Reena Beauty Parlour

My name is Reena Patel and I run this small parlour in Mhow. It’s right at Sath Rasta, very close to the Masjid. This place has been part of my life for a long time. Women from the neighborhood stop by for threading or a quick haircut. I don’t have a big team, it’s mostly just me and sometimes a helper when things get busy during wedding season. The shop isn't very large, but I’ve made it cozy with some curtains and pictures on the wall. People come in and tell me about their day while I work. It’s quiet in the mornings usually, but the afternoons get quite lively. Being near the mosque means there’s always people moving around outside. I use standard products that I know work well. I learned this work because I enjoyed it as a girl. Now it’s my way of making a living in Indore. Sometimes the light in the back room is a bit dim, but I manage. Customers are like friends now, we’ve known each other for years. If someone is in a hurry, I try to work faster, but I don’t like rushing. It’s a simple setup, just a couple of chairs and a sink. I keep my tools in a small drawer. It’s honest work and I’m glad to be here. My family helps me out with the cleaning on Sundays when we are closed.