Whitney VerMeer - Mizutani World Cut Jam
As we gear up for the highly anticipated Mizutani Scissors Anniversary Event: World Cut Jam Art of Cutting Hair 2023 in Tokyo, we wanted chat with one of the esteemed participants: Whitney VerMeer. An acclaimed global talent, Whitney's extraordinary artistry in hairstyling is nothing short of revolutionary. Known for her trailblazing approach, she melds conceptual designs with architectural finesse, setting herself apart as a genuine luminary in the hair world. From designing groundbreaking tools like the Whitney VerMeer Crossover Scissor to her tenure as the Global Creative Lead for Andis Company, her endeavors have always been hallmarked by her commitment to quality, innovation, and equality.
Join us on November 6, 2023, at The Grand Hall in Shinagawa Grand Central Tower, as Whitney, alongside other world-renowned artists, showcases her unparalleled skills and shares her profound insights. Be prepared to be inspired, enlightened, and captivated by her unique perspective and contributions to the realm of hairstyling.
In the ever-evolving world of hairdressing and beauty, how do you see Mizutani’s World Haircut Jam contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry?
Mizutani has always valued technical excellence. It’s built into their DNA and you can easily see it in everything they do. It is one of the many reasons I have loved partnering with them. This alongside their appreciation for artistic expression and pushing boundaries is what makes the company and the product they produce is what I think sets them apart from others. Usually you get one of the two if you are lucky, but having both is rare and something that platforms them in the hair industry. The World Haircut Jam is truly a testament to their unyielding dedication to their work, the deep respect they have for artistic expression, and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the industry by carefully organizing such events.
Do you remember the moment you realized that educating others was so important to you and what did those first steps look like?
The moment I realized the significance of education in my journey was when I attended my first hair show and witnessed the talented artists on stage. It was at that point that I felt like I finally knew what I wanted to do. I loved watching the talented artists on stage, the avant-garde hair, the fashion, the music- all of it. It was probably the first time that I saw anything like that in person. Especially having grown up in small town Iowa, the closest thing I had ever witnessed to this was watching Project Runway.
Initially, I had doubts about whether I could ever gather enough confidence to follow through. I guess I thought to myself that it was something I could aspire to, but realistically it just wouldn’t happen for someone like me. I’ve always had a difficult time with confidence and I think as much as I realized I was different from my peers (being gay in an incredibly small, religious town) I never thought I was special. However, after finding my mentor and immersing myself in the world of barbering, I started to believe that I had a lot of valuable knowledge to share with having a cosmetology license and then learning classic barbering skills.
I noticed a gap in the industry between the cosmetology and barbering and felt a strong desire to impart my techniques. I felt a sense of duty to try share what I knew and that hopefully, if I was lucky, I could provide a few tips to help build others confidence in what can feel like a very intimidating practice.
For me, education goes beyond simply teaching people how to cut hair. It represents setting a positive example that emphasizes the idea that anyone, regardless of their gender or background, can thrive in any industry they choose to pursue.
Coming together with artists from around the globe creates an incredible community. What or Who are you looking forward to the most on this specific trip to Tokyo, Japan?
I am eagerly looking forward to the chance to work together with two incredibly skilled female artists whom I have collaborated with in the past for various events, but never had the opportunity to share the stage with. The idea of three strong and accomplished women, who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, coming together to educate holds a deep personal meaning for me.
What are your top 3 favorite Mizutani shears?
My scissor- CROSSOVER (5.7, 6.2, 6.7)
What was the best piece of advice you were given early in your career?
The most profound piece of advice came from someone who deeply impacted me both professionally and personally- Christine Schuster of L’Oreal. It was early in my career when I stated working with Baxter of California. I told her about my desire to get into education, but my lack of confidence in doing so. She told me “you’re already a leader, you just need to find your voice.” That simple advice changed my whole life and I will forever be grateful for that.
Biggest accomplishment of your career…
Being the first ever woman in history to release a line of scissors. Every time I think about that, I feel incredibly honored and humbled. I love the idea of continuously breaking glass ceilings and creating history and I hope that is something I get to do again in the future in some capacity.
If you weren’t doing hair or in the professional beauty industry, what would you be doing?
If I didn’t do hair I’d be an architect.
I knew I was a Hair Nerd when…
When I got my kit at hair school. I’ll never forget opening it and seeing all of the tools.
Where can people find Whitney?
At the dog park with my rescue pup, or binging true crime documentaries at home.
