When I was in high school, I wasn’t really thinking about my future. There was a career fair at school, and one of my close friends said, “I’m going to take over my family’s barbershop, so I’m going to become a hairstylist.” That comment led me to visit a beauty school with him.

Honestly, I applied with a pretty lighthearted attitude, even wondering if I might become more popular with girls. To my surprise, I passed the entrance exam.

You might think I would be the type to give up and drop out, but once I started, I became genuinely interested in the detailed work, the sound of scissors, and the world of fashion.

My passion grew after I began.

I didn’t have a big dream or someone I deeply admired at the time, but looking back, maybe that was a good thing.

People often romanticize the “reason” why they start something. But I think what matters more is being able to continue doing something that simply feels right to you.

— Jay