'Groom them and lead them' her motto

Its a combination of tireless effort and charming deportment that has kept Janet Balasuriya keep her pace with time which has made her entire exercise as a beauty culturist timeless, one may say!

by Prasad Abu Bakr

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She became the 'WCIC Women Entrepreneur of the Year' Overall Gold Award in the year 2000 presented by Women's Chamber of Industries and Commerce of Sri Lanka, 'Wella Award 2000' which was a tribute for her 40 years of serving the Hair and Beauty Culture industry, 'Achievers Award 2002' presented by the Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs of India, The Star Group Award of USA for the 'Leading Women Entrepreneur' of the World in 2003 and the 'International Quality Crown' in London in 2006 are but a few from a long list of awards that the lady has been carrying away over the years, signs are that with all her good work and contributions she is making at present, the long list of awards for Janet Balasuriya seems as if will not end in a hurry.

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Since 1961 she has been at it, experimenting and bringing out the right formulas for Sri Lankan women to look the natural way. In her long journey towards research and development specially aimed at presenting a range of herbal beauty preparations incorporating Ayurvedic medicinal formulas and the latest advancements in western skin science.

It is evident that all her work has paid of well nourishing the needs of local women by presenting a wide range of products which can be used without any side effects, a fact that her range of products have proved over the long years.

In addition to her highly successful endeavour in Sri Lanka Janet Balasuriya has promoted internationally, the concept of traditional Ayurvedic and herbal beauty care, making presentations at numerous conferences, trade fairs, on television shows and through the print media globally.

As a result the lady is one of the most sought after speakers on the subject and is invited to do so at various functions both here and abroad.

The Janet Academy of Beauty Culture and Hair Dressing which is a result of interest shown by women of all age groups to gain knowledge on the subject of product development and also treatment, has become a provider of high level training for would be Hair dressers and Beauticians.

Diplomas and Certificates which are on offer provide opportunities for a long term professional path in the field and are accepted in other countries if diploma holders seek employment abroad.

The Janet Academy is Colombo based.and has over 45 years' experience in the beauty education Industry.The Janet Academy conducts classes in both English and Sinhalese at the Academy situated at Ward Place, Colombo 7. There are several study options for students, including the 2 Semester (three months per semester) Diploma in Hair Dressing and the Diploma in Beauty Culture.

These two areas of study may be done simultaneously as well, to enable the students to complete all the necessary basic skills at the same time. These basic courses cover all theory and practical aspects, including Salon Fundamentals and management.

Hair Dressing Diploma includes various techniques of hair care including hair treatments, styling - long hair and short hair styles, creative design, cutting, straightening, perming, colouring etc.

Beauty Culture covers various theory and practical aspects of skin and beauty care including skin analysis, make-up techniques, hair-removal techniques, manicure & pedicure, corrective make up, product knowledge, facial treatments including those using Janet branded specially formulated products etc.

Ms. Balasuriya, besides all her achievements has not failed to be recognised for all her good work by various institutes and states.

She became the 'WCIC Women Entrepreneur of the Year' Overall Gold Award in the year 2000 presented by Women's Chamber of Industries and Commerce of Sri Lanka, 'Wella Award 2000' which was a tribute for her 40 years of serving the Hair and Beauty Culture industry, 'Achievers Award 2002' presented by the Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs of India, The Star Group Award of USA for the 'Leading Women Entrepreneur' of the World in 2003 and the 'International Quality Crown' in London in 2006 are but a few from a long list of awards that the lady has been carrying away over the years, signs are that with all her good work and contributions she is making at present, the long list of awards for Janet Balasuriya seems as if will not end in a hurry.