PYNK Salon struts into Chinatown adorned with positivity, creativity

DOWNTOWN—The revitalization of Chinatown into an arts and cultural district has long been witnessed and discussed by those businesses and denizens that have seen it first-hand. That revitalization has remained a part of Honolulu’s collective conversation because it is ongoing. The owners of the Ezentric Salon at the makai end of Smith Street of are set to open their newest venture, PYNK, during this month’s First Friday event on February 5. It is another new business optimistic about what is happening in Chinatown. PYNK is an acronym for Positive, Youthful ‘N Kreative.

The young, female entrepreneurs are clearly driven, and apparently quite modest, having asked The Hawaii Independent not to name them in this article in order to keep the focus on their business. Despite that reluctance, they were happy to discuss their approach to beauty and fashion, their commitment to charity, and the events planned for the opening of PYNK. We’ll call them “S” and “C”.

With decades of experience between them in the fashion industry, their vision for their new salon is clear.

“A lot of stylists and designers sometimes price themselves out of the markets,” says C from beneath a smartly cocked cap at Ezentric. “We want for people to look good and be able to afford it.” C’s experience has been as a model, a makeup artist, and production company executive. Both women have been successful on collaborating and cooperating with others in the industry.

The PYNK location on Hotel Street features work stations and other interior design elements created by C Paredes Designs. Friday’s event will feature a fashion show with designs by a half-dozen names, including Cinnamon Girl and Anne Namba. In addition to performances by Hi-Risk, and DJ Nocturna, hair and makeup services will be provided at a discount nominal fee that will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Saturday’s PYNK-sponsored performance at Waikiki’s Level 4 will feature supermodel-turned-deejay DJ Evalicious.

Having worked in other people’s salons in the past, PYNK’s owners have a clear idea of the kind of employer they want to be. “We want to be the kind of place where people want to come to work,” says C. On a recent afternoon at Ezentric, it was clear that that is exactly the kind of environment they’ve created.

“You should come in for a style,” smiled S following an interview for this story.

As I settled into a chair the next day, Kalae Sylva, a young and stylish stylist looked at my otherwise remarkably unstylish haircut and must have picked up on some unconscious fear.

“Don’t worry, man,” he said. “We’re going to make you look twenty-one again.”

He gave me a hairstyle I would never have chosen, but one with which I am very happy. But then again, that is what a great stylist does. They find a way for you to express yourself that you may have never imagined, and that is empowering.

PYNK
40 N. Hotel Street
(808) 561-0514
First Friday grand opening on Friday, February 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.