Today we’d like to introduce you to Rika Inoue
Rika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started from Japan. When I was 22, I made the decision to continue my education in California. When I was younger, my mother took my sister and I to San Fransico to experience a short-term study abroad. I adopted easy to American life and culture. I knew I wanted to explore it further in the future, so I decided to move to San Diego and enroll in an ESL school. While I was there, I made friendships with people from around the world, I built community, and I got a chance to know myself and explore my interest. After finishing ESL school, I discussed with my father who is an entrepreneur and owns multiple businesses in different countries, about going to school for business. He quickly taught me that on-the-job training is the best way to learn how businesses are run. Because of my passion for the beauty industry, I knew that was the route for me. I moved to Los Angeles and graduated with my cosmetology license in 2021 from Santa Monica College. A good friend of my father contacted him about the salon she was looking to sell, he thought this would be a great opportunity to combine my passion for beauty and my growth for business. I then acquired the Taka Hair Salon as the new owner with plans to expand the brand both in America and abroad.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road to this point has not been easy AT ALL! Owning a hair salon was my first exposure to working in an America. I faced many challenges adjusting to US work policy and procedures. I also experienced many hardships walking into an already established business and culture. My mother always used to say, “God wouldn’t give you any challenges you can’t overcome.”
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a Japanese/American hair salon located on Santa Monica and Westwood Blvd. We have been No.1 in the nation for Japanese Chemical Straightening for many years and we are the first salon in America to offer Minecolla Hydrogen Treatment which is a patented hair treatment from Japan. All of our stylist has been trained in both the American and Japanese techniques. We truly believe that everyone deserves to feel they are beautiful and loved regardless of nationality, age and hair type. And because of this motto, is why we want to expand TAKA in America and to other countries in the world. WE WANT YOU TO KNOW TAKA IS ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU!!♥
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I balance life with hiking and meditation. I believe that being outdoors and meditating gives me the opportunity to disconnect and center my focus.
Pricing:
- Haircut $95-$200
- Shampoo&Blowout $65-100
- Japanese Straightening $580 and up
- Minecolla Treatment $300 and up
- Makeup $150 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://takahair.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takahairsalon/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/taka-hair-salon-los-angeles-5?osq=takahairsalon
