Shehnaz Hussain: Beauty bites

The undoubted queen of Herbal beauty, Shehnaz Hussain got into the beauty business four decades ago and has made the most of it for, not just for herself but many other women who have  found financial freedom in the beauty business.

The Padma Shri has a range of 350 that are sold in global stores like Bloomingdales (New York), Galleries Lafayette (Paris), Seibu (Japan), Harrods and Selfridges (London), and La Rinaeccente (Milan). She spoke to BS on being a woman entrepreneur and more. Extracts:

How is it to be a woman entrepreneur?

I have always felt that entrepreneurship is one area that affords much scope for the Indian woman. Once I had the idea of a totally new concept of herbal care and cures, I knew that I must have the freedom to implement my ideas and this is only possible in one’s own enterprise.

How was dealing with the challenges when you started out?

As a first generation entrepreneur, without much capital to invest and also as a wife and mother, I had to think of ways to work around the circumstances. I started in a very small way in my own home, without much capital investment. I borrowed Rs 35,000 from my father

How are women entrepreneurs changing corporate India?

A woman has what it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur in the corporate world. She manages her different roles of wife, housewife, mother and career woman efficiently. She brings to the business world, the values of patience, courage, inner strength. The woman’s ability to adapt and adjust is important in business, because one has to adapt to the changing demands of the market and trends.

How do you balance home and work?

The fact that I recognise the importance of the family is evident in the way I began my career by opening my first herbal clinic in my own home. To that extent, my children would always find me at home when they came back from school.

What are some of the things you like doing when you are not working?

Painting and poetry are ways by which I can translate my ideas, emotions and creativity. I believe that life is actually measured by our emotions and creative expressions.