Meet Ayumi Matsunami

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayumi Matsunami. 

Hi Ayumi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Japan, my family moved to the Bay Area when I was 2 years old. After starting my career as a hairstylist back in 2014, I perfected my craft behind the chair by focusing on continued education, through training and certifications, which led to building a loyal clientele. This summer I decided to move to Denver where I am currently a stylist at Evolution Salon, specializing in blondes and lived-in color. Education is still a crucial element of who I am as a stylist. I take pride in taking classes with current color trends from top stylists, and getting certified through renowned brands, such as Redken, to give my clients the best service. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This last year, the pandemic forced me to make a decision regarding what was best for our family; moving to Denver. It was nerve-wracking to uproot my whole life. I would have to throw everything away and start from scratch. It’s challenging to have to build a new loyal clientele in a city where I didn’t know anyone. Not to mention, I’ve only worked at one incredible salon my whole career. So, looking for the perfect salon I could call home, was probably my biggest struggle with the move. I didn’t think I would be able to find a salon that checked all my boxes, but thankfully I found the perfect one in Evolution Salon. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been working behind the chair for over 7 years and I specialize in lived-in color, natural highlights, balayage, and sun-kissed hair. In 2017, I became one of eight Redken Balayage Certified Colorists in the nation. In 2019, I received my Redken Haircolorist certification. I take pride in perfecting my craft and truly understanding the why and how behind the color. I believe the right color and cut should be one that compliments both you and your lifestyle. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe that hard work and dedication have played the biggest role in my life and business. Luck, however, has shown up in the form of perfect timing. It has helped me connect and build professional relationships that have made tremendous impacts on my career. Even when searching for a new salon home in Denver, luck would have it that I would be listening to two of the most inspiring women, Alyssa Nourse and Jill Bauer, on Clubhouse. They would then turn out to become my amazing mentors and educators at Evolution Salon. 

Contact Info:

• Email: hairbyayumi@gmail.com
• Website: https://evolutionsalondenver.com/
• Instagram: Hairbyayumi