When Arnaz Dotivala was inducted into the prestigious group of hairdressers called ‘Hair Americas’ at the banquet dinner of the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) at its convention in Peabody Orlando, the assembled beauticians of the United States may not have known that she was furthering a family tradition. Dotivala was the first from the Hunterdon/Warren counties to become part of Ladies Hair Americas and the first Zoroastrian and Indian to be part of the elite group, notes a press release. The news was carried by the Hunterdon County Democrat (January 6, 2005) with a report titled "Polytech Cosmetology Teacher Honored.” As member of the Hair Americas Academy Dotivala, currently president of the Hunterdon/Warren counties of New Jersey and vice president of the state NCA, is entitled to teach on behalf of the organization, notes the report.
The Dotivalas: Arnaz and Cyrus with Arzan and Shenaya
"Becoming part of the Hair Americas has always been a dream of mine, ever since I came to this country. I wanted to be with the best of the best in the industry...I love the professionalism, passion and creativity that my co-members have and I am honored to be part of it,” states Dotivala citing names like Randy Rick, founder of Certified Learning in Cosmetology, Maurice Stein, founder of Cinema Secrets Inc, and many more across the nation who have made a name for themselves not only nationally but internationally. "Hopefully one day my trend will be chosen to represent the fine work of Hair Americas and will be shown all over the country. Until then, I am proud to represent New Jersey as its styles director and bring home the spring/summer and fall/winter trends to all our cosmetologists across the state,” adds Dotivala in a press release. Dotivala was required to give a professional exam comprising written, practical and oral segments. "During this test the participants demonstrate a current trend or their vision for (the future). They demonstrate haircuts, color, permanent waving, styling techniques as well... Their presentation skills, knowledge of the topic, technical skill and confidence are tested,” the young mother of two describes the test she completed so successfully in August 2004. Two sets of judges review different parts of the ordeal to ensure impartiality, she further notes. Dotivala credits her success to her family as well as to her mentor Antonio Trapani and to Nirmala Modi who is a Nail Americas trend presenter three times over.
Arnaz and her elder sister Behnaz Dalal, also a cosmetologist who lives and works in Nagpur, are the daughters of Armaity and Dadi Taraporewalla. Armaity has been running her own successful beauty business in Ahmedabad since the past 30 years; Dadi is a pharmaceuticals professional.
Dotivala, an alumnus of Mt Carmel Convent and the Law Society School in Ahmedabad graduated with distinction in Economics from St Xavier’s College, Armaity informed Parsiana. "Arnaz has always supported me. She is an obedient, jovial, loving and caring girl who has fulfilled all her responsibilities,” notes the mother in a telephonic chat.
Shortly after her wedding in 1995 to Cyrus Dotivala, an electronics engineer who works for the Federal Government in New Jersey, Arnaz shifted there, joined classes and got her first license to practice within the year, said Armaity. Their first child, Arzan, now nine years old, arrived at the same time. He was joined by a sister, Shenaya, three years later. Arnaz continues to study further afield.