Leaders

More than just aes­thetics, today’s beauty and well­ness industry is rooted in science, service, and continual evolution. Consumer expectations today are highly susceptible to the constant­ly evolving trends and technol­ogies. Industry-aligned training programs serve as the backbone of this transformation, shaping professionals who not only deliver visible results at global standards but also contribute meaningfully to positively impact human lives.

Built on determination and constant evolution, some people reflect the true essence of perse­verance and humility. Janvi Meng­hani, Founder & Master Trainer, Cosmeza Beauty Institute, exem­plifies a woman forged by adversity and fuelled by vision. A beauty in­dustry veteran with over 20 years of experience, Janvi has grown into a respected senior training specialist with a track record in driving business growth, enhanc­ing customer relationships, and leading high-performing teams.

With a commerce background and specialization in salon manage­ment, she has successfully merged creative expertise with operational leadership mentoring talent, man­aging customer experience, and scaling growth within the beauty and wellness space.

Tell us about your two-decade-long experience in the beauty industry and the crucial turning points.

With a global portfolio of over 20 certifications, my professional education spans leading beauty institutions in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, and the UAE. I began my journey with little guidance and few mentors, and I witnessed how often financial gain took precedence over genuine skill-building.

This venture was born from a purpose-driven vision: to create a supportive ecosystem and life-changing opportunities for women in the beauty industry. Today, I strive to be the guide, offering structured mentorship, honest advice, and a clear path forward. However, the real breakthrough came when I transitioned into education, allowing me to expand my professional scope and approach. I take pride in saying that my life objectives have always been rooted in self-made success, and not from inherited privileges or family connections.

I started my business in India and later on moved to Dubai. Despite my dedication, the venture faced setbacks, and I could not achieve the positioning I had envisioned. During this time, I frequently travelled to Dubai to upskill and attend workshops. In 2020, I planned another visit for training, aiming to enhance my expertise further.

There was confusion and uncertainty, with initial plans to return us to India. Though I faced initial struggles, starting with a salon helped me gain perspective. What seemed like a disruption at first later revealed itself as a defining moment in my professional path.

What key areas of expertise have you developed as a cosmetics and beauty trainer?

My areas of expertise lie within the three pillars that are skincare, semi-permanent makeup, and overall salon management. Skincare has been my core area since the beginning of my career. I offer structured and full-spectrum training to practitioners across all levels. In the field of semi-permanent makeup, I pro­vide detailed instruction, certification and mentorship in modern techniques like microblading, micro shad­ing, and lip blushing, ensuring industry-ready skills aligned with global trends.

Another area that comes under my expertise is salon management, a critical space where many business-owners often struggle. I guide them through structured strategies to improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term growth. These three disciplines when combined together allow me to offer a support system in both mastering the craft and running businesses more efficiently.

My initial focus was on supporting women in the beauty industry, but now I have come to witness that men too often lack direction, support and guidance in this industry. Today, my work extends to both women and men, opening up pathways offering vision, mentorship, and direction to help them build purposeful and sustainable careers.

Highlight the key responsibilities you shoulder as the Founder of Cosmeza Beauty Institute.

Running a business means stepping into many roles, often without notice. From sales and procurement to client service and technical support, I readily step in as and when it is required. I adapt quickly to whatever the situation demands. This includes managing social media, addressing student issues, and even developing digital platforms, ensuring business continuity and responsiveness at all times. Whether it is finance, accounting, or even facility upkeep, I handle tasks that need immediate attention.

I do not reply on rigid role definitions, if something needs to be done and no one is available, I step in. I believe accountability cannot be delegated when it comes to your own business. I oversee and still manage many responsibilities and roles personally because I believe responsibility starts with me, it is the true essence of being an entrepreneur.

"Boldness in intention and action opens doors"

What challenges do you encounter while leading Cosmeza Beauty Institute? How do you tackle these challenges?

Preconceived biases and social hierarchies among nationalities can sometimes impact team cohesion and workplace harmony. Employ­ees from South Asian countries may face barriers to equitable recog­nition or advancement. Additionally, blending diverse perspectives from across Africa, the Philippines, and other regions requires strong leadership and intentional alignment strategies. Adapting to a multi­cultural team environment was one of my steepest learning curves.

Over the past three years, I have invested time in understanding diverse work styles, communication preferences, and cultural behaviours. Through mutual learning and structured leadership, I have successfully aligned the team to shared goals and expectations. What once felt like a challenge has become a valuable leadership transformation. It has been a journey of growth for all of us. I have also received immense support from well-wishers such as Mukesh Bablani, Business Partner, who helped me start my education venture in Dubai.

Over the years, what has been your ‘success mantra’?

I strongly believe that in order to succeed one must be honest with life, work and themselves about what they truly want. Often, opportunities are missed not because they do not exist, but because we hesitate to identify and ask. Boldness in intention and action opens doors. No one else can shape your purpose, you must define what you seek from your life and career. When you pursue it with unwavering focus and without fear of the unknown, you create your own pathway to success. This conviction has always motivated and worked for me. Clear communication and a defined vision in all phases of life leads one to their goals in the right direction.

How is the global beauty industry evolving? Which industry trends are you betting big on?

The beauty industry is currently one of the fastest-growing and most influential sectors globally. From makeup and skincare to nails and lashes, beauty services have taken over social media platforms. The digital presence reflects not just trends, but a thriving, high-demand industry with vast commercial opportunities. This sector thrives on consistency, reinvention, new trends, tools, and techniques emerge constantly, creating an exciting, dynamic and ever-changing work environment.

With high consumer demand and consistent market expansion, it remains one of the most lucrative sectors. One of its most attractive and compelling advantages is the cash-based revenue model it functions on; services are rendered, and payment is immediate, unlike many other industries that rely heavily on credit cycles.

What I admire most about the beauty industry is that it does not confine to rules or limits. It is an open space, rich with possibilities, welcoming individuals with talent from all walks of life. The diversity of opportunities attracts a wide talent pool, welcoming talent resources regardless of gender, and its strong upward trajectory, with growth tripling annually, makes it a captivating space for both professionals and investors.

Janvi Menghani, Director, Cosmeza Beauty Institute

With more than 20 years of professional experience and currently serving as the Director of Cosmeza Beauty Center and Cosmeza Beauty Institute in Dubai, Janvi Menghani brings deep-rooted experience to Beauty industry. Established as a seasoned training specialist, she combines technical excel­lence with strong business acumen establishing her hold in operations, HR and education within the beauty industry.