Mr. Saka works for a very famous beauty salon in Manhattan, New York. When I went to Toshi (I call him Toshi) for my hair cut, one of the receptionists said “Toshi is the only one who has continuous and constant customers. His technique is brilliant and also I like him personally.” I have known him for over 20 years. I would like to share his story. Thank you very much Toshi-san!
“Story of Mr. Toshiki Saka” (07-09-2020)
I came to New York in 1989 to make my dream come true of working abroad – a dream I have had since I was young, and after working in a beauty salon in Japan for 10 years.
However, I had no idea where I was going to work. When I was in Japan, at that time, London and Paris were places I longed to be but there was no one I knew in both cities. As I had an acquaintance in New York, I decided to come to New York with a tourist visa that was good for 3 months. And during these 3 months, while based in New York, I would make several trips to visit hair salons to find a job in London or Paris.
Afterwards, I found a job in New York and now 30 years have passed. There was not much hardship working in New York. However, if I were to pick one, it was the time when I had to work as an assistant for many years. Fortunately, I passed the interview for this very famous French hair salon in New York. I got a chance to learn French technique here in New York, but I had to work as an assistant. Looking at colleagues from different countries, they got along well with the owner and top stylists by kowtowing to them. I spent years of discontented days from the unfairness of my colleagues’ behavior and promotions. I felt that it would be easier to quit the job that I had so much passion for. I was trying to escape from it and I think these few years were very difficult for me. When I look back, I see my weakness of not accepting the gap between my dream and reality. My job was to make my clients beautiful and make them happy. When I was losing control and thinking just of myself that was the worst time.
However, because of the Corona virus, New York is now in big trouble. All of a sudden, I could not see my customers for a long time. I came to realize as I am connected with New York and my learnings are here with various different countries, races, religions and people with different ideas and values. They are different but the heart of caring and warm feelings are universal. I strongly felt this by receiving emails from customers through the salon during this crisis. Now the salon has been reopened and I am busy and happy. I wish New York will recover and every day I am looking forward to having all my customers back.