India's beauty and personal care industry attained a value of INR 54,558 Crore in 2020 and is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% in the forecast period of 2022-2027 according to Expert Market Research. Increase in disposable income of middle class has given rise to the demand for beauty and personal care products and the country has seen the emergence of numerous companies in this domain. However, the pricing in the beauty services industry still remains a problem for many as premium services also imply premium rates. So, there is a need for players in the market who are capable of providing premium quality services at affordable rates to the middle class as well as upper class population of the country. This is the reason why YLG Salon was incepted back in 2009 in order to provide top-notch beauty services at affordable prices. The WE magazine engaged in a conversation with Vaijayanti Bhalchandra, Co-founder, YLG Salon to know more about the company and how it is different from the competitors.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of YLG India. What Are Some Important Features About Your Expertise As A Business Leader That Give Strength To The Operational Excellence Of The Company?

YLG envisions bringing best of class products and services from the world to Indian consumers at reasonable price, with high quality services delivered consistently across the chain and at customers' homes. To realise this vision, YLG committed to its own Beauty & Hairdressing Academy before opening its first salon, way back in October 2008. YLG has built a highly process driven system with skills education and constant up gradation at its core. YLG has over the years curated multiple products and services, provided global products for the Indian consumer and been at the forefront of education delivered by global artists and masters of Hairdressing. The YLG International Hair collections that started from 2012 have been a part in driving the trends in Hair fashion, with a clear vision of creating India specific outcomes.

YLG pioneered the organized home Salon business in 2009, and has evolved now to its mobile app based avatar in YLG@home. In many ways, YLG has shown the direction of which way the industry will eventually move and has been the harbinger of change in the way the salon industry operates. As the Co-founder, being at the core of the strategy and execution of the same, I have overseen skills training in the beauty and hair industry at a scale unparalleled in the industry, created unique services (e.g. Bright Waxing, European Light Therapy (ELT) Facials, Light Therapy Hair Spa, and products (YLG 97% pure Aloe Vera Gel, YLG Nail range.

Tell Us About The Various Roles And Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Ylg India As The Co-Founder. What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Role And How Do You Overcome Them? 

Currently the education, People (HR), product and protocols design, and digital marketing portfolios are handled by me. The single most challenging task in our business has always been talent acquisition and retention. The pandemic has further caused a tectonic shift in individual motivations, aspirations and we have to learn to navigate in uncharted territory. Capital and good HR policies can only take us a distance but for overall success, we need to educate our whole team and create sensibility in them.

“YLG has shown the direction of which way the industry will eventually move and has been the harbinger of change in the way the salon industry operates”

As A Successful Business Leader, What Are Some Leadership Philosophies Or Mantras That You Rely On In Terms Of Leading The Organization? In Your Opinion What Are Some Facets Of Your Personality Or Leadership Style That Have Helped You Become A Successful Entrepreneur?

Expectation setting up front, coaching and investing my personal time and effort in grooming key talent, and setting up a system and processes which follow a rigorous discipline are the ideas I execute while at work. I believe in delegation of responsibility while monitoring the outcomes on a regular basis.

What Have Been Some Of The Most Significant Milestones That Ylg Has Achieved Under Your Leadership In The Last Few Years? What's Your Strategy To Amplify Ylg's Growth In The Year To Come?

The single most notable milestone achieved for YLG has been winning the customer vote of confidence, especially so in the post Covid era (Post first lockdown May 2020). With our razor sharp focus on providing the most scientifically vetted hygiene and safety protocols in our industry, our customers voted with coming back to our salons with greater confidence. We have seen a sharp recovery in those areas which have not been much impacted with migration in the IT workforce.

Given The All-Consuming Nature Of Your Role At Ylg India, How Do You Strike A Balance Between Your Professional And Personal Life? Are There Any Activities That You Like To Indulge In When Time Permits?

I am an avid follower of Indian culture, enjoy travelling to destinations in India and abroad and always find time to catch a break in the middle of work so that there is a balance between work and personal life. As a family we try to catch a mini break over a few days to recharge our batteries. 

As A Successful Business Leader What Advice Would You Giveto Young Women And Girls Who Aspire To Follow In Your Footsteps And Become Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs?

Have patience and be ready to face many adverse events on your way! Only if you remain focused in the long term will you be able to succeed!

Vaijayanti Bhalchandra, Co-Founder, YLG

As the Co-founder, being at the core of the strategy and execution of the same, Vaijayanti has overseen skills training in the beauty and hair industry at a scale unparalleled.