Tag: 2017 Dec – Jan

I thought it apt to wear a kurtha-inspired shirt that day as I knocked on the tall, black gates of India House. A moment later, as the gates opened wide, I stood dwarfed by the rolling gardens and the vista that housed the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and his wife. It truly was a scene that took my breath away. Anyone who has had the opportunity and privilege to visit this glorious place would surely agree.

Walking towards what was indubitably a grand mansion replete with copious amounts of expensive wood, and stern-looking mustachioed bodyguards, I mustered my errant thoughts. It took a certain kind of will to dispel whatever giddy atoms of nervousness that floated between my neurons, before I was ushered into the living room.

Good thing I wore the kurtha-esque shirt, I thought. Place me between the vast shelves of books, and I would have blended in properly with the ambient lighting and copious pieces of antique furniture. It was during this uncanny and anxiety-riddled thought that Girija walked in armed with two pugs, offered a disarming smile, sat and said that we could begin.

I took a deep breath, opened my mouth and choked. Nervousness brought on by interviewing VVIPs surely should have its own hallowed name and place in medical lexicon, my mind raged, as I took another deep breath, and let her speak. As Girija spoke, I listened, and couldn’t help but think of Maharani Gayatri Devi. Needless to say, I was enamored by the embodiment of simplicity and quiet class before me.

It’s true: I didn’t hear a word she said at first. She seemed to be more preoccupied talking to her pugs, which was when I realized that she was actually talking to me. She took me on a journey throughout her life, and was assured that it was not all baubles and riches. One cannot always reside in an ivory tower, she murmured.

Unlike your stereotypically spoilt diplomat, Girija’s life didn’t reek of the proverbial bed of roses. There were a great deal of challenges to overcome. The only silver spoon I saw that day was when I was served short eats. But just like the fine emotive swirls that adorned such exotic silverware, Girija’s life took on different inspired paths as well. It was and is a life that can only be described as a mosaic of achievements with their concomitant challenges.

Appearances are deceiving, dear reader. I sat before a woman who might be petite, and soft spoken, but this is an individual who was once upon a time a visiting lecturer at NYU (teaching Renaissance Art), and at CUNY (lecturing on a comparative study of Greek and Indian mythology); teaches meditation and self-healing; is a published author and a journalist; speaks 8 languages; manages a household with ruthless efficiency; cooks a Mutton Rogan Josh to die for; makes pasta from scratch; practices Reiki; and still has the charm and skill to blend in perfectly at a cocktail party boasting fountains of Möet and platters of caviar.

What do you crave, dear Girija? I crave learning — she divulged. And this is what she has dedicated her life to. Maybe this craving has something to do with the genes she inherited from her father (a publisher) and mother (a professor of entomology).

To deracinate is to tear something up by the roots, and this is what she has happily endured as her husband flies from one country to another. But while in Sri Lanka, she adores Nuwara Eliya since the cool climes served to remind her of her own home up north. One of her most treasured highlights in Serendipity was the trek to World’s End while her favorite city would be Galle.

Opportunity keeps company with those who are willing and able, and Girija has thrown herself to learning everything she possibly could in the many different cultures she has been fortunate enough to experience. Citing Plato’s Republic a favorite, she went onto mention that she treasures that 90s classic — Gattaca —when it comes to the silver screen.

How could I possibly conclude an interview without inquiring about any particular penchant she may have for Lankan cuisine? I’m quite fond of the Jaffna Crab Curry, she whispered, citing Ministry of Crab as an all-time favorite restaurant.

Treasuring well over three decades as a diplomat, Girija leaves with her husband to a new land where she will offer much-needed support to his role as a diplomat. Before I left India House, I was left to ponder a simple statement that defined this inimitable lady — I always look forward, and never backward. Consider me an eternal student, Rohitha. This is what truly excites me.

By Uditha Devapriya

People have stories to tell. More often than not, they have reasons for what they do, a higher destiny that propels them to stray into the fields of human enterprise they always wanted to work on. Then there are those who live for the moment, or at least give the impression of so doing, trusting that same higher destiny to do what others have consciously compelled unto themselves.

