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In 1955 Maureen Hingert was crowned 1^st Runner-Up at the Miss Universe Pageant. Sixty-one years later a vibrant 24-year old teacher created history by becoming the 1^st Runner-Up at the recently concluded Miss Intercontinental Sri Lanka 2016. Her name is Tracy Ann De Zilva.

Like every other little girl Tracy had a dream of being a princess and wearing a beautiful crown. “My sister and I would spend countless hours dressing up and doing our hair and make-up and pretending that we were princesses from distant lands”, reminisces Tracy of her childhood. A student of Stafford International School, Tracy was always incredibly friendly and loves meeting new people, especially children. Small wonder then that she would pursue her studies in pre-school and sub-primary education before taking up a post as a teacher at the British School.

Tracy’s first step in to the glamorous world of modeling was for a cover-shoot of a wedding magazine, after which Ramani Fernando encouraged her to take part in the national pageant for Miss Intercontinental 2016 which is organized the Rotary Club. Tracy was selected as our sunny island’s representative of beauty with a cause from among 15 participants. “My experience of taking part in the national pageant was unforgettable. The responsibility of taking Sri Lanka to a global platform was also great, made even greater by the fact that the pageant was being held in my home country. But there was so much support and encouragement from my family and friends, and I was determined to make everyone proud”, says Tracy.

During the national and international pageant Tracy was trained by the likes of Dinesh Chandrasena among a host of other fashion industry stalwarts which she says gave her an edge of global participants from 60 nations. “The international pageant was a completely different experience to the national pageant. We had to wake up very early in the morning and there was so much to prepare for. Each day was a new experience and new challenge, and the most important part was wearing my best smile at all times. It was also a lot of fun to meet girls with so many different stories from around the world. Although we spent only a few weeks together, we have made lifelong friendships which are of the fondest things about the whole experience”.

“If not for my amazing support system, I would never have gotten this far. My parents and boyfriend Jeehan were constantly running up and down transporting me and my outfits. Jeehan has been just amazing and so understanding and my friends have also been there to encourage and cheer me on. I’m also extremely thankful to everyone at British School for being so warm and encouraging before and after the pageant.”

Being one of the humblest souls one would come across Tracy still feel that “the moment” was like a dream come true. She says at first she couldn’t believe her ears and was in a state of shock until they walked up to her with the sash and crown. One of the best part post-pageant has been the warmth that Tracy has been embraced with from across Sri Lanka. “It is absolutely adorable how my 6-12 year old students who meet me anywhere come up to me and say they saw me on the news or on TV or on their parent’s phones.”

With the title comes many great responsibilities for Tracy. Not only is she now an ambassador for the country but is also required to give of her time and efforts to various charity programs. Balancing her career, education (she is currently following a degree in Business Management), love for rifle-shooting and being a role-model for young women and girls from around the globe, Tracy finds little time for herself. Yet she has an interesting set of future plans for herself which range from participating in one more international pageant, eventually taking over her family business and building a school for underprivileged children in a rural area in Sri Lanka.

One of Tracy’s most striking features is her smile that lights up her entire face and seems to come from deep within her heart. With it she indeed captured the hearts of fellow contestants who voted her Miss Personality at the national pageant. At the international pageant judges were blown away by her intelligence and simplicity, and now a nation looks up to her. Yet she remains rooted and true to herself. She laughs genuinely even at the smallest joke and her laughter resonates with a love for life.

Here’s just a little bit of the vibrant personality that is Tracy Ann Zilva…

Box Information

Full Name: Tracy Ann De Zilva

DOB: 5^th December 1992

School: Stafford International School

Profession: Teacher at British School in Colombo

Family: Parents and Sister

Pets: Dog – Sparky

Hobbies: Solo Singing, Free-Style Dancing, Eating and Rifle Shooting

Song That Describes Tracy: “Cool Girl” by Tove Lo

Role Models: Her Parents

Life Quote: “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.”

Favourites

• Movie: The Great Gatsby
• Food: Chinese
• Person: Her Boyfriend Jeehan

5 Most Important People in Your Life
Mum
Dad
Sister
Boyfriend
Grandma

4 Favourite Places to Travel To
Paris
Greece
Bahamas
Venice

3 Fears
Snakes
Thanatophobia (Fear of Death)
Fear of Losing a Loved One

2 Things You Can’t Live Without
Family
My Phone

1 Regret in Life
If I could go back to change the answer to the final question asked at the pageant.

 

By Nishu Hassim
Photo Credits: Suren Nimalan
Location: Bread Talk, Park Street, Colombo 2.

