MIT Sloan School of Management invited Padmashree Shahnaz Husain, the founder of the Shahnaz Husain group, to share her story with aspiring entrepreneurs at MIT on April 24, 2013.

 

The Shahnaz Husain Group is India's leading company in the field of natural beauty and anti-aging treatments. Started in the 1970s by Shahnaz Husain in New Delhi, the group has over time vertically integrated to encompass every aspect of Ayurvedic care and cure. The group has activities as diverse as beauty training institutes, growing of its own herbs to manufacturing of its cosmetics line to retail to specialized treatments through its chain of over 200 beauty centers worldwide.

Shahnaz Husain was married of at a very young age, right out of high school to an Indian diplomat.  During her trip with her husband to Iran, she decided she would like to further her education and decided to pursue her studies in the field of cosmetology.  Having attended several schools in the west, she was appalled at the ill effects of chemical cosmetics.  When she returned to India, she decided to create her own line of products from herbs. The quality of products started catching the attention of people.  â€œI strongly believe only in word of mouth marketing,” said Shahnaz. “If you have a quality product, the word spreads like wild fire and you will succeed.” 

Shahnaz quickly got into the idea of franchising.  She trained women as beauticians and encouraged them to open parlors that used her products.  Her success has attracted attention from all over the world.  â€œBarbara Cartland is a dear friend and she loves my products,” says Shahnaz. 

“We place a lot of emphasis on research and quality control. We grow our own herbs and work hard to ensure that we are creating a quality product.” Shahnaz Husain gave away several of her product samples to the attendees.  

To aspiring entrepreneurs, especially females,  her message was  loud and clear. “Whatever you set out to do, you can do. Have full faith in yourself. If there are walls, just  create a door that will allow you to walk through.”