Lakme Academy shaping Next-Gen Professionals with Popular Beauty Courses: Sandip Weling

In this exclusive interview, Sandip Weling, the Chief Business Officer at Aptech Ltd and Brand Custodian of Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech shared insights into the academy's evolution and its impact on the beauty and cosmetology industry.

In an exclusive interview Sandip Weling, the Chief Business Officer (Global Business Retail) at Aptech Ltd and Brand Custodian of Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech, Shiksha.com gathered some enlightening insights about the evolving beauty industry.

Weling shared insights into the academy's evolution and its impact on the beauty and cosmetology industry. Over the years, Lakmé Academy has emerged as one of India's leading institutes for beauty training, offering a wide range of industry-aligned courses. From practical exposure at prestigious events like Lakmé Fashion Week to specialized courses in makeup, hair, and cosmetology, Lakmé Academy is dedicated to shaping the next generation of professionals in the booming beauty and wellness industry. Check out some important excerpts from the interview below:

Q: Can you share how Lakmé Academy has evolved over the years in terms of training and course offerings in beauty and cosmetology?

A: Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech today is one of the leading professional beauty training institutes in India, particularly in the organised beauty & wellness industry offering industry-aligned courses designed to nurture the next generation of professionals in makeup, skin, hair, nails and cosmetology. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive training that equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed in a competitive industry. India's beauty and personal care market are projected to reach $30 billion by 2027, constituting about 5% of the global market, as reported by Redseer Strategy Consultants and Peak XV. Remarkably, the Indian beauty market is advancing at a rate twice as fast as FMCG-led brands and is outpacing the growth of the US and European markets. Currently ranked as the 10th fastest-growing market globally, the health, beauty, and wellness industry are thriving, driven by a burgeoning affluent and middle-class population considering beauty and wellness, essential. The rejuvenation segment, once deemed a luxury, is now acknowledged crucial for stress management. The beauty & wellness industry has positioned the sector not only as a thriving market but also as a significant employment creator over the last decade. Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech will continue to produce skilled manpower, it will play a transformative role in elevating India's standing in the global beauty arena by providing top-notch education, nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, and emphasizing technological integration.

Q: What are the most popular courses at Lakmé Academy, and how do they prepare students for the professional beauty industry?

A: Makeup, hair and cosmetology are among our most sought-after courses. Some of our most popular course modules at Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech include:

1. Advanced Media & Fashion Makeup Artistry: Designed for aspiring makeup professionals looking to carve their niche in the dynamic world of fashion and media, this course plays a key role in high-profile events such as runway shows, fashion photography, and editorial shoots. It involves creating bold, trendsetting looks that not only complement haute couture designs but also express the artistic visions of designers and stylists.

2. Foundation Course in Makeup Artistry: The foundation course in Makeup takes one through the fundamentals of Makeup skills and provides elementary training in professional Makeup like Party Makeup, Corporate Makeup, and Makeup for special occasions.
3. Certificate Course in Advanced Makeup Artistry: The advanced makeup course gives a deeper understanding of advanced makeup concepts, enabling students to succeed as professional makeup artists in the beauty industry. Students are taught about the latest makeup trends so that they gain expertise and can deliver advanced makeup solutions.
4. Professional Makeup Course with Global Trends: Trains and grooms to deliver advanced Makeup services like bridal makeup, Hi-definition, airbrush, Fantasy Makeup, and hi-fashion Makeup. On successful completion of Lakmé Academy’s make up course, students can work as independent Makeup artists, be associated with a reputed Salon, Makeup artist for Bollywood celebrities, Makeup consultant, educators or work as entrepreneurs.
5. Foundation & Certificate Courses in Hair Dressing: Any beauty course is incomplete without learning the basics of hair style and hair care. Straight or curls, bob or pixie, ponytail, or braids - behind every hairstyle there is an expert hairdresser. A trendy hairstyle requires healthy hair and to get healthy hair, you need a professional touch.
6. Advanced course in Professional Hairstyle Artistry: The Advanced Hair Professional Hairstyle Artistry is designed for hairstylists seeking to elevate their skills to an expert level. This course covers a broad spectrum of advanced techniques, starting from hair tools, equipment, and products, followed by essential topics like hair chemistry, blow-drying, curling methods, and intricate hairstyling for any occasion. Students will master techniques for creative hairstyles, colour placement based on face shape and haircut structure, and the artistic integration of themes.
7. Certificate course in Barbering and Grooming: Designed by Lakmé professionals, this hands-on course covers everything from fundamentals like hair science, head massage, hair spa, haircuts, colour, shaving, right through to more technical topics like keratin & hair Botox. Each student who enrols in this course will be mentored to start their career in barbering or set up their own salon or become a celebrity men’s hairstylists.

In addition to these, our courses also include upgrades for nail extensions, eyelash extensions or hair extensions in scenarios where our students or professionals want a more holistic training approach to their careers.

Q: What is the Lakmé Academy Admission Process? What type of financial aid available for Lakmé aspirants?

A: Interested students can walk into their nearest Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech centre and enquire about admission or also visit our website (Lakmé-academy.com) and/or DM us on our social media handle @LakméAcademy to know more about their desired courses. We have an extensive footprint of 150+ Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech centres across India.

We do not have any minimum educational qualifications for the academy and students who generally apply are in between the age groups of 16 years to 45 years old. Some rare cases include much older fraternity members for instance we currently have a 53-year-old student as well, who is rekindling her passion for fashion & beauty through our academy!

