Winning teams’ leaders Asha Hariharan (Enrich), Kapil Sharma (Kapil’s), Jasleen Kaur (Salon Ministry) and others reveal the secrets behind winning big at the HBS Competition.
Words: Preeti Kulkarni
The HBS Hair and Beauty Show hosts one of the most respected Competitions for hair, make-up, nail and skin professionals in India. And winning the HBS trophy – one of the most coveted awards in the beauty industry- is a dream-come-true for professionals of the industry.
As the 8th edition of HBS India approaches, StyleSpeak asks the leader-mentors of five top winning teams of the HBS Competition about their mantra for training a winning team. Asha Hariharan – Director, Enrich AHA Academy
42 Winners in 33 Categories
Pull quote: “You either win and grow, or lose and learn—both are valuable in an artist’s journey.”
Creating a Winning Culture
A winning culture begins with the courage to see beyond mainstream ideas and to accept failure as a step toward mastery. At Enrich, our goal is to develop the artist within every professional. You either win and grow, or lose and learn—both are valuable. Under Vikram and Rohit’s leadership, we’ve built a culture rooted in respect, learning, and healthy competition. Stylists must train with us for at least six months before qualifying for HBS.
Enrich’s Winning Mantra
True artistry demands structure and skill. Many young stylists today skip foundational training, but mastery comes from intent and precision. Creativity starts when a stylist knows which techniques deliver the desired outcome.
Role of Mentorship
We have a large team of trained mentors who guide participants and invite external experts to add fresh perspectives.
Why HBS Is Worth It
HBS is India’s most credible and respected platform, judged by leading experts and designed to ensure fairness and excellence. Our many winners have strengthened Enrich’s legacy. My advice to smaller salons—invest in one or two team members who can represent your brand. Competitions accelerate growth like nothing else.
Jasleen Kaur – Owner & Business Partner, Salon Ministry
11 Winners in 9 Categories
Creating a Winning Culture
At Salon Ministry, success means more than trophies. It’s about collaboration, pride, and continuous learning. We value artists who combine skill with passion, creativity, and adaptability.
Salon Ministry’s Winning Mantra
Our training blends precision with imagination. Preparation is a collective effort—senior artists mentor participants while the whole salon contributes ideas, feedback, and support.
Role of Mentorship
Coaches provide technical and emotional guidance, ensuring each artist steps on stage calm and confident. We focus on growth over results—every contestant leaves stronger and inspired.
Why HBS Is Worth It
HBS’s success has positioned Salon Ministry as a hub of creativity and excellence. Recognition attracts top talent, strengthens retention, and deepens client loyalty. For smaller salons, genuine training and mentorship create lasting impact.
Kapil Sharma – Founder, Kapil’s Salon & Academy
9 Winners in 9 Categories
Creating a winning culture is essential—our business thrives on people and skill. Competitions like HBS push professionals to innovate and excel.
BOX: How Kapil’s Selects HBS Participants
We look for three key traits—hunger, potential, and humility. Adaptability and commitment to rigorous training are non-negotiable.
Kapil’s Training Mantra
Training begins with a strong technical base, followed by creative exploration. Each participant builds a mood board to visualize their concept, experiments on models, and refines through feedback. This process ensures that every final look balances imagination with practicality—across hair, beauty, makeup, nails, and skin.
Role of Mentorship
We follow a hybrid approach: internal trainers for consistent guidance and external mentors for specialized insight. Mentors teach time management, discipline, and composure under pressure—qualities crucial for the competition stage.
Why HBS Is Worth It
Winning at HBS elevates both brand image and team morale. It showcases excellence to clients and peers alike.
Kapil’s Advice
Success takes time and planning. Invest in training, schedule practice during lean periods, and seek expert guidance. Excellence is rented—you pay the rent every day.
Uday Takke – Founder & Owner, U Takke’s Hair & Beauty Studio
6 Winners in 6 Categories
We nurture a “work to win” mindset—not just winning competitions but clients’ hearts. Technical skills can be taught, but passion and curiosity are innate.
Uday’s Training Mantra
Technical mastery—lines, angles, color harmony—forms the base, while creativity turns skill into expression. Our in-house mentors guide and support each artist.
Role of Mentorship
Mentors are involved throughout, motivating winners to stay humble and others to try again.
Why HBS Is Worth It
HBS drives synergy, recognition, and growth. Every success story adds sparkle to our institute’s reputation.
Hair Castle – Hardik & Khushbu Malde
6 Winners in 5 Categories
Pull quote: “Stepping onto the HBS stage itself is a victory.”
Creating a Winning Culture
For us, victory means growth and confidence. We encourage every stylist to take risks and evolve creatively.
Hair Castle’s Training Mantra
Training is in-house. We focus on fundamentals—precision cuts, clean sectioning, and perfect finishes—before exploring creative color and texture inspired by fashion and art.
Role of Mentorship
Trainers refine each stylist’s strengths and instill discipline. We remind them that participation itself is a win if they’ve grown through the process.
Why HBS Is Worth It
Winning at HBS has boosted our visibility, client trust, and team motivation—fueling both artistic and business growth.
