuously improve our service quality. Our commitment to client satisfaction means our doors are always open for questions or concerns.
HAVING RECEIVED PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP TRAINING IN DUBAI, I HAVE DEVELOPED A KEEN EYE FOR RECOGNISING WHICH CONTEMPORARY BEAUTY TRENDS ARE MOST APPROPRIATE AND APPEALING FOR SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH DESIGNING S|E SALON’S SERVICES AND STAYING INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST BEAUTY INDUSTRY TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS?
I am a strong advocate for natural remedies in hair and skincare, stemming from childhood memories of my grandmother and mother using natural, culturally intrinsic ingredients to maintain their beauty and grace. At S|E Salon, we incorporate these natural solutions into our services, such as our signature organic facial featuring a mask made primarily from papaya, yoghurt, and honey. Our body scrub combines rice, nuts, and other gentle ingredients to ensure the highest level of care for both body and skin. My personal favourite is our signature hair oil, a blend of coconut oil, black cumin, and onions that has truly done wonders for my hair’s regrowth, volume, and shine. To keep pace with the evolving beauty industry, I attend various beauty conventions in Thailand, South Korea, and the UAE. Having received professional makeup training in Dubai, I have developed a keen eye for recognising which contemporary beauty trends are most appropriate and appealing for South Asian women.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED IN ESTABLISHING AND GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?
The beauty salon industry is fraught with challenges, including intense competition and the constant effort to retain clients. At our salon, we prioritise building and maintaining a loyal clientele by ensuring that our products and services consistently meet the highest standards. Our dedicated staff is trained to provide personalised care tailored to each client’s unique preferences, fostering lasting relationships and customer satisfaction. Managing client appointments alongside administrative duties can be demanding. However, by implementing efficient scheduling systems and delegating responsibilities, we are better equipped to serve our clients effectively. This ongoing process is crucial to maintaining our high service standards and ensuring customer satisfaction.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE, WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR S|E SALON?
I aspire to broaden our reach within Dhaka by establishing new branches and strengthening our digital presence. I firmly believe in the importance of constant improvement and strive to achieve this for our brand. My ambition is for S|E Salon to become an integral component of every woman’s beauty regimen in the city, all while maintaining our strong dedication to delivering tailored, high-quality services.
Photograph: Farabi Tamal