“I was 15 when I first started learning hair styling. I was studying in Class 9 then. I used to try different hairstyles on myself, but I was never happy with the way my hair was cut. At some point, I thought, why not learn it myself?
I am from Kashipur in Uttarakhand, and that is where I learnt the basics of hair styling at a salon. After that, I spent a lot of time watching professional stylists and makeup artists on my phone and trying to understand how they worked. With this work, you have to be very focused because once you make a mistake, there is very little scope to correct it.
I am 18 now and currently studying in Class 12. At the same time, I have about three years of experience in hair styling. I came to Hyderabad about two years ago because my family’s financial situation was not very good and I wanted to earn. I was still very young when I came here. I miss my family a lot, but I also knew that if I wanted to build something for myself, I had to step out and work. So, I have been studying and working at the same time.
Since coming to Hyderabad, I have worked at two or three salons, all in the same area. I mainly do men’s hair styling, haircuts and facials. I am still learning and want to learn women’s styling as well. I am also planning to pursue a diploma and eventually work at a bigger salon so I can learn more.
There is a lot of competition in this field, but I believe there is a future if you are willing to keep learning. Alim Hakim is one of the stylists I really admire, and I would like to build a name for myself one day. Hyderabad has given me a good place to work and grow and it’s become my second home. I like the people here, the progress and cosmopolitan nature of the city.
There is no such thing as a small beginning or a small place when you are willing to learn and work for what you want. I am still studying, working at a salon and figuring out my future one step at a time. For me, what matters is not where you start, but how you approach the opportunities in front of you. If you keep learning, stay focused and believe in your work, even a small beginning can take you somewhere you never imagined.”
- Ayan Khan, Stylist