A Space Built on Self-Worth, Creativity, and Synergy

Before establishing AUREA in Rotterdam, I spent 12 years in Japan building my career as a senior top stylist. When I made the leap to move to the Netherlands before covid, I voluntarily chose to start from absolute zero—no connections, no language, and no clientele.

Yet, having successfully built a loyal client base in Japan, I held a quiet confidence in my technical craft and never doubted my ability to connect with people again. This was because I had already experienced building a clientele from scratch in Japan. I carried an unwavering belief that I could make whoever was sitting in front of me look and feel absolutely beautiful. My unique branding served as my ally, guiding me along the way. Of course, I knew it would take time, but there was a genuine joy in creating those deep connections from the very beginning.

My journey here in the naturally Netherlands began by renting chairs in local salons, building my business step by step. I’ve never been the type to cleverly find shortcuts to success, but looking back, experiencing so many different ways of working was a truly valuable journey. It gave me a rich perspective and built the unshakable foundation I have today.

During those years, working across various spaces, I repeatedly confronted a vital question: What is my true worth as an artist?

In this industry, it is easy to secure clients by lowering your prices. But doing so often means compromising your value and settling for a superficial sense of "safety," leaving you at the mercy of salon owners who might undervalue your skills. I experienced that frustration deeply.

During those years, I often reflected on the reality many stylists face when working on commission. At first, it feels safe. But over time, you realize that the total commission you pay can end up far exceeding what it costs to actually rent a space. Sadly, conventional salon setups rarely offer you the next step—because as long as you remain a reliable source of revenue, there’s little incentive for the system to change. I constantly asked myself: How can we break this cycle and create a business model where stylists and salon spaces can thrive together in a long-term, healthy relationship?

I believe every artist goes through three distinct stages of growth:

1. The Foundation Stage: Building your clientele from scratch, establishing trust, and honing your individual branding.

2. The Independence Stage: Taking ownership of your business—setting your own prices, knowing your worth, and stepping into true financial independence.

3. The Synergy Stage:　Realizing that true creative joy isn't found in isolation, but in maintaining your complete independence while creating a "horizontal connection"—working alongside true equals to inspire and elevate each other.

While you can build your foundational skills and design philosophy on your own, there are certain creative horizons you simply cannot reach in solitude. True magic happens when you witness a colleague express a completely different style, technique, or worldview right next to you. It expands your perception and sparks a unique energy that you could never generate alone. To me, that mutual inspiration is the absolute joy of our craft.

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced almost every setup—from traditional salon hierarchies, to running my own private studio in isolation, and working in shared environments. I realized we don't need old-school boss-employee structures, nor do we need the loneliness of working alone.

What we need is a community of equals—ZZP stylists who carry the same weight of business risks and taxes, connecting horizontally, respecting each other’s worth, and elevating their craft every single day.

I created AUREA to be exactly that creative sanctuary.

Let’s elevate our craft and grow together.

IDEAL STYLIST FOR AUREA

　　　SKILL & CRAFT

  • 3+ years of experience as a qualified stylist

  • Creative, passionate about unique design, and excited to explore diverse artistic expressions

  • Takes pride in their technical craft and is ready to challenge themselves with their true value (pricing)

    MINDSET & TRUST

    • Deeply loves the craft of hair—possesses natural curiosity, resilience, and ambition to grow

    • A sincere professional who values integrity and is capable of building strong, long-lasting trust and mutual respect

    • Aims to build meaningful client relationships through authentic quality and personal branding, rather than discounts

    ENVIRONMENT & SYNERGY

    • Prefers synergy over isolation—wants to work alongside passionate peers to inspire each other

    • Values equal, "horizontal connections" where independent artists respect each other's unique craft without old-school hierarchies

    • Seeks a serene, refined, and professional studio environment over a loud, crowded salon floor

 

OUR RENTAL PLANS

To maintain a high-end environment and foster true synergy, we offer flexible and fixed workspace options with Peak and Off-Peak rates tailored for premium independent artists.

  • Off-Peak Days: Monday – Thursday

  • Peak Days: Friday – Sunday

Option 1. Flexible Plan (Spot Rental)

Perfect for premium stylists who want full flexibility with zero monthly commitment.

  • Rates From: €15 / hour (Minimum booking applies)

  • Included: Access to a sophisticated and refined styling station, function and practical YUME Shampoo Station for head spa treatments, and a mature salon environment.

  • Note: Fundamental principle is to bring your own professional products. AUREA backbar product usage is available upon request (mandatory log required). Initial bookings are restricted to days when the salon owner is physically present.

Option 2. Fixed Plan (Monthly Dedicated Days)

Best for established stylists looking for a permanent monthly routine, dedicated weekly days, and a stable base at our most preferred rate.

  • Rates From: €90 / day (Enjoy our lowest daily rate by locking in your fixed schedule)

  • Commitment: Fixed weekly days with a 1-month security deposit.

  • Benefit: Secure your own permanent days every week to build a seamless routine for your clientele.

👉 [ Inquire / Apply for A Chair Rental ]　

The reply will take in few days business days. Thank you so much for finding AUREA and I am looking forward to see you!

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY TOGETHER.

Spaces are strictly limited to maintain a premium environment and ensure the highest quality of synergy.