With the vision to groom India and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs, Naturals has developed a chain of beauty salons that are growing very fast in India. In an interview, C K Kumaravel, Co-Founder and MD, Naturals Beauty Salon India Pvt. Ltd share the expansion plans of his company.
Ramanjit Kaur (RK): Could you please shed some light on the inception of Naturals Beauty Salon India Pvt. Ltd?
CK Kumaravel (CKK): We have started Naturals in the year 2000. From its modest beginnings a decade back, Naturals Beauty Salon has grown today to be acknowledged as the industry leader and trend setter for its innovations and uniquely successful operation and service formats. In 2006, we started franchising our brand. We have created and perfected a franchise system which has proved to be a successful business model, spelling a win-win situation to all its partners.
RK: What are the eligibility criteria to select the franchisees of your company?
CKK: We are looking at individuals with great business acumen and a passion to succeed. We want our franchisees to possess qualities like appreciation for beauty, willingness to lead, ability to invest, flair for service industry and a passion for doing things. Besides this, we require around 1,300 to 2,000 sq. ft carpet area to open the salon with an investment of about Rs 30 to 50 lakh.
RK: How many outlets do you presently have? What are your future target locations for expansion?
CKK: Presently, we are operating through 83 outlets, out of which 70 are franchised. We are present in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Bhopal and many more cities of the nation and are eyeing various other parts of the country as well.
RK: What support and training does a franchisee get after partnering with your company?
CKK: While taking up the franchise of Naturals Beauty Salon, a franchisee gets an opportunity to share its phenomenal success and valued services. Besides this, franchisees also avail the benefits of training and support. We at Naturals give a comprehensive package to the franchisee right from choosing the right place, right interiors and fit out, equipments and most importantly, providing well-trained staff to the salons. We train the franchisee in the nuances of the salon business as well and handhold them during first few months of inception of the salon.
RK: Tell us about Naturals Training Academy. What purpose does it serve?
CKK: We have two training academies in Bengaluru and Chennai. Freshers undergo a progressive three-month programme in hair and beauty before employment. We also provide hostel facilities to our staff during the training period. Existing experienced staff undergoes continuous training on advanced skills periodically.
RK: What are the future plans of the company in terms of expansion through franchising?
CKK: We are aiming to take the count of our salons to 200 by the end of 2011.
