As late as 2002, many of the waxing practices could still be called – well – medieval. We’re talking dodgy waxing studios dishing out unhygienic and painful waxes that left its clients unable to walk in a straight line, maybe for days on end.
But Singaporean Cynthia Chua – eventually known as the “original smooth operator” – believed that there was a place for body culture that’s practiced safely, hygienically and painlessly. So, she set about seeding the beginnings of a “wax revolution”; this eventually led to her formulation of a brand new set of Brazilian waxing techniques that was significantly less painful and, yes, less embarrassing.
And as she helped make waxing elegant, Strip: Ministry of Waxing was established.
And even now, the venue that still dubs itself as a “little outfit” after starting its operations in Singapore in 2002, has one somewhat simple aim: To help you conquer body foliage and achieve that baby smooth skin.
There are now two branches of Strip: Ministry of Waxing in the Philippines, eyeing to offer its services in the country.
In the beginning, the company found challenging “educating the market about getting waxed – and a Brazilian at that!” admitted Tab Abad, managing director of HaRem Inc. This apprehension of customers was somewhat explained by the then existing practices in salons in the country, where “a lot of salons don’t have hygienic practices; they double dip their waxes”.
The company was “fanatical” about its practice, actually becoming the first salon to introduce the “No Double Dipping” policy; as well as introducing the “Hygiene Pack”, widely known (and acknowledged) since it mandates that each customer is given a new and individually sealed pouch containing disposable waxing equipment (including gloves, face masks, pH balance wet wipes and spatulas).
The company is also known for its menu filled with secret-recipe lotions that treat waxed areas with an “unrivalled tenderness, as well as amazing post-wax products”, including the Bromelaine-laced X ED Out Cream, which is an emollient cream that wards off nasty ingrown hairs, and the Strip Ice Cream, which is a soothing post-wax and IPL cream.
The best part? The waxperts (that is, wax experts) can deliver the services in an industry record-breaking 15 minutes.
In the Philippines, Abad said that “we had to educate each and every customer who came into the shop. At the end, they appreciated (what we did) because they learned a lot from us.”
Eventually, the Philippine market response to Strip: Ministry of Waxing has been largely favorable. “Being an international franchise helped our credibility and believability,” Abad said. But more than that, “we have a dedicated R&D team, and practically everything we have at the store is imported and made exclusively for Strip. Having customized waxes means we really take into consideration one’s skin, the climate…”
Also, “our customers enjoy going to Strip because our stores and waxes are fun and not (similar to those experienced in) the usual clinical type of salon.”
Strip: Ministry of Waxing’s waxes are biodegrable and FDA approved, and they don’t contain materials consisting of plastic or anything hazardous to the environment.
Today, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has a hairless presence in major capital cities from London, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok – aside from Singapore and Manila, of course.
The company is already eyeing growing in other parts of the Philippines.
For more information on, or to avail the services of the Strip: Ministry of Waxing, visit STRIP GREENBELT at 4/Floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Store space 4-003B, Makati City with telephone number (+632) 5013997; or STRIP SERENDRA at 2/F The Piazza at Serendra
Store, Space 2C26 & 2C27, Taguig City with telephone number (+632) 9010892.
Else, visit http://www.strip-manila.com/ for more information.
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