‘The woman who stayed in Dubai by ‘accident’

> Rekha Upadhyay > Profession: Hair Stylist > Nationality: Indian

It was a severe accident that brought Rekha Upadhyay to Dubai for the first time in 2010. “I didn’t like it much in Dubai then because I felt lonely, depressed and homesick,” says the hairstylist who had planned to become a doctor,

“I was then going through a very bad phase, so maybe that is the reason why I didn’t enjoy my stay here,” says the Indian national who works at BBlunt Hair Salon at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Ironically, she says, she and her friends were planning a leisure trip to Dubai before the accident happened. “I was then advised bed rest for six month since I have a rod inserted in my neck, so the plan got shelved.”

Later, a friend told Rekha that someone needed a manager for her salon in Dubai and that she would be suitable. “That’s how I came to Dubai for the first time, stayed here for a year and then went back.”

Rekha says she came into the profession by accident. “I always wanted to be doctor but during holidays since I wanted to do something during my free time, I joined a styling course.”

It was here that the then shy and homely girl found her passion. She then blossomed — did different beauty and styling courses over the next few years and established her footing.

“I love hair and I cannot bear to see people treating it badly,” says Rekha who has been with BBlunt for three years – nearly for two and half years in Dubai branch.

She says she fell in love with the city during her second stint.

“I love my work ... am very passionate about it. Here I get to meet people from different nationalities whom I would never have met in India. Each client is special for me.” “Styles are different here, too ... women in Dubai prefer lighter shades ... blondes unlike in India.

This is a learning process for me, too.” “I have now made friends and also friends of friends through my work which is satisfying.”

She, however, still misses her family. “My father passed away a year ago and I am more concerned for my mother because she is alone now.” Going back to India as an option ... it is both a yes and no. “I work in an India-based company so that option is always open but I want to stay in Dubai still ... after a certain age, maybe.”