Ramani celebrates 50 years of hairdressing

By Zanita Careem

Pioneering, inspirational and passionate for 50 years, Ramani Fernando has dominated the hairdressing and beauty industry in Sri Lanka by making exceptional waves.Her salon has grown from a single unit at her home, in Colombo, to a household name in the hairdressing industry.

Reci pient of many awards and accolades, both locally and internationally,beauty industry speaks volumes about Ramani. This fashion icon has been the official hairdresser at the prestigious Sri Lankan fashion week and has also created stunning catwalk hair for many designer shows. Her life is one of roller coaster of success, hard work and dedication and passion. I had an opportunity to talk to Ramani about her journey, and her plans for the future.

On your completion of 50 years in the beauty business is a momentous occasion. What are your feelings about it?

As I reflect on completing 50 years in the beauty business, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. It has been a remarkable journey, one that started with a passion for beauty and a dream to make a difference in this industry. Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the evolution of beauty trends and standards, while also empowering countless individuals to feel confident and beautiful.

I am incredibly grateful to all the loyal clients, dedicated staff, and supportive partners who have been part of this journey. Their trust and support have been the pillars of our success. Every milestone achieved and every challenge overcome has been a collective effort, and I am deeply appreciative of everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.

A special thanks goes to my husband, Ranjit, and my family for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their love and belief in me have been the foundation that has kept me going through all these years. I could not have achieved this milestone without their constant presence and support.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of the beauty industry. With new innovations and trends emerging, there are endless possibilities.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of these 50 wonderful years. Here’s to many more years of beauty, growth, and success!

Your name is a fame? Was it your childhood dream to be what you are today?

When people say my name is synonymous with fame in the beauty industry, I feel incredibly humble. It’s a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion that have driven me throughout my career.

As for the question whether it was my childhood dream to be where I am today, I can say that my passion for beauty hair have always been a part of my life. From a young age, I was fascinated by the transformative power of beauty. loved experimenting with hairstyles and makeup, and I dreamt of creating a space where people could feel beautiful and cared for.

From one small salon how do you develop your entrepreneurial calibre?

Starting with one small salon was a humble beginning, but it laid the foundation for everything that followed. Developing my entrepreneurial calibre was a journey marked by continuous learning, resilience, and a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve.

In the early days, I focused on providing exceptional service and building strong relationships with clients. I believed that if I could create a salon experience that made people feel valued and beautiful, word would spread. And it did. The trust and loyalty of my clients became the cornerstone of our growth.

As business began to expand, I knew that I needed to constantly adapt and innovate. This meant staying updated with the latest beauty trends, investing in advanced training for myself and my team, and continuously improving our services. I also realized the importance of creating a strong brand identity, one that resonated with our clients, set us apart in the industry.

What is the philosophy of life that you will go by?

The philosophy of life that I live by is grounded in passion, perseverance, and positivity. These principles have guided me throughout my journey in the beauty industry and in life.

Could you share your earliest memories of hair?

My earliest memories of hair take me back to student days at St. Bridget’s, where I was boarded. It was during these formative years that my passion for hairstyling truly began to blossom.

I vividly remember the joy and excitement I felt when styling my friends’ hair. In the dormitory, we would often gather together, and I would experiment with different hairstyles on my friends. Whether it was creating intricate braids, elegant updos, or simple, neat styles for everyday wear, I loved the creativity and the sense of camaraderie that came with these moments.

What was being a hairstylist 50 years ago. What does it mean now and what difference do you see?

Being a hairstylist 50 years ago was a vastly different experience compared to what it means today. When I first started in the beauty industry, the tools, techniques, and even the perceptions of hairstyling were much simpler and less diverse.

Today the world of hairstyling has undergone a remarkable transformation. The industry has become incredibly dynamic and innovative, with a vast array of products, tools, and techniques are at our disposal. We now have access to advanced hair care technology, including state-of-the-art styling tools, professional-grade products, and a wealth of information and inspiration through digital platforms.

Was it a passion or was it a profession to make money?

My journey into the beauty industry began with a passion rather than a desire to make money. From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by the art of hairstyling and the transformative power it held. It was this passion that drove me to experiment with different hairstyles and to eagerly learn as much as I could about beauty and grooming.

Of course, as with any profession, financial considerations were important. However, the foundation of my career has always been built on passion. The success and financial stability that followed were natural outcomes of dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for what I do.

How did your clients react?

Overall, the positive reactions from clients have been a major source of inspiration and satisfaction throughout my career. Their support and appreciation have driven me to keep striving for excellence and to continuously enhance the salon experience.

What was your source of inspiration back then?

In the early days of my career, my primary sources of inspiration were my deep passion for hairstyling and the reactions of my clients. I was fascinated by the transformative power of hairstyling and loved experimenting with new techniques.

Where do you see the future of hairstylists with a profile of 50 years and What would you tell the young generation?

The future for hairstylists is extremely promising.. For young stylists, my advice is to blend traditional skills with innovation. Stay passionate, keep learning, and embrace both classic techniques and modern technologies. The industry is evolving, and there’s a bright future for those who stay dedicated and creative.

What does hair mean to you?

To me, hair represents more than just a physical attribute; it’s a form of personal expression and confidence. Hair has the power to transform how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. It’s an art form that combines creativity and technique, and it plays a significant role in our identity and self-esteem. Styling hair is about enhancing individual beauty and making people feel their best. It’s a passion that connects me deeply to my clients and their personal stories.