Korean beauty educator opens salon and spa venture in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – The keen interest of Cebuanos on wellness products and services has prompted a Korean beauty educator to capitalize on Cebu’s wellness industry with the opening of a chain of salon and spa outlets called Camellia Salon and Spa.

Sophia Lee opened outlets in Wellcome Hotel in Molave Street and in JCenter Mall in Mandaue.

Lee said the sharp discernment of Cebuanos on the evolution and movement of beauty and wellness needs to be supported with the right services as well as products that will suit modern and edgy clients in the sector.

Lee, who got her beauty expertise from Korea and Japan, decided to leave her teaching career in Seoul, and her chain of beauty centers spread throughout Korea, to focus on Cebu as her launch pad to the Philippine market.

Operated by K. City Amir Corp., Lee's initial two beauty and spa outlets in Cebu aim to provide world-class service and products in the beauty and wellness sector in Cebu.

"Korean's influence to Filipinos beyond popular culture was my entry point in this venture and so far the business has been doing well,” said Lee.

Lee is also considering to open her business for franchise as one way to speed up the expansion of her business in the country.

While the market here is good, Lee said what is lacking though is the availability of legitimate "Beauty Academy," that will help improve the industry, as well as develop more talented Cebuano beauticians to be a world-class beauty expert.

Looking forward, Lee plans to set up a beauty academy, although at present she is personally training her 18 staff manning the two salons.

"The growing health and wellness industry here is giving opportunities for foreign investors like us to thrive," Lee said.

Lee's two beauty centers in Cebu is known for their expertise on permanent make-up like the 4D and 2D eyebrow.