In 1999, Nishikawa, a hotel concierge fresh out of college, walked into Ampy’s Spa one day and handed her résumé to Ampy, who offered to train Nishikawa together with her own college-aged daughter. Under Ampy’s tutelage, Nishikawa started at the front desk, became an aesthetician and later a manager, learning every aspect of the business for three years.
In 2003, a European aesthetician across Kapiolani Boulevard in the Kenrock Building listed her 260-square-foot studio for sale. Nishikawa bought the studio with personal funds and a bank loan. She continued working at Ampy’s for several weeks, laying the groundwork for her new company. But she didn’t tell anyone her plans. Especially not her clients.
