RETAIL
SPOTLIGHT
Elegant Trio Color's
journey
to global
going
A family business selling cosmetics and hair
care line, Elegant Trio Colors or ETC was
managed by mother and daughter tandem,
and just recently the management was
handed over to daughter Gisella May
Cristobal. While the company already has
operations in the United States of America
(USA), and product reach across Europe
and Asia, it is still aggressively working to
become recognized both in the local and
foreign soil. And true enough, with passion
and determination, the company has been
recognized by foreign magazines and events
to become their partner.
Their make-up brands, JAZZY France and
Pinkies Collections and hair care brand ASIDA
Paris have been used and trusted in events and
magazines from US and France, and hopefully,
with further push in a larger scale and in
various parts of the world.
Thalia, Akon, and Mel B., among other artists, in
collaboration with the "For The Stars Fashion
House".
What would you say are the strong points
of the company in the market?
We are proud to offer products that are vegan,
cruelty-free, and modesty aside the first
Filipino brand that is made in Paris. Our
company has a beauty line with a heart. We
create safe, non-hazardous products that
transform our clients to become the best
version of themselves. Portions of the profits
are also donated to several charitable
foundations that the company supports.
What are some of the biggest milestones
of your company?
The Philippine Retailing talked with Gisella or
Ms. G, as she is called in their office, and she
shared how their family started ETC, along
with the challenges they faced, dreams and
plans for the business. Being in the business for almost a decade, we
are proud to say that we've been featured in
various international and local magazines
including Vogue, Runway, and Mega among
others. We also had opportunities to work at
the Emmy's Awards and are part of the Fashion
Week in the US.
Why did you decide to venture into this
business? What were you doing prior to
putting up ETC? What were the challenges the company
has encountered and how did you
overcome these?
Before entering the cosmetic industry, we were
engaged in various businesses, including a
salon, which led us to partner with beauty
expert James Cooper, who then opened the
doors for cosmetic business to us. After
graduation, I pursued my lifelong passion for
cosmetics and took up hair and makeup artistry
in Los Angeles, California to become a
Hollywood Certified Master Makeup and Hair
Design Artist. Through determination, I was
able to handle Hollywood celebrities such as There were so many trials and challenges
especially when we expanded in the US.
Racism will always be there, being a Filipino
brand, but with pride and glamour, we were
able to win the battle. They were able to see
that we are a cosmetics brand with a heart
because we care, share and support in our
small ways, charities and educational
institutions. We are also fortunate to have a
good PR management there.
Do you have a woman leader whom you
look up to? Who and why?
My mom, Ms. Leila Cristobal. Not only because
she is my mom, but she is an empowered
woman, who's able to balance everything from
her personal life to handling the business. Aside
from that, she is wise, has the biggest heart,
selfless and most importantly loves and never
forgets Jesus. Everything that I am is because
of my parents, most especially my mom. I am a
strong woman because a strong woman raised
me.
What’s your further dream/goal for the
business?
We intend to compete globally through online
market, open distributorship and we hope to
join some of the biggest beauty exhibits in
various parts of the world like Japan, Dubai,
Europe and U.S. and become the first Filipino
makeup brand to do so. Through this, we hope
to create more jobs as well.
What value do you get by becoming a
member of PRA?
PRA provides members with a competitive
advantage because they become active,
informed members of their industry. They lead
and brief us on important industry trends, new
legislative ruling, and advances in technology.
Retail Spotlight aims to share the success stories and insights of
PRA members. Share your story with us! if you have an inspiring
story on how you started your business, or an employee who
has served as inspiration within the company or the retailing
community, we’d love to publish them on the Philippine Retailing
magazine. Email your pitch at [email protected]
and let’s share beautiful, inspiring stories to the retailing
community.
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