MANILA, Philippines - It’s love of beauty that has kept Ellen Lising in business these past 33 years.
“Most of my customers look for me to personally attend to their beauty needs, so how can I retire?” said Ellen who regularly checks on the 10 outlets of her self-named Skin Care & Aesthetic Center. ”For as long as I can, I will never give up my business because I love what I’m doing. If others consider it work, sa akin it’s a passion.”
Her daughters are helping Ellen run the business but Ellen sees to it that she continues her hands-on policy.
“They are in-charge of the day-to-day operation,” added Ellen, “but I’m always there to guide them. As they say, experience is the best teacher.”
Ellen’s clients would nod in agreement, among them beauty-queens-turned-showbiz-stars like Evangeline Pascual, Melanie Marquez, Daisy Reyes and Elizabeth Oropeza.
Among her younger star-endorsers are Glaiza de Castro, Sheena Halili, Jennica Garcia, Patrick Garcia, Sugar Mercado, Chesca Garcia, Karla Estrada, Carlo Aquino and Alwyn Uytingco.
“In our shops, every client gets the same treatment, whether you are a celebrity or an ordinary person,” assured Ellen. “Most of our clients are young professionals and college students, in addition to our loyal customers.”
To keep up with advances in beauty treatment, Ellen has acquired equipment like the Bipolar and Cavitation. She also attend beauty and skin care symposia in different parts of Asia and the US.
“My ultimate happiness is seeing my customers happy. I want them to leave the center with a big smile on their faces,” said Ellen.
Asked if she planned to have her center franchised, Ellen said she might consider it.
“I know how hard it is to have your business franchised,” she qualified, “but I also want to discover the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of it. I will have to consult my daughters about it.”
(Ellen’s Skin Care’s Tutuban branch has just opened at the second floor of the mall’s Building 2. As a come-on, Ellen is offering clients a 50-percent discount.)