Hairdressing is just a matter of doing something I really enjoy. It wasn't so much inspiration that made me become a hairdresser, but I've found a place in hairdressing where work is no longer work, where work is enjoyment.

I started my career in hairdressing in London and worked there for many years. I have been in the industry for 17 years, and I am also a session hair stylist, doing session work and editorial shoots for a range of artists and styles.​​

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I moved to the United States at the age of 13 and spent my teenage years and early twenties. I graduated from an international middle/high school and a college in Seattle. Following my graduation, I moved to London from Seattle.

I was trained at Vidal Sasson London, and my career in hairdressing started, working as a stylist at a lively salon in London. But rather than just working in a hairdressing salon, I had the privilege of assisting the international editorial hair stylist Peter Gray, who became my mentor. Over the years, I worked alongside him on more than 100 collections (Fashion Week in Paris, Milan, London, and New York), advertising campaigns, videos, hair shows, seminars, and countless fashion editorial shoots. These experiences shaped my creative vision and deepened my passion for creating hairstyles that bring out individuality, inspire confidence, and feel authentic to each person.

After living in London for many years and abroad for a total of over 23 years, I moved to Tokyo. I was awarded 2nd place for Shu Uemura Art of Hair—Gallery of Style Japan 2019. 

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Having a long history of living abroad, my experiences in these different cultures have allowed me to form relationships with people of all backgrounds and develop an intimate understanding of diversity. 

As a bicultural/third-cultural person, I just got used to finding my own identity and being a bit of a foreigner wherever I am. I think a lot of bicultural people have that feeling, but what makes you different is what makes you unique, and I feel comfortable being an outsider.

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Apart from doing hair, I love being in and around nature and water and seeing different types of visual arts, but sometimes even just looking at them is so relaxing, and I love making images. I also have fun listening to music and watching movies, and I love travelling. 

I am also in support of environmental sustainability. I think we all have a responsibility to our earth and should embrace one another's uniqueness. These are also core beliefs of FÈATH.​

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I keep remembering being true to what I really want and feel. I don't suppose I've known and will know everything, but that is what keeps me alive creatively, invigorating and interested. My concern is to keep growing while staying humble and down-to-earth, and true to myself.

 

​​​​@kaykayshimiz_