Yumi’s Life Lessons
Studio 904 salon owner Kay Hirai came to a profound realization–her Jack Russell Terrier, Yumi, was the four legged embodiment of all she had incorporated into her successful business during the last 20 years. That realization led to Hirai to author Yumi’s Life Lessons, a book detailing the six principles Kay observed and learned from Yumi during her life.
Hirai also believes every person and animal fortunate enough to have a good life should become a part of her network in giving back. Hirai relates, “I used to always tell Yumi how lucky she was to be owned by me and would often wonder what Yumi could do to affect a change for the better for other animals who are not as fortunate.”
Her answer to her own question became Yumi’s Life Lessons. In keeping with the principles outlined in the book, 10% of all proceeds from the book are donated directly to Pasado’s Safe Haven; thus far, Hirai has raised more than $3,000 for Pasado’s.
Pasado’s worked hand in hand with Washington State Legislators and Governor Lowery to pass The Pasado Law, in 1994. Pasado’s Law is rightfully credited with the successful prosecution and conviction of dozens of animal abuse cases and has moved Washington State to the forefront of animal rights. Pasado’s Safe Haven currently operates a shelter in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, providing 24-hour rescue of abused, neglected or abandoned dogs, cats, and factory-farmed animals.
On Wednesday, November 13th, Hirai is giving Pasado’s Safe Haven a check for $2,000, the proceeds raised to date from book sales.
Yumi’s Life Lessons goes hand in hand with Hirai’s use of Kaizen in her successful award-winning business. Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning life-long learning in small, incremental steps with a focus on continuous improvement.
Hirai considers Kaizen to be an integral part of any thriving small business and proves the theory in her own business, Studio 904. In addition to offering a full range of salon services, her business philosophy stresses building long-term customer relations through unique one-on-one training with each of her employees, as well as the salon’s clients.
Kay’s successful use of the Kaizen philosophy has been recognized by Seattle’s business community as well as publications such as Working Mother, Day Spa, and Self. Taking the concept into the community, she also offers programs such as “You’re Looking Good,” to provide haircuts to hundreds of disadvantaged children in the Seattle area.
Hirai recognized that these same principles were also traits her beloved Terrier, who passed away in 2005, consistently displayed. An affectionate and agile, energetic bundle of love, Yumi became Hirai’s unlikely teacher. Hirai’s book, Yumi’s Life Lessons, is her loving tribute to both Yumi and to the philosophy which guides both her life and business.
Wouldn’t this book make a lovely Christmas gift for an animal lover? It would be the perfect stocking stuffer, and I love that part of the sales goes towards animal rescue. Way to go Kay Hirai, keep up the wonderful work!
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