In the heart of Navi Mumbai, Time Machine Salon has emerged as one of the top five salons, earning its place among the elite with its unparalleled services and innovative approach. Founded by the vibrant and visionary Shine Janarthanan, this salon is more than just a place for beauty treatments; it’s a haven for transformation and rejuvenation. Known for its exceptional work and dedication to client satisfaction, Time Machine has garnered a loyal following and widespread acclaim. Recently, BBD correspondent Alisha had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Shine Janarthanan, delving into the inspirations and aspirations that drive this successful entrepreneur. Join us as we explore the journey of Time Machine and uncover the secrets behind its meteoric rise in the beauty industry.
Alisha: Tell me about your salon—Time Machine. It’s such a unique name! Can you share the story behind it?
Shine: Sure! I love seeing people’s reactions to the name “Time Machine.” A lot of people name their salons after themselves, but I didn’t want that.
Even though my name, Shine, could fit well in the industry, like “Shine On” or something similar, I wanted a name that really captured what we do. I wanted something that says we transform people. We brainstormed, and at one point, I saw an image of a circle where a person goes in and comes out transformed, like a time machine. “Time Machine” felt quirky, young, and unlike any other salon name out there. So, we decided to go with it!
Alisha: So, what inspired you to start your own salon, and how has the journey been?
Shine:. My mom was in the industry, but I was not exactly fascinated by the Salon industry initially. I actually completed my engineering degree, but there weren’t many job opportunities at the time due to the recession. I was at home, doing nothing, and I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in engineering or software.
That’s when I thought, why not try a course in hairdressing and see if I enjoyed it? I started training at BBLUNT, and from day one, I loved the experience. Working with hair, learning the techniques—it was all really exciting for me. After that, there was no looking back. My mom already had a salon, so I knew I’d eventually take over her responsibilities. She owned a ladies-only salon, Miss Millennium, which is still running today. But I wanted to open a unisex salon, which is why I went in a new direction with Time Machine.
The journey itself has been a wild ride, like a roller coaster. Running a business has its ups and downs; you’re not always moving upward. There are peaks, but then there are times when things dip, and that can be challenging. But it’s been such an adventure, full of lessons learned through both mistakes and achievements. Fourteen years later, I can honestly say I don’t regret a single bit of it.
Alisha: That’s truly inspiring. So, what sets Time Machine apart from other salons in the area?
Shine: Time Machine stands out because of our commitment to creativity and originality. We believe in inventing new styles and approaches rather than just replicating what’s already out there. I’m not a fan of copying trends, so we focus on creating unique looks and teaching that mindset to our team.
I like to think of our salon as a designer studio. It’s like the difference between a fashion house, say Manish Malhotra or Sabyasachi, and a generic brand. You won’t find us everywhere—we’re more about customization and personalization. We bring that designer touch to hairstyling, which makes Time Machine feel more like a studio than a standard salon.
Alisha:The beauty industry has evolved a lot. How do you stay ahead of trends while staying true to your personal style?
Shine: It’s been amazing to see how much the industry has evolved, but I still feel there’s room for even more growth and openness—from both hairstylists and clients. Personally, I’m passionate about setting my own trends rather than following others. Over the years, we’ve done our own bridal and color collections, and we aim to create new looks that clients can enjoy and feel unique in.
Fortunately, our clients trust us completely, so they’re often happy to let us experiment on them. They’re like our “guinea pigs” for trying out fresh ideas, which is a huge part of how we stay ahead.
Alisha : So, you’re the trendsetter!
Shine: I’d love to be seen that way! I’d definitely rather be a trendsetter than someone who just follows trends. Absolutely.
Alisha: Let’s talk a bit about your mom. She’s played a big role in your life. Can you share how she has influenced your journey, both personally and professionally?
Alisha: Let’s talk a bit about your mom. She’s played a big role in your life. Can you share how she has influenced your journey, both personally and professionally?
Shine: Absolutely. My mom started her salon when I was in the eighth grade, and she did it during a tough time in her life. She had lost her mother and was going through depression. I think my dad encouraged her to find something that would keep her busy and fulfill her creatively. We were older, in school and busy with tuitions, so she took the opportunity to train in the beauty industry and eventually opened her own salon.
