Asha Dodhia Murthy: Makeover for success
Dubai has grown to become a customer caring place
Women have the tenacity and capability to do more with the support of family and a conducive work environment. This conducive platform given by the UAE government is definitely a motivating factor for women to step out and explore the world of opportunities. The trend today is all about diversification, says Asha Dodhia Murthy, proprietor, Aroushi Beauty Salon and Spa.
The UAE has been very supportive and proactive in keeping up its reputation as an entrepreneurial hub, it provides a conducive environment for entrepreneurial growth.
“We have seen how women have flourished and have made a name for themselves. Stick to rules and regulations which are in the interest of the UAE population, have a thorough education base, use authentic products to maintain the brand image of the country. The most challenging aspect is being an entrepreneur and a homemaker. One needs to create a system in order to find the balance which only further gets enhanced with the support of family and domestic help. This itself is an ongoing daily learning experience,” says the winner of the Guinness World Record award.
Murthy’s journey began with starting Aroushi Beauty Salon and spa and has been thriving for over eighteen years. “My passion for beauty and almost ten years of world-class airline background in customer care, involving training and grooming cabin crew prompted the idea of utilising my knowhow to initiate a business of my own. This exposure gave me the confidence to amicably interact with a multinational clientele, hence the inception of Aroushi Beauty Salon in 1998. My aptitude for beauty helped me carry this business further. All this was possible with the support of my extended family, my team of motivated women/my staff. Due to the demand and increasing client base, and the congenial business environment of Dubai I decided to start another salon which opened up with a combination of salon and spa services, few years later.”
The former airline official says the fact that eighteen years passed by quickly is a clear indication she thoroughly enjoyed her journey.
“This business has given me tremendous opportunity to incorporate the caring approach, attention to detail and enhance the skill set of my staff through regular training and awareness- encompassing the whole business module. My goal is customer first which is synonymous to Indo/ Arab culture to unconditionally care for our guests,” said Murthy.
Murthy — mother of two — says it is a pleasure to deal with the Arab women frequenting the salon and their patronage and the loyalty is a measure of her success. The beauty and the challenge of having a melting pot of mixed nationalities is like an eye opening experience — timeless, invaluable, according to Murthy, “It is a professional and a personal growth that helps polish interpersonal skills to be friendly, tolerant and be committed to clients and customers of various nationalities.”
The fashionista opines that Dubai is an example to the rest of the world in offering equality to both genders. UAE has been one of the first countries which has encouraged and appreciated women to take on traditionally male-dominated roles. Women in UAE have been known to work alongside their male counterparts; be it at home or in the commercial world. The UAE has a reputation of being an equal opportunity employer to both genders. “Through my business I have been fortunate to interact with women achievers across various fields- some of the good examples being women taxi drivers, police women, commercial airline pilots and even commandos! Above all we have a minister of Happiness as a young lady amongst some of the other women
The UAE has been very supportive and proactive in keeping up its reputation as an entrepreneurial hub Asha Dodhia Murthy, proprietor, Aroushi Beauty Salon and Spa
cabinet members,” added Murthy.
Women’s safety and security have played vital role in spurt of businesswomen, says the trained makeup artist. “The safe working environment has encouraged and given the confidence to an increasing number of women to utilise their entrepreneurial skills and take the initiative to step out and work.
“We live in a close knit society within the cosmopolitan environment of Dubai which has developed its unique culture of high standards. Dubai has grown to become a customer caring place. Women find it easy to blend into the fabric of the society. With the encouragement of the government and financial institutions, more women will be encouraged to set out and start their own business. People are seeking more variety and are becoming adventurous. A new concept is always welcome. Dubai is an attractive proposition for international brands ranging from beauty, fashion, style and food etc. Providing a market for every strata of society,” concludes Murthy.