Depilex: Three decades later
Celebrating 30 years of success, Musarrat Misbah shares her journey.
LAHORE:
Through her personality and personal style, Musarrat Misbah personifies the growth and evolution of her brand, Depilex. She’s a contentious figure, who has often been in the line of fire for the inner workings of her salon and her charity for burnt victims. Half the entertainment industry swears by her and there can be no doubt that anybody but her could have so dexterously created over a hundred different looks for veteran stars such as Moin Akhtar, but conversely half the industry is ready to pelt her with acerbic censure.
With a network of thirty salons that now celebrates three decades of Misbah’s contributions to the beauty business, there is no denying that she has carved a huge name for herself. The Express Tribune speaks to the lady on her work and where she’s going forward with the brand.
How has it been, these last 30 years?
Well, we have got 30 salons now. So it has been a journey of progress and growth. From a small salon, we are an institute with an affiliation from a college in the UK. Our girls are getting accredited locally through us with Depilex Diplomas and also gaining international qualifications. And now we have the next generation, my daughter Redah, taking over, who is the new face of Depilex.
How do you deal with the controversies?
I believe that whatever is destined to happen, will happen. I have immense faith in God so don’t question His will. Something better and unexpected has always come up for me when things have felt down and low. It is very easy for a male-dominated society like ours to suppress women. It’s just because I refuse to compromise on my principles. My problem is that I am too trusting but I have now finally learnt to say ‘no’.
You have also been accused of conducting illicit activities with your female staff at the salon. How do you respond to such allegations?
There is no woman in society, who has reached to the top, about whom people haven’t circulated such rumours. We cannot spare someone like Edhi. Even with my Smile Again foundation, I routinely get threats not to help these women. My job is to beautify them and so I always respond that I am not the one taking them to lawyers and the police. I am a beautician who is just focused on her job.
Have you now officially retired and passed the reigns onto Redah?
I have officially retired now. At this phase of life, I want to give back to society and so I’m devoted to my Smile Again Foundation where we treat burnt victims. Redah returned last year from the UK after completing her cosmetology degree and since then, she is operating and managing the salons and I have full confidence in her.
Why Redah when you have a son to take over the business?
Khurram has never been interested in my field. He always wanted to teach and that’s what he is pursuing right now, teaching Illustration at Karachi University. Creativity and artistry runs in the family. Redah has always been with me. She knows how things work.
How is Redah more capable than you to lead Depilex?
She’s younger and more energetic. Whatever weakness I have, she can ably make up for it. She has the courage to say no and put her foot down when need be. Also importantly, she is qualified in the latest version of everything and has the exposure and vision needed for this era.
How does it feel to officially let go now after 28 years?
There is a time for everything. With Smile Again, I get the opportunity to make mutilated faces beautiful again. So I am still a part of the beauty industry. I don’t feel terribly disconnected.
What is the next milestone you have envisioned for Depilex?
We will now be launching our own product line for skin and hair, titled the ‘Redah Misbah Factor’. This range will have categories in the products for every housewife and then for those women who require extensive and expensive pampering.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2011.
Through her personality and personal style, Musarrat Misbah personifies the growth and evolution of her brand, Depilex. She’s a contentious figure, who has often been in the line of fire for the inner workings of her salon and her charity for burnt victims. Half the entertainment industry swears by her and there can be no doubt that anybody but her could have so dexterously created over a hundred different looks for veteran stars such as Moin Akhtar, but conversely half the industry is ready to pelt her with acerbic censure.
With a network of thirty salons that now celebrates three decades of Misbah’s contributions to the beauty business, there is no denying that she has carved a huge name for herself. The Express Tribune speaks to the lady on her work and where she’s going forward with the brand.
How has it been, these last 30 years?
Well, we have got 30 salons now. So it has been a journey of progress and growth. From a small salon, we are an institute with an affiliation from a college in the UK. Our girls are getting accredited locally through us with Depilex Diplomas and also gaining international qualifications. And now we have the next generation, my daughter Redah, taking over, who is the new face of Depilex.
How do you deal with the controversies?
I believe that whatever is destined to happen, will happen. I have immense faith in God so don’t question His will. Something better and unexpected has always come up for me when things have felt down and low. It is very easy for a male-dominated society like ours to suppress women. It’s just because I refuse to compromise on my principles. My problem is that I am too trusting but I have now finally learnt to say ‘no’.
You have also been accused of conducting illicit activities with your female staff at the salon. How do you respond to such allegations?
There is no woman in society, who has reached to the top, about whom people haven’t circulated such rumours. We cannot spare someone like Edhi. Even with my Smile Again foundation, I routinely get threats not to help these women. My job is to beautify them and so I always respond that I am not the one taking them to lawyers and the police. I am a beautician who is just focused on her job.
Have you now officially retired and passed the reigns onto Redah?
I have officially retired now. At this phase of life, I want to give back to society and so I’m devoted to my Smile Again Foundation where we treat burnt victims. Redah returned last year from the UK after completing her cosmetology degree and since then, she is operating and managing the salons and I have full confidence in her.
Why Redah when you have a son to take over the business?
Khurram has never been interested in my field. He always wanted to teach and that’s what he is pursuing right now, teaching Illustration at Karachi University. Creativity and artistry runs in the family. Redah has always been with me. She knows how things work.
How is Redah more capable than you to lead Depilex?
She’s younger and more energetic. Whatever weakness I have, she can ably make up for it. She has the courage to say no and put her foot down when need be. Also importantly, she is qualified in the latest version of everything and has the exposure and vision needed for this era.
How does it feel to officially let go now after 28 years?
There is a time for everything. With Smile Again, I get the opportunity to make mutilated faces beautiful again. So I am still a part of the beauty industry. I don’t feel terribly disconnected.
What is the next milestone you have envisioned for Depilex?
We will now be launching our own product line for skin and hair, titled the ‘Redah Misbah Factor’. This range will have categories in the products for every housewife and then for those women who require extensive and expensive pampering.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2011.