Lavanya Vikram: A Journey of Passion, Persistence, and Purpose
Lavanya Vikram’s story is one of resilience, passion, and relentless drive. Having faced immense challenges from a young age, Lavanya lost both her parents at the age of 13. Her early exposure to adversity shaped her into the tenacious and determined entrepreneur she is today. Inspired by her background in skin anatomy and her love for science, Lavanya embarked on a journey to create a unique beauty brand, and thus, Blush n Curls Ladies Salon and Spa was born.
Lavanya’s salon, which prides itself on using 100% chemical-free products, has been widely recognized and awarded for its groundbreaking approach to beauty and skincare. Despite a crowded market and the initial resistance to the chemical-free concept, Lavanya remained steadfast in her belief that natural beauty treatments could make a significant difference. Today, Blush n Curls has expanded to three branches across Dubai, a testament to Lavanya’s perseverance and vision.
Challenges and Triumphs in the Beauty Industry
Launching Blush n Curls in Qusais, Dubai, was no easy feat. Lavanya faced resistance from customers unfamiliar with the chemical-free concept, making it a challenge to convince them of the benefits. However, through her persistence and determination, Lavanya not only established a loyal customer base but also expanded her business, setting up multiple branches over the last decade.
One of the most rewarding moments in Lavanya’s career was being named one of the Top 50 Women Globally for her contribution to the beauty industry and community. This recognition cemented her status as a trailblazer in clean beauty and an inspiration to others aiming to make a positive impact in their industries.
A Lifelong Learner and a Source of Inspiration
Beyond her business achievements, Lavanya has always been passionate about learning and growing. She has a love for design and artwork packaging, constantly pushing herself to think outside the box. Her out-of-the-box ideas have translated into a successful content creation career, where she inspires others through social media.
Her journey into the world of beauty was quite different from her previous role as an IT Security Vendor Channel Director. In transitioning from the tech world to running a beauty salon, Lavanya had to navigate the unique challenges of managing an all-female business environment. She recalls the early days as being particularly difficult, having invested all her and his Husband- Mr. Vikram Kokane savings into the salon. Yet, even when faced with external doubts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lavanya persisted, opening a second branch against all odds.
Support System and Overcoming Personal Struggles
Lavanya credits her husband and family as her pillars of strength. Throughout her journey, they stood by her side, particularly when she faced one of her toughest battles — being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. This diagnosis left Lavanya temporarily unable to speak, but thanks to her family’s unwavering support, she found the strength to recover and continue her entrepreneurial journey.
Lavanya believes in the power of persistence and never giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. She often reflects on the importance of staying grounded, a value instilled in her by her father-in-law, whom she considers her second father. His teachings, along with the support of her husband, have been crucial in helping Lavanya overcome personal and professional challenges.
Looking to the Future: Expansion and Impact
Lavanya and her Husband Vikram Kokane’s vision for the future includes expanding Blush n Curls across Dubai and continuing her work as a content creator. She is passionate about inspiring others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams fearlessly, just as she has. Through her journey, Lavanya has learned the importance of embracing challenges, trusting in oneself, and pushing through rejection to achieve success.
Her definition of success goes beyond monetary achievements — for Lavanya, it’s about making a positive impact on her community and being a source of inspiration to others. She hopes to be remembered as a woman who brought meaningful change to the beauty industry and empowered others to start their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Lavanya’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, with persistence, faith, and a positive mindset, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve one’s dreams. Her journey from IT director to beauty pioneer is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of believing in one’s vision.
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