Meet the juries whose experience, insight, and expectations shape every winning performance at HBS.
Words | Rohini Wahul
PHOTO & CAPTION: The HBS Jury on stage
At HBS India, competition winners are never decided by spectacle alone. They are recognized by a jury through a process shaped by experience, observation, and a deep understanding of the craft.
Behind every trophy is a panel of artists, educators, and mentors who have spent years refining technique, shaping talent, and defining professional standards across the industry. Their journeys span international competitions, classrooms, salons, training academies, and global education platforms.
For the HBS Jury, judging is never about personal preference. It is about recognising intention, technical excellence, individuality, and the ability to perform under pressure. Every element matters — preparation, hygiene, structure, finishing, concept clarity, and the confidence with which contestants execute their vision.
Their role goes beyond selecting winners. The jury identifies artists who demonstrate discipline, creativity, and readiness to grow within the professional beauty ecosystem. The insights shared by the HBS jury reveal what truly defines a winning performance and why recognition at HBS continues to carry credibility within the industry.
ARPITA DAS
Skin Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Transitioning into a mentor became the most defining milestone in my career. While my journey as an artist has been meaningful, mentoring pushes me to continuously update my knowledge and refine my skills so I can guide my students effectively. Watching them grow in confidence and succeed professionally keeps me inspired.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry stands apart when every aspect reflects professionalism and technical excellence. Grooming, hygiene, service delivery, and confidence must come together seamlessly to create a truly trophy-worthy presentation.
“Technical excellence combined with professionalism transforms a performance into a championship-worthy one.”
DISHA MEHER
Skin Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Starting my career as a trainer shaped everything that followed. Training quickly teaches you that talent is common, but consistency is rare. Over time, I realised mentorship is not just about demonstrating techniques but about teaching professionals how to analyse, think, and adapt.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A good entry shows skill. A winning entry shows maturity. Winners demonstrate clarity of intent, clean execution, and professionalism under pressure.
“Client safety and respect for the skin should never be compromised — even in competition.”
LEENA KHANDEKAR
Skin Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Launching my first training courses and seminars pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me trust my creative voice. That experience shaped my journey as both an artist and mentor.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A good entry showcases technical skill and creativity. A winning entry tells a story that resonates and creates a memorable emotional connection.
VAIJAYANTI BHALCHANDRA
Skin Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Completing my Cosmetology Diploma through CIBTAC and Level 3 Hairdressing Diploma from City & Guilds strengthened my technical foundation and professional discipline.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
The temperament of the artist to maintain composure under strict time limits while delivering consistent results.
“Hygiene throughout the process is completely non-negotiable.”
VAISHALI SHAH
Skin Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Seeing a competitor I trained win a Medallion for Excellence at the WorldSkills stage was a defining milestone. It represented years of discipline, preparation, and belief in the training framework we built.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Skill starts the journey, but mindset and consistency create champions.
“Champions are built on discipline, consistency, and composure under pressure.”
DINA UMAROVA
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Observing the nail industry in India nearly a decade ago motivated me to focus on education and help artists reach global standards.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Structure and technical foundation. Creativity is important, but without a correct balance, finishing the design cannot become a winning entry.
RAMKUI KASOMWO
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Transitioning from being solely a nail artist to becoming a mentor transformed my understanding of the craft.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Precision and attention to detail. Structure, symmetry, hygiene, and finishing must all be flawless.
NALINI AHLAWAT
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Moving from performing on stage to mentoring artists reshaped my perspective and allowed me to focus on helping others develop confidence and creativity.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry commands attention and leaves a lasting impression.
WONLUISHON PHUNGCHAMNAO
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Becoming a nail educator and gaining international exposure strengthened my understanding of global nail artistry standards.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Consistency across all ten nails and flawless finishing.
GURPREET SEBLE
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Training individuals from diverse communities across India strengthened my commitment to mentorship and skill development within the industry.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Determination and energy on the competition floor often reveal the mindset of a winner.
MEERRA MEVAWALA
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Transitioning from corporate life to becoming a full-time nail artist and mentor shaped my journey and allowed me to focus on nurturing creativity within the nail industry.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Originality combined with flawless execution.
DR KAVITA SHETH
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Leaving my medical career to pursue nail artistry and establishing one of India’s earliest dedicated nail salons and institutes shaped my professional journey.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Technical precision and strong finishing.
“Creativity attracts attention, but technical perfection wins trophies.”
DIPIKA PARIHAR
Nail Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Building an academy and mentoring aspiring nail artists has been the most rewarding milestone in my career.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry presents a complete concept where colour, structure, theme, and finishing work together seamlessly.
PRISCILLA CORNER
Hair Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
My journey has been shaped by several influences, including my mother, June Tomkyns and internationally recognised hairdressers who strengthened my technical discipline.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Clarity and cohesion. Every element — cut, colour, styling, and presentation — must align.
“Awards celebrate creativity, but winners are built on craftsmanship.”
DEEPAK JALHAN
Hair Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Creating hair for large stage shows with multiple models taught me discipline, teamwork, and artistic vision.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A good entry demonstrates skill, but a winning entry tells a story through concept and execution.
INDRA AHLUWALIA
Makeup Jury
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Mentoring speech-impaired individuals and helping them build successful careers in the beauty industry remains one of the most meaningful milestones in my journey.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
The fundamentals of makeup technique must always be correct. Creativity should enhance the look without compromising technique.
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What the jury wants to see on stage this year
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