#WeAreSouthQueens - Bela Qadir
Presenting the story of Bela Qadir, owner of Bela Herbal Beauty which has multiple locations across the Richmond Hill area. Bela’s salons have been a staple in the community for decades now. Read about Bela, her short-lived career in medicine turned successful career as a business owner, and lessons she’d love to share with young entrepreneurs.
South Queens Women's March has been partnering with our friends at @itsinrichmondhill Queens Economic Development Corporation to feature women business owners in Richmond Hill and surrounding areas! Please like, share and engage with this post to uplift Bela’s journey!
: Debora Naudiea Chaves Chaitlalll for South Queens Women’s March
This series is the start of #WeAreSouthQueens, a larger project we are undergoing at SQWM to chronicle the stories and journeys of individuals who make our South Queens community what it is. Stay tuned for more!
#wearesouthqueens #itsinrichmondhill
Here is Bela's interview!
What inspired you to start your business?
"I'm originally from Bombay, India and moved to the United States 30 years ago. I started my career in the medical field back in India but when I migrated to the United States it was not that easy to complete my degree. I was deeply hurt when I left the medical profession. It was painful especially because I migrated here specifically with the purpose to study to become a doctor. Yet, I knew that women around the world always strived to be beautiful. Beauty inspired me. I admire beauty. I entered the beauty business to try to support women with their skin and hair."
What does a typical day look like for you?
"We are a routine business. We do threading, waxing and facials. I have 12-15 people working as staff. I have very beautiful and knowledgeable staff who do really good work and are very honest. I also have very honest customers."
As a woman-business owner, what kinds of challenges have you faced?
"Every business has challenges. My challenge is when clients enter the business and request something they want to get done like a henna tattoo with a specific type of design. We accept the challenge. They might come in for hairstyles and want a very specific type of style. They may bring in photos as samples. I love to take the challenge and provide them with the best quality services that I can offer."
What kinds of lessons have you learned?
"I've learned a lot of things in the beauty industry. I attend lots of seminars so that I can bring in new tips even from outside of our country. For example, a few weeks ago I was away in Dubai for an Expo. I am planning to open a salon in Dubai in the long-term future also!"
In addition to beauty services, what other kinds of products do you offer?
"We are actually selling new things for Ramadan coming up including hijabs and Islamic gowns. Also, I have a book I use to design all types of dresses for my boutique including Western clothing, Indian dresses, and Islamic dresses. We also have all kinds of jewelry. Most of these products are imported from Dubai and India."
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
"Do it with your whole heart and put passion into it. Leave all the doors open."Presenting the story of Bela Qadir, owner of Bela Herbal Beauty which has multiple locations across the Richmond Hill area. Bela’s salons have been a staple in the community for decades now. Read about Bela, her short-lived career in medicine turned successful career as a business owner, and lessons she’d love to share with young entrepreneurs.
South Queens Women's March has been partnering with our friends at @itsinrichmondhill Queens Economic Development Corporation to feature women business owners in Richmond Hill and surrounding areas! Please like, share and engage with this post to uplift Bela’s journey!
: Debora Naudiea Chaves Chaitlalll for South Queens Women’s March
This series is the start of #WeAreSouthQueens, a larger project we are undergoing at SQWM to chronicle the stories and journeys of individuals who make our South Queens community what it is. Stay tuned for more!
#wearesouthqueens #itsinrichmondhill
Here is Bela's interview!
What inspired you to start your business?
"I'm originally from Bombay, India and moved to the United States 30 years ago. I started my career in the medical field back in India but when I migrated to the United States it was not that easy to complete my degree. I was deeply hurt when I left the medical profession. It was painful especially because I migrated here specifically with the purpose to study to become a doctor. Yet, I knew that women around the world always strived to be beautiful. Beauty inspired me. I admire beauty. I entered the beauty business to try to support women with their skin and hair."
What does a typical day look like for you?
"We are a routine business. We do threading, waxing and facials. I have 12-15 people working as staff. I have very beautiful and knowledgeable staff who do really good work and are very honest. I also have very honest customers."
As a woman-business owner, what kinds of challenges have you faced?
"Every business has challenges. My challenge is when clients enter the business and request something they want to get done like a henna tattoo with a specific type of design. We accept the challenge. They might come in for hairstyles and want a very specific type of style. They may bring in photos as samples. I love to take the challenge and provide them with the best quality services that I can offer."
What kinds of lessons have you learned?
"I've learned a lot of things in the beauty industry. I attend lots of seminars so that I can bring in new tips even from outside of our country. For example, a few weeks ago I was away in Dubai for an Expo. I am planning to open a salon in Dubai in the long-term future also!"
In addition to beauty services, what other kinds of products do you offer?
"We are actually selling new things for Ramadan coming up including hijabs and Islamic gowns. Also, I have a book I use to design all types of dresses for my boutique including Western clothing, Indian dresses, and Islamic dresses. We also have all kinds of jewelry. Most of these products are imported from Dubai and India."
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
"Do it with your whole heart and put passion into it. Leave all the doors open."
