Mallika Pirani It Was In The Stars

Founder and Creative Director of VANNILLA Salon in Mumbai, Mallika Pirani was not looking for a career in the salon business. From being a Science graduate to taking up a diploma in hairdressing, Mallika’s journey has been full of surprises

Well-entrenched in the salon business for a decade now, looking back, Mallika Pirani shares, “After completing B.Sc in Zoology I was supposed to take the medical entrance exam, but my heart was not in it. So, a week before it, I decided to join BBLUNT Academy for a diploma course in hairdressing. It came as a shock to my family and friends. It was a big decision that proved to be the right one because within four months of the six-month course, I got an opportunity to participate in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy. Over the course of my career, I have been to Toni&Guy Singapore, twice – first for a collection class and later, for a short-term course. I also trained at Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, which was a dream come true. I am also fortunate to have attended several Look and Learn sessions and masterclasses by inspiring hairdressers, namely, Nathan Walker from Trevor Sorbie, Laurent Decreton, Team RUSH, Adhuna Bhabani, and Lethicia, amongst others.”

Your mentor

My dad is my inspiration when it comes to business, and the several success stories one learns about. However, I have also learnt a lot from every hairdresser I have met and worked with.

Role as L’Oréal ID artist