Couple entrepreneur ventures into health and wellness retail

CEBU, Philippines — Capitalizing on the lucrative health and wellness industries post-pandemic, exporter couple entrepreneurs have diversified their business tapping the domestic retail market for health-promoting products.

Paul and Mona Dy opened the Oasis Home wellness and lifestyle hub in Cebu, located at the second level City Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu. This pioneering establishment is at the forefront of introducing an array of wellness products to the retail market, including sauna products, jacuzzis, heated towel racks, massage chairs, and various other health and wellness essentials.

From exporting, construction, and manufacturing, the couple is now expanding its business to health and wellness retail.

The couple operates PRD Prime Concepts and Design Inc., an export company, which makes game-day giveaways and graduation lei for the United States market, including Australia and New Zealand.

Paul and Mona believe that Cebu provides huge potential for health and wellness products and equipment, now that the market has recognized the importance of living well and taking care of their well-being.

A lot of Cebuanos are now getting into shape [after the pandemic]. We are not left behind about the latest trends in health and wellness, said Mona.

Observing the spending patterns among Filipino consumers at large, not just limited to the Cebuanos, the couple decided to put money into a business with huge potential. Their aim is not only to capitalize on the market but also to provide affordable products and equipment to a broader consumer base. Previously, such items were typically associated with the affluent market segment or institutional clients, including spa outlets, gyms, hotels, and resorts.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, our focus shifted towards offering products that contribute to overall health, Mona explained. She noted that since the store s soft opening in October 2023, she has observed a trend among Cebuanos, who are willing to invest in items promoting longevity, such as sauna heaters, regardless of the cost.

Cebuanos have money to spend on health, these types of products are just perfect for them to acquire,  she added.

According to Paul, Oasis Home gives access to consumers to own sauna equipment or steam room features at home, without spending too much or requiring too much space with its modular sauna products like a one-meter width modular sauna products.

Our sauna products can fit even inside a bathroom, a studio condominium. We developed a less expensive version to make the sauna products modularized, portable, and power efficient,

Sauna and steam rooms are believed to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, clear congestion, promote skin health aid in workout recovery, loosen stiff joints, burn calories, boost the immune system, and remove toxins, among others.

For as low as P69,000, one can own sauna (infrared or stone heated) equipment at home. Attractive payment installments are also offered.

We want people to know about the benefits of sauna, added Mona.

According to the Asian Development Outlook 2020 update:  Wellness is a big part of the global and regional economy, highlighting its potential role in post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. Wellness-related industries account for about five percent of the global domestic product (GDP) or US$4.5 trillion in 2018, and about 11 percent of developing Asia s GDP in 2017 and this is growing about 10 percent annually.

McKinsey's latest survey revealed that the global health and wellness market has reached a market evaluation of US$1.5 trillion and growing at a rate of 5-10 percent per year.