Hidden Gems: Meet Katya Yoshida of Capybara Hair LOunge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katya Yoshida.

Hi Katya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years, and if I’m being real, I was hitting that burnout wall hard. Long days behind the chair start to catch up with you, and I knew I didn’t want to keep doing things the same way forever. There’s definitely a shelf life if you don’t evolve.
I started craving something different. Something that still felt creative, but more sustainable long-term. Not just for me, but for other hairstylists who might be feeling the same way but don’t know what their next move looks like.
So my husband and I decided to build it. We opened an 8-chair salon that actually reflects who we are… a little weird, a lot of fun, and not stuck in outdated industry rules. A space where artists can grow, make money, and not feel trapped behind the chair 24/7.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always We got really lucky early on with an insanely talented, creative team, which honestly spoiled us a bit. But stepping into a leadership role? That was a whole different skill set I had to learn from scratch.
Being a “boss” doesn’t just click overnight. Figuring out how to support and mentor people while still holding standards and running a profitable business… yeah, that’s been a challenge. Add in admin work, money decisions, and the random daily salon chaos, and it’s a lot to juggle.
Thankfully, my husband balances me out. He’s been a huge part of keeping things grounded and helping carry the weight when it gets overwhelming.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Capybara Hair LOunge?
Capybara Hair Lounge isn’t your typical salon, and that’s very intentional. We built it as a space where hairstylists can actually thrive, not burn out. Everything we do is centered around sustainability, creativity, and giving both clients and stylists a better experience.
We specialize in lived-in color, vivid and creative transformations, shags, wolf cuts, and textured hair of all kinds, especially curls. A lot of our clients come to us for alternative styles or to translate something bold into something that actually fits their lifestyle. We’re known for taking inspiration, whether it’s a trend, a reference photo, or even anime, and making it wearable and customized.
What really sets us apart is how we run the business. We’re gratuity-free, we don’t double book, and we price by time so everything is transparent. No weird add-ons, no pressure to upsell products, and no chaos behind the scenes. For stylists, we offer a commission structure with freedom… set your own schedule, your own pricing, unlimited time off, and real mentorship without gatekeeping.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve created something that actually challenges outdated salon norms. We’ve grown a team of incredibly talented artists who are booked, supported, and evolving, without having to follow the old rules of overworking, undercharging, and burning out.
At the end of the day, Capybara is about doing things differently on purpose. It’s a little weird, very intentional, and built for people who want more out of this industry… both behind the chair and in it.

What’s next?
Right now, we’re really focused on scaling in a smart, intentional way. We’re growing the team and bringing in more artists who actually want to be here, people who care about their craft, their clients, and building something long-term.

We still have room to grow because we use station sharing, which gives stylists flexibility to work as much or as little as they want without being locked into a rigid schedule. That’s a big part of what makes our model sustainable.

I’m also excited to keep expanding our education and mentorship side. Helping stylists grow faster, charge their worth, and not burn out is a huge priority for us.

Overall, the goal isn’t just “bigger.” It’s better. More aligned, more intentional, and continuing to challenge the way this industry usually operates.

Pricing:

• We price everything by the hour, so you’re paying for time, not confusing add-ons
• Your budget is clear upfront based on how much time your service will realistically take
• Everything can be included within that time frame (color, haircut, styling, treatments, etc.)
• We’re gratuity-free, so pricing is transparent and built to reflect the true value of the service
• Different stylists have different hourly rates based on experience, so there’s flexibility depending on your budget

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.capybarahairlounge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capybarahairlounge/

Image Credits
Forth hair picture on the slides Color by Jasmine Barrion Haircut by Katya Yoshida the Capybara muscle guy photo was taken be Sho Yoshida