There are salons practically in every corner of the Metro offering inexpensive services. However, if you have a fear of untrained staff wreaking havoc on your tresses, better spend on a salon of repute.

Ystilo Salon, which has Sharon Magdayao, a.k.a. showbiz personality Vina Morales as its endorser, offers all the salon basics such as hair and skin treatment. In addition, it offers innovative services such as nail art and wedding packages which are not normally offered in your friendly neighborhood salon.

Vina co-owns the salon with sister Sheila Magdayao and brother-in-law Federico Moreno. "Ystilo Salon started in 1999. The concept of a Spanish, modern look that would cater to the middle class was the initial plan for Ystilo Salon. Estilo, which means 'Style' in Spanish, was our basis in coming up with the name," says Federico, President and CEO of Ystilo Salon Corp.

Targeting a specific market segment
It was the two sisters who wanted a salon that will cater to the middle-class. Early in the game, the company experienced a mild bump on the road. "The costumers thought we catered to the high-end market," shares Federico. The challenge was to make the public aware that they cater to the middle-class. "We were able to turn it around by doing an alternative marketing approach," says Federico.

From the start, they have tried not to be a copycat in terms of marketing campaigns, and have made it a point to produce unique marketing collaterals and promos. Among its recent campaigns are the offering of the electronic lifestyle card to customers. It also ramps up its communication drive through a monthly newsletter.

Investing on regular training to build technical expertise
Education and the right attitude are two things that the company highly values. 'We exert all our efforts in making our employees very professional," he explains. This is in keeping with the company mission of providing excellent customer service and technical expertise.

Their startup capital of almost P1 Million did not all go to equipment, lease and overhead expenses. Part of the amount was spent on the initial technical education of Sheila and the stylists. Ten years and 36 branches later, the company still heavily invests on training.

"Refresher trainings are done semi-annually in all the branches. Our Creative Team travels in different parts of the world to learn the latest trends and styles," Federico continues.

Expansion plans include franchising and launching a new brand
Ystilo recently opened its 36th outlet in Greenhills, but Federico says, "We still have a long way to go in terms of expansion. We are opening four more outlets within the next six months and opening our first off-shore salon in Saudi Arabia. We will be coming up with another brand that would cater to the higher end market on the first quarter of next year," he shares.

For interested parties, Ystilo Salon offers mall and roadside franchising packages. The franchise boasts of low operating costs, high resale value of assets, early stabilization of income and other benefits.  

With ten years of business experience, Federico shares the following tips: "Build a strong foundation of your business and invest on your people. Invest on your brand and focus on your goals," he says.

Contact Details:
YSTILO SALON

Address: Unit B, Gil Preciosa Buliding 2, 75 Timog Avenue, South Triangle, Q.C.

Website: http://www.ystilosalon.com