Miss 'Hair' apparent

Here’s another young lady entrepreneur worth taking note of, Denise Aquino, proprietor and stylist at Tokyo P.O.S.H. (Put On Styled Hair). And the secret may not be out yet, but the likes of Mons Romulo, Cheska Garcia-Kramer and a host of big time showbiz celebrities whose names just can’t be listed because of their shampoo and hair care endorsements, swear by Denise and her hair extensions business. Not your ordinary salon (they don’t cut), TP is the byword when it comes to creating versatility for your crowning glory — your head of hair. As its slogan succinctly says it, “Change your hair as often as you change your mind,” and if that isn’t a female prerogative, I wouldn’t know what is.

Granted a scholarship by the Japanese Embassy to attend the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, Denise “discovered” specialized hair extension salons, and decided to bring it here to Manila. In 2007, she flew to Hong Kong to find credible and branded supplies, knowing she had to standardize and dictate price points if the enterprise was to survive, and rise above the home service stylists that were beginning to emerge back then. She decided on Hair Talk extensions, that depended on a technique that utilized super-light adhesive — less strain on the hair than the hard plastic clips, and they easily dissolve when one wants to remove the strands of extensions. They last for some two months, and you can swim with them — great for the beach, as your hair looks full even when wet, and no basang sisiw look! When she opened her Rockwell salon (second level) in June of 2010, she flew in the German inventor of the technique.

At the recent launch of their Swarovski eyewear, the Executive Optical brain trust Mr. and Mrs. Maximino Uy with Christina Sheng of Asia Marcolin, which handles Swarovski eyewear for the region.

As a budding entrepreneur, Denise has had her fair share of obstacles, one being how hard it is to be taken seriously when you’re in your twenties, but thanks to your petite stature and bubbly personality, you look all of 17 years old! On top of that, there is pilferage, as some technicians will offer, on the sly, home service at reduced prices to the customers. But still, Denise has persisted and gained an enviable reputation in this hair care niche. She has a SM North EDSA outlet, but that offers clip-ons exclusively. So don’t be surprised if you’re at the Rockwell salon, and recognize the celebrity seated beside you! On the night we met, she got a sudden call from one of the ABS ASAP regulars, who wanted to add volume and length instantly, because she had a pictorial the next day. To call or consult with Denise, call Rockwell (659-5085) and North EDSA (352-7024) or her mobile (0917-8353131).

44, and you’re not seeing double

It’s practically impossible to ignore the billboards of Executive Optical. Through the years, they’ve been singular in using humor for a business that is no laughing matter, and thereby creating unique and strong recall. In fact, we probably have our favorites, whether it be the I Love Rudy on the man’s back that should have read Ruby, or the bride kissing the priest instead of her groom. Failing eyesight and its repercussions have been gently evoking laughter via this sustained campaign. And it comes as no surprise to find that behind these billboards is a serious, family-owned enterprise that is celebrating its 44th year in the business of providing the best it can in refraction services and eyewear solutions — aimed at improving the quality of life of its patrons and clientele, teaching them that “If you love your eyes, turn to EO!”

Maximino Uy, an optometrist, is EO’s patriarch and proudly relates that there are now over 40 branches in the Philippines, from as far north as Baguio, all the way down to Cagayan de Oro. In fact, cognizant of their clientele’s needs, they’ve segmented the retail end of their operations. There are the signature EO shops, and then, they have Seen, an upmarket concept store that comes with wooden finish and chandeliers; and where you’ll find eyewear brands such as Swarovski, Missoni, Natori and Vera Wang. For the sporty, active market, they put up Active Eye, where one will find brands such as Adidas, Speedo, Converse and Callaway. At the recently held launch for the Swarovski “bling-encrusted” shades and eyeglasses, they mounted a fashion event that had Shamcey Supsup modeling.

A maverick in his thinking, Maximino likes to remind us that behind the mirth of the billboards, there are sober statistics. If I got it right, he mentioned that for children of ages five to 15, there is a growing higher incidence of visual impairment — this may be due to diet, the proliferation of video games, hours on the computer; basically the environment of today’s Filipino child. And figures would also show that women have a greater tendency to have eye problems, as high as 64 percent. Trends such as these have been drivers behind the subliminal messaging of the billboards, pushing us to have our eyes regularly checked. This is especially so in the case of children, who may stay silent, while the visual impairment impacts on their learning and education. The most up-to-date equipment for refraction services are just part of Maximino’s commitment to his customers. That, and making us smile and laugh, as we remember to take care of our eyes!