Biography of Shahnaz Husain: Founder & Chairperson of The Shahnaz Husain Group- Businesswomen
Biography of Shahnaz Husain:
Early Life and Background
Shahnaz Husain, born on 5 November 1944, is a prominent
Indian businesswoman renowned for her contributions to the beauty industry. She
is the founder, chairperson, and managing director of The Shahnaz Husain Group.
Her pioneering work in herbal beauty care has played a significant role in
promoting the Indian herbal heritage of Ayurveda on a global scale.
National and International Recognition
In 2006, Shahnaz Husain was honored with the Padma Shri by
the Government of India, one of the country’s highest civilian awards, in
recognition of her remarkable contributions to trade and industry. Her
innovative approach to herbal beauty care has garnered international acclaim.
A Legacy of Distinguished Heritage
Born Shahnaz Beg, she hails from a family with a remarkable
legacy. Her father, Justice Nasir Ullah Beg, was a former Chief Justice of the
Allahabad High Court. Her mother, Sayeeda Begum, was the daughter of
Hyderabad's army commander-in-chief. Shahnaz’s grandfather, Justice Samiullah
Beg, was a notable politician in the United Province and later served as Chief
Justice of the Hyderabad High Court. Her uncle, Mirza Hameedullah Beg, was a
former Chief Justice of India.
A Journey of Education and Entrepreneurship
Shahnaz attended St. Mary's Convent Inter College in
Prayagraj. She married Nasir Husain at a young age and accompanied him to
Tehran, where she studied Ayurveda in Iran. Her quest for knowledge continued
as she pursued training in cosmetic therapy and cosmetology from esteemed
institutions in the West, including Helena Rubinstein, Schwarzkopf, Christine
Valmy, Lancome, and Lean of Copenhagen.
Upon returning to India, Shahnaz established Women’s World
in New Delhi, starting her business from home. Her work garnered high-profile
attention, with visits from then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Husain's success story has been recognized by prestigious
institutions. Harvard Business School invited her to speak on her unique
journey of establishing an international brand without relying on commercial
advertising. Her entrepreneurial journey has also become a Harvard Case Study,
included in the school's curriculum. She has delivered lectures at renowned
universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of
Oxford, and the London School of Economics.
Personal Tragedies and Continuing Legacy
Tragically, Nasir Husain passed away from a cardiac arrest
in 1999. Their son, Sameer Husain, who was a rapper, allegedly took his own
life in Patna in 2008. Despite these profound losses, Shahnaz’s daughter,
Nelofar Currimbhoy, has continued her mother’s legacy. Nelofar has also
authored Shahnaz Husain’s biography, "Flame," preserving the
remarkable story of her mother’s life and achievements.
The Start of Shahnaz Husain’s Journey
In 1971, Shahnaz Husain opened her first herbal clinic, marking the beginning of The Shahnaz Husain Group. She focused on creating natural solutions for skin and hair problems, which led to the development of various therapeutic and premium product lines. These include luxurious ranges like 24 Carat Gold, Oxygen, Diamond, Pearl, Plant Stem Cells, and Platinum.
Biography of Shahnaz Husain: Founder & Chairperson of The Shahnaz Husain Group/Entrepreneur /beauty industry/Investor/ Success story of Shahnaz Husain
Growth and Expansion
The Shahnaz Husain Group quickly expanded its reach, opening
the first franchise clinic in Calcutta in 1979. By the end of that year, there
were already 80 Shahnaz Herbal clinics across India. The brand made its
international debut with a clinic in London in 1982. Today, the group boasts
over 400 franchise locations in 138 countries that do not test on animals. They
also operate a premium Ayurveda Salon and Spa in New Delhi, offering exclusive
treatments for skin, hair, and body.
Global Reach and Offerings
The group’s success is reflected in its global presence and
diverse product offerings. From therapeutic solutions to luxurious skincare
lines, Shahnaz Husain’s brand has made a significant impact in the beauty
industry. Each product is designed to cater to specific needs, showcasing a
commitment to quality and innovation.
Social Responsibility and Impact
Beyond business, Shahnaz Husain is committed to social
change. She collaborates with government skill development projects focused on
beauty and wellness. Her beauty academy has empowered over 40,000
underprivileged women by providing training and certification. Additionally, she
supplies these women with tool kits to help them start their own home-based
businesses, furthering her impact on their lives.
Global Representation and Awards
Shahnaz Husain has represented India on various
international platforms, including President Barack Obama's World Summit for
Entrepreneurs. Her achievements were further acknowledged when she won Success
Magazine’s "World's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur" award in 1996.
Additionally, she has made notable appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, and
has spoken at both the House of Lords and the House of Commons in the British
Parliament.
Awards and Recognitions
Shahnaz Husain has been recognized with several prestigious
awards for her groundbreaking work in the beauty industry. In 1985, she
received the Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur award from FICCI, and in 1996, she
was honored with the "World's Greatest Entrepreneur" award by Success
magazine, becoming the first woman to achieve this in 105 years. Her
contributions to the field were further acknowledged when she was awarded the
Padma Shri in 2006, one of India's highest civilian honors.
Husain's achievements continued to gain international
acclaim with several awards. In 2009, she received the Leonardo da Vinci
Diamond Award from the International Biographical Centre in Washington DC and
the Woman of Substance Award from the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Her innovative work in Ayurvedic beauty care was recognized globally with
awards such as the Outstanding Ayurvedic Innovation Award in 2012, the Olympia
Asia Award, and the Glory of India Award in 2013.
Her accolades continued in the following years, including
the Golden Peacock Entrepreneurial Leadership Award in 2014 and the
Entrepreneur India Award in 2015. She was also honored with the "Woman
Super Achiever" Award in Mumbai in 2017 and the Ayurveda Innovation Award
from Suryadatta Group the same year. These awards reflect her significant
impact on the industry and her role as a pioneering force in the global beauty
sector.
Timeline of Shahnaz Husain’s Achievements
5 November 1944: Born as Shahnaz Beg.
1971: Opened her first herbal clinic, marking the start of
The Shahnaz Husain Group.
1979: Launched the first franchise clinic in Calcutta; by
the end of the year, there were 80 Shahnaz Herbal clinics across India.
1982: Expanded internationally with a clinic in London.
1985: Received the Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur award from
FICCI.
1996: Honored with Success Magazine’s "World's Greatest
Woman Entrepreneur" award.
1999: Husband Nasir Husain passed away.
2006: Awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
2008: Son Sameer Husain tragically passed away.
2009: Received the Leonardo da Vinci Diamond Award and the
Woman of Substance Award.
2012: Awarded the Outstanding Ayurvedic Innovation Award.
2013: Received the Olympia Asia Award and the Glory of India
Award.
2014: Honored with the Golden Peacock Entrepreneurial
Leadership Award.
2015: Awarded the Entrepreneur India Award.
2017: Received the Woman Super Achiever Award and the
Ayurveda Innovation Award from Suryadatta Group.
2023: Continues to lead The Shahnaz Husain Group,
maintaining her influence in the global beauty industry.