The long drive to Ravi Fernando’s home, which was cocooned in the suburbs of Colombo, was an entertaining one. Complete with numerous turns, sporadic bursts of traffic, dead ends, gravel traps, and confused murmurs emanating from the Uber driver, Google Maps itself seemed to lose interest as to where exactly I was.

But the challenging journey in rush-hour traffic served to be an excellent analogy of Ravi’s meteoric rise to the pinnacle of academia and the zenith of corporate success. The trip to the top was not a typical clichéd walk in the park. It was certainly potholed with challenges and inconveniences.

As I settled in comfortably into a chair, I took in the verdant surroundings, the cerulean sky, the crystal clear waters of the swimming pool, and the architectural marvel that was Ravi’s home, and wondered if it prepared me for the monologue to come.

It didn’t.

Sadly, the pages of this magazine won’t be enough to divulge the accomplishments of this man. Instead I hope to expand and drive home an important message that resides in Ravi’s consciousness, and hope to extend that burden to you, the reader.

In an earlier paragraph, I mentioned the word — monologue. This is because once Ravi gets started, he won’t stop; it’s this quintessential persistence that has helped him garner a list of eye-watering accomplishments, which includes: a Doctorate in Business Administration from the European Business School in Switzerland, A Master of Studies in Sustainable Leadership in 2014 & a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business in 2008/9 from Cambridge University; a MBA from the University of Colombo; and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK).

But I digress. Ravi’s accomplishments were never in question. As he sat brooding darkly for a minute, which looked somewhat ominous, like the black BMW in his garage, I wondered what he really was defined by. The short answer is Corporate action for climate change & Strategic Corporate Sustainability.

To put it simply — dark times are ahead. While the average individual has surely heard of global warming, deforestation, and the ozone layer dissipating, it has never been a real concern since these issues never have been the main focal point in mass media, and we are too busy with life in general.

But this is serious stuff; as per a Washington Post article from last year — “Twenty-one of the world’s 37 largest aquifers — in locations from India and China to the United States and France — have passed their sustainability tipping points, meaning more water was removed than replaced during the decade-long study period…”

What this means is that we are running out of water at an alarming rate. As fantastical and alarmist as this sounds, the fact of the matter is that the lives of the next few generations are at stake by 2025 unless we take steps to reverse the harm we are doing to planet Earth.

While the glut of world leaders have been dozing off when it comes to the issues of climate change, it is China that has taken itself to task by closing down 1,000 coal power plants, launching ‘no roof left behind’ a program to put solar power on every roof and the Green wall program to reforest China. There is a shift happening albeit quite slowly, and it is a change that needs to happen with a sense of alacrity.

Ravi noted that Sri Lanka needs to change its mindset to ensure that the current and orthodox type of businesses can flourish while paying precedence to sustainability. This is a task he unequivocally leaves in the hands of the millennial generation. After all, it is their future we are talking about here; their future and the future of the planet.

This is where Ravi’s philosophical expertise comes into play; the present millennial generation, which places more importance on all things green, can and should spearhead a movement that treasures the protection of the environment. While the capitalist structure throughout the last few decades championed the cause of profit at any cost, we are coerced into crafting sustainable businesses that are eco-friendly thanks to the sins of the past.

Ravi who at present is (the Operations Director of the Malaysia Blue Ocean Strategy Institute and is also) an Executive in Residence of the INSEAD Business School (Social Innovation Centre) in France is part of the environmental cognoscenti that is adroit and persuasive in changing the current mindset of global business leaders in its flagship AMP, International Directors programs in France, Singapore, Vietnam and China to embrace a sustainable future.

It is with the environment in mind that he had penned a virtuous and indeed pragmatic book aptly titled — Strategic Corporate Sustainability. It highlights 7 non-negotiable imperatives to ensure a sustainable business. The book per se offers his wealth of experience in the Blue Ocean Strategy concept; it also offers insight to readers on how business leaders and senior professionals can identify opportunities, and create new market spaces with the Blue Ocean Strategy formula while paying heed to the environment and sustainability.

It undoubtedly is an excellent book armed with practical examples and axioms that surely is a must-read for the business leaders and entrepreneurs of today. It was certainly an honor when he gifted a copy to me. But what was probably more endearing and heartfelt was his sincere appeal that was written in a strong and cursive hand —

To dear Rohitha,

Champion the cause of sustainable-minded leaders!

Ravi

By Michelle Alles

Ramani Ponnambalam is a unique lady and has proved this fact many times over by rising to the apex of her business career. She has served on the Board of McLarens Holdings Ltd and GAC Shipping Ltd. She is currently a Director of McBolon Polymer (Pvt) Ltd, Pidilite Lanka (Private) Limited and the Managing Director of Mcbertan (Pvt) Ltd. She is actively involved in Product Development, and Finance Planning.