We provide various financial aid to our students and have tied up with various industry partners to avail zero interest loans and financing options. Upfront, a student can pay a lump sum for the course or avail convenient EMIs based on their financial requirements. Furthermore, we have an ongoing collaboration with Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), giving certified courses to Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech students who can earn credits and use these for entrepreneurship later in their careers (under the Mudra Loans scheme of the Government of India) to start their salon or beauty ventures. These credits are internationally recognised and exercisable, and they can avail these benefits for government jobs as well.

Q: How does the academy ensure that its curriculum stays updated with the latest trends and technologies in the beauty and cosmetology industry?

A: Lakmé Academy offers certified, industry-recognized certification courses that can pave the way for a secure and fulfilling future in the beauty and hair industry. The course structure at Lakmé Academy is developed by National Creative Directors at Lakmé Lever. This means that the curriculum is crafted by industry experts who hold influential positions within the beauty and fashion domain, ensuring a comprehensive and industry-relevant learning experience.

Q: What makes Lakmé Academy unique compared to other beauty academies in the market?

A: Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech’s distinction lies in several key aspects:

• International and Class-Apart Curriculum: Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech prides itself on offering a curriculum that meets international standards. The educational content is designed to provide a class-apart learning experience, ensuring that students are equipped with skills and knowledge that are globally relevant and competitive.

• Backstage Exposure at Fashion Weeks: One unique feature of Lakmé Academy is the provision of backstage exposure at prestigious fashion weeks. This opportunity allows students to gain practical experience in real-world settings, enhancing their understanding of industry practices and trends.

• Trainer Rigorous Training by Lakmé Lever: The trainers at Lakmé Academy undergo rigorous training facilitated by Lakmé Lever. This ensures that the educators are well-versed in the latest techniques, trends, and standards set by one of the leading names in the beauty and cosmetics industry.

• Course Structure Designed by National Creative Directors at Lakmé Lever:

The course structure at Lakmé Academy is developed by National Creative Directors at Lakmé Lever. This means that the curriculum is crafted by industry experts who hold influential positions within the beauty and fashion domain, ensuring a comprehensive and industry-relevant learning experience.

These distinctive features collectively set Lakmé Academy apart by emphasizing a commitment to international standards, real-world exposure, expert trainer development, and a curriculum designed by industry leaders. The unique elements mentioned above contribute to the specialized and high-quality education provided by Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech.

Q: How do you ensure that students get practical exposure and hands-on experience during their training?

A: A very crucial aspect of the Aptech and Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech’s vision is providing education and experiences that are job-relevant, inudstry focused, and our curriculum reflects this ethos. Some key examples of giving practical exposure and hands-on experience for students during the course module includes:

• Lakmé Fashion Week: Our students of Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech get backstage experience at the Lakmé Fashion Week, which is the pinnacle of fashion & beauty events in India. They get to work with real models, real tools and have the experience of a high-pressure event environment with the LFW each year.
• NFDC’s Creative Minds of Tomorrow: Very recently, Aptech Limited collaborated with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) for the International Film Festival India 2024 wherein Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech students participated in the Creative Minds of Tomorrow competition in the theatrical beauty competition. 2 of our students also won, one from Meghalaya and Dwarka, New Delhi centres respectively and they got to experience the high stakes environment of an international film festival, winning the final competition with flying colours amongst 100+ students and participants!
• Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech students also participate every year in the India Designer Show and Global India Couture Week (GICW) contributing to the line up and performers with makeup, hair, fashion, beauty, nail, skin and styling – as and where required.

Q: Can you elaborate on the role of industry partnerships in shaping the curriculum and opportunities for Lakmé Academy students? & Q8. What opportunities do graduates from Lakmé Academy have in terms of placement, internships, and career development? Do they have collaboration with other international beauty product brands to get their students placed?

A: Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech offers 100% placement assistance. We have a dedicated industry connects (placements) team who collaborate regularly with recruiters and industry leaders to curate career development workshops, masterclasses, internship programs and much more. For instance, our students get on-ground internships at Lakmé Salons during their course. Furthermore, national and international brands have been our trusted placement partners which include Nykaa, Tira Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder Beauty, Dyson, Kaya Skil Clinic, Enrich, and many more.

Q: What is the average salary at entry level, on completion of their course?

A: Our students get placed at leading companies and salons ranging between INR 15,000 to INR 35,000 per month, and of course, this is dynamic keeping in mind market scenarios, their skillsets, and various other factors. Some of our students also actively seek freelance/ gig work and earn INR 50,000 upwards.

Q: How does Lakmé Academy support students in building a personal brand and succeeding as beauty professionals in a competitive market?

A: We believe in training our students for the outside world and not just in a specific course or modules. This includes in internalizing and inspiring them in their own selves through techniques and tools that can help them find long-term and sustainable sources of income. Our modules at Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech include a mix of hands-on trainings, internships, masterclasses and workshops that would prove beneficial for their professional future. We train them on building a portfolio, how they should manage their social media such as Instagram and YouTube, how can they network & market themselves and inspire them to become entrepreneurs, even!

Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech’s industry connect team is also working closely with the industry and each and every student to provide them end-to-end guidance on interview preparation, soft skills, professional demeanour and more till day 1 of their new jobs.

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