Herbal Beauty Care Brand Shahnaz Husain Eyes E-Commerce And Home Services For Expansion

Her style of creating a brand without publicity had become a part of Harvard Business School Education programme some time ago and now she herself has become a part of the curriculum at the prestigious Harvard University, US in their "Creating Emerging Market" project. She has been a pioneer in the herbal beauty and wellness industry in India since nearly five decades now. Shahnaz Husain, Chairperson & Managing Director of the Shahnaz Husain Group of companies, has seen the beauty and wellness business evolve and grow in India virtually from the scratch. Speaking to Bizz Buzz, Husain delved at length on wide ranging issues- from evolution of wellness business, rise and growth of her brand, challenges faced- to adoption of technology and the way forward, among others

How have you seen the ayurvedic beauty care business evolve over the years (generally and about your organisation)?

Ayurvedic skincare in modern day application and deployment of its principles within the formulation is all about harnessing natural ingredients, making it relevant to personalised demands that resonate with the consumers on individual level. Today we are looking at formulations that are blended with modern science, a fusion of potent solutions addressing diverse skin concerns that promote long term skin health. I have always been persistent on emphasising the need of Ayurveda that is relevant in providing treatment and solutions not just the surface coverup, at the same time I have always highlighted the fact that using chemical-based products are harmful to the system with adverse effects. It is all about formulations comprising herbs, flowers, essential oils and botanical extracts to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

The allure of Ayurvedic skincare lies in its gentle and holistic alternative to the harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients commonly found in mainstream beauty products. Now when we look at the global market in relation to Ayurvedic skincare then we see a significant growth showcasing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.14 per cent from 2021 to 2026. This exponential growth reflects the escalating consumer demand for clean, natural, and sustainable skincare solutions. It is all due to the consumer awareness, influence of youngsters who are a part of sustainable and holistic way of life. I simply provide them with this and that is how the brand is still thriving, the very foundation of Ayurveda is and will always be the solution as I have been advocating in the last Five decades.

How many salons do you have at this point-in-time in India and all over the world? What is the number you are looking at over the next two/three years? How many training centres do you have?

Beyond simply adding to our existing franchise and the growing network of herbal salons, my focus is on expansion, innovation, and leading by example—ensuring that we provide what people truly need. I have observed that with increasingly hectic schedules, more individuals are turning to home-based services and e-commerce for convenience. This presents a significant opportunity for us to expand and cater to those seeking authentic Ayurveda skincare and haircare solutions online.

On the global front, we are already exporting to the US, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Russia, South America, and major regions across Africa. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to ensure our presence in every modern retail counter, making our products more accessible to consumers worldwide.

Are all of them company owned or are there franchisee owned as well?

Some of our salons are company-owned, while others operate under a franchise model. Since our inception, we have strongly advocated for the franchise model, and it will continue to be the foundation of our business strategy.

How many products do you offer from your stable now? And how do you add to this portfolio? Are all of them ayurvedic?

Our range of 375+ products are rooted in ancient Ayurvedic principles and time-tested formulations, designed to enhance the potency and effectiveness of skincare solutions while offering holistic herbal care. At our state-of-the-art R&D labs, we continuously refine our formulations using ethically sourced plant extracts, exotic herbs, essential oils, and vitamin-rich compounds.

What truly sets us apart from other cosmetic and skincare brands is our unwavering commitment to Ayurveda, not just as an inspiration but at the very core of our production process. This dedication ensures that every product we create stays true to its natural essence while delivering real, lasting benefits.

Shahnaz Husain Group is well known globally for providing authentic formulations based on natural ingredients that have been tested by time itself. Additionally, all our products are sustainable and cruelty-free, Vegan and free of any animal testing.

It has always been my mission and passion to carry forward this ancient practice and let the world wake up to this concept of natural ingredients-based skin care products. I laid the foundation for developing products that are purely Ayurveda-based, crafted using ancient principles to ensure authenticity and effectiveness.

You have so many celebrities among your regular clientele. Can you name some of them? How has that helped in building your brand?

Some of my well-known celebrity clients include Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, as well as renowned actresses like Rekha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Priyanka Chopra. Additionally, I have had the privilege of serving First Ladies and royals from the Middle East and Europe. Being associated with these esteemed personalities has certainly enhanced our brand’s recognition, both in India and across the globe.

You already have a well-established brand, How do you position and promote your brand further?

Today's consumers are heavily influenced by social media trends, making quick decisions about which brands to invest in. Celebrity endorsements, influencer marketing, and strategic branding play a major role in shaping these choices. However, beyond these trends, there is a growing shift toward holistic living, inclusivity, and sustainability that are now driving demand in the beauty industry.

The real challenge lies in reaching these consumers through strong online brand positioning and standing out in a competitive digital landscape. We are actively working to connect with a niche audience, ensuring our presence resonates with those who align with our brand’s philosophy.

While beauty trends may come and go, the focus on wellness and inclusivity is here to stay, fueled by increasing consumer awareness. My products are already designed to meet these evolving demands, and strengthening our online presence will further enhance our connection, particularly with Gen X and Z, who are emerging as key investors in the beauty industry.

Going forward, will your thrust be on products or Salons/ Training centres?

Innovation and adaptability are key to staying relevant in today’s ever-evolving beauty industry. Understanding consumer needs, particularly the growing demand for a holistic approach that prioritizes health and wellness is more important than ever, especially in skincare.

One of the biggest shifts in the industry is the integration of adaptogenic skincare, which not only addresses skin concerns but also helps alleviate stress through botanical extracts and carefully formulated blends. This connection between physical and emotional well-being is at the heart of our philosophy. With a deep understanding of these evolving needs, my products continue to advance, promoting holistic wellness and providing effective solutions for skin ailments. The result? Radiant, healthy skin that reflects beauty from the inside out. SHAHNAZ HUSAIN products have stood the test of time, gaining global recognition for their efficacy and authenticity.

When it comes to training, we remain ahead of the curve, equipping our students with cutting-edge knowledge that blends traditional expertise with modern technology. By integrating AI with a human touch, we have created a 360-degree approach to skincare and haircare treatments, ensuring that our methods align with the latest beauty trends and evolving consumer expectations.

You are one of the first movers in technology adoption, especially adoption of AI in your area of business. How have you done this, what have you done on this front? How have you benefited from this? How is this revolutionizing the beauty industry, in general?

The integration of AI in the beauty industry is accelerating rapidly, driven by modern consumer demands for convenience and personalization. Today’s customers want instant solutions at their fingertips, and AI-powered tools are revolutionizing their shopping experience. AI-integrated chatbots, powered by advanced large language models (LLMs), go beyond just answering queries, they provide personalized recommendations, analyze consumer preferences, and enhance overall engagement. These intelligent assistants not only improve conversion rates but also minimize the chances of losing potential customers by offering real-time, tailored solutions.

Another game-changer is the use of virtual try-on tools embedded within websites, allowing consumers to make informed choices instantly. For example, when selecting a lipstick shade, AI-powered try-on technology uses a smartphone camera to render a realistic preview, showing how the shade complements the user’s skin tone, therefore eliminating the need for an in-store visit.

As AI continues to reshape the beauty landscape, brands that seamlessly integrate these innovations will redefine customer experiences, making beauty more accessible, personalized, and immersive than ever before.

How many ayurvedic formulations do you have currently? How many more would you like to add (or working on) in the next 2-3 years?

We currently have over 375 Ayurvedic formulations, each rooted in India’s ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and designed for holistic beauty and wellness. Innovation is at the heart of our brand, and we are continuously developing new formulations to meet evolving consumer needs. Over the next 2-3 years, we plan to expand our range significantly, introducing more advanced, plant-based solutions that align with modern skincare demands.