She was appointed to the Board of Directors and also Audit Committees of Kingsbury PLC and Amaya Leisure PLC (Hayleys Group) and currently serves as a Director of Alliance Finance Co. PLC. She and her husband, Bri Ponnambalam are avid fans of Classic cars and she is also the President of the Classic Car Club of Ceylon and the only lady in Sri Lanka to achieve this rare honour. A former student of Bishops College, she holds a Diploma in Directorship – Singapore Management University. This eminently successful career-woman still makes the time to reach out to the less fortunate. Esteem Magazine stopped by to chat with this intriguing and illustrious personage.

 Tell us more about yourself and your career.  

At school, I was the Senior College Prefect, House Captain, the English Literary Society President and the Table Tennis Captain. After leaving school, I wanted to do journalism and wrote for the Daily Observer, as it was called at the time. I was also the winner of the Kanthi Wijemanne Memorial Prize for English Writing Skills. However, this didn’t last very long as I got involved in pursuing various business with my husband, and my writing career took a backseat. Since then, I’ve been actively involved at the executive level of my present company and it is tri-party partnership between my husband, and myself, along with McLarens Holdings and Alliance Finance Co. PLC. We started this manufacturing company 20 years ago. Macbertan is the Manufacturer of McFoil Roof Insulation, McFoam Packaging Material, PBL / ABL Tubes and Air Bubble packaging Sheets. Macbertan has an island wide dealer network of around 5,600 dealers to distribute our products. The factory is in Ja-ela and we have around 300 employees. We have grown into other Manufacturing Operations as well which are mainly into building products.

Macbertan is also the local partner of a Jt Venture with Pidilite Singapore & Pidilite Dubai for Manufacturing of “Fevicol” adhesives in Sri Lanka.

We have a loyal team and are very keen on quality as well as service. Macbertan was the first Plastic processing Company in Sri Lanka to be certified by Sri Lanka Standards Institution for EMS 14001: 2004 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Safety) and is also certified for ISO 9001:2008 quality Standards. We have also won many corporate awards, such as the Overall Best Performing Company – McLarens Group 2015/2016, Ceylon National Chamber of Industry (CNCI) Achiever Award – National Gold Award 2015, Sri Lanka Chamber of Small & Medium Industries (SLCSMI) – Industrial Excellence Award 2014 – Platinum Award, CIOB Green Mark Gold Certificate – 2015 and the National Business Excellence Merit Award 2015. We also have been very strong on environment protection and are very much into CSR activities. The areas I’m in are quite diversified; other than this, I also serve as a Non-Executive Director & Audit Committee Member for Kingsbury PLC and Amaya Leisure PLC (Hayleys Group), a Board Member of the Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce and very committed to seeing today’s women assuming positions of leadership in the business world, a Non-Executive Director – Alliance Finance Co. PLC and Director at Pidilite Lanka (Pvt) Limited, a BOI approved Manufacturing Company. I’m also committed to Church activities and was Founder Committee Member and continue to serve in the Committees of two Homes for Disadvantaged Children based in Wattala.

Talk about your passion for cars

I became the President of the Classic Car Club of Ceylon this year and I am honoured by this office. My husband and I are passionate collectors and restorers of heritage cars, and we organise many events for the Club. This is the 25^th year of the club and I’ve served on the committee since its inception. I recently travelled to Paris to participate in the 50^th General Assembly of the Governing Body of Classic Cars in France known as FIVA.

During this visit I was happy to also attend the first Ever Vintage & Classic Car display at UNESCO Grounds in PARIS which was in honour of the FIVA 50^th year Celebrations

As far as I am aware there is only one other lady President among the world wide Member Clubs of FIVA and in this male-dominated assembly, I’m privileged to be there.

When you were 20, where did you see yourself in a decade?

I thought I was going to be a journalist or an author, but life had different plans for me! I still love reading good books and my sports…I try to keep fit as much as I can by walking and playing badminton.  It’s not always easy to balance my busy schedule with outdoor activities, but I am very focused on keeping myself healthy.

You’ve been in top-level management for many years. How do you stay motivated?

I pursue perfection; I set goals for myself and work towards achieving them. The need to have anything at a very high level is what motivates me. The importance of teamwork has been stressed over the years countless times and I’m thankful for my loyal and excellent team.

What are the non-negotiable parts of your organizational culture?

I would never compromise on quality to try to reduce prices to compete with other market participants.

 After many years as a business leader, what choices will you be making for your own future in the next decade?

I’m currently seeing a new manufacturing operation off the ground next year. I’m very satisfied with what I’ve achieved so far and would like to look at training the next generation of leaders.

