At an age when many girls are still just finishing their studies, Bahraini entrepreneur Yara Salman, 21, is already the boss of one successful business, Yara Beauty Lounge, with more on the way. She told WTM the secrets of her success.
How did you become involved in beauty and wellness?
Growing up around business-oriented parents I was always inspired by their determination to become a success. I believe in finding every opportunity to turn something into a business venture and that’s how I came up with the idea of establishing something that was elite and at the same time provides ladies with the latest beauty treatments in the Kingdom; a combination that is very rare to find today.
When and how did you decided to open your salon?
By the age of 17, I had graduated from St Christopher’s School and had an option to study overseas or study and work as well, in Bahrain. Setting up a business of my own and studying were both my priority at that phase and honestly, it was not easy. It was a struggle in the beginning to have a proper balance between studies and work as I had to give up on my social life and focus only on my priorities, but eventually everything fell into place and it was all worth my sacrifice and hard work.
I decided to launch YBL since I wanted to offer the consumers of Bahrain a unique concept. I wanted YBL to be the first and largest five-star establishment of its kind to be launched in Amwaj and I can proudly say I have succeeded in doing that.
Are any other members of your family involved in the business?
I belong to a family with business in our blood line. I have inherited my business skills from my father Jameel Ali Salman, founder of JAS Group. My mother, Dr Hala Alsayed, is a well-known dental consultant and my elder brother Mohamed Salman will be opening an exclusive entertainment lounge this month.
I did have an option to choose between following my father’s or mother’s footsteps, so I decided to do a combination of both along with my personal charisma.
How long did it take to get up and running from the time you decided to going into business?
I always wanted to do something unique and different and, after endless travelling and research, I knew I wanted to propose to Bahrain a very different concept.
Honestly, under the constant supervision of my father and his expert skills, I was lucky enough to launch my beauty lounge in a very short period of time.
The beauty lounge is very glamorous looking, who designed it and where did you source your materials?
My taste I would say is very bold and simple. ‘All white’ is my signature. The founder of Unisono, Mr Liam, who is also a great friend and entrepreneur, ensured he could put my ideas into life. With his expertise of taste and touch, he definitely knew what I was looking for.
Are you a qualified therapist of any kind yourself?
No; although I like to keep myself updated with the latest trends of beauty, fitness and cosmetics. I also like to study about professional personnel’s practices and tend to hire only the best.
You offer the new cryotherapy, how did you hear about this? Have you tried it yourself?
I have personally tried Cyro a while ago in the US and then again in Dubai. It was something worth introducing in Bahrain.
CRYOtherapy is a non-invasive alternative method of beauty enhancement and a ‘no work-out’ way of losing weight by helping the body increase its metabolism – burning up to 1,000 calories per session! It has been effective in cellulite reduction as intense cold temperatures help produce collagen which makes skin firm and tight. The process has anti-inflammatory properties, can decrease soreness in a post work-out state, is effective for anti-aging and muscular recovery, helps increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and strengthens muscle and joint functions.
Its health benefits include boosting athletic performance, with increased circulation and lymphatic drainage. CRYOtheraphy reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and is especially beneficial for athletes as it improves muscle strength and joint function.
Among its many dedicated fans are Hollywood actress Demi Moore and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Do you plan any other unusual therapies for the future?
Currently, I am working on something that’s volume and capacity is extraordinarily huge. I have invested more than BD2 million to introduce a concept that will be completely luxurious, unique and everything will be imported internationally.
Since we all are aware Bahrain is a small country and people are bored of their routine lives; I have been working day and night to give Bahrain something that is completely new. I believe in making ‘impossible’ things possible and that’s my motto in life.
I cannot disclose further details, but I am trying my best to launch it by the beginning of 2016.
Do you have plans for expansion?
Currently I am working on two big new projects. After a detailed market study and several innovative ideas, my brother and myself will be launching two different businesses very soon.
Ever since we were kids, my brother and I have always looked up at our father and worked closely with him. We eventually decided to become business partners and, ever since then, for the past two years our lives have revolved around our careers and we have got very deeply involved in my father’s group of companies. During the past two years we decided to conduct a revamp for our restaurants, Burgerland and lamarine seafood restaurant. During this phase, we also came to realise that the both of us make a really good team. By the beginning of 2016 my brother will launch an entertainment lounge which includes a gourmet restaurant and separate café.
The other project I have been working on for the past year and a half is related again to the beauty industry but more towards the medical side. We are also expecting to have a soft opening by the beginning of 2016. The reason it is taking so much time is due to the amount of research and study we have put into it. Travelling from one country to another, interviewing candidates and working hard on achieving the most luxurious interiors ever made in Bahrain; we are definitely looking forward to opening something different in Bahrain.
What is your own favourite treatment and why?
I personally have no favourite treatments as such. I love getting dolled up and glammed and I enjoy anything related to beauty such as hair, nails and tanning. I even love experimenting with treatments; if ever I come across anything good, I like to introduce it at YBL.
How do you relax? What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy going to the gym or even for a jog by the beach. I have recently realised that a 20 minute jog a day would really release all my stress and tension from work.
