#14 The Art of Connection: My Journey with Ai-san

In today’s episode of Waters Meet, I’m sharing the story of Ai-san, my hairstylist, who has been more than just someone who styles my hair. She’s a confidant, a creative inspiration, and a big sister figure who has cheered me on through life’s milestones.

From my first adventurous visit to her salon on a hot summer day in Shibuya to the many moments she’s helped me feel confident—like setting my hair for graduation and a wedding—Ai-san has been a steady and uplifting presence in my life.

Join me as I reflect on our connection, her unique style, and the ways she’s supported me through my creative journey and beyond. This episode is a heartfelt thank-you to someone who reminds us how meaningful these everyday relationships can be.

So, grab your favorite drink and settle in as we let the stories flow.

 Music by @artiste_gui_r - une danse via @hellothematic

Transcript

Welcome to Waters Meet, where stories and ideas flow together, just like rivers converging from different lands. It’s Pearl streaming your host, here to guide you through conversations that connect cultures, spark ideas, and bring a little joy to your day.

Today’s episode is all about the special people in our lives who leave a lasting impact, even through the smallest gestures. I’m diving into my journey with Ai-san, my hairstylist, who has been more than just someone who styles my hair. She’s been a friend, a confidant, and a constant presence through so many milestones in my life.

So, whether you’re lounging at home or strolling through the city, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s let the stories flow.

Hi friends, welcome back to another episode of Waters Meet. How are you all doing? I hope this episode finds you well.

Today, I want to share a story about someone who has been such an important part of my life—someone who has cheered me on through my creative journey and been a steady presence through so many milestones.

This person is my hairstylist, Ai-san. She’s one of the staff at the salon I’ve been going to since my university days. And let me tell you, every visit with her feels like catching up with an old friend.

Let me take you back to the first time I met Ai-san. It was a really hot summer day in Shibuya, and I was feeling adventurous. I had just started uni and wanted a fresh new look to match this exciting new chapter in my life.

Walking into that salon, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the moment I sat in Ai-san’s chair, I felt at ease. She’s one of those people with an unmistakable energy—confident, creative, and so uniquely herself. She has this original style that just rocks. Whether it’s the way she dresses, her haircut, or even her accessories, you can tell she isn’t trying to fit in—she’s just being her.

That day, I walked out of the salon not just with a new hairstyle, but with a sense of inspiration. Ai-san has that effect on people.

Now, the salon has moved to Omotesando, which feels like the perfect setting for her style. It’s modern, vibrant, and full of character—just like Ai-san herself.

Over the years, Ai-san has been there for so many important moments in my life. When I graduated from university, I went to her to set my hair for the ceremony. She understood how much that day meant to me and made sure everything was perfect.

One of my favorite memories is when my friend and I went to Ai-san to set our hair for another friend’s wedding. We were both so excited, you know, chitchatting our hairstyles and imagining how the day would go. Ai-san made that experience so special. She styled us with such care, making sure our looks matched our personalities and made us feel stunning.

What’s even more amazing is that this friend, who now works in Denmark, has also made Ai-san her go-to hairstylist. Every time she comes back to Japan, she makes sure to visit the salon. It’s become her favorite place too, which says so much about how special Ai-san is.

She isn’t just my hairstylist; she’s like a big sister to me. She knows everything about my life—my friendships, my family, and even my love life. She listens without judgment, offering support, kindness, and the occasional much-needed laugh.

She’s also a mother of two adorable boys now, and she often shares little stories about them during our appointments. I love hearing about her life outside of work because it reminds me how multi-faceted she is—not just a hairstylist, but a mother, a creative, and someone who inspires others to embrace their individuality.

One of my favorite memories is when Ai-san came to see my graduation exhibition for architecture school. That meant so much to me because it was a side of myself that I didn’t always feel was appreciated. My parents, while loving and supportive, are quite conservative. Their support often feels conditional, and they’ve never fully understood my creative side.

Ai-san, on the other hand, has always cheered me on. She’s always taken my artistic interests very seriously, whether it’s complimenting my drawings or encouraging me to embrace my unique style.

I remember a time when I gave myself a buzz cut during a period of uncertainty. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly—I was going through a lot and needed a fresh start. When I walked into the salon after the buzzcut phase was over, and I had this weird length after my buzzcut, Ai-san didn’t judge me or question my choice. Instead, she told me how great it looked on me, with so much sincerity and kindness.

That’s who Ai-san is. She doesn’t just do her job; she uplifts people.

And every visit with her is a reminder of how important it is to have people in your life who see and support you for who you are. She’s been there through my transitions, from a university student finding her way in Tokyo to an adult navigating life’s twists and turns.

Ai-san’s encouragement has meant the world to me, especially as someone who didn’t always feel validated in my creative pursuits. She’s always believed in me, and that belief has given me the confidence to keep exploring and embracing my artistic side.

So, this episode is my way of saying thank you. Thank you, Ai-san, for being more than a hairstylist. You’re an artist, a listener, and a true friend.

And to everyone listening, I hope this story inspires you to think about the people in your life who cheer for you, who see you for who you really are, and who make your journey a little brighter. Whether it’s a hairstylist, a teacher, or a friend, take a moment to let them know how much they mean to you.

Well, that’s it for today’s episode of Waters Meet. Thanks for joining me as I shared my journey with Ai-san, someone who has cheered me on through life’s twists and turns.

It’s been Pearl streaming, and I hope today’s episode left you feeling connected and inspired. If you enjoyed our time together, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Let’s keep the current flowing until we meet again.

Stay connected, stay curious, and remember, all waters meet in the end.