We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Whitney VerMeer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Whitney below.

Whitney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started out by going to cosmetology school, where I learned about hair, skin, and nails—basically the foundations of the craft. But things really clicked for me when I met my mentor. That experience completely changed the way I approached my work. I had to take everything I thought I knew, throw it out the window, and start fresh. They taught me classic barbering techniques, like cutting with clipper blades and sculpting shapes using design principles. It was challenging but so rewarding.

The mentorship ended sooner than I wanted because my schedule got busier, and I had to find new ways to grow. That’s when I turned to photography. I’d take photos of my work and spend time analyzing them—figuring out what worked, what didn’t, and how to create better balance in a head shape. It was kind of like giving myself homework, but it actually led to my love for photography.

Once I got my first camera, my perspective started to shift. I went from focusing on tiny, detailed aspects to seeing the bigger picture. Photography helped me think about balance not just in the haircut itself but in the overall image—how movement, light, and angles all come together. That really opened the door to creative direction for me.

Looking back, I think collaborating with other professionals earlier on would have helped me grow faster. It’s amazing what you can learn from working with people who challenge and inspire you. For me, the most important skills were being adaptable, learning to critique my own work, and staying committed to constantly improving. The biggest obstacle? Definitely time—balancing everything while trying to carve out space to push myself creatively wasn’t easy.

This journey has been about way more than just cutting hair. It’s been about learning to see things differently, finding balance in every sense of the word, and always staying curious about what’s next.

Whitney , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always been someone who wears a lot of hats—probably because I love exploring all the facets of this industry. My work isn’t just about cutting hair or creating editorial looks as a stylist and photographer, although those are big parts of what I do. I also travel the world teaching my curriculum to other artists, helping them refine their craft while pushing creative boundaries. On top of that, I consult for brands on everything from creative direction to research and development for hair products and tools.

One of my most exciting collaborations has been with Mizutani Scissors, a company based out of Japan. Together, we’ve developed an entire line of scissors that I’m incredibly proud of. These aren’t just tools—they’re a reflection of years of thought, innovation, and real-world experience. For example, the CROSSOVER Scissor was the first-ever scissor ergonomically designed for both biological male and female hands, using lighter Nano Powder Metal steel for a more balanced, fluid motion. It’s been amazing to create something that truly changes the way artists work. Over the years, we’ve expanded the line to include models like the CROSSOVER TH and GANYMEDE, each with unique features like hard titanium coatings for durability and scratch resistance, inspired by Japanese artistry like Kintsugi. Designing these tools has been a huge honor—it’s about blending function and artistry to empower other professionals in the field.

What sets me apart? I think it’s my ability to see the bigger picture. Whether I’m cutting hair, teaching, consulting, or designing tools, it’s all about creating balance, innovation, and artistry. I’ve worn nearly every hat you can in this industry, and I’m always looking for new ones to add to my toolkit. That constant hunger to learn, experiment, and push boundaries is what keeps my work evolving.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients, followers, or fans to know about me, it’s that my work is rooted in connection. Whether it’s the connection between a tool and an artist, a teacher and a student, or the harmony of light and movement in a photograph—it’s all about creating something meaningful. And, of course, I always aim to leave things a little better than I found them.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The story of my most recent scissor design feels like the perfect way to answer this. Designing GANYMEDE was a journey in itself, one that taught me a lot about resilience—not just in my work, but in life. The concept came to me during the pandemic, a time when everything felt uncertain and heavy. I wanted to create something that symbolized strength and rebirth, something that could turn destruction into beauty. The inspiration came from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, making it even more beautiful than before. That philosophy really resonated with me during such a challenging time.

But the scissor isn’t just a tool—it’s kind of a love story too. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, even when things get tough, there’s still beauty and strength to be found.” I thought about every little detail—like the titanium coating that makes it durable and scratch-resistant—and wanted it to be something artists could count on. It’s a scissor that’s meant to last, to inspire, and to remind people (and myself) that even when things feel broken, we can come out better and stronger. That’s what this project meant to me, and I hope it resonates with anyone who picks it up.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ultimate goal in not just my work, but in life is to change perspectives. By pushing past any conditioning or preconceived ideas/notions and leave something better than I found it. I’ve always believed that the only way we grow- whether as individuals or as a community, is by staying curious. For me, curiosity is what drives innovation. It’s what keeps us questioning, experimenting, and discovering new ways to evolve not just our craft but ourselves.

My purpose is to challenge the norms of the industry while inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s through designing tools like my scissor line with Mizutani, teaching artists through my curriculum, or working on creative projects that push boundaries, it’s all about creating opportunities for growth. I want to encourage artists to look beyond what’s in front of them, to experiment, and to explore how they can elevate their work.

At the end of the day, my hope is to leave an imprint. Not just in terms of the tools I’ve helped create or the classes I’ve taught, but in how the industry thinks and moves forward. I want artists to feel empowered to innovate, to stay curious, and to always strive for something better. For me, the legacy I hope to leave isn’t just about my work, it’s about contributing to an industry that continues to evolve, inspire, and thrive long after I’m gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whitneyvermeer.com/artistbio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneyvermeer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitney.vermeer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyvermeer
• Other: Here is the direct link to my scissors if you’d like to share!
  https://www.whitneyvermeer.com/crossover