Stella shines

Take it from Stella Ruiz herself. She is a self-confessed connoisseur of beauty, of all things beautiful. "When I see a handsome guy or a pretty girl, I really show my appreciation and tell them how good-looking they are," she says.

And when she spots a "diamond in the rough," a looker in dire need of a makeover, Stella doesn’t hesitate to give her two cents’ worth.

"If they’re open, I give suggestions," Stella says with a smile. Perhaps a change of hairstyle or a little trim would do the trick? Or perhaps a facial or massage would erase the tension marks around the eyes?

That was precisely how former screen bombshell Stella Ruiz stumbled on her new business venture.

Because of her unerring eye for beauty, opening a salon seemed a natural decision for Stella. But Stella being Stella, she will not be content to open just another run-of-the-mill parlor. She has to make a difference–and how! Since parting with her business colleague, Stella has gone full blast in Vanidosa Salon-Café, located in the restaurant row of bustling Bel-Air Makati.

Proving that she means business, she has enrolled in several hair and beauty workshops in Manila (at the Wella Studio for hair coloring and at Samson Technical for hair cutting) and has even flown abroad to learn the latest techniques in the industry. Last July, she graduated with a Diploma in the Classic Course from the San Francisco Education Center of Vidal Sassoon. That same month, she completed an Educational Workshop (a Bootcamp for Haircutters) at the Pivot Point in Chicago.

"I specialize in hair cutting–specifically, men’s cuts," Stella relates. Primarily because it involves precision cutting, Stella points out, "men’s hair cutting is actually more difficult than ladies’ hair cutting. Imagine, you have to make a short cut look unique and presentable at the same time. It should look neat yet extraordinary."

That’s where the discipline and creativity of a topnotch stylist come into play.

You could say that Stella applies the same gung-ho attitude in the salon biz that she once poured into her showbiz career.

Since her primary goal is the utmost "comfort and convenience" of her patrons, Stella quite expectedly has gone a step further.

Aside from offering quick yet sumptuous meals, the salon-café offers the benchmark in personalized service.

"I actually call our clients every two weeks," Stella asserts. "I make follow-up calls, to remind them that they might need a trim, hair-coloring, or other services. Parang dentist ’no?"

Beauty maintenance, she calls it. "It’s because some people, especially busy career men and women, have no time to worry about their looks. So we’ll do that for them."

With four hair-cutting chairs, a makeup chair, and a spiffy massage room (even the comfort room is spotlessly clean and spruced up with potpourri and scented candles), Stella succeeded in maximizing the small space (43 square meters) she was given.

"I did the interiors myself," Stella continues. "I specifically chose pastel colors because these are soothing to the eyes. With predominantly yellow interiors, Vanidosa is indeed a sight for sore eyes.

"Our clients often tell us that they like hanging out here because it’s very homey," Stella says. "It’s very cozy. They feel right at home."

The mini-bar and café, which stands in an unobtrusive corner of the salon, also serves wine and beer ("for customers who want to emote and cry a river!"), and sandwiches and short orders ("for clients who enjoy homemade meals!").

Vanidosa’s bestseller is the Chicken-Pork Adobo (P59) with matching atchara, which is whipped up by Stella’s mom Patricia in their very own kitchen at home.

"Even the people who live in the building order adobo from us," Stella says, beaming with pride.

"While the ladies are having their hair and makeup done, their boyfriends or husbands can have merienda while waiting," Stella says. "We even set up an umbrella and table outside the salon." The sidewalk café "a la Starbucks" is specifically for smokers, adds Stella. "They can smoke inside, but there are some customers who hate the smell of smoke. So we request them to light their cigarettes outside instead."

She has really left no stone unturned to make sure that her clients’ every need and desire is fulfilled.

And as bonus, Vanidosa’s rates are very competitive and, dare we say, inexpensive.

"Our rates are very reasonable," Stella says. "(And) to think we are in the Makati area." A case in point: Women’s hair cut goes for P270; men’s hair cut for P220. A current favorite among the Vanidosa clientele is hair rebonding (which ranges from P2,500 to P4,000).

"It’s very popular," Stella notes. "It’s all the rage in the hair care biz."

Vanidosa also offers such day spa services as facials (P300), body massages (P500), and foot spa with pedicure (P250).

You could say that Stella has made her customers’ ultimate satisfaction (and relaxation) her business.

"I want men and women to come out of our salon not only looking good, but feeling good," Stella explains. "Inside and out. I want people to realize that such salon and spa services as facials and massages are not out of reach."

Luxuries, they are not, she insists. "We really made it affordable because everyone deserves to be pampered. Just because you’re a harassed housewife that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care of yourself. All the more you should treat yourself to a day in a salon-spa. You owe it to yourself."

In these tough times, the stress-busting and invigorating services proffered by a salon-spa-café are all the more essential.

After a rough start, Stella was able to turn Vanidosa’s fortunes around with the help of her efficient (and happy) staff (composed of two senior stylists Minda and Ferdie; junior stylist Rose; receptionist Herma; and operations manager Veejay). Now, their business is remarkably bullish.

"There are times when we have customers lined up until 2:30 in the morning," Stella attests.

She has even attracted such celebrity clients like Aiza Seguerra, Raven Villanueva, Karen de los Reyes, and Dina Bonnevie.

Despite her success, Stella is not leaving anything to chance and is personally taking care of business.

"Some clients request that I myself cut their hair," Stella says. "I can very well do that for them. All they need to do is make an appointment."

A consummate businesswoman, she also set up a mini-vanity store, offering beaded bracelets and trinkets (from Boracay) and hair care products (from Vidal Sassoon), among other beauty essentials.

Why the drive and determination? The grit and grace?

"When I’m old and gray," Stella intones, "I want to be able to tell my grandchildren that I was able to do everything I wanted. I’ve gone into singing and acting. I race cars (slalom). I’m even part of a rowing team."

And, on top of all this, she’s a creative and dynamic businesswoman.

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(Vanidosa Salon-Café is located at Unit 105 Ferros Bel-Air Tower, No. 30 Polaris Street, Bel-Air, Makati City, with tel. no. 896-7177.)