The people behind the vision

When discussing the visionary who structured and institutionalized India's modern salon business, the title of "Founder and Mentor of the Indian Salon Industry" belongs to Kapil Kumar. He was the driving force behind the transformation of India’s fragmented barbering and beauty trade into an organized, professional salon industry. By pioneering the unisex salon concept, introducing structured education, global standards, advanced techniques and professional systems, he redefined hairdressing as a respected profession and built a skilled workforce that would power the industry's growth for decades. A master trainer, entrepreneur and industry pioneer, Kapil Kumar's influence spans education, workforce development, professional standards and industry building. His enduring legacy is that of an ecosystem architect who helped shape the foundation of India's modern salon industry, earning him recognition as one of the true mentors of the Indian salon industry.

Jaikant Kumar Singh is a senior skilling and education leader with over 30 years of experience across infrastructure, industry and skill development. A Civil Engineer from BIT Mesra and an MBA from Symbiosis, he was part of the founding leadership team of the National Skill Development Corporation(NSDC), where he served for over 11 years, most recently as Head – Operations, Business Development & WorldSkills. He played a pivotal role in shaping India's skilling ecosystem by contributing to the creation of Sector Skill Councils, leading the implementation of PMKVY, establishing India Skills and Junior Skills competitions, representing India at WorldSkills, and driving state and national skill initiatives. He currently advises governments, universities and industry on skills, education, workforce development and international collaborations, while serving on the boards and advisory councils of several leading institutions and organisations.

Annu Wadhwa is one of the key architects of India's beauty, wellness and skills ecosystem, with over three decades of leadership across industry, education and workforce development. Beginning her career on the shop floor, she rose to become part of the top management at VLCC before going on to build India's beauty and wellness skilling ecosystem as the Founding CEO of the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council under the aegis of MinIstry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship GOI. She played a pivotal role in developing national occupational standards, qualification frameworks and certification systems, impacting over half a million professionals while helping establish a structured, globally benchmarked ecosystem for the sector. A respected strategist, institution builder and thought leader, she continues to champion quality, innovation and workforce development across the beauty and wellness industry.