Meet Katya Yoshida and Sho Yoshida | Salon Owner & Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katya Yoshida and Sho Yoshida and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katya and Sho, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea behind starting my business stemmed from a desire to create something truly innovative and unique within the salon industry. Prior to this venture, I successfully managed a salon studio for four years. Despite opening it just weeks before the pandemic hit, I managed to thrive. Recently, I opted for a complete rebranding, aiming to establish a vibrant, sustainable environment where salon professionals can flourish.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Capybara Hair Lounge, represents a completely fresh take on the salon industry. I mean, how often do you come across a salon named after a capybara, adorned with graffiti street-style murals featuring capybaras with various hairstyles? CHL offers unlimited time off, the freedom to set your own pricing and schedule, no pressure for retail sales, or silly benchmarks for promotions, alongside business mentorship and unlimited growth potential. I take immense pride in taking this significant risk and relishing the process of nurturing and watching this space evolve organically. It’s not an easy journey, and I’m currently in the process of sculpting this magnificent venture and witnessing its flourishing. There are numerous considerations and being resilient when things don’t go as planned is crucial; being adaptable and pivoting when necessary is key. The essence of the CHL brand story is, ‘why the hell not?’ Who dictates the conventional look and feel of hair salons? I believe that often, business owners become too preoccupied with societal expectations and play it safe with branding. Not at CHL – we pride ourselves on being original and authentic.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a fitness and martial arts enthusiast, currently holding a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If a friend were visiting, I would typically get them out of bed by 8 am and take them to Unbound Training Co in Lafayette, CA. There, we would engage in tailored strength and conditioning exercises, followed by an introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Lamorinda Jiu-Jitsu in Lafayette Ca. This place is amazing for letting people learn applicable self defense techniques while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere. After a rigorous training session, we would dine at Hideout Kitchen, known for serving incredible California comfort cuisine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my friend Franky Halloran @wefuckingloveyourhair, who runs another salon space called @wefuckingloveyourhair. Franky gave me permission to pursue my vision, even though it hasn’t been done this way before. I also want to acknowledge all the amazing people from Destroy the Hairdresser coaching, who are tirelessly pushing boundaries in our industry. They’re working hard to create change in the salon industry so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Website: https://www.capybarahairlounge.com/

Instagram: @capybarahairlounge

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katya-yoshida-227209157

Image Credits
Sho Yoshida Photographer, Champ Styles Graffiti Artist