French expat Manon Allano has spent the last four years managing her family’s aesthetics business in Asia. We find out how, despite moving across the world and now having a new baby in tow, her passion for work remains as strong as ever. At the helm of three EstheClinic branches around Singapore, Manon is passionate about the body and facial treatments offered by her team.
I meet Manon in the charming Joo Chiat area for our shoot. Despite having just hopped off a gruelling 17-hour flight from Phoenix, where her husband is training to become a pilot, she looks well rested and ready for action. “‘I definitely didn’t miss this humid weather,” she laughs.
Originally from the South of France, she has spent the past four years setting up and managing the three EstheClinic branches around Singapore. Her father, a cosmetic doctor, founded the company 20 years ago, together with his BVA Technology Group, which manufactures and distributes aesthetic equipment in Europe.
Why did they decide to launch in Singapore? They loved Asia, and spotting a gap in the market was their inspiration.
“I had previously lived in China, and loved it. Back in Paris, my husband and I had dreamt of moving abroad together. After an exploratory trip, we were convinced our concept would be received well here.”
They ended up choosing Singapore for its multicultural society, and because it’s easy to communicate, she says. “We don’t speak Mandarin, so we were a bit scared of starting our project in a country where we didn’t speak the language!”.
Fascinated by the cosmetics industry from a young age, Manon joined the company straight after graduating from her studies. She’s now 32, and despite her hectic schedule overseeing each clinic’s daily operations, she hasn’t looked back. In fact, she feels she’s found the right balance, even if it means working seven days a week.
“When I was a child, my father would tell me that his job didn’t feel like work; that he was having fun doing what he loved. The same is true for me today. Taking care of the aesthetic centres is a daily pleasure, even when things get stressful.”
It’s no secret that the aesthetic industry is booming in Asia, and that’s little wonder. I’ve chatted to many women who’ve suffered unpredictable skin changes after moving to Singapore’s humid climate, despite no change in their skin care routine.
Hydration and protection from the sun’s rays are basic essentials, but there’s more that can be done. “Our most popular face and body treatments are for skin rejuvenation, whitening, slimming and permanent hair removal,” explains Manon. “What sets our clinics apart is that our treatments are approved by medical doctors, and our technology is developed by both aesthetic physicians and engineers.”
What’s next for Manon? Having just had her first daughter last year, she’s enjoying spending time with her, and watching her grow and develop. Simultaneously, she’s learning how to juggle it all.
“Motherhood definitely takes up a lot of my time, but it’s good time. You just have to adapt,” she says. “It’s amazing to see what the body can endure when required. If I could, though, I’d play more sport and do more sewing – it’s a huge passion of mine!”
EstheClinic’s branch in Joo Chiat is situated just a stones throw away from these colourful shophouses in Koon Seng road.
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