Vanity shop relies on rising demand for organic products

CEBU, Philippines - The increasing number of consumers demanding for health-friendly services and products pushed significant growth for specialty salon Nouveau Salon and Spa, the first vanity shop in Cebu that offers organic products.

“I see much promise in capitalizing on organic products in my salon and spa since in the eight months of operation, it has fairly increased by 15 to 25 percent per month and we foresee this growth after one year in the business,” said Regal Oliva, general manager of Nouveau Salon and Spa, which is operated by its mother company, One Regal Concepts and Innovations Inc.

In its first year of operation Oliva said the salon, located at The Walk—the commercial and leisure hub at the Asia Town IT Park, registered an average of 25 percent growth, and it projects to increase the number as the market becomes more educated in their choice of a healthy lifestyle.

Oliva, is one of the few entrepreneurs in Cebu, who pioneered in offering health and environment-friendly products for a salon operation, although the concept is still new for the mainstream market, acceptance is significantly improving.

“There are clients who are now demanding on our organic hair treatments, which is indicative that there really is a market for an organic salon and spa. In the last two years, Cebu has seen tremendous developments in the health and wellness sector. Many Cebuanos are now patronizing on a healthy lifestyle, including how they want to be pamper themselves in salon and spas,” he stressed.

Oliva, however admitted that the demand for organic products is “not that strong” compared to non-organic treatments.

“Since the demand is not as strong, the price of these products cannot as yet compete with non-organic ones. Meaning they are a bit more expensive than the non-organic products. But it is also noteworthy, that while the organic support market is not as high, we also have very loyal clients who adhere to the organic products,” he said

Oliva too believes that amid stiff competition and other salon and spas now venturing into organic products and services, “there is still a room for growth.”

“No market can ever saturate Cebu. The need for the beauty and wellness industry in Cebu increases as Cebu continues to progress economically,” Oliva said, adding that he encourages industry players to remain competitive and innovative in their services in order for Cebu to achieve its goal of being Asia’s destination for health and wellness.

Meanwhile, Oliva bared that in the next three years, he is hoping to add another Nouveau outlet and possibly open the company for franchising.

Targeting the 13,000 employees working within the Asiatown IT Park, Oliva is optimistic that the salon will find its mark in the local industry as it pioneers the strong promotion of organic salon trend in Cebu.

Nouveau is the first salon that opened in the cyberpark. Although it is positioned as sophisticated beauty and wellness center, Oliva said the salon’s service charges are designed to attract the “budget-friendly” customers, especially the BPO workers.

The opening of Nouveau Salon and Spa in Cebu re-enforced the province’s bid of becoming a premier health and wellness destination in the Philippines. (THE FREEMAN)