Mio Sota

Since its humble beginnings in 1989, NAHA finalists and industry elite have brought this iconic photographic beauty competition to new heights year after year. NAHA continues to recognize the beauty industry’s most talented artists and advance the careers of stylists around the world. Nothing makes us happier than meeting artists we REALLY want to root for… Good people who love the industry, value education and aren’t afraid to put in the hard work.

What one word describes how you felt when you hit submit on your entry?

Vomit

What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter competitions?

Don’t be afraid to try something completely new and don’t forget to have fun. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, you learn SO much from each shoot and you have more work to add to your portfolio. Pushing yourself to doing something new and creative is just so wonderful overall.

Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?

I absolutely love to draw, and I like building things.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Sarcastic. Empathetic. Independent. Loving. Workaholic.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Carpentry

What was your biggest F-up with a client?

Towards the beginning of my career, I had a woman who had a Japanese first and last name and spoke English with an accent. So I thought I was doing her a favor and started talking to her in Japanese. Turns out she wasn’t Japanese at all so she looked at me like I was crazy. I stopped assuming from that point on.

Real life advice to someone entering the world of cosmetology.

It’s the best world with the best kind of people…but it’s also a small world. Always be kind!

I knew i was a Hair Nerd when…

I get butterflies in my stomach whenever I cut an amazing shape on someone.