— OWNER & MASTER STYLIST —
CARLA YAMANAKA
650.245.6124
Carla thrives on keeping Mizu Salon a well-oiled machine, making sure that each and every team member focuses on growth and harmony. As a stylist and in-salon educator, color formulation and design is her passion, along with brow design. She loves making women feel prettier.
With a strong belief in growth through education and experience, Carla always has ideas brewing in that head of hers, such as Aveda Congress in Minneapolis and Oway’s Ortofficina Experience in Bologna. Carla’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business at SJSU, and countless classes and certifications throughout the years from names such as Aveda, Oway, Keratin Complex, Brazilian Blowout, Alpha Parf Precious Nature, Babe extensions and Goldwell.
For the highly allergic clients, Mizu Salon discovered a color that eliminates the adverse reactions from PPD, Resorsinol, and ammonia.
Because of Carla’s dedication to Mizu Salon, she has managed to mesh her passion for dog rescue within the workplace. As of 2014, her non-profit dog rescue found homes for over 70 dogs through Mizu Salon. Stop by our side door with your precious pups. We always have time for sharing delicious treats.
AMY
Senior Stylist
650.464.0993
Amy joined Mizu in November 2011. After taking several years off to care for her young children, Amy decided it was time to get back in the game. Countless Aveda classes and an innate ability to tame, manage, and sculpt unruly hair has hurled Amy to the top. Through all her hard work and tenacity, Amy ranks right up there as one of our busiest Senior Stylist.
Amy has mastered many classes with Aveda, Oway, Keratin Complex, Brazilian Blowout and various combined extension application and management. Aveda Congress in Minneapolis was amazing too.
When not at the Salon, Amy loves shopping at Nordstrom and trotting through the Half Moon Bay Farmer’s Market for fresh quality delights. Her best times are spent caring for her three beautiful sons, super cute baby girl and Penny our daily canine mascot (she can’t stand being left at home).
BERENICE
Stylist
650.726.2088
Bere joined Mizu prior to graduating from Half Moon Bay High. Starting as an assistant to Carla, Bere displayed huge potential. She quickly proceeded to an apprenticeship program with Carla sharing her endless knowledge. Bere’s tenacity and work ethic has allowed her to build a strong clientele in a short time.
Experience and chasing education is a must for success as a stylist at Mizu Salon. Bere stays after-hours into late evenings taking many hands-on classes; haircutting, hair painting, balayage, high lighting, retexturing, brow sculpting, consultation and customer communications to name a few. To top it off, Bere attended her first Aveda Congress Show in Minneapolis in 2023. It was a blast!
In just two years she has earned the title of Stylist and she plans to hit Aveda Congress in Minneapolis in 2025. Oh we just can’t wait!
On Bere’s non-work time, she loves singing with the choir at church. Cooking is another one of her passions which has been passed down from her mother. Birria is our favorite in the break room, followed by Pozole. Thