Interview with Kaoru (Kay) Nakajima by Okiron Design:

Q: How long have you been a pet stylist?
A: About 25 years.... too long???

Q: You started at 5 years old?
A: Haha! I wish! No I started when I was about 17, I was born in 1968, and I am now 42 years old.

Q: You look great! How do you look so young?
A: I like to go work out at the gym.

Q: Did you do human hair before dog grooming?
A: Yes, in fact, my mother owns a beauty salon in Tokyo, and I used to help her. My father was a chef in Tokyo, and I was fortunate enough to be able to help him too.

Q: But you decided to be a dog groomer?
A: Yes, when I decided that I was going to live in the dog world, my parents kicked me out of the house. lol. I graduated by myself with no support. I earned money by working at a restaurant until 3 AM everyday, while I went to school during the day.

Q: No time to enjoy parties?
A: Nope, haha I wasn't interested in that kind of fun. I was always at a dog show, or at an animal hospital, or at dog training grounds. No wonder I didn't have any friends back then! lol

Q: No friends as a student?
A: Nope, I didn't play with other kids from elementary through high school. I was always reading animal books, or talking to the school animals like rabbits, or the birds.

Q: Did you ever get in trouble for that?
A: Yes, the teacher and school staff would call my parents, and tell them, "Your daughter is not normal!"

Q: What was your parents reaction to this?
A: Nothing, my parents would always tell them, "that's our girl, she's such an artist."

Q: Right, I heard that you were an artist from a young age, correct?
A:Yes, I had private lessons since I was 3 years old with great artists in Japan.

Q: So what you are doing right now is considered art?
A: Yes, I don't consider my work as a job, but an art.

Q: Do you travel?
A: Yes, I travel a lot, but not for long periods of time. I do seminars to educate young people who are interested in this field. I have such a good time grooming, and so I want to share it with as many people as I possibly can, so that they too can have a great time at their own shop.

Q: What kind of seminars do you hold?
A: Mostly how to handle the animals, and the safety precautions that should be taken while doing so.

Q: Have you ever been bitten by a dog?
A: No, I have been snapped at once in 2003, but that was my own fault. He was very matted because his owners passed away and his fur did not get much attention for a while afterwards. So, the dog was uncomfortable and angry at that time, and I touched him as I would any other dog without considering his feelings.

Q: Is matting uncomfortable for them?
A: Yes, mats tend to pull the skin 24/7. How would it feel if someone was pulling on your hair all day? Not fun is it?

Q: Does it damage the skin?
A: Oh yes, It can bruise the skin, and when using clippers to shave it, the sensitive skin can be easily burned. Clipper blades cut between the mats and skin. When the matting is extremely close to the skin, it is very dangerous, so a groomer should never touch it. In my opinion, the dog should be sent to a veteranarian to get shaved instead. It is safer for the dog, and only veteranarians have a liscense to treat skin conditions, not groomers, who can only take care of the hair. I realize that groomers want to make money, but they have to think of the dog's safety first.

Q: Do you aid in dog rescue?
A: Yes, a lot of people do animal rescue in San Diego, and I love it. Rescue is not a special thing, when you love the animals, you naturally want to help them when in need. I have a lot of clients who help animals. I believe these people lead a very honest, and respectable life.

Q: Are you going to Japan again this year?
A: Yes, I am going fairly soon.

Q: How long are you going to be ther?
A: I am going to be there for 4 days. This is because I have to get back to my clients here in San Diego as soon as possible.

Q: Anything else you would like to share with us?
A: I had a great opportunity to judge in a seminar for the last 6 years. They offered me a chance to become a judge of best in show of a pet styling show in 2009.

Q: What kind of show is this?
A: This show challenges pet stylists to bring out their best techniques to compete against one another to see who is the best. I had been class and group judge for the past few years, But I had the honor of becoming the judge of Best in Show in 2009.

Q: Why is attending a seminar so important?
A: When you are a groomer or a pet stylist, you can never stop your education. You can learn many a thing from a seminar.

Q: What kinds of things can you learn from a seminar?
A: For example, I hold seminars with the ISCC. When you come to one of the ISCC seminars, you can learn about skin, shampoo, chemicals, grooming techniques, safety procedures, animal law, business, OSHA, training, and a large amount of other things. I have a 25 year experience, but even I still have a lot to learn.

Q: Do you go to dog shows?
A: Yes, I have many grand opportunities to work with World famous handlers such as Westminister Dog Show winners Mr. Allan Chambers and Mrs. Barbara Humphries. I worship them like gods! I have such a wonderful time with them.

Q: But you go to dog shows on weekends correct? When do you not work?
A: Like I said, I don't consider this work. It's like everyday of every week is a fun day.

Q: But do you have a rest day to go shopping, or watch tv?
A: I don't like shopping because to me, shopping is hard work. I hardly ever watch tv, only MTV to listen and watch music videos.

Q: Who are your favorite artists?
A: I like listening to Depeche Mode, Sade, Mozart, Neyo, 30 seconds to mars, Rob Zombie, and Michael Bubble

Q: What message would you like to send to other groomers?
A: Have fun all the time! When you are in a bad mood, animals can sense it, and they start to get nervous. Control your emotions in the least so that the animal you are working with can be at ease. If you cannot show the process of your grooming, that most likely means you are doing something wrong. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will always be there to answer your questions or help in any way possible.

Q: Thank you very much for your time, and good luck in Japan!
A: Thank you very much for having me.