Hair is a big factor when it comes to the physical appearance of an individual.

It brings out the best features in people. Unfortunately, a good hairdresser is hard to find these days. You get situations like: you go in and request for a trim and you leave the salon with a bob. It’s not uncommon. I hear these complaints every day. That is why I made a little promise to myself that no one else is going to touch my hair except this certain person who I consider is the god of hairstyling: Francis Lee.

I remember my first encounter with Francis like it was yesterday. There was an event he participated in and I was conveniently part of the audience. He grabbed the microphone and announced that he was going to cut someone’s hair on stage, so he asked for a volunteer. I raised my hand because I was feeling very spontaneous, mind you. As soon as I saw bits of my hair fall to the ground, then I realized I was entrusting my hair to someone I didn’t know at all during that time. You can just imagine the thought process I went through to calm myself down. But the moment I saw the final results, my fear vanished and glee set in. It was short, manageable and full of life, compared to the thick, nightmarish hair that I originally had and was used to. I went to his salon a week after that encounter so he could do a bit of tweaking. I don’t know about it being a “bit” because I left the place with a totally different hairstyle. Then I said to myself, this man certainly does wonders. Not only is he able to do the right thing for your hair, but he can certainly go the extra mile because of the simple fact that he knows what is right for you and he merges that concept with what you actually want. And presto! You look absolutely fabulous. At least, it was that way for me because it took me two weeks to stop obsessing over my new hair.

But don’t settle with me trying to tell you his success story. I sat down with Francis recently, and he was more than welcome to share his journey play by play.

Francis Lee is originally from Singapore. He was sixteen years old when he got his first job as a hairdresser at the Morris International School of Hairdressing where he had in-depth training under the Master Class program for eight months. He was then sent to London for two weeks of advanced training. After all that, he decided to go for something more practical whilst living in Hong Kong. He became a foreign exchange dealer. But it wasn’t for long before his forex dealings got affected by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. You may take this event as a sign that this particular job wasn’t his calling, or you may say that it is purely coincidental. One thing is for sure though; the crisis led Francis to the Philippines.

He settled in Cebu where he planned on getting into the construction business. There were a lot of struggles that he had to go through. A few of them were with a local business partner that he said didn’t work out, and he decided to withdraw from the partnership. Francis was left to wander – and wonder – in the city. He asked himself what he could do in this little island in the south. And as if he had to look any further, he went back to doing what he truly loved the most: hairstyling.

Francis found a place inside a hotel located in Fuente Osmeña. He told me that the previous tenants of that very spot he acquired were salons as well. The place had no charm at all, he recalled. There was no signage, and his only marketing tool was the function hall outside. Since the big glass windows were covered with blinds that have been pre-installed by the former occupants, he decided to take them all off so people outside could see what was going on inside. Francis used curiousity as a contrivance.

Apparently, a few of his friends were trying to fend him off from the business move he was about to do, which he found a little discouraging. But, the bold soul that he is, he took the risk and did it anyway. After all, it was just to pass the time while waiting for another business to arise.

“That’s why I named the salon ‘Bridges’”, said Francis. “It was supposed to be a stepping stone for something greater.”

The salon took an ironic turn and became the accomplished goal that he longed for. From a dainty flat in a hotel that could only accommodate around five customers, then moved on to a bigger spot in a mall in Lahug. And now, Lee’s dream resides in a very sleek, commodious and chic space with cutting-edge hair care technology and a wine bar located in Mabolo’s The Gallery. Listening to himself definitely paid off big time.

“What’s meant for you is meant for you,” said L’Oreal’s hairstyling ambassador, simply.

Francis Lee’s milestones didn’t stop there. He is constantly nominated for and winning awards, usually for the quality service that his facility offers, consistency, and, of course, his impeccably prodigious talent. But at the end of the day, it’s doing what you love that matters to him most. The recognitions and the rewards are just bonuses for the hard work that he has invested into this passion of his.

Cebu has been treating Francis fairly well. For a biker like him, he finds bike rides around the island very fulfilling. He says it is a very beautiful place where he has made a great amount of customers – all ranging from the A to C clientele – who genuinely appreciate his work, and an amazing group of friends. This is also one of the main reasons why Francis opened a bar right next to Bridges called F Café. He states that it complements the salon, and is an extension to pamper his customers. I’ve experienced the place first-hand. And it is also a wonderful and stylish place to stay and unwind. From the music, the drinks, to the comfortable aura it gives out, you can find yourself wanting to overstay your welcome.

So the next time you feel like your hair needs a little love and you want to indulge, head down to Bridges and let the ace work his magic.