Such a bright version of yourself that you need sunglasses.(Grit & Glamor: Epi.16)
Truly revolutionizing your look can be difficult to do alone. Big changes often need the help of a big talent.
Previously:
Through learning in the online coaching course and attending an expensive business seminar, the protagonist’s self-awareness grew significantly. At the seminar, they experienced the mindset of successful individuals and participated in a guided visualization of their future self, feeling moved by the vision of themselves thriving in front of a large audience. The introduction at the seminar led to encounters and exchanges of business cards with many people, awakening the protagonist’s sense of possibility. Following this, their blog reached number one in the popularity rankings, and the recognition from others further boosted the protagonist’s confidence. After the seminar, they received an invitation to a dinner with a famous celebrity hairstylist and a renowned lecturer, leaving the protagonist with a sense of anticipation that their life was about to change dramatically.
7.2 A Fateful Encounter with the Celebrity Hairstylist
At the end of May, I was eagerly anticipating the release of a business magazine called “PRESIDENT”. The reason was that the president of the apparel company I work for and Mr. D, the author of “Accelerated Success”, were both interviewed in the same section. Both the president and Mr. D are individuals I deeply admire. I couldn’t help but feel that their simultaneous appearance in the same magazine was a sign of some mysterious fate.
As soon as the magazine was released, I sent a congratulatory email to the president. To my surprise, I received an unusually prompt reply saying, “I feel a bit embarrassed.” This candidness was unlike the usual demeanor of the president, and it made me smile.
Opening the magazine, I saw the president described as a “Maverick of the Fashion World.” Memories of my interactions with the president flashed through my mind like a slideshow: “Make friends with people you dislike,” “The window display at the Shibuya store looks like a school play,” “Forget your previous job,” “Refine your sensibilities”… These words were not just advice; they were deeply impactful feedback that often left me feeling nearly broken.
But now, seeing these two respected figures featured in the same magazine, I felt a strange sense of exhilaration. I realized that this joy was something I could savor because I had interpreted and applied the president’s words in my own way. Even the harsh words were now cherished lessons that had helped me grow.
At this moment, I felt as if I was riding a great wave. The joint appearance of the president and Mr. D did not seem like a mere coincidence but rather a sign that my efforts were starting to bear fruit.
And so, on June 4th, the day finally arrived for my experience with the celebrity hairstylist at RITZ.
With a mixture of nerves and excitement, I opened the door to the famous salon “RITZ.” This was the sanctuary run by the renowned celebrity hairstylist Yutaka Kanai. Normally, He does not take new clients, but today, he would be cutting my hair. This rare opportunity was a privilege only for women who had attended a seminar where he was a guest speaker. It felt as if I was being guided by a thread of fate to stand in this very place.
The moment I stepped into the salon, the atmosphere changed. It felt as though the aura of the celebrity hairstylist filled the entire room. Then, clad entirely in black, Mr. Kanai slowly walked towards me and made a suggestion, “There’s a hair color I like on someone; how about trying it this way?” The staff approached me right away.
“That sounds great!” I responded with excitement. “I’ve never tried such a dynamic color before! What’s the theme?”
Mr. Kanai’s sunglasses gleamed as he replied, “The theme is… Los Angeles!”
“Los Angeles?”
“I just got back from L.A. and saw a new hair color method there! Celebrities are doing it.”
My heart raced even more at his words. The styles adorned by Hollywood celebrities would now be gracing my hair today.
As I sat in the chair, Mr. Kanai and his assistant began a bold coloring technique using aluminum foil. I was captivated by their seamless teamwork while becoming engrossed in conversation with him.
As our conversation deepened, what struck me most was the discussion on “color analysis.” He glanced sharply at the silver accessories I was wearing.
“Your skin tone is warm. Gold suits you far better than silver.”
I couldn’t hide my surprise at his words. Indeed, I had recently been drawn to gold for some reason. Impressed by his keen insight, I took a closer look at my skin tone.
“That’s why we’ll be adding warm gold meshes to your hair color this time.” He then also looked at my outfit. I was wearing a camisole adorned with gold sequins.
“If you pair that top with matching gold accessories, the overall balance will be better, and you’ll have a more refined look.”
At that moment, it felt like scales fell from my eyes. I realized that the clothes and accessories I had casually chosen in the past might not have suited me after all. This newfound awareness filled me with a fresh sense of wonder.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I pondered the potential of offering customer service tailored to each client’s skin tone. If I could provide personalized color coordination advice like Mr. Kanai, I was sure customer satisfaction would improve dramatically.
It wasn’t just about the technical skills; the theoretical and easily understandable approach reassured customers, making it very persuasive. I also learned a lot about how to be a charismatic figure. Moreover, the staff’s high sense of aesthetics and overall demeanor made the salon a truly remarkable place.
“Mr. Kanai, you’re a hairstylist, but why are you so interested in various things and running a company?” Driven by curiosity, I asked.
“I’m a creator,” he answered quietly. “Whether it’s business or being a hairstylist, it’s about creating something from nothing.”
His words deeply moved me. And when my hairstyle was finished, I gasped at my reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t just a hairstyle; it felt like a new possibility for me had taken shape.
“I’m really amazing, aren’t I?” His confident words added the final touch to this wonderful experience. I captured this memorable day with my digital camera.
He even escorted me to the exit as I left the salon. Before parting, he said, “You’ll definitely be complimented!” Stepping out into the streets of Tokyo, I was filled with joy at meeting a new version of myself. This day’s experience had become a shining chapter in my life.
Remembering the impression of the sunglasses he was wearing, I decided to stop by Marui in Shibuya on my way home. I had never owned a pair of sunglasses because they never seemed to suit me. But today, for some reason, I felt like taking the plunge and trying something new.
Inside the store, I found a display filled with sunglasses in various colors. Cautiously picking up a pair, I stood in front of the mirror, and something remarkable happened. Every pair I tried on suited me perfectly. Angular designs, rounded frames, large lenses, small frames… each one transformed me as if I were someone entirely new.
“Is this even possible?” I wondered, doubting my own eyes. For someone who had never had any affinity with sunglasses to suddenly find every pair a perfect match — it was like Mr. Kanai’s magic at work!
Seeing my reaction, a store attendant approached with a cheerful smile.
“Are you a model?”
I was taken aback by those words. Never before had I been mistaken for a model.
“No, I’m not…” I answered, but inside, I was filled with joy. I never imagined Mr. Kanai’s “You’ll definitely be complimented!” would come true so soon.
In the end, after much deliberation, I chose a pair of sunglasses with dark brown frames. They matched the hair color Mr. Kanai had given me so well that it felt as if they had been made just for me.
Leaving the store with my new sunglasses on, I headed home, feeling like a movie star every time I caught my reflection. That day, I didn’t just gain a new hairstyle; I discovered a new self.
Meeting Mr. Kanai, and the skills and words he imparted, awakened a confidence within me that had been dormant. From now on, I vowed to keep the feelings of this day alive in my heart and strive to become a brighter version of myself.