Meet Mie Kobayashi | Cosmetologist/Permanent Makeup Artist/Flight Attendant

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

Hi Mie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a young girl, I was fascinated by my mother’s chosen profession as owner and operator of a beauty salon located near our family home in Hokkaido, Japan. In May of 2023, in loving memory of my mother and in fulfillment of a longtime aspiration, I opened Sakura Serenity Spa, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Encinitas, offering Permanent Makeup, Eyelash Extensions, Facials and Back Treatments. A licensed cosmetologist since 2011, I continually strive to improve my knowledge, skills and techniques. I am passionate about the beauty enhancement services offered at Sakura Serenity Spa, and honored to bring more beauty and tranquility into the lives of my clients.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As with any beauty professional, customer satisfaction is my primary concern, but I also genuinely care for my clients and their wellbeing. I am privileged to often participate in heart to heart dialogue with clients. I have come to realize how much I enjoy and appreciate connecting in this way. When they share news of a new job, relationship, or life opportunity, and we engage in mutually supportive conversation, I feel as if these clients have become like sisters to me. I find this to be very fulfilling. I believe connecting with each other is extremely important for our overall health and skin health in particular. Ultimately, it is my desire to provide relaxing beauty treatments in a safe and accepting space for any and all who choose to visit Sakura Serenity Spa.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the amazing hiking trails at Torrey Pines and the peaceful meditation gardens on the coastal bluff at the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas. It’s also always fun to bike along the coast and stop at Pannikin on the Coast Highway in Leucadia for coffee and people watching. When dining out in the evening, I frequently enjoy the organic comfort food and Southeast Asia cuisine at Birdseye Kitchen in Leucadia, and then indulge at Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream on the Coast Highway in downtown Encinitas.

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?
First and foremost, I credit my mother for her encouragement throughout my life until her tragic passing. Additionally, during my childhood in Hokkaido, I was fortunate to witness, over and over again, her loving interaction with clients in her beauty salon, and the positive transformation she helped to bring about in their lives. It was not her intention to instruct me or pressure me to follow in her footsteps, but I learned so much from observing her. She was without a doubt the most influential mentor in my life.

I opened Sakura Serenity Spa early last year, not long after relocating to North San Diego County. Starting and building a new business has been challenging to say the least. I am extremely grateful to my clients, colleagues at Salon World Suites in Encinitas, and the local community for their support. Thanks to all of them, Sakura Serenity Spa has enjoyed robust organic growth, and I am afforded the incredible opportunity to nourish personal connections while doing what I love within this beautiful community.

This new journey for me began after a furlough from my job as a flight attendant during the pandemic. At that time, my fiance encouraged me to consider pursuing my dream of opening my own spa. He knew I would eventually come to regret not trying. And so, the planning began, the dream took shape and it has now become reality! I am grateful every day for his tremendous support and for pushing me toward my goal.

Website: https://sakuraserenityspa.com

Instagram: sakuraserenityspa