Tatler+
The founder and managing director of Senze Salus, which has been nominated to be part of Tatler's Best of Singapore 2020, on his inspiration behind the first SK-II Boutique Spa in the world
SK-II as a beauty brand needs little introduction. After all, its Facial Treatment Essence is one of the most widely used products and is a favourite of beauty junkies and editors alike.
But did you know that Singapore is home to the first SK-II Boutique Spa in the world? The brainchild of Calvin Ng, who helped to launch the first SK-II counter at Isetan Scotts while he was the former associate director of sales (ASEAN) at Procter & Gamble (P&G), saw potential in marrying the award-winning skincare brand with a luxury spa.
After starting the boutique spa in 2004, the founder and managing director of Senze Salus has since taken his business regional, with the latest SK-II Boutique Spa opening at The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
We speak with the seasoned entrepreneur and ask: What's the secret behind his success?
You’re the founder of the world’s first SK-II Boutique Spa–how did you first get into the beauty industry?
Calvin Ng (CN) My career at P&G provided me with the opportunity to work on SK-II in 1999. It was a transformative year for SK-II as it emerged from the Max Factor franchise to flourish on its own, and after spending a couple of years with the brand, I fell in love with this aspirational business. I saw an opportunity to combine retail with service, and SK-II presented that perfect opportunity.
Service was not the key focus for the brand then, and I felt consumers needed more than just using the products. I left P&G in 2003, and immediately embarked on the mission to bring this passion of mine to life, and after rounds of presentations, I successfully secured the nods to establish the first full-fledged facial spa for SK-II under a licensing agreement for Singapore market.