Jyoti Hair Salon

My shop, Jyoti Hair Salon, sits right in the heart of Budhwar Peth here in Solapur. If you know where the State Bank of India is, you’ve probably walked right past us at some point. It’s a busy corner in Balivase, and we’ve been part of this neighborhood for a good while now. I open up the shutters every morning and start by cleaning the mirrors. There’s always dust from the road, but that’s just part of being in this area. We aren't one of those big, flashy places you see in malls. It’s just a straightforward spot with a few chairs and the basic tools we need. Most of the people who come in are folks I’ve known for years. They stop by for a quick trim or a shave before heading to work or after finishing their business at the bank nearby. I like the pace here. Sometimes it’s quiet and I can sit for a minute, other times there’s a line and I’m on my feet for hours. Solapur gets pretty warm, so having a place to sit and get a haircut is good for the locals. I don’t use any fancy talk or try to sell products nobody needs. I just focus on the hair and making sure everyone leaves looking a bit neater than they did when they walked in. It’s simple work, but it keeps me busy and connected to the people around Budhwar Peth. It’s been my life for years.