Putting the 'AHH!' in 'Spa'

Putting the 'AHH!' in 'Spa'

Thai entrepreneur's products gain acceptance at home and in Europe

The entrepreneur behind Jainnisa and Primmalai spa products wants to see them become standard fare in leading hotel chains at home and abroad.

All products come from Thai wisdom and use authentic ingredients. Customers understand this and want to try them, says Ms Jainnisa.

Jainnisa Kuvinichkul, a former financial consultant and the heiress of the family that owns aluminium provider MT Alumet Co, has two ventures.

Last year, she started Blissful Exotica in England to produce Jainnisa spa products using Thai herbal ingredients.

They are now sold in many retail channels in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

"My Jainnisa brand is gaining wider acceptance in the UK. Although they're made in England, the products come from Thai wisdom and use authentic ingredients. Customers understand this and want to try them," said Ms Jainnisa.

"British customers know Thai spas are among the best in the world, so they're willing to pay for premium Thai spa products."

Following that success, Ms Jainnisa early this year started Metta Essential in Thailand to make the Primmalai sister brand Primmalai for Thai spa-goers here.

Ms Jainnisa has personally invested more than 50 million baht in the two brands.

Her Primmalai shop in Central Chidlom became popular after only a few months.

Ms Jainnisa credits Primmalai's strong performance to the high quality of the products, a major ingredient of which is Thai flowers.

These spa products were developed by the same team that produces the Jainnisa brand in the UK.

Ms Jainnisa has taken the next step by supplying both brands to spas in the Four Seasons and St. Regis hotels on Ratchadamri Road.

They are used onsite in spa treatments, and customers can also buy them for home use.

The strategies for both brands are being formulated to avoid market overlap.

The Jainnisa brand will continue its European focus including online sales.

While Primmalai products will be sold through retail channels in Thailand, the company will also provide a "scenting service" for events such as wedding receptions and parties.

Primmalai will open more outlets at shopping centres and airports in Thailand next year.

Even though Primmalai products cost more to make than other brands, they are still affordable, said Ms Jainnisa.

She hopes the brands will soon be used by spas at leading hotel chains in Thailand, China, the Middle East and Europe.

"As well, investors from other Asian countries have approached me about becoming their partner to supply them spa products. But I need time to consider these offers, as they keep coming very quickly," said Ms Jainnisa.

Meanwhile, she is working on creating a suitable franchise system.

"My goal is to see both Jainnisa and Primmalai brands have a presence in major cities in Asia in the next five years, plus I want to open my own spa too," said Ms Jainnisa.

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