Gerald Solomons, owner (in more ways than one) of the top end hair salon Chagall, probably has more reasons than one for the career he’s set for himself. He is (and certainly gives the impression of being) enterprising, though he’s decorated his life with those unpredictable, quirky details (such as his choice of name for his salon, after an arty, avant-garde painter) which help explain a happy-go-lucky existence.

ESTEEM sat with Gerald some time back. We had questions to ask. He had a story to tell.

1. Could you describe your childhood, education, and experiences in life and work until now?

I began my life in this field of work as a trainee hairdresser and progressed as a senior stylist.

After my family and I migrated to Australia, I opened Chagall in Sydney and later in Auckland. I had the opportunity with that to widen my horizons by attending to the hair care of many celebrities.

I also have attended many workshops and given demonstrations in hair styling and cutting techniques. My experiences took me to the fashion capitals of the world: London, Milan, Paris, and of course Australia.

 

2. In a nutshell, how did you get into this industry?

 As a child, I was always fascinated by hair and makeup as my mother went for her hair care to Salon Moira, owned by the formidable Moira Muthukrishna. That more or less tilted me towards the profession, from an early age. From then on I worked at Moira and became a senior hair stylist. I suspect that I never shall regret this decision as I have come to realise that it’s become my lifeblood.

 

3. Could you describe a normal day at Chagall?

That’s a tricky one to answer. Well, a normal day can be described as hectic, challenging, exciting and vibrant, well worth every bit of the day, depending on how you see it.

Our clients, to whom we are always grateful for their patronage, help us assess ourselves in ways which in turn help them to get better services from our staff. It’s basically a two-way street: they assess us, we assess ourselves.

 

4. What was and is it about Chagall that differentiates it from other top-end salons?

Chagall is always unique. It has atmosphere, vibrancy, colour, attitude, skills. It is staffed by people who are serious about what they do. This was what it was and it is what it is, and to go even further, it is what it always will be.

 

5. How do you manage to balance your career and your life?

Simple. My life is my career and my career is my life. Everything revolves around this concept. There are those who claim lives outside their careers, and they may consider that a blessing, but I for one can never go beyond the borders of my profession. It’s become almost an obsession, a garden to water and tend to almost, and it always shall be.

 

6. Time for some out of the blue questions. Who do you consider as your three most profound influences?

Firstly, our customers. Without them there is no life or career. So, I say thanks to all of them past present and future.

Secondly, my staff, both here in Sri Lanka and overseas. Without them there is no life or career.

Thirdly, to all those who have helped me shape my life and career, starting with Moira Muthukrishna, and also my parents for understanding why a boy wanted to be a hairdresser.

 

7. How much have you learnt from your interactions with your customers and staff?

Our customers gave us the challenges, the opportunity to create and be innovative to get us to where we are now. They still do challenge us, and we are grateful.

As for my staff, that they contribute in creative ways through their own experiences, their ability to learn and interact with customers in a very positive way, and much, much more. They have taught me as much as I have taught them.

 

8. Here’s a wacky question. What would your hypothetical three biggest wishes for the future be?

Wacky, is it?

Well, my first wish would be for Chagall to be on top despite the many challenges and threats (both friendly and unfriendly) that continue to beset us.

My second wish would be to be content with what has been achieved and improve on quality.

My third wish would be to be in good health for me to carry the Chagall Flag for many, many years to come.

All three wishes are to do with the present, and more pertinently the future. They are as valid as they were when I first formed them in the back of my mind a long time ago.

 

9. What are your current plans and your (not so distant) future plans?

Currently, to enhance our skills and experiences as those are what make actual and prospective customers appreciate. How can we achieve that? By transforming ourselves to a truly top-end professional personal care service.

With regard to the not so distant future, our plan would be to progressively educate people about the fact that this is a noble profession and that’s why there are top end salons that cater to their demands here and there.

We would like also to encourage our children to take a second look at this profession, to not belittle it and consider it as beneath their dignity. That has everything to do with sweeping aside prejudice and preconceived mindsets and I believe we can do it, if we set our hearts and minds to it.

 

10. Any words of wisdom or points to ponder, looking back?

Always be yourself, right within the image you have created for yourself, and never forget those who have been in your life and career. I have stuck to that credo. It’s worked wonders, I can tell you that much.