Mio Sota is modest when it comes to discussing her work. Shy of two decades of experience, her keen eye for detail, originality and her inviting character never fails to create a professional, yet exciting atmosphere whether she is working behind the chair, backstage on production, mentoring or teaching.
Born in Osaka Japan, Mio came to Chicago at the young age of two. She grew up in a very traditional Japanese family, strictly speaking Japanese in the home, only watching Japanese children’s shows and attending Japanese school every week. “It definitely shaped me into who I am today, being exposed to both cultures simultaneously; I apply these rich cultural experiences to my day to day work. I strive to be dedicated, clean, meticulous, honest, inviting and fun.”
Mio attended Pivot Point International Cosmetology school, where she was the first to graduate in her class with a perfect attendance. Immediately following the graduation, her hunger for education and drive to learn from only the best, earned her a spot in the apprenticeship program at Vidal Sassoon. With their tough, extensive training, Mio continued to elevate her technical skills as well as truly mastering and appreciating the importance of listening, rather than speaking when it came to delivering the best possible experience for each and every guest in her chair. Within the nine years of her career with Sassoon, she worked up to being their top stylist at two of their Chicago area locations, while also working as the Assistant Creative Art Director, educating at their downtown Chicago Academy.
Her vast array of clientele has expanded to working in various platforms such as television, music, runway, etc. Some of whom include; Takashi Murakami, Carolina Herrera, Black Sabbith, Diana Ross, The Smashing Pumpkins, Rachel McAdams, B-52s, Carrie Coon, Panic at the Disco!, Backstreet Boys and Rosanna Arquette to name a few.
In 2015, she was awarded first place for the 'Make Over' category and a finalist for the 'Men's Styling' category at the America's Beauty Show competition. She was the finalist in the 'Contemporary Classics' category for 2016 North American Hairstyling Award, and the following year, she was awarded the most prestigious, top honor of her industry - Professional Beauty Associations 2017 North American Hairstylist of the Year.
Shortly after, she won national Gold for 2017 color competition and moved onto representing the USA, competing on the global level in Barcelona. Performing live against 30 stylists - each representing their country, Mio placed Gold and was named the 2017 Global Gold winner.
In 2018, Mio showcased an Artistic Presentation on the Main Stage at the America's Beauty Show, as well as opening the North American Hairstyling Awards Show in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center with her Artistic Presentation featuring her collection, Surfacing.
A year later, she was then nominated and attended as a finalist for 'Men's Styling' for 2019 International Hairstyling Awards held in Madrid, which lead her to be a part of the Goldwell International Creative Team 2019 and 2020 Couture Collections - both were launched globally and showcased within international and national magazines.
Currently you can find Mio at George Charles Salon, one of the premier salons in the Gold Coast, at the epicenter of Oak Street - Chicago’s most prestigious shopping street.
During her time away from the salon, she likes to keep herself busy working with clients for various events and press, working for TV, collaborating on projects, and mentoring new talents.
Mio hopes to continue to spread positive motivation to aspiring stylists as much as her past mentors did for her.