KARACHI:
When we speak of versatility in the fashion industry, we think of Nadia Hussain. A dentist, model, actor, entrepreneur and mother, Nadia has made her mark as a strong, independent woman, leaving many yearning for following suit. After being a dream face for many make-up artistes, she is venturing towards beautifying others with the launch of her own salon as part of two more ventures.
The space essentially juxtaposes three of Hussain’s passions, all in one building: her fashion boutique NH Pret is in the basement, salon on the ground floor, and beauty treatment clinic on the first floor. “I was working with Dr Mabroor Bhatti for six months and then with Saba Ansari for a year-and-a-half. I realised I had to have my own place where I could run my own beauty-aesthetic treatment clinic and a salon along with my boutique — under the same roof,” reveals Hussain.
Hussain says she opted for a red-and-white interior and exterior to attract attention. PHOTOS: HASAN HASHMIE/3H PHOTOGRAPHY
Epitomising a quintessential businesswoman, Hussain says she opted for a red exterior of the building to attract attention. This is the same place that once housed filmmaker Fahim Burney’s salon. Initially, she had planned on launching her salon in May. Construction took more time than expected, thus, the delay.
Hussain opened her salon’s doors to her family and a few friends during the first week of August, which was the trial week. She organised a small-scale launch in the second week of August and between August 15 and August 31, she is offering attractive introductory deals to her clients, who can avail the services of the salon at reduced prices.
Amid the multiple professions she has taken up, we wonder if Hussain would be willing to give up the career she is best known for — modelling. “I have been modelling for the past 15 years. How long can I continue modelling for?” she says. “I have seen the best of it. I won’t go back to dentistry, but as far as the beauty and aesthetics business is concerned, it goes hand in hand. In modelling and acting, you are dependent on other people to give you a role and assign you a task. This, on the other hand, is a much better business investment and certainly a better career move,” she comments.
Hussain says she opted for a red-and-white interior and exterior to attract attention. PHOTOS: HASAN HASHMIE/3H PHOTOGRAPHY
She feels that models should broaden their horizons and try their hand at other businesses while they pursue a career in modelling. “They should move on... do something about their lives. Only in Pakistan does a model have a long shelf life. Internationally, it is not more than five years,” says Hussain.
Hussain, who is currently expecting her fourth child, says the response her salon has been receiving is getting better by the day. The salon walls, however, are empty and she is waiting for the branding to start soon, so that international beauty business companies can start taking over, one wall after another. “The response from the general public has been good. People in Pakistan want good services at a low price and that’s what we will be offering. I want everyone to come here and enjoy,” she says.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2014.
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Heard her once on a talk show in Geo... man is she a big dumbo! dont know how she made it through dentist school... She should dye her hair blonde :p
The only role-model for people amongst all models. You rock Nadia. Best of luck!