In the heart of Palmerston North, three thriving salons stand as a testament to one woman’s determination. Hiral Bende, an Indian-born New Zealander, has rebuilt her career from scratch after facing adversity.
Today, she owns and operates three successful businesses—Alexander’s Barbershop and La Ma Donna Hair and Beauty on Rangitīkei Street, along with Alexander’s Barbershop at Main Street.
“I lost everything, but I refused to give up,” Bende says. “I knew I had the skills, the experience, and the determination to start again. No one was going to take that away from me.”
A single mother of two, Bende says she was once a driving force behind a flourishing salon business. “I worked tirelessly—six to seven days a week—all to achieve success,” she says.
Bende says she lost ownership and was trespassed from her own business at Plaza Shopping Centre, following a personal feud. “I was depressed for six months when I was turned away from my own business at Plaza Shopping Centre. I was humiliated in front of all the staff members,” Bende says.
Bende’s two cousins, who were hired from India to work as salon staff on Accredited Employer Work Visa, were also asked to leave the business.
Bende holds a Masters of Commerce from Gujarat University, an MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University, and a Level 8 postgraduate qualification in business from IPU Tertiary Institute New Zealand.
Adding to her struggles, Bende found herself entangled in legal battles. “The police told me my name was on the board but not on the official paperwork, as a director or shareholder” she explains. “But they also said I still had 50% in ownership over the business.”
With the help of Jayanthi Vallipuram, a lawyer from Jay Law Ltd, Bende fought for her rights. “Thanks to Jayanthi, I was able to secure equal property distribution,” she says.
Left with nothing, Bende turned to government assistance. “I was on benefits for six months on Work and Income,” she recalls. “It was a hard pill to swallow because I’ve been working since I was 17. I was always independent.”
Determined to rebuild, she took over two salons in January 2025—Alexander’s Barbershop and La Ma Donna Hair and Beauty on Rangitīkei Street, as well as another Alexander’s Barbershop on Main Street—from an elderly couple looking to retire.
“My family in India supported me emotionally and financially, and Work and Income also provided some help,” she shares.
Bende’s expertise in hairdressing runs deep. “I’ve been in this field since 2014,” she says. “I started on a student visa while completing my postgraduate studies. Hairdressing has always been my family’s business, and it’s my core skill.”
Today, Bende’s three salons are thriving, and she also offers permanent makeup services while rebuilding her life with resilience and determination. Through her journey, she shares a powerful message for women and young girls.
“When you start a joint business, make sure you have an equal share. Never trust blindly when it comes to legal property or business matters,” she warns.
As she continues to grow her business at Alexander’s Barbershop on Rangitīkei Street and La Ma Donna Hair and Beauty, Bende’s story stands as a testament to perseverance. “I lost everything once, but I built myself back up. No woman should have to go through what I did, but if they do, they should know that they can rise again.”