Munni Begum/Guwahati

Jerina Khatun of Guwahati is a beautician with a different. Instead of using chemical-based artificial products, she uses all homemade potions to make her clients feel rejuvenated after a facial or a massage session at her parlour.

In an exclusive interview with Awaz -The Voice, Jerina Khatun said, “I have been working in the beauty care industry for over six years. I offer beauty therapies, including party makeup, bridal makeup, office look makeup, facials with natural ingredients, and hair treatment. Initially, I  worked from my home or visited clients. But it wasn’t always possible to travel to clients’ places. So, I opened a ladies’ parlour called ‘Glam and Grace’ on AK Azad Road in Rehabari.”

Nowadays, preparing most beauty care ingredients at home is quite challenging, as the process is time-consuming. That’s why people often buy affordable, readily available cosmetics from the market, which are blended with various chemicals for longer shelf life. But, those chemicals can sometimes be harmful to our skin and hair. In contrast, Jerina Khatun prepares and uses organic, paraben, and sulfate-free beauty products from household ingredients.

Jerina Khatun stitching clothes

 “I use only homemade products and oils to care for my clients’ hair and skin. Many of my clients have experienced positive results”She tells the story of switching from normal ready-to-use products from the market to making her own. “Once, I had dengue, and after recovering, I developed small pimple-like spots on my face. Even after I recovered the marks didn’t fade away. I tried many market-available face creams and serums, but nothing worked -- if anything, the marks got darker.”

She then used homemade face packs, creams, and serums which she made from beetroot, turmeric, rice flour, neem leaves, vitamin E, milk, curd, gram flour, lentils, multani mitti (fuller’s earth), licorice powder, sandalwood powder, rose water and rose petal powder.

“Within a month, I saw improvement. Now, I supply these homemade products to my clients. I also prepare natural hair oils at home for hair treatments, which cost much less than market products. At my parlour, facials are available for ₹600, and clean-ups cost between ₹300 and ₹350,” Jerina said.

Jerina, who once aspired to become a lawyer, has fought a quiet battle against society and her family to establish her business. Alongside her makeup work, she has also set up a tailoring unit to stitch various designer outfits.

She said: “Since childhood, I wanted to be a skilled lawyer. But in my family, marriage was prioritised over education. My husband’s family promised I could continue my studies after marriage, so I got married in 2006 right after my matriculation results.

“I couldn’t pursue studies, as I had to take on family responsibilities. People would say, ‘What’s the point of studying after marriage?’ But I never lost hope. I always wanted to do something more. I didn’t want to remain just a housewife. I wanted my own identity. So, I started learning tailoring by watching YouTube. Though it was tough at first, my uncle, who is a tailor, helped me. Gradually, I began making frocks, salwar suits, and gowns for clients. Now, I supply designer clothes under the brand "Nehal Brothers.”

Jerina Khatun giving beauty treatment to a client

Jerina believes that Islam gives women a high status, emphasizing women’s education and empowerment. Yet, even in today’s scientific age, some in Muslim society want to confine women within four walls.

“Initially, I provided beauty services at clients’ homes, but later on I set up my own parlour. Except for my mother, no one in my family supported me. They insisted that everything should be done at home, not outside.”

However, she says that in the digital age, it’s difficult to grow a business by staying at home. “I went against my family’s wishes to start my parlour. I feel sad that I am still fighting this battle alone, but I am determined that one day I will succeed and everyone will appreciate me. I will continue to work with sincerity, upholding my religious values and modesty, and without breaking social norms. I believe this will lead me to success in the future,” she said.

Jerina believes everyone has some hidden talent, but only some get the support and opportunities and succeed. “Going out to work is not a crime; as long as one is honest and on the right path, no harm will come.”

“Some Muslims hesitate to educate girls or let them work. Many parents think that their responsibility ends with marrying their daughters. Some men think that it is a crime for women to step out,” Jerina remarked.

Jerina’s tailoring and beauty business has generated jobs for many. She has trained over a hundred young women in beauty treatment regimens and many of them are today supporting their families.

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“I have been training many girls in tailoring, makeup, and parlour work. I don’t charge exorbitant fees, and I even train financially weak girls for free. I believe young women must become self-reliant, and anyone who learns from me can become independent,” she added.