By Michelle Alles

While most eight year old girls were playing with Barbie dolls and dressing up, Melissa Stephen was memorizing her first rap CD. A wholesome and refreshing mix of girly and tomboy, Melissa hung out with me for a glimpse into her mind about growing up and living in three countries, why she chose to become a rap artist, her favourite ‘boys’, Major and Mango, and her other career as a dog psychologist.

Melissa, how did you get your start in music?

My dad, Tony Stephen was a musician as well and I used to perform at the hotel he worked at in The Maldives. I guess singing to large crowds at an early age gave me the foundation to be a confident and engaging entertainer.  I recall attempting to write songs even at an early age, but can’t for the life of me remember what I wrote! We moved to Singapore during the war because my dad wanted us to have a safe environment to finish our studies, so my song writing kinda took a backseat, but at 14 I started writing my own lyrics again. Being much older, I had more stuff to tell! I was also listening to more rap artists like Jay Z and could relate to the message in their music. I’d perform at most of the family occasions and school events just for the pure pleasure of rapping all the time. My friends would bug me so much saying that I can’t rap because I’m not African-American and I’m a girl, but I kept doing my thing and writing lyrics, even during classes at school when I probably should have been studying! When I entered Deakin University to do my Bachelor in Creative Arts, I’d always try to incorporate my love of rap into whatever I did. I came across this competition online and sent my demo to Grammy award winning producer Scott Matthews; I got selected and that’s how my first single ‘Believe’ came about.  That was the start of my professional career as a rap artist.

Why did you choose rap and what inspires your sound?

I’m fascinated by a music genre where you can work to a rhythm that’s almost poetic. It’s kinda like singing and poetry smacked together, with really awesome beats that you can move and dance to.

Even if rap is in a different language, I’m will still be moved by it in some sort of way, because music is universal at the end of the day. Rap resonates with me the best because I’m not a great singer and I don’t really play any instruments except for a bit of drums, but when I hear a really good beat, I get inspired by it. As for what inspires my sound, I’d say it has a mixture to do with the three countries I’ve lived and grown up in. My main inspiration would be Lupe Fiasco and Jay Z. I’m also my own critic, which helps me evolve and improve.

How did the ‘Victory’ as the Equal Ground anthem come about?

I worked with Pasan Liyanage on the track. I got to know that I was going to perform at Artwalk, however I didn’t know yet as to which segment. When I met Rosanna Flamer-Caldera and played the song for her, she loved it and said they wanted it as the anthem for Equal Ground. That was the best news ever as I really wanted my music to be attached to a cause. The LGBT community was a great choice because I fully support the cause as most of my friends are from that community as well. I’d say this basically chose me instead of the other way around, but that’s great because it worked out perfectly. These barriers are on their way to being broken and that is absolutely fantastic.

What do you do when you’re not making music?

I am a dog behaviourist; you could say I have a gift with dogs. I run a company called ‘Dog Time’ which is a canine friend training service where I help people better their relationships with their pets. Major, my Staffordshire bull terrier is one of the friendliest dogs on the planet and now I have another which walked into my life, his name is Mango and he’s one of the most adorable dachshunds you’ll ever meet.

How do you feel you differ from other artists?

Everyone has their own story and I think that to a certain extent, mine is unique. First of all, I’m a Sri Lankan girl who spent most of her childhood in The Maldives and has lived in Singapore and Australia and hasn’t really been to the US, but is a female rap artist! So I have this whole cocktail of experiences to incorporate into my music and offer to the world.

What are your musical goals?

To get far enough where I can travel the world and make money and inspire people with my music, which would be the most amazing thing. I love to perform and I love being on stage, so if I can do that for the rest of my life, I’m good. I’m currently in the studio working on new music and planning an album; I can’t really say too much about it, but there’s definitely new stuff out for my fans next year!

What’s the best piece of advice someone ever gave you?

Make the music that you want to make and it doesn’t matter how other people feel about it. In the end, if you’re true to yourself and you’re making the music you want to make, there are people who are going to appreciate you for being you. Art is always controversial so with there’ll be people who love you and hate you and that’s okay because you need the haters as much as you need your fans!

Any Final Shout-Outs?

My family for their encouragement; they have been super-supportive. It’s not every parent who encourages their 8 year old daughter to rap!  They never forced me to be more girly; they just let me be myself. I also have this awesome group of friends who support me I love them to the moon and back; I’m not going to mention names, they know who they are!

To know more on Melissa, check out her pages and buy her music on:

• Buy – iTunes, Amazon
• Stream – Spotify, 8tracks, Tidal Discovery, Soundcloud.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/Melcstephen

Facebook.com/melissastephenofficial

Instagram.com/melissastephenofficial

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.