The sale of The Bistro Group marked a significant shift, but for William Stelton, the entrepreneur behind it all, it wasn’t an ending – it was a powerful pivot. His focus is now sharply honed on a different kind of revitalization, one centered on personal well-being and a unique collection of Japanese-inspired businesses.
A recent visit to the Techno Holdings Health & Beauty Hub, nestled within Shangri-La Plaza mall, revealed the scope of this new direction. This isn’t simply a collection of stores; it’s a carefully curated ecosystem designed to elevate the experience of self-care, encompassing hair, skin, and athletic performance.
NORA Japanese Hair Salon stands as a cornerstone, boasting a rigorous training program overseen by Hidezaku Ando. Stylists undergo six months of intensive instruction, ensuring a level of expertise recognized in Japan – NORA is even listed in the prestigious Kami Charisma Japanese Hair Salon Guide, akin to a Michelin star for hair artistry. They utilize Milbon products, meticulously formulated with consideration for varying water conditions worldwide.
The commitment to personalized care extends to Miss Esthe Facial Salon and Skin Care, where Japanese-trained estheticians craft bespoke treatments tailored to individual age and skin needs. They don’t simply offer services; they develop their own products, ensuring a uniquely customized experience for each client.
Phiten, dedicated to athletic health and performance, integrates metals into wearable items designed to enhance well-being. Soon to launch the Phiten IP Salon, the brand will introduce cutting-edge wellness technologies, including hyperbaric oxygen chambers and innovative bathing therapies, pushing the boundaries of recovery and rejuvenation.
A common thread unites these diverse offerings: a dedication to quality and a distinctly Japanese approach. “We’re sure about the quality of Japanese products and the brands that we carry,” explains Mylene Manlogon, Vice-President for Business Development. The goal isn’t merely to provide a service, but to create a transformative experience.
The ambition is profound: to leave every client feeling renewed, imbued with a happiness they didn’t possess before. And surprisingly, this level of specialized care remains accessible, with haircuts at NORA starting around P500 and Miss Esthe treatments beginning just over P1,500.
This venture into health and beauty isn’t a departure for Techno Holdings, but rather an expansion of a long-held philosophy. For thirteen years, they’ve offered body alignment treatments, and Miss Esthe has been a presence in the Philippines for seven. The portfolio spans lighting, hospitality equipment, and even lawn care, all designed to serve a broad spectrum of needs.
The acquisition of The Bistro Group, while significant, is viewed as a catalyst for focusing on what truly resonates: the universal desire for health, beauty, and well-being. It’s a belief that these are fundamental needs, shared by families and communities, and a commitment to providing solutions that enhance lives.
This isn’t just about business; it’s about a vision for a healthier, more beautiful future. It’s a deliberate shift towards industries that touch upon the core of human happiness and vitality, a new chapter driven by a simple, yet powerful, philosophy.