After studying at Pivot Point in Chicago, Devyani Bajpai opened Cut Da Crap salon in Indore. Said to be one of the best salons in the area, Bajpai has major plans to expand the brand further.
The Begining
I grew up in a creative environment and salon and wellness industry charmed me naturally since my parents already owned Yamini’s Unisex Salon. Over the time my parents’ noticed the creative streak in me and encouraged me to study hair designing, make-up artistry and skin care as a professional course. Initially, I was a little overconfident and thought I’d finish it before time but this is one field where learning never stops! So, I kept learning more and more and came back home after nine months of extensive training. My early basic training started at the Chicago-based training academy called Pivot Point and since then, I have done numerous trainings from reputed brands.
The Journey So Far
It has been really amazing, everyday I am learning and exploring the new dynamics of hair designing. I have been fortunate enough to experience new things as my work is not only limited to the creative art work but also involves training people and staff. I encourage them to make the optimum use of their creative skills. Also, a lot of photo shoots and interesting projects come my way.
Proud Moments
It is not only an achievement but also a proud moment when a client feels happy after receiving a makeover from Cut Da Crap. The other proud moment was when I was called the youngest trainer across the country during my stint with L’Oreal. This made my parents very proud. To count few of other achievements, I have done more than 25 national and international diplomas and certified courses in hair designing, make-up artistry and beauty therapy. I have trained over 1,500 salon professionals and conducted more than 100 seminars across the country. I was also the part of Delhi Fashion Week for a couple of years.
The Inspiration
My parents will always be my first inspiration as I grew up seeing them doing the great work together. I get the technical inspiration from my mother and the management skills from my father. I also respect Laurent Decreton’s work. He is an outstanding stylist and an inspiration for a lot of people. I love the work that Sapna Bhavnani does. She has been able to make a statement through her brand Mad O Wat. Her energy and creative quirkiness reflects in her work.
The Success Mantra
A balance of hard and smart work with a lot of patience.
Apart From Work
I am a typical Bollywood movie buff, I don’t like missing even a single one. I like to travel and love to eat the street food of Indore and cook at times.
The Hair Industry in India
The hair business is a relatively new field in India which is evolving fast. It is important to keep up with the new trends. I think, we live in a physical world so it is critical to look our best and the industry is efficiently providing that.
Advice for Aspirants
One should focus on learning and exploring their talent. Then, they should strive to excel in what they have chosen, rather than run for commercial gains.
Future Plans
My immediate plans are to develop and enhance Yamini’s Unisex Salon and Cut Da Crap. Yamini’s is the mother brand, so I want to give it my best to keep the legacy going. Also, I want to take my dream project, Cut Da Crap to the next level. As an individual, I want to add more dimensions to my skills.
Celebrities Worked With
I have worked with the Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, Bollywood stars such as Neha Dhupia, Isha Koppikar, Sara Jane Dias, Shahzan Padamsee, Prateek Babbar; fashion designers like Shantanu and Nikhil, Rohit Bal, and Tarun Tahiliani.
Would Love to Style
I would love to style Lady Gaga and give her a look that she will never forget!
