Sakura Salon – Violet Ho’s Journey to Bringing Japanese Standards to Dallas

Hello Violet, could you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Violet Ho, and I currently live and work in Dallas, Texas. I am the founder and operator of the Obama Japan Model brand and Sakura Salon, where I personally serve clients and train professionals in authentic Japanese hair and scalp care techniques.
For over 25 years, I have held on to one guiding belief: work with heart, always placing sincerity and dedication first. To me, beauty is not just about outward appearance - it is a way to bring relaxation, balance, and confidence to every individual.

Could you share a bit about how you began your career in hairdressing?

It all started by chance. In my early years, I worked at Art Hair, a Korean company specializing in modern hairstyling techniques. There, I was not only a stylist but also an instructor for six years. That experience shaped my discipline and sharpened my ability to teach.
I then moved to IB Astar, another Korean brand focused on research and development of advanced techniques in the hair industry. My two years there gave me the opportunity to deepen my expertise, especially in training and mentoring.

The true turning point came when I joined Mano Mano, a renowned Japanese company known for its strict industry standards. For four years, I managed, trained, and worked hands-on, earning the “Number One Achievement Award.” It was there that I embraced the spirit of monozukuri - the Japanese art of precision and craftsmanship. This philosophy later became the cornerstone of Sakura Salon.

Those invaluable experiences gave me the confidence to launch my own brand, Obama Japan Model, and eventually choose the United States as my long-term home. Each stage of my journey came with its own challenges, but they shaped my resilience and unwavering commitment to my profession.

After my journey with Mano Mano, I continued on to Tokyo - the so-called “capital” of Japan’s hair industry - where I spent several years both studying and working. My time in Tokyo gave me the chance to experience firsthand one of the most demanding professional environments, where every technique of cutting, washing, and coloring is elevated to an art form. It was there that I not only deepened my technical expertise but also embraced the spirit of monozukuri - a philosophy of honoring every detail and striving for continuous improvement - which became a priceless foundation before I decided to set foot in the United States.

Starting over in the U.S. must have been difficult. What was the hardest part?

Absolutely. When I first arrived in America, it felt like starting from zero. I struggled with language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressure to make a living. Without family nearby, I had to rely entirely on myself. But I refused to give up. I went back to school, refined every small technique, and worked tirelessly from dawn to midnight. I treated every customer complaint as an opportunity to improve. I never took shortcuts; instead, I advanced slowly but surely - with sincerity as my compass.

When I arrived in the United States, I understood that to truly establish myself, I had to keep learning. That’s why, alongside my work, I consistently devoted time to advanced training programs in hair care, scalp treatment, and salon management at various academies across the country. My goal has always been to elevate the hair industry to a new level, so that when Vietnamese people come to America, they don’t think only of the nail profession but also see Japanese-standard hairdressing as an inspiring career option. Sakura Salon was born from that very aspiration - to become the first gateway bringing Japanese hair techniques and philosophy to the Vietnamese community in the U.S., opening a new path for those who love the craft and yearn to learn.

Looking back now, I see that those years of hardship forged my strength and perseverance, ultimately leading to today’s reward: Sakura Salon, and the conviction that with a true heart, any path can lead to success.

Why did you choose the Japanese Head Spa as your signature service?

In Japan, hair washing is not merely hygiene - it is a therapeutic ritual for physical and mental restoration. I was captivated by this philosophy. To me, beauty is not only about aesthetics but also about healing.

The Japanese Head Spa cares for the scalp, hair, nervous system, and even the client’s emotions. When I introduced it in the U.S., many clients told me they felt as if they had just returned from a wellness retreat, completely relieved of stress. Their feedback reassured me that I was on the right path.

Could you tell us more about the Sakura Salon brand?

Sakura Salon was created to provide a true beauty sanctuary - where clients not only transform their hair but also experience complete relaxation and holistic care. I chose the name Sakura because cherry blossoms symbolize delicate beauty, purity, and the fleeting nature of time, reminding my team and me to cherish every moment we serve our clients.
What sets Sakura Salon apart is our adherence to Japanese standards of hair and scalp care. We don’t just style the surface - we nourish and restore from the root. My goal is for every client to leave not only more beautiful but also healthier and more confident.
Sakura Salon is also my training ground for aspiring professionals. Sharing knowledge and experience is part of my mission - to inspire the next generation to carry the hairstyling profession forward with professionalism and sustainability.

What core value guides your work today?

For me, the greatest value is working with heart. Skills can be learned, experience can be gained, but sincerity must come from within.

When you put your heart into every cut and every strand, you give clients more than beauty - you give them trust and a sense of being truly valued. When I teach, I want my students to understand that only sincerity can take them far and keep them grounded. My goal is not fame or profit, but to ensure that anyone who comes to me - whether a client or a student - feels genuine care and dedication.

You are also passionate about education. Why is training so important to you?

Because the true legacy lies in the next generation. Every student is a seed. I provide the knowledge, but they must nurture it with heart and integrity. When they succeed, they will go on to plant seeds elsewhere. That is how we build a clean, sustainable hairstyling community.

What is a moment that makes you most proud?

I remember a student who traveled from California to Dallas for my Master Class in Japanese Head Spa. In just three days, she completely changed her perspective on the profession. That moment reaffirmed to me that this career is not only about making clients beautiful - it can transform lives. I thought to myself, “Every sacrifice has been worth it.”

We hear you’re launching a YouTube channel, “Violet Ho Official.” What do you hope to achieve with this project?

Not everyone can travel to Dallas to learn in person, so YouTube will allow me to share my knowledge, skills, and professional philosophy with a wider audience.

On Violet Ho Official, viewers will find not only technical lessons but also real-life stories and insights I’ve gained over 25 years. I want people to feel the spirit of working with heart and staying true in a competitive industry.

What message would you like to share with young people pursuing a beauty career?

Don’t choose this profession for profit or glamour. Choose it because you truly love it.
When you lead with heart, excellence will follow. Failure is normal - never let it defeat you. Move slowly, move steadily, and move with integrity. Beauty is not just a career; it is a journey of healing - for your clients and for yourself.

From her tireless years in Vietnam, Korea, and Japan to building a thriving brand in Dallas today, Violet Ho remains true to one simple philosophy: working with sincerity is the most beautiful way to live.

Thank you, Violet Ho, for sharing your heartfelt journey and inspiration. May Sakura Salon continue to bloom like its namesake - the cherry blossom - right in the heart of Dallas.

Sakura Salon Contact Information

Owner/Master Instructor & Stylist: Violet Ho

Phone: 972-729-0281

Email: sakurasalontx@gmail.com

Address: 817 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, Dallas, TX 75061

Facebook:  Violet Ho