NEOMI & MARIO The Quiet Architects of Goa's Grooming Revolution

It's not every day that a brand in the beauty industry feels as human as the people behind it. Yet, step into any Neomis salon, and there's an unmistakable sense of warmth, familiarity, and trust, something that glossy national chains often lack. These qualities aren't the result of clever marketing or imported strategies; they are the living values of its co-founders, Neomi and Mario, who together transformed Goa's grooming scene and introduced the concept of a true family salon to the state.

- By Rajesh Ghadge

Their journey is not just a tale of business growth but one of vision, grit, and deeply rooted passion, one that began long before the first haircut was ever done under the Neomis banner.

THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: A DREAM ROOTED IN TWO CITIES

"Yeah, it was started by both of us," Mario says, smiling as he reflects on the early days. "She was in Dubai, and I was working in Bombay. After gaining enough experience in the beauty and hair industry, we both knew it was time to come back and start something of our own." Neomi nods, adding, "The plans were already in place. I had spent almost three and a half years working in Dubai, and Mario was settled in Bombay. But both of us were clear that we wanted to return to Goa, start fresh, and build something that felt ours." Their return to Goa wasn't entirely blind. Neomi's brother, who was in finance with Anagram, had already established business contacts in the state. His connections and market understanding proved instrumental. "He had links with many people in the business world," Neomi explains. "Through him, we were able to get a sense of how the Goan market worked."

That insight was crucial - especially because, at that time, Goa's salon industry was still in its infancy. "When we did a market survey across Goa, particularly in Panjim, we noticed a stark gap," Mario explains. "Salons were either for ladies or for gents and there was nothing that catered to both under one roof. The only unisex setup we found was at Cidade Goa." "And even that," Neomi interject, "was part of a fivestar property. It wasn't a place where the everyday Goan felt comfortable walking in. It was too exclusive, too elite."