Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

In this week’s session, we have Ikonic Professional Co founder Rayed Merchant.

A man with persistent passion and far-reaching vision, Merchant is a force to be reckoned with in the beauty industry. 

The young and dynamic leader that he is, as director of global marketing and head of brand procurement, Merchant has taken SSIZ International to greater and grander heights. 

He has been pivotal in driving the company’s new gen marketing plans as well as expanding its presence in foreign territories. He has been instrumental in introducing the company’s home grown brands in uncharted international waters too. 

By building a robust and reliable network with all stakeholders in the salon and spa industry, he harbours an accurate yet sprawling understanding of the market, and is always adept at knowing the pulse of the consumers. Merchant has an educated knack of predicting upcoming trends and keeping the company's future ready for all kinds of evolutions. 

With the zest to ‘never say never’ and the zeal to ‘take the road less travelled’, he is the primary brain behind ‘Ikonic’, SSIZ’s very first brand. Ikonic has steadily emerged as one of the leading players in the professional styling tools category, and also established itself as a company that never compromises on quality while always delivering on design and functionality.  

Merchant is currently leading the organisation’s rapid foray into markets across the world, and also solidifying SSIZ International Pvt. Ltd. as the ‘go to’ brand for professional styling.

So, without further ado, here it goes…

•     Your mantra for life 

One should always dream big, it takes the same time

•     A book you are currently reading / plan to read 

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

•     Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic

Workout, Yoga, Running and Cricket

•     Your comfort food 

Pancakes

•     When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going 

If  its comes to me it's because I am the chosen one who can take it … God's Favourite Child.

•     Your guilty pleasure 

Weekend movie nights with junk food

•     When was the last time you tried something new? 

Just now …. something new is my everyday in fact every second mantra. Innovation and learning new things is a continuous process for me and my team.

•     A life lesson you learnt the hard way

Standing firm on your values has long term gains, but tempting short term gains or fear can make you lose your vision. Keep your expectations low, your satisfaction will be high.

•     What gets you excited about life? 

I love new things when it comes to tech, food , cars, travel plans and when we create a new product for our brand and its about to launch.

•     What’s on top of your bucket list? 

Travelling to moon as a tourist

•     If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? 

Value time and trust as its build over a very long time. Especially in the case of customers and brands. It's a small step every day and there are no silver bullets for quick gain.

•     One thing you would most like to change about the world 

We have lots of learning and conversation on environment, we should now start working on those plans real quickly before it’s late

•     An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times 

Watching talk shows of real life success stories and listening to podcasts on lighter topics has a great impact.

•     What lifts your spirits when life gets you down? 

My trust in Almighty and unquestionable love of my family they are my real life Cheerleaders

•     Your go-to stress buster 

A long drive with my wife with good music and lots of conversations.