Walking on Sunshine: Prestige 100 Singapore Award and Top Business Service And Quality Award 2024/2025

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In Singapore’s vibrant Central Business District (CBD), a one-of-a-kind concept has flourished. Walking on Sunshine is more than a salon; it’s an innovative fusion of beauty and culinary excellence, seamlessly blending salon services with a charming café experience. Since its inception in 2018, this hybrid business, envisioned by Senior Director Ms Hyun Jin Kim, has redefined how urbanites approach self-care, community engagement, and lifestyle.

Walking on Sunshine is aptly described as an “oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle.” It offers a lush, garden-themed ambiance that sets the stage for transformative beauty experiences. Combining a salon with a café

—the Clayful Café—this hybrid model has created an unparalleled customer experience. Patrons can indulge in top-notch salon services and then unwind over coffee and homemade pastries, elevating a routine salon visit to a holistic and rejuvenating outing.

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Senior director of Walking on Sunshine, Ms Hyun Jin Kim

The journey to establishing Walking on Sunshine was far from smooth. In its early days, the business faced financial struggles, low foot traffic, and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, changing customer behaviours post-pandemic, such as frequent international travel, disrupted customer retention.

Ms Kim and her team tackled these hurdles with resilience and creativity. To attract initial customers, they offered free giveaways, an approach that not only brought in patrons but also built trust. Flexible policies, such as extending membership credits for traveling clients, and an engaging social media strategy played a pivotal role in addressing post-pandemic challenges.

At its core, Walking on Sunshine operates with a mission to transform and inspire. Whether through bespoke hair treatments, head spa services, or delicious culinary offerings, the focus remains on making clients look and feel their best. The salon boasts a team of highly skilled professionals, many trained by renowned Korean hairstylists, ensuring cutting-edge expertise and consistency.

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The café complements the salon’s ethos, offering patrons everything from premium coffee to a variety of smoothies and teas, alongside personalized touches like birthday cakes and celebratory wine for special occasions.

What sets Walking on Sunshine apart is its adaptability and customer- centric philosophy. The salon employs a variety of strategies to retain and grow its clientele, including personalized attention, referral programs, and cross-promotional efforts with its café. It also leverages advanced technologies such as integrated point-of-sale systems, which streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.

Furthermore, the company’s marketing prowess is evident in its collaborations with influencers and its strong social media presence, earning it the title of Singapore’s “most Instagrammable café.” The visual appeal of its lush interiors and exceptional service consistently garners rave reviews and loyal customer engagement. A KBS interview significantly boosted the company’s exposure in Korea. During Luna’s visit to Korea for the interview, she connected with the emcee. Later, when the emcee attended the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore, she brought along renowned Korean celebrity Eric Nam, and Luna had the opportunity to style his hair as well.

Beyond business, Walking on Sunshine is deeply committed to giving back to society. The team regularly participates in charity events, offering free haircuts at orphanages and eldercare homes. This spirit of community involvement reflects the company’s broader mission to spread positivity and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Walking on Sunshine’s strengths lie in its strong client base and excellent reputation, evidenced by over 8,600 glowing Google reviews with an average rating of 4.8/5. Despite economic sensitivities and the competitive nature of Singapore’s beauty industry, the salon has maintained a steady influx of new and repeat customers.

Looking ahead, the business sees vast opportunities in expanding its service offerings. Plans include introducing Korean makeup and personal colour analysis, as well as venturing into international markets. With an existing presence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the brand aims to explore franchising and further regional expansion.

The company’s vibrant culture is characterized by inclusivity, teamwork, and continuous learning. Stylists and staff are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, fostering an environment where both personal and professional development thrive. The team’s commitment to innovation and high standards ensures that every client receives a superior experience.

Ms Kim envisions Walking on Sunshine as a destination where clients come not just to enhance their appearance but also to rejuvenate their spirit. With plans to expand into new markets and introduce additional lifestyle elements like cooking and pottery workshops, the brand aims to become a holistic lifestyle hub inspired by Korean aesthetics and wellness.

Walking on Sunshine is more than just a salon or café; it’s a beacon of creativity, resilience, and community spirit. Under Ms Kim’s visionary leadership, the brand has not only survived but thrived, earning its place as a beloved destination in Singapore. With its unique concept, customer-first approach, and dedication to innovation, Walking on Sunshine is set to shine even brighter on the global stage.

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