She originally wanted to be a designer or work in beauty, and when my dad suggested beauty ,she took the leap and opened her salon, and she’s done amazingly well. At that time, there were very few salons, but she became one of the most well-known. Even now, if you ask around Vashi in Navi Mumbai, everyone knows my mom, Shanti Aunty. She has a charming personality and is very humble. She’s genuinely passionate about her work and has never done it for the money. If a client doesn’t need a service, she’ll say so honestly. I think that’s why clients trust her so much. She always says that if you’re honest in your work, money will follow, but integrity has to come first. I carry that with me in my own work—being true to clients and having passion for what you do matters most.
Her personality is very different from mine. She’s bubbly and loving, and people just feel this warm, positive energy around her. Clients adore being with her.
Alisha: What values and lessons from your mom do you bring into your work at the salon?
Shine: So many! Like I said, honesty is key. She’s shown me that if you’re honest and disciplined, the rest will come. Another big lesson is taking care of the team. She treats her team like family, and that’s something I’ve learned from her. Your team becomes your extended family, and looking after them is essential. Those are values I carry with me every day.
Alisha (BBD): What’s your favorite part about running the salon? Any particular moments with clients that have really stuck with you?
Shine: Honestly, every part of running the salon feels like an adventure. There are so many memorable moments with clients. I think the ones that really stay with me are often the simple things, like when clients appreciate the small touches. For example, we have a culture in the salon where everyone, including me, sweeps their own hair off the floor. A lot of clients admire that—they see me, as the owner, doing it, and they see that same attitude in the team. It’s a reminder to stay grounded and leave ego behind.
Then there are the deeply emotional moments. We have clients who have been through cancer, and although they could have their head shaved anywhere, they come to us. They tell me, “If you’re the one to touch my scalp, I believe my hair will grow back better.” Those moments are incredibly touching; the trust they place in us means so much. We’ve shared tears with clients and their families during haircuts—it’s very emotional.
Every year, around Cancer Awareness Month in April, we run a donation drive. For three days, we dedicate our entire salon income to cancer institutes, including the Tata Memorial Hospital. It’s our way of giving back.
Alisha: That’s such a noble thing to do. So, when you’re not working, what do you do to recharge and stay creative?
Shine: I love to travel! I’m not one to sit at home and binge-watch shows. If I have free time, I like to use it productively. Traveling is a big part of that for me, especially going to places close to nature. Apart from the COVID period, I’ve rarely had much free time, but even then, I kept myself busy shooting content, creating videos at the salon, and doing online projects. When I travel, it’s all about relaxing, enjoying good food, and being surrounded by nature.
Alisha: Do you take inspiration from nature?
Shine: Oh, absolutely—all the time. Most of my collections are nature-inspired. The colors, the textures—there’s so much to draw from. I think nature is endless when it comes to inspiration. Everything from sand to stones to leaves can spark creativity. God really is the ultimate artist!
Alisha: How do you balance the creative side of your work with the business aspects?
Shine: Honestly, a lot of times we’re restricted when working with clients. They often can’t go too wild or crazy with their looks, right? So to balance that, we always release a collection that’s more experimental—something we’d never replicate for clients. That way, we get to express our creativity without holding back. I really enjoy it, and it’s a nice contrast to everyday client work. Plus, I’m part of the creative team at L’Oréal as one of their ambassadors, so I get to work on some highly creative projects there, too. For me, it’s about finding a blend between the everyday practical work and the more imaginative side. None of our collections are designed to be something we can actually replicate on clients.
Alisha: Let’s talk about your future aspirations. What are your hopes for the future of Time Machine? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?
Shine: There are some big changes I’d like to bring to the industry—revolutionary changes, actually. I have this vision in mind, and, hopefully, within the next three years, I’ll see it take shape. I can’t share specifics yet, but it’s something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. I’ve set a rough timeline of three to four years, and I’m excited to see it through.
Alisha: That sounds amazing! And what advice would you give specifically to someone thinking of opening a salon?
Shine: I’d say go for it, but remember, it takes a lot of hard work. It’s not as easy as it looks. I often see people who are just starting to learn the skills—whether it’s hair, makeup, or nails—immediately want to open their own place. But that rush can be a mistake. You need hands-on experience and should work with someone first. Build up your skills, handle enough clients, and make sure you’re receiving positive feedback before you make the leap.
Clients can sense if a stylist is new or experienced, and if you’re going to invest in a setup, having the skills is essential. Great interiors and top-of-the-line tools are nice, but they won’t replace expertise. Either make sure you’re confident in your abilities or hire someone with strong skills to support your vision. Otherwise, it can be a tough road. It’s like looking at a successful restaurant and thinking, “Oh, I could open one too!” But that doesn’t mean it will be easy. The beauty industry is the same way—you need industry knowledge, skill, and experience before you start.
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