Sneha Charan: Redefining Beauty and Wellness with The Top Knot Salon

Arijit Bose / Nishtha Agrawal

Lucknow: Born and brought up in Lucknow, Sneha Charan comes from an illustrious family with deep roots in the beauty and cosmetics industry. Her mother, a pioneering figure, had a remarkable 25-year journey as the patron of a prominent brand in Lucknow, catering to diverse societal strata. Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Sneha pursued her Postgraduate and MBA degrees in Chandigarh before briefly working in Delhi. Eventually, she returned to Lucknow to partner with her mother, gaining invaluable experience.

Between 2011 and 2020, Sneha honed her expertise. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, she and her partners parted ways, marking the beginning of a new chapter. During the lockdown, Sneha and her family conceptualized and launched The Top Knot Salon, carefully planning its name and logo from their home. By July 2020, the first centre opened in Gomti Nagar, followed by a second in Gokhale Marg in November. Within a year, branches in Mahanagar and Aashiyana were added. What began as a modest 15-member team has now grown into a workforce of 150 people.

Today, The Top Knot Salon has expanded beyond Lucknow, establishing two branches in Kanpur, with aspirations to extend its reach to India’s metropolitan cities. Yet, she humbly acknowledges that there is still much to achieve.

A Luxury Experience with a Focus on Wellness

The Top Knot Salon is a luxury unisex salon offering comprehensive head-to-toe wellness services. From regular grooming and makeup to advanced skin aesthetics, botox, fillers, chemical peels, and extensions, the salon provides a diverse range of services. Notably, it also houses an academy that trains aspiring professionals in nail art, makeup, salon management, and cosmetology. With medical professionals on call, the salon ensures high-quality standards and innovative treatments.

For Sneha, hospitality remains the cornerstone of her brand. She believes that a salon’s success hinges on delivering a positive impact, from pampering clients to maintaining impeccable hygiene. “A skilled and well-trained team with solid product knowledge is essential,” she emphasizes. Hiring at The Top Knot Salon is meticulous, focusing on technical expertise, education, experience, and soft skills, ensuring the staff is an invaluable asset.

Creating a Warm and Homely Ambience

Sneha describes the salon’s ambience as “warm and homely,” catering to all age brackets. Even the smallest details, such as the hospitality extended by security staff, are designed to make every client feel valued. “Competition is high, and maintaining uniqueness is key,” she acknowledges. According to Sneha, salons must offer unique, results-oriented services and products to stand out in a crowded market.

Innovation and Upgradation: The Path to Longevity

For Sneha, staying updated and continuously upgrading facilities are non-negotiable in the beauty industry. Her frequent visits to major cities have inspired her to integrate new trends and techniques into her brand. She predicts that salons will evolve into holistic wellness centres, incorporating dermatologists, nutritionists, and specialists in permanent makeup.

“We are dealing with human lives, so the responsibility is immense,” she says, underlining the importance of innovation and care. Sneha also stresses the significance of employee welfare, believing that a well-supported team is crucial for delivering exceptional client experiences.

A Vision for the Future

“Our brand is only five years old, and the love we’ve received from people motivates us to keep growing,” Sneha shares. With plans to standardize operations in Lucknow, she aims to expand further. On a broader scale, her goal is to make The Top Knot Salon a nationally recognized brand, having travelled extensively across the world.

Summing up her journey, Sneha says, “We hope to reciprocate the love and trust our clients have shown us by continually delivering excellence. Many exciting initiatives are in the pipeline, and we’re committed to making a positive impact pan-India.”

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