Multifaceted beauty professional and entrepreneur, Vandana Kaushal, is redefining beauty and changing the landscape of spa service in Nigeria.

For almost two decades in the beauty industry, Kaushal has established herself as one of the authorities in the industry.

With her opening of Saalt Spa and Wellness in Landmark, Lagos, she has made another step forward in spreading wellness.

Kaushal story is reflective of her dedication to building a community in the evolving beauty industry. With a passion for academia and entrepreneurship, her innovative approach, coupled with her ambition, has all the markings of what makes a successful leader. Striving for excellence and inclusion, her journey is proof of the power of vision, determination, and, most importantly, the transformative nature of beauty.

In 2006, she decided to move from India to Nigeria as a foreign national. Just over a decade later, she launched Studio Strands, this venture marked the beginning of her successful foray into the beauty and wellness industry in Nigeria. The success of Studio Strands led to the establishment of a second branch, Studio Stylish in Victoria Island in October 2016. Through each venture, her entrepreneurial spirit continued to flourish.

Speaking with The Guardian during the launch of Saalt Spa, she said: “I have been on this journey for over a decade and it’s a journey that will not end. I have been in the business of salons and spas for almost a decade; the first branch was opened in 2015, another one followed and then a branch in Abuja. Saalt Spa is one of its kind in Lagos; the treatment I put together with salt products, which is to rejuvenate the skin is a must-try.

“Salt is life, nothing can be enjoyed without salt in it; there is so much salt can do to your skin. Salt repairs the tissues of the skin but many in the beauty industry have not explored this. We want people to experience the salt they eat being applied to their bodies, making them more beautiful.

On her thoughts on the Nigerian beauty industry, she said: “I have been in Nigeria for 19 years and January 2025 will make it 20 years so, I started my professional career in Lagos; I am half Nigerian so, I appreciate Nigerians for who I am today. This land has given me so much. The Nigerian beauty industry is growing and will get better.

When asked her reason for opening the spa in Landmark after the beach had been closed, she said: “The commitment and contract between Landmark and myself had been signed before the damage was done but like how we don’t leave our family members when something goes wrong, we want to stick with Landmark and I believe that it doesn’t make any difference.

On her part, Mope Abudu who graced the opening, said: “When you get to a certain age, you will realize that you will need to manage stress. I dwell more on the health aspect instead of beauty so, anything to relieve stress, feel good, self-love, to rejuvenate, I am all of that.

“The cost may be the reason Nigerians don’t go to spas but if they realise that what they are paying for rejuvenates their internal energy, they will appreciate.