The Power of Embracing What You Already Have ― A Different Kind of Confidence ―

Have you ever thought,
“If only my eyes were bigger…”
“If my hair were different…”
“If I looked more like that person…”?

In many Asian cultures, including Japan, modesty is often seen as a virtue. Saying “I’m confident in myself” can sometimes feel uncomfortable — even arrogant.

But I believe real confidence isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about recognizing and accepting who you are right now.

Why Owning Your Natural Features is Beautiful

As a hairstylist, I’ve seen it so many times: When people stop chasing what they don’t have and start embracing what they do have, something magical happens.

• Wavy or curly hair? Let’s bring out its natural movement.
• Concerned about your face shape? We’ll create balance through how we frame it.
• Have some gray hairs? They can actually inspire beautiful, unique color designs.

When we stop trying to hide our features and instead work with them, the result always feels more “you.”

And I think that’s not just about hair — it’s a way of living, too.
The moment you start seeing what you already have, self-acceptance becomes possible.

What I Learned in London

I used to work as a hairstylist in London, and I noticed a big cultural difference.

Many European clients embraced their individuality with pride. Curly hair, thick textures, red or gray hair — they’d say, “This is who I am,” and wear it with confidence.

But some of my Japanese clients living abroad often said things like: “I want to change my hair texture…” “I just want to cover all my gray…”

There was a clear contrast in how people viewed their own features — and it made me realize how powerful self-acceptance can be.

“Embracing What You Have” Isn’t About Giving Up

In Japanese, there’s a phrase: “Taru wo shiru” — which means “to know what is enough.”

But it’s often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean settling. It means having the strength to say,
“This is who I am, and I choose to treat myself with care.”

When you’re no longer chasing someone else’s standard of beauty, you gain the freedom to live by your own.

That’s what I try to offer as a hairstylist — not just the skill to “change” your appearance, but the eye to draw out what’s already beautiful about you.

The goal?
A hairstyle — and a feeling — that helps you like yourself just a little more.

Beauty Starts With Acceptance

Let’s be honest. Almost everyone has some insecurities — I do, too.

And of course, in the salon, my first goal is always to help my clients feel more confident and comfortable.

But there’s only so much we can change. After you’ve done your part — tried new styles, taken care of yourself — maybe the next step is this:

Believe in the beauty that’s already there.

Because when you do, not just your hair, but the way you carry yourself, the way you connect with others — it all begins to shift.

You don’t need to compare.
You’re already enough.
Exactly as you are.