Saturday, December 22, 2007 Upscale spa opens; owner mulls putting up face treatment center
FORESEEING further growth in the beauty, health and well-ness industry in Cebu, an Australian entrepreneur invested P12 million in an upscale salon and spa.
Terry Connelly and his Filipina wife Gigi recently established Hollywood Nails Beauty Salon and Spa, located on a 300-square meter property at the Piazza Elesia building in Talamban, Cebu City.
Terry said that while spas and salons have been mushrooming in Cebu, only a few cater to the high-end market, which he considers to have high potential for growth.
The couple lived in Australia for 30 years but decided to come to the Philippines to start a business.
Terry told reporters in a press conference that the decision to open a spa and salon was because of his wife’s penchant for beauty and wellness.
“Filipinos, in general, love to be pampered. They like beautification, well-being. (This is why) the industry is growing in this area,” he said.
He said it is “high time” for Cebu to now start offering a high-end full-service salon and spa as this type of market is also growing in the United States, Australia and Europe.
While the couple had the option of putting up the spa and salon elsewhere, Terry picked Cebu, saying it is cheaper to do business here and there is a ready pool of quality manpower.
He also said the location of the spa-salon is strategic for its target market since the Talamban area is home to many high-end subdivisions and popular universities.
“The Hollywood lifestyle is now in Cebu,” Terry announced.
Hollywood Nails spa and salon offers nail artistry, spa services and hair treatment, among others.
Terry is also planning to open a clinic that will offer minor face surgery. He said the project will be in partnership with a Cebuano cosmetic surgeon.
Gigi, for her part, said that unlike other establishments offering similar services, nail artistry is a niche for Hollywood Nails salon and spa.
“If you don’t want your nails to look boring, you can (use various) designs,” she said, adding that this service goes beyond the usual manicure and pedicure.
Other than nail art, Terry, who is also the establishment’s chief executive officer, said Hollywood Nails is equipped with eight pedicure and foot spa chairs imported from the US, with each costing P250,000.
Other features of Hollywood nail and spa includes a hair dressing area, make-up area, and five service spa rooms designed to have an oriental façade.
Hollywood Nails beauty salon and spa will hold its grand opening tomorrow. (MMM)
