-Sudarshana Raju
Chennai: In his session on how a lifestyle business group is evolving as a successful entity holding various brands from various genres, Blessing A Manikandan, CEO of Lifestyle group spoke on various aspects during the ‘Straight Talk’ organized by Medianews4U.
Starting his session on Manikandan shared his rich experience of more than two decades of strategizing, implementing and executing work experience with leading organizations in branding, advertising, marketing, strategy, public/ media relations, media planning & buying, operations, franchise, business consulting, retail and more. He shared his innovative and effective profit maximization strategies as well as the ability to lead a high performing team and organization.
He also explained how, as a key contributor to the branding, advertising, marketing, operations and business development of large and medium firms. He touched upon industries such as advertising, textile, telecom, healthcare, salon, wellness, education, retail, electronics, real estate, consulting and others, where he had delivered for the growth aspects in market share expansion, channels and franchise, bottom-line results and more. He is currently serving as the CEO of Paulsons Lifestyle Group, Chennai, which owns and operates brands like Toni &Guy, Slam Fitness, and more.
He has joined the group with 6 retail outlets which have grown manifold to more than 200 outlets in a span of just 5 years. According to him, he is aiming for expansion across all the Indian states and districts by the Year 2020 and go international as well.
“Stylists at Toni & Guy Essensuals are professionally trained by a senior style director. A professional stylists here, hold an extensive background and proven track record and continue to stay updated on new technologies and practices technicalities in hair. They constantly updating their clients look with the perfect colour, design and proper care.”, he said adding that “We are working on an extensive expansion of our brand, across India”.
“Our mission remains consistent — to offer higher education in hairdressing. We push the boundaries of hairdressing education, delivering quality, creativity, and consistency to every client. Our brand is dedicated to delivering legendary service to all of our clients. We are investing Tamil Nadu, which, according to us, is the safest part of the business.” Manikandan said that for the success of a business a brand must approach a platform that connects people and engage, for early stage. Toni& Guy, broadcasted their campaigns through the local channels and found that millennials are critical in branding strategy making. “They play a major role in the making of a global village. Among millennials, in our industry, 60% come for body shaping and beauty while the remaining 20%for skin and other than that for hair beauty. Millennials are dreaming in a fantastic way. As a brand owner we should engage them with branding. Motivate, modify, mentor the Millenials through your brand”, Manikandan concluded.
