Tori, Founder & Creator of Miki'ao Nail STUDIO

Tori is passionate about social reform from within.  She wanted to create a special beauty experience that is good for the body, hygienic and soothing for the mind.  She observed that the manicure and pedicure services around the island use toxic acrylics, non-hygienic practices, provides dated nail art, and have wage and health issues for technicians.  She wished to offer a salon experience that provide atmosphere and experience that soothe and nourish the body, and at the same time provide a healthy and fair working environment for the technicians.  

Once she identified the issues, she began by understanding the technician’s experience first hand.  She enrolled in La Mer Nail Institute, known for providing exemplary nail education as well as an emphasis on the growing nail art trends from Japan.  The curriculum emphasized a strong concern for health and safety. Tori was educated on full range of methods that emphasize safe nail services. She received her license in 2017 and continues this education…

Before launching Miki'ao Nail Studio, Tori spent 15 years honing her business acumen - first developing grants and contracts at the University of Hawai‘i and then combining her passion for local business and dessert by managing a gelato factory. 

Tori is excited to bring the natural nail concept to Hawai’i and change the way the nail industry provides services.

It is not only important to create a safer environment for clients, but also for technicians to have fair living wages and working conditions. At Miki‘ao Nail Studio, Tori strives to prove that this business model works – that a nail salon can be profitable for both the business and its employees, and that their work doesn’t have to compromise their or their client’s health. It is incredibly rewarding to have a company that supports other women and she’s always looking for ways to continue to grow the brand while staying true to Miki‘ao Nail Studio’s values.