Owner and director of Melanie Nakatsui Salon & Spa
Owner of Melanie Nakatsui Management Corporation
Publisher of Philippine Asian Chronicle

At 27 years old, Melanie Nakatsui runs three businesses, is actively involved in her community, and has a young family. Nakatsui was an entrepreneur at a young age.

At 22, she created the Melanie Nakatsui Management Corporation, a one-woman operation that helps other companies start up and get organized. She also owns the Melanie Nakatsui Salon and Spa, and is the publisher for the Philippine Asian
Chronicle. “[The paper] is more about bringing people together,” Nakatsui says, explaining she doesn’t run the paper just to make a profit. “It helps bridge a gap.”

Her biggest business is her salon, which she opened when she was 23. “I’m not a hairdresser, but I love the industry. I love making people feel good about themselves.” Nakatsui runs the salon and spa, taking care of tasks such as payroll, inventory and supervisory duties. She credits the salon’s success to her stylists and staff. “They’re the make or break of a business. Good staff helps with client retention—from the front desk to the stylists.”

Nakatsui has a huge drive to help others and volunteers for several charities, organizations and committees. She’s the president-elect of the Junior League of Edmonton, an organization that trains women in leadership skills and also emphasizes community involvement. “It’s one of the more important community organizations.”

She’s also on the Mayor’s multicultural advisory counsel, is the chair of the proposed Mayor’s Multicultural Arts Evening, and is on the communications and community development committees. Through her position on the outreach committee, she is a strong promoter of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Despite all her current success as an entrepreneur and volunteer, Nakatsui aspires to someday open a homeless shelter.