LAHORE – The pioneer in revolutionizing the makeup industry of Pakistan, Masarrat Misbah’s Depilex has completed 37 years. With her daughter Reda Misbah, they are turning the wheel of perception of the make up industry in the country. The ‘Depilex Reveal’ is the concept created by the two on the very same note that will introduce different sets of concepts for empowerment of women and men in the industry rather than just dealing in terms of good business.
Our team caught up with the duo to talk about the theory behind the concept of empowerment and the show ‘Depilex Reveal’ in Lahore on November 23, 2017.
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Here is the full interview.
DP: Congratulations on completion of 37 years of Depilex. You have become such a household name that every single person knows about you when Depilex comes into mind. Could you please give an insight into the idea behind ‘Depilex Reveal’?
Massarat: Allah has been very kind to us.
Reda: So, with over 63 branches across the country, Depilex is the largest salon chain in Pakistan. For its 37th anniversary, we wanted to do something grand for all the people who have been with us for so long. There have been people who started working for us and now own Depliex franchises. We could not have come this far without their support. Every year we put out a hair and makeup collection in catalogue form. This year we wanted to showcase it rather than just put it in print form.
DP: So is this the only concept behind it? Because I have a feeling it will be much greater and probably become a trendsetter as well.
Masarrat: See the philosophy behind the concept ever since its advent has been about vision, creativity, and empowerment. And that is the concept too behind Depilex Reveal; to create and empower. When you have a vision, you try to go towards it and achieve your goals. That is where your creativity comes into play.
Reda: And not just creativity in hair and makeup but also in original concepts. Empowering others. And these are the values we are hoping people would take from this show.
Masarrat: Empowering women is very important, especially in our country. Although there are many talented men in this field too, but giving that freedom of empowerment is what this vision has been about all along. You think, you work on it, and automatically that empowerment is satisfying. Being economically independent for women in our country is very important.
DP: So where salons have become a hub for fashion, talking about empowerment is very inspiring. Would you like to tell us about any new things that you are going to introduce after the celebration (any new physical aspects; machinery, techniques etc.)?
Reda: Hafsa Haseeb (also my cousin) joined us in 2014 and is the director of Depilex in USA. So this year we are going to announce Depilex International Training Program to bridge the gap between internal techniques and local training. We already have got the help of international trainers and have started sessions. Right now it is exclusive to the Depilex family but by next year hopefully, it will open to the public so everyone gains from this opportunity.
DP: I agree. Because I feel like the salon industry has just stuck to being a business more than a training platform and is limited to only a niche circle. So where you talk about empowerment instead, would you like to share your best experiences from these 37 years?
Masarrat: This has been a lifelong time. We have around 63 branches so it definitely is not about targeting the niche market. We have always used the best quality of products. We target masses and try to fulfill wishes of everyone. The best days are those days when we give the certificates to the girls working with us and learning from ‘Depilex College of Cosmetology (many of them who have acquired Depiliex franchises now). It was very rewarding for us. Their growth is very refreshing.
DP: Did your time with Depilex change you as a person/ as a makeup artist?
Masarrat: Everything changes with time. When I started, it was a different kind of industry. Now it’s Reda’s time. People are more personality conscious now. It’s not just about getting good makeup now, but it is about personality. It is how you present yourself now. We give these grooming sessions to the corporate places. We also give grooming sessions to Shaukat Khanum’s patients.
Reda: Also it’s very important to understand that trends evolve very frequently now. So people have to evolve with that. And that is mainly why Depilex has come forward – we have always been open to change. It is about taking something and customizing it (international trends) to our needs. Depilex is more than just a salon. We hope to transfer the legacy of empowerment.
DP: Talking about legacy, how satisfied are you with Reda’s work?
Musarat: When it comes to professionalism, she is the epitome of it. I learn so much from her every day. She is doing the job very intelligently. And as the interviews go regarding innovation and customization, we would like to announce the introduction of our halal makeup line.
DP: Could you elaborate a bit more?
Massarat: Creating awareness is important. Your clients trust you. When you know something, you should be honest with your customers too. I always urge our clients to think about the ingredients being used. It is being manufactured in Turkey. The whole process is Shariah compliant and is at par with any international brand All permissible and natural ingredients are used for the ‘Masarrat Misbah Makeup’.
