Today we’d like to introduce you to the super sweet Mika Ishida.
Mika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m from Japan. When I was little, my parents took me to the USA for many times. I really loved being in the US more than Japan. When I was 14 yrs old, I watched the show about this lady who was working as a makeup artist in NYC and I was fascinated. Right at that moment I set up my dream, come to America and become a Hair and Makeup artist.
After graduated from high school, I went to Australia to learn English. I didn’t know that Australian English is different than American English. Anyways, I learned the basic English and left there after one year. I went back to Japan to make some money, but my dream was still the same. Wanted to come to America so badly.
I made some money and came to US in 2008, went to the language school and found the perfect school which was Santa Monica college. I heard they offers Cosmetology classes. This decision was great, I learned hair and skin, beauty industries and also I took some general classes that they offered. After 2.5yrs of schooling, I got a cosmetology license and AA degree. So the future if I want to go back to school I can use this credit.
I looked for makeup jobs online, however, many of them were not paid jobs. In the same time, I attended Makeup school (LAMUS) to learn about more makeup. The teachers were super amazing. After not making money for a long time, I decided to work at the hair salon in West Hollywood which I’m still working there. Building clientele was very hard since I was very shy… Since I’m from Japan, everything was very different working in the US, how to behave and stand up yourself. Slowly I built a good amount of clientele from nothing…
In the same time, my friend who is a wedding photographer. She offered many engagements, wedding gigs. I’m still in the process to find myself, the road is pretty rough sometimes. However, I’m really enjoying what I do and appreciate everyone who supported me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Language -I couldn’t speak English, still not perfect at all. But language barrier was one of the hardest.
Communication skill as well. Grow up as a Japanese, we don’t hags, express your feelings. Slowly I adjusted over the years.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I want to have my small studio. Also, meet many people and make a connection to work in movie/tv /magazine industries.
Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
When I was becoming a hairdresser from an assistant. There is no walking clients at our salon. So I had to promote myself using groupon deals. It was very tough because many of the clients came in with messed up hair because those people don’t go to same hairdressers, look for the deals all the time. I was trying hard to fix without getting any money out of it. however, I realize that those people won’t even come back even I put a lot of effort. I gained some clients from that but most of my current clients are referral. I’m pretty sure many of hairdressers struggle the same situation. Most important thing to maintain the clients is customer service. If the person likes your personality, they will stick with you and be a loyal customer
Contact Info:
- Website: mikaish.com
- Phone: 310-903-7478
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Mikaish.co
