Meet Chika Nishiyama | Hair stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chika Nishiyama and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chika, why did you pursue a creative career?
The reason I pursued a creative career is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences growing up in Japan, where I always had a fascination for beauty salons and the creative works they produced. From a young age, I loved accompanying my mother to the salon, watching her transform not just outwardly but feeling her inner beauty shine through after her visits. Also being active in sports from a young age—and perhaps due to a cultural norm in Japan—many kids who played sports had very short haircuts, which sparked my longing to creatively transform hair. This desire grew into a passion for hairstyling, inspired by the transformations I witnessed and the limitations I experienced early on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always strive not only to create beautiful pieces but also to deliver amusement, nostalgia, novelty, and surprise through hairstyling, allowing people to perceive something beyond their imagination. Having worked as a hairstylist for 20 years, I’ve come to realize that creating a piece is like being in a music band, where I am just one part, namely, the hairstylist.

Creating a piece is not something one can do alone; it requires cooperation and balance. To create wonderful works as a team, individual skills, knowledge, and creativity become crucial. I will continue to diligently refine my skills and persist in my efforts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in NY, and within it, I have a deep affection for the Japanese community in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn. One of my favorite local businesses there is Kato Sake Works. You can enjoy a variety of delicious sake they produce right in NY. Nearby, there’s a bakery called Takahachi. They sell Japanese-style breads and deli items, allowing you to experience a taste of Japan locally, even if just a little. You can take food from there to Kato Sake Works as well. This is one of my favorite ways to spend a day and show friends in New York a bit of my own culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
From a young age, I’ve been deeply grateful for everyone I’ve met throughout my life and career. Each person has played a role in shaping who I am today. I’ve learned various things from them and experienced so much.

I believe that experiences are what shape not only our hair but also our sensibilities and personalities.

My greatest inspiration in hairstyling is my favorite hairstylist, Eugene Souleiman. His work always incorporates an element of playfulness, and it never fails to surprise me. I hope to one day become as captivating a person as he is!

Website: https://ck2480.wixsite.com/chika-nishiyama?fbclid=PAAab2igVlAQBroBhqf86rmY6VfWvWjd7lSDIE_l1-LzTR2PdjcrcLtzTaoZU_aem_ARy0efB1i86aZtjmqMA8dHmbZckMnLQz65oNNfet5JRWCJ1C6DvB8UhNlgeTV-RMy6A

Instagram: @chika_nishiyama

Image Credits
1st picture Make up & creative @ittts_sena Photo @isobel.rae Styling @blaircannon_ Hair and wigs @chika_nishiyama @87artists Set @daniellamangakis 2nd Photo @coletteaphoto styled by @ezaks hair by @chika_nishiyama makeup by @tomoyomakeup 3rd Photo @myrthegiesbers Style @shirstinajean Hair @chika_nishiyama @87artists Model @queen. 4th Photographer: @annelisehphillips Styling: @aprilhughes1 Makeup: @romyglow Hair: @chika_nishiyama @87artists 5th photographer / creative direction: @elizabethwirija stylist: @wifimat3rial hair: @chika_nishiyama. @87artists makeup: @tomoyomakeup nails: @kiapainted graphic design / post editing: @zhoutongqi_ producer: @s.irat