Kaladharan K
Manager
Rania Cosmetics
Salalah, Sultanate of Oman
If beauty has an address in Salalah, then it is definitely Rania Cosmetics at Al Salam Street. With its eclectic gamut of beauty products that cater to skincare and makeup needs, this premier store has made a name for itself under the stewardship of Kaladharan K, its manager. His story is inspiring, as he built all that he has today after overcoming many trials and tribulations, the magnitude of which can break any ordinary man.
From Nattika to Salalah
Hailing from Nattika in Thrissur District, Kaladharan was born to the late Krishnankutty A K and the late Madhavi.After completing his pre-degree, he moved to Pune and later to Nagaland, where he worked for two years. After his stint in Nagaland, Kaladharan went to Coimbatore and joined a bakery business for four months. Then he worked in his brother-in-law’s hotel in Perambra, Kozhikode, for six months. It was a relative who helped him to get an Omani visa, and he reached Salalah on March 16, 1992. “Initially, he worked in a shop for sixteen days. He then began helping his roommates by taking on the role of a cook and also secured a part-time job at another shop where he was tasked with opening and closing it, apart from running it when the owner went home to have food. After a six month stint there, he started to learn embroidery and started a small tailoring shop. But it did not succeed.
The failure of the business forced him to move to Shaba saib, a place near near mirbat where he did all kinds of jobs for almost two years. In spite of his hard work, there was no progress. So he called it quits and left for Salalah. On the way back, the vehicle stopped at Awqad where he disembarked and went to Al Hamdi bakery run by Mr Chandran to get a cold drink. During a chit-chat, the Malayali owner found out that Kaladharan was jobless and offered him a job. The next two years were spent at the bakery overseeing the mechanical dough preparation.
“But once again, he struggled to make progress and decided that it was time to leave Oman for good. When he told his sponsor to arrange for his exit, the kind gentleman took Kaladharan in his vehicle and showed him several shuttered shops. He asked him to pick one and start a new business. He lost no time in choosing a modest shop and starting a tailoring and embroidery unit. Providentially, that business prospered, and he started getting plenty of orders.
It was during the phase of prosperity that Kaladharan saved enough money to start a shop exclusively for cosmetics, as the businessman in him saw the potential of diversification. He was helped in this enterprise by another gentleman named Rajan who hailed from his hometown along eith his own sponsor.
About Rania Cosmetics
Located in Al Salam Street, this shop is much sought after for its high quality beauty and skincare products. From the most modern trends in cosmetics to ageless classics, Rania has a wide array of products that entice customers and suit all styles and budgets. Step in and one can enjoy cosmetics and related products sourced from Oman and around the world.
The exceptional customer service, personalized recommendations, the chic décor, and convenient location have made it hugely popular among local residents, expatriates, and tourists. It also hosts special promotions and events to reach out to the masses. Apart from Salalah, the shop has outlets in Sadah and Gharbiya.
Passions and Family
The astute businessman is also an avid cricket aficionado. Kaladharan has been part of various winning teams in matches such as the Kings’ Cricket Tournament, Thanal Premium League 2K17, and Winners Divine Cricket Tournament 2019. Apart from the gentleman’s game, he is equally fond of tug of war and has won contests hosted by the Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing. He is also the founder of Thanal, which is an active expatriate community and social organisation comprising NRIs in Salalah. It hosts cultural get-togethers, family reunions, and sports tournaments. The community also has an active sports group named the Thanal Cricket Club, which regularly participates in local matches and leagues across the Dhofar region. He also helps children from financially disadvantaged families by supporting their education and paying their school fees.
One of his biggest supporters has been his wife, Suseela, and they are blessed with two children. Their son Athul completed his B.Com and earned an MBA from Jaipur University. He is lending a helping hand to his father in business. Their daughter Amritha is a third-year MBBS student at MES Medical College in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram District.
Contact Information
Rania Cosmetics
Al Salam Street
Near KM Trading, Salalah
Mobile: +968 99087597
Phone: +968 23292388; 23299510
Email:
