Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Chi Ohtsu From Self Salon

This week we are sharing our Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Chi Ohtsu from Self Salon in Brooklyn.  Also known as RockMama because of her sucessful blog alongside RockPapa Masashi  Ohtsu, a lifestyle blog that features all they love in Japenese and English.

Today we interview  Chi  on her views of hairdressing. We first met Chi when Iles Formula joined the Self Salon team in Brooklyn. Check out her instagram on @rockmamanyc ... If you love hats, no one wears them better than Chi!

IF:  Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?

I like to be challenged! Hairdressing today or past, hairstylists should never stop learning to improve skills. Nowadays, we should learn more than just hair skills. I believe that using social media to promote ourselves is one of the most important parts of customer service for hairstylists. Learning to take good photography, editing photos, directing one's own social media, and be active in using it.  It is a lot of learning and effort. But, I have noticed a big difference since I started to use social media actively. I have gained many great clients through social media. Now, I don’t have to work in only New York City. I can work wherever my followers live.

IF:  What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

Simply, to see my clients joy and happiness.

IF:  Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

I’m originally from Japan. I've been living in USA 20 years. I was working in an  office when I was young in Japan. I decided to quit that job to move to United States. I made the decision I will do what I really want to do, Hairdressing! I simply love my job very much.

IF:  If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

I love being hairstylist very much. Yet, I always think I don’t need to just be a hairstylist. Since I started this career, I have worked and am still working at something that is not in the hair related industry.

IF:  What is your greatest strength ?

Communication, excellent customer service, be positive and jump in to take a chance trying something new.

My knowledge and experience.

IF:  Tell us  about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

What I love about Iles formula, is that I had a chance to meet the founder Wendy personally. I could feel Wendy’s passion to produce the best hair products. I can talk about her passion for Iles Formula products with my clients, so they will get excited to use them as well.  I love all of Iles Formula products. They work really well for any type of hair, simple step to use and easy to sell.

IF:  What was the most challenging job you ever made?

When I opened my pop-up salon in Japan for the first time. I’m originally from Japan. But, I left there 20 years ago. I didn't have any clients, I didn’t know much about the hair industry there. I had to find a rental chair for my pop-up salon without visiting the place, and I wasn't sure how many people would want to come. It ended up going very well!  Many people made reservations right away after I announced it on my social media called Rock Mama NYC. I’m so glad that I took a chance to try something new. Now, many people in Japan are waiting and looking forward for me to open my Pop-Up salon once a year.  

IF:  If you could style anyones hair, who would it be and why?

I would love to do my family’s hair when they need it. Most of my family are in Japan. They believe that I’m the best hairstylist they ever saw :) I wish I could take care of their hair all the time. But, so far away…

IF:  Where do you pull  hair inspiration from?

Everyday life in New York City.

IF:  Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Trust yourself, never give up pursuing to be a good hairstylist, always continue to learn and enjoy learning. You can do it!

IF: Thanks RockMama we enjoyed having you on Hair Talk