STAFF
		Barbara Jones Some things we just know...  As a child I had a deep interest in beauty.  After taking my turn as a young person, I decided to settle down into the business.  I spent my early years at Sebastian Salons Cassandre 2000 and Centre where I had the privilege to be surrounded by some of the most amazing artists in this profession.  The memory of my time there inspires me to this day, and it was there that I met Makoto Akita and Carlos De La Vega through my friend, Jerico; a chance meeting of fate.  Makoto had the  most talented, creative, dedicated staff I had ever seen in Osaka, Japan.  I believe luck struck me twice with the opportunity to be with a second group of such amazing talent.  Not only did these people have great ability, but their pure passion for excellence really stood out.  The melting together of these cultures is what created our salon.   The most fulfilling part of hairdressing is the opportunity to assist people in shaping an image and providing an escape from everyday life.  My mission in the salon is to provide people with an elevated level of skill, innovative products, unique services, and extraordinary pampering.  I want to create an experience clients can become addicted to; a healthy habit.
		Natsu Hodono  I was trained in Japan by the founder of Bigoudi Japan, Makoto Akita, where I was a stylist for 20 years. My boss had a strong philosophy that there is never an end to learning and taught me to see all sides of the issue. We learned to thoroughly consider what a client was asking for, and then develop the best way to help them achieve that look not only in the salon, but manageably at home. This experience served me well when moving to Los Angeles from Japan and has given me the chance to change customers' styles and attitudes by giving them the support they need to come to me relaxed about what they are looking for. Continuing to search for new styles and new techniques is an important part of this process and being able to affect clients' lives in this way makes me very proud of what I do.
		Sandra Hurtado I began my advanced education in cosmetology at Bigoudi Salon by being mentored by some very experienced and successful hair dressers.  All of my mentors strongly believed in a continuous education, which has become very important to me in my career not only for myself but the new assistants and stylists I am now in charge of mentoring.  Years after, I began working with the Wella/Sebastian research and development department testing color and working in conjunction with a chemist who specialized in hair color.  It was a fascinating experience to really see the way color effects our hair.  It was a pleasure to look at the transformation it created in each client's mood just by correcting an unwanted color.  Due to my experience there, color has become a passion and specialty of mine.  Additionally, I specialize in Japanese relaxing and straightening.  It is a long process, but it is incredibly rewarding to see not only the hair transform from curly, frizzy, or damaged to beautiful, silky, shiny hair, but to see how it transforms the way the client looks at themselves.  I am a firm believer in educating my clients by thoroughly showing them how to achieve the look they want at home and providing them with the right products and tools their hair needs, along with an honest, professional opinion. Overall my career has been nothing but a fun, fulfilling journey.
		Jose Irizarry I have been a Sebastian International Artistic Team member for 30 years which has given me the opportunity to show off my talent in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Mexico, and the United States.  In the past few years I have become a Sebastian International Core Team member where I have been able to train other Sebastian Artistic Team members here and abroad.  I am inspired by music, fashion, and different cultures, but my biggest inspiration is the youth of today.  Our youth are not afraid to take chances, make drastic changes to their image, or break the “rules” of society.  My goal as a hairdresser is to ultimately make every client feel great, as well as look the part.
		Vanessa Rodriguez The first time I saw the film, “Some Like It Hot”, with Marilyn Monroe and the beautiful, elegant style that encompassed her, I became determined to recreate that period of time’s look. Those eras (the 1940’s and 1950’s) have greatly appealed to me since that day. They transcend time with their elegance.  Modern styles, especially ecclectic ones, appeal to me as well.  I love the amount of vibrance and color used in modern styles.  I attended the West Valley Occupational Center for cosmetology and spent a few years exploring local salons.  Finally, I found Bigoudi International where I have been polishing my skills and continuing to learn since 2005.
		Angelica Mancillas I was always referred to as the ecclectic girl; the girl of many colors and many hairstyles.  I have wanted to be a hair stylist since my first day of high school where I was introduced to an array of styles, trends, and personalities for the first time in my life.  High school was the primary time we all experimented with different styles to suit every personality type, and my first thought upon being exposed to all of these styles was how fun it would be to help everyone achieve their own look.  As soon as I graduated I enrolled in the West Valley Occupational Center for cosmetology where I quickly learned the tricks of the trade.  I started at Bigoudi International in 2004 as an assistant and have since worked my way up to a stylist position. Many heads of hair later here I am; a proud member of the Bigoudi team!
		Maricruz (Mary) Bustos My internship at Bigoudi International began six years ago as an assistant. In the past six years I have made my way up to Senior Makeup Artist.  I chose to focus on make up because it has always been a fascination of mine. I make sure to keep myself updated with all of the latest trends and tools in the makeup industry.  Currently, I am perfecting my airbrushing techniques which are used for several different occasions like weddings, photoshoots, special effects, and even everyday, natural looks.  It is a thrill to be able to teach my clients how to apply their make up at home and achieve salon results.  I like to share with them all of the new trends and looks; this is what makes me passionate about my career.  I see makeup as the icing on the cake.  Makeup adds a little bit of luxury and it gives the client the ability to create a different look for themselves everyday.  I am looking forward to continuing to grow at Bigoudi for years to come.
		Eiko Page I have been an esthetician for the past 27 years.  Growing up, I had acne skin that lasted well into my 30's.  I sought help to clear up my acne and beautify my skin, but there was no one available at the time. It was at that moment I decided I wanted to be a skin consultant; to help other people beautify their skin as well as my own.  The skin is like a barometer that measures your health.  It is effected by factors such as stress, hormone imbalance, digestive disorders, and allergies.  I take all of these symptoms into consideration when I treat skin. Over the years I have helped many clients clear up their skin problems, educated them on their specific skin needs, and transformed them with beautiful, younger looking skin.  With the latest in skincare technology clients will achieve the younger-looking, radiant skin that you have always wanted.  I believe that when skin improves, it increases self-esteem and confidence.  I feel extremely rewarded when my clients achieve wonderful results.
		Carlos de la Vega About 30 years ago I met a man named Makoto Akita in London.  We were both there to learn English, and Makoto was enhancing his skills as a stylist at the same time.  We became close friends and ended up traveling the world together.  Three years later, Makoto opened the first Bigoudi salon in Osaka, Japan and later opened three more (in Japan). Bigoudi is now celebrating its 26th anniversary. A few years after its opening I started working at Bigoudi.Together, we eventually opened a boutique, a restaurant, and finally, Bigoudi International - Los Angeles (which is celebrating its 13th anniversary). Throughout all of our work together we met Barbara Jones. She became a good friend and business partner; today she is the General Director of Bigoudi International - Los Angeles. The opening of Bigoudi International here in Los Angeles has been a great opportunity to meet a variety of wonderful customers, as well as expand and exchange knowledge in arts and fashion with the diverse cultures of Los Angeles and Osaka. We openly invite all of you to pay us a visit; we look forward to meeting you.
		Coming Soon....