Aayuush Ahuja - The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine

It’s unbelievable how 1 simple incident can spark a billion-dollar Idea into someone’s mind. But for someone born to be an entrepreneur, it’s possible. Aayussh once went for a haircut. He asked the owner of the salon how she operated her business. She confessed that she struggled with day-to-day inconveniences such as irregular supplies and fluctuating prices, and that there was no proper system in the shop. Handling large projects overseas had taught Aayuush how organization can redefine industries. When he returned to India during the pandemic, his thoughts returned to the business of beauty and how fragmented it appeared to be. Everything ran on guesswork and scraps of paper.

He hoped to fix these problems with Zalon, a salon technology and supply chain business eager to expand. It began as a simple effort to make the salon supply chain less chaotic. Touring salons in cities and small towns, the team listened to owners and discovered that supply was only one part of the challenge. Salons also needed affordable products from reliable brands and software to assist in daily operations. These insights led them to create Aurey, a line dedicated to good quality at affordable prices. Zalon also developed unique billing software. The mission was not merely selling but empowering beauty professionals to make their businesses thrive.

Zalon stands on three pillars. The first is distribution, dealing with well-known brands such as Rica, O3+, Casmara, Aurey, and Eraha, all delivered directly to the salon door. The second is technology, so owners can accurately control inventory, payments, and customers. Its branded products enable salons to acquire superior quality items with better margins. This combination is what makes Zalon unique. Most sellers merely deliver products, while Zalon offers supply, technology, and brand value in one place to support real growth. Zalon focuses on small salons. Eighty percent of the seven million salons in India are family owned or managed by small teams, found in local markets or neighborhoods. These businesses are always part of the beauty industry’s foundation but tend to benefit least from major changes. Aayuush and his team would spend time in these shops, listening and talking to owners about their daily struggles. For many, Zalon wasn't just a supplier; it began to feel like a friend.

Salon feedback is central to every new product or feature. The company listens to problems, ensures the solution can be scaled, runs it with a small group of users, and then expands. This is how Aurey and Eraha were launched. Aayuush said: “We are not in the business of hype. We develop when the market pulls, not when we push.” This logic keeps Zalon focused on technology that serves salons in their daily work rather than following every new trend. All Zalon operations run quietly in the background. The system manages warehouses, organizes deliveries, and forecasts demand in each city. Salon owners find it easier to work. The Buy Now Pay Later system allows them to order online, monitor sales, and access credit. With software, they can manage bookings, send reminders, and identify top performing services. These tools save hours and help prevent losses, especially for businesses still stuck in old ways.

Traditional salon owners were not always easy to convince. Many preferred the comfort of middlemen and informal systems. Building trust took time and patience. Managing cash flow was challenging in a fast-paced market. Serious commitment was required to build a close-knit team. 

All failures, Aayuush said, were opportunities to strengthen the company internally. Zalon expanded city by city, mastering logistics before growing larger. Working with top beauty brands put the company in a position of trust.

Zalon now serves more than eighteen thousand salons across India. Relationships with manufacturers ensure authenticity, reasonable prices, and prompt delivery. Suppliers are checked by the team to maintain consistency. Digital training and onboarding is offered even for first-time users, and the application was designed to be as easy as WhatsApp. Ongoing support enables owners to see real savings.

At startup, Zalon raised two crore rupees from Black Merlin and received a bridge round from angel investors. Now, the company is heading toward a pre-Series A round of two million dollars. Zalon has maintained positive EBITDA since May 2025 and uses its funds with discipline. 

“All the funds raised are aimed at expansion and building of the brand, never at cash burn.” The company works hard to find people with the right attitude and talent. Wins and failures are shared openly, and new recruits soon take on important roles.

Aayuush is targeting half a million salons in metro cities and small towns. His hope is that Zalon software will be used everywhere, and homecare brands Aurey and Eraha can be found in every household. The bigger goal is for seven million professionals in the Indian beauty industry to have the means for easy growth. His advice for future entrepreneurs is simple: cease taking shortcuts, develop strength, confidence, and integrity. Growth is silent, but if you stay consistent, success will speak more than you could ever dream.