In an industry where comparisons are constant — pricing wars, influencer rankings, social media reach — Faisal Deshmukh isn’t interested in who’s doing better than whom.
He’s far more concerned about something else entirely: mediocrity.
“The biggest threat to the salon industry isn’t competition,” he says. “It’s getting comfortable with average.”
As the founder of Lemon Salon, Faisal has watched the industry grow louder over the years — more visibility, more claims, more noise. What hasn’t grown at the same pace, he believes, are standards.
Why Strong Leaders Don’t Attack Brands—They Raise Benchmarks
Ask Faisal about competitors, and you won’t get dramatic sound bites. There’s no brand-bashing, no comparison charts, no “us versus them.”
That restraint is deliberate.
“Competing with brands is easy,” he explains. “Competing with your own standards is much harder.”
For Faisal, leadership isn’t about proving superiority — it’s about setting non-negotiables:
- Consistency over shortcuts
- Discipline over drama
- Long-term trust over short-term attention
This mindset quietly separates leaders from noise-makers.
The Hidden Cost of Accepting ‘Good Enough’
What worries Faisal most isn’t innovation or disruption — it’s how quickly “good enough” becomes normal.
- Average service delivery
- Average training depth
- Average accountability
Over time, that average erodes client trust, team pride, and brand longevity.
“Mediocrity doesn’t fail loudly,” he says. “It fades slowly — and takes the industry with it.”
By naming this problem without pointing fingers, Faisal has earned something rare in the salon world: respect across camps — from independent owners to large-format brands.
Confidence Without Comparison
There’s a quiet confidence in Faisal’s approach. He doesn’t need to outshout others to be heard. His leadership shows up in decisions, culture, and consistency — not declarations.
This is why peers increasingly see him as someone who isn’t chasing validation, but protecting the future of the industry.
“When standards rise,” he says, “everyone benefits — clients, professionals, and brands alike.”
Raising the Bar Is a Lonely—but Necessary—Job
Calling out mediocrity isn’t popular. It doesn’t trend. It doesn’t always get applause.
But it does something far more powerful: it redefines what’s acceptable.
And that’s where Faisal Deshmukh’s leadership stands out.
He isn’t competing for attention.
He isn’t playing comparison games.
He’s raising the bar — and quietly challenging the industry to rise with it.
