Pradip Bhandaary’s story is one of unwavering determination, relentless passion, and a remarkable journey from modest roots to the pinnacle of the glamour world.
Born into a family where his father Shivaram Bhandary was a barber and owner of two small salons in the town of Dombivli, Pradip was no stranger to hard work and dedication.
Despite his mischievous nature, which often earned him reprimands, he was the apple of his family’s eye.
Pradip’s academic journey saw him completing his 12th standard in commerce, but his true calling lay elsewhere.
Inspired by his father’s relentless work ethic and his elder brother Praveen’s dedication to helping at the family salon, Pradip was eager to learn the trade.
After completing his 10th grade, he juggled various jobs as a milkman, newspaper delivery boy, and courier, all while learning the art of barbering from his father.
While hair cutting came naturally to him, mastering beard shaping was a challenge that brought numerous scoldings from his dad.
His father’s words, “Ye kaam kabhi as a profession nahi kiya toh bhi chalega lekin sikh ke rakhna,” resonated deeply with Pradip and set the course for his future.
Recognizing Pradip’s potential, his father enrolled him in a female hairdressing course in Vikroli, a significant investment of ₹35,000 in 2006.
This opportunity opened doors to the glamorous world and ignited Pradip’s ambition.
Pradip aspired to work with a renowned family friend, one of the top hair stylists in the industry. With his father’s introduction, Pradip joined the salon, starting from the bottom as a helper.
Through sheer hard work and talent, he rose to become one of the top stylists, eventually managing multiple branches.
However, internal politics and conspiracies forced him to leave and carve out a new path.
With a heart full of dreams and a client base to support him, Pradip decided to start his own salon. Pooling all his savings, he partnered with a friend to open a new place.
Yet, the partnership soon soured due to his partner’s greed, leaving Pradip betrayed and without legal recourse.
This harsh lesson taught him that “there is never brotherhood in business.”
Refusing to be defeated, Pradip started anew, this time with financial backing from his mother, who mortgaged her gold jewelry, and unwavering support from his brothers.
He also drew strength from his close friends, who stood by him through thick and thin.
Pradip’s salon, “Paddies,” faced significant hurdles, from road closures by BMC to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought immense financial loss.
Despite these challenges, Pradip’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to dream big, experimenting with various business strategies during the global crisis.
Determined to excel, Pradip further honed his skills by completing advanced courses with Diploma in L’Oréal in 2010 and London School of Barbering in 2017. This training elevated his expertise and opened new avenues.
‘Pradip Bhandaary is the ‘Director at ‘Paddie Hair And More (OPC) Pvt Ltd and his dream outlet ‘Paddie Hair And More is located at Juhu Road , opp Billabong School near BSNL Gate, Santacruz West, Mumbai – 49.
Pradip Bhandaary’s journey from a small-town boy to a celebrated hairstylist in the glamour industry is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
His story inspires anyone who dares to dream big and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.
Post-lockdown, Pradip worked tirelessly to revive his business. His perseverance paid off, and today, his salon is not only stabilizing but also experiencing consistent growth.
Pradip has built a prestigious client base, including TV celebrities, singers, directors, actors, producers, and composers.
Courtesy : In Conversation with Pradip Bhandaary, one of the top hair stylists’ at his outlet ‘Paddie Hair And More’ Juhu Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai.