I originally had a dream of coming to America. I was also born into a family of hairstylists, with the profession going back to my grandmother’s generation. With that background, I used becoming a hairstylist as my reason to move to the United States.

Later, I met my mentor, Kaji, who was working internationally as an Artistic Director at Vidal Sassoon. I had the opportunity to train under him in Beverly Hills. Not only did I learn directly from him, but I was also surrounded by many top-level stylists and learned so much from them.

Honestly, I’m not sure if I would have continued as a hairstylist until today if I hadn’t had that encounter. Through this career, I’ve met so many wonderful people.

Above all, seeing the happy expressions on my clients’ faces when they love their hairstyle brings me happiness as well. This feeling has never changed—from the very first time I cut someone’s hair as a stylist to now.

— Kaori