Successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, Nawal Joz, gives an insight into running a beauty empire.
Please tell us a little about yourself – what is your background and how long have you been with Joz Salon & Spa?
I’m the managing director of Joz Group and I’ve been with the company for the past 10 years.
I have 15 years of experience as an organisational developer, businesswoman, coach, consultant and trainer. I completed my MBA with Summa Cum Laude Honors from NYIT New York and my core responsibilities have been in profit maximisation, quality control, lean management, company growth and development.
What made you go into the salon business and why?
Today, making the best of yourself is a requirement, professionally. You need to be able to rival Kim Kardashian on the red carpet – big hair, perfect skin and nails, and flawlessly applied make-up. Being an entrepreneur runs in my blood. This business is not only my passion but it also helps me take care of my social responsibility of fulfilling all the community needs.
What products and services does Joz offer? How many branches do you have in Bahrain?
We have a total of seven branches: four for Joz Salon & Spa; two for our men’s brand Top Cut, all of which provide services for nails, skin, hair, body and barber; and one for TONI&GUY – hairdressing only.
What is Joz’s unique selling point – what makes it standout from the competition?
One of our favourite unique selling points is respect for our customers. I’ve instructed my staff to treat clients like they were guests in my own home. It reflects the gratitude that transcends a simple business transaction and seeks to foster a long-term relationship with others.
Respect for your employees is equally important. The best employers provide a work environment where each staff member feels the organisation and their direct leader respects their dignity and the value of their contributions to the business.
And what makes us different from others is that we always strive to be the leader in our business. We believe in real innovation, whether it’s in products, services or a business model; we as a pioneer in the beauty industry are constantly re-inventing the market.
What is your aim for this year? Are there plans of expansion, in terms of services or branches?
Definitely our aim for expansion has been drastic and I’m working very passionately with my team. As a result, we have already added one more branch for Joz men’s salon in Juffair, which has been operational since June. We’ve also renovated our Top Cut barber’s shop in Hamala, which is now fully operational with additional services for nails and body. Furthermore, we’re working on adding mobile spa services to our menu and we hope to start it on a trial basis by this quarter end.
What is your business philosophy and what makes it so successful?
To do something important! As a business endeavour, I’ve always believed to make the world a better place, even if your world is only local and your idea helps a relatively small number of people or organisations. Put forward a vision, a mission, a passion that you, your employees, suppliers, business partners, customers and everyone, can really rally around.
What advice would you give to young, women entrepreneurs in Bahrain?
Grow your business. Focus and execute. Get out of bed every day, get to work and make progress. And remember the goal of a business is to make money. Growth and profits fund jobs for you, your people and suppliers, great products and services that help your customers succeed.
Do your best every day and never, ever give up. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
What are your three tips for women to look and feel their best?
No matter how many birthdays you’ve had, age is just a number. What matters most is to feel and look your best. Protect your skin and hair; watch your diet and sleep well; stay active and manage stress.
