We recently connected with Yuko Kamino and have shared our conversation below.

Yuko, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents did an amazing job creating a safe and loving environment for me as a child, which helped me feel secure, but it also made me very shy and sheltered. When I was 15, they gave me the choice to go to the United States as an exchange student. It was a big decision, and even though it was difficult for them to let me go, they encouraged me to take this leap into the unknown.

Living in a completely different country with new cultures and people pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. At first, I struggled with being away from my family, but over time, I learned how to be independent and navigate life on my own. That experience taught me resilience and gave me the confidence to think for myself and take risks.

Those lessons have been instrumental in shaping who I am today, both as a person and as a business owner. Running YK Esthetics requires me to adapt to challenges and continuously step out of my comfort zone, and I credit my parents for instilling in me the courage to do so.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Japan, a place where beauty rituals are deeply cherished and self-care is a way of life. Growing up, I was surrounded by a culture that valued glowing, healthy skin and natural beauty, sparking my curiosity and fascination with skincare from an early age. I would watch my mother go through her meticulous skincare routine, and I loved experimenting with different beauty products.

At 15, my life changed dramatically when I moved to the United States to learn English and immerse myself in a different culture and lifestyle. It was a bold adventure, but it came with its challenges. Living with host families while attending high school was an eye-opening experience, and though it was exciting, it was also difficult to be so far from my loving family back in Japan. Those years were a test of resilience, growth, and learning to find my place in a world that felt so different from the one I knew.

Over time, I explored different paths, trying to figure out who I wanted to become. But no matter where life took me, my passion for beauty and self-care remained constant. Eventually, I decided to pursue my dream and enrolled in esthetic school to become an Esthetician and that was the moment everything came full circle. I found myself learning not just the techniques of skincare but the science and artistry behind it.

From performing Hydroluxx facials that deeply rejuvenate your skin to the delicate precision of dermaplaning and perfecting lash and brow services, every treatment I offer is rooted in a desire to help my clients feel beautiful and confident. Watching someone leave glowing and full of self-assurance is the best reward.

Looking back, my journey from Japan to the United States and the challenges I faced along the way all led me to where I am today. Being an esthetician is more than a career—it’s my passion and my way of making others feel the kind of warmth and care I longed for during those early, lonely years. In my work, I strive to bring a little of that love and magic to every client I meet.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been word of mouth. I strive to treat every client with the utmost respect and care, and I believe that genuine connection really resonates with them. Many of my clients tell me they love how they feel when they visit me—relaxed, confident, and cared for—and they naturally want their friends and family to experience that too. It’s such an honor when someone refers their loved ones to me, it’s the highest compliment and a big part of how my business has grown over time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that always stands out is from my time being as a 15-year-old exchange student. Coming from Japan, where I was very sheltered, being thrown into a completely unfamiliar culture was a huge shock. I didn’t know the language well, I was living with host families I’d never met, and I was far from the support of my own family. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

At first, I felt out of place and overwhelmed, but I pushed myself to adapt and connect with people despite the discomfort. I learned to navigate new situations independently and grew more confident in who I was. That experience of resilience has stuck with me ever since.

It’s the same mindset I bring to my business today. Starting YK Esthetics was a leap into the unknown, too, but I’ve learned that stepping out of your comfort zone often leads to the most growth. Whether it’s figuring out how to expand my services or build relationships with clients, I know I can handle challenges because I’ve done it before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ykesthetics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ykesthetics
• Other: Phone: 858-461-8190, Email: [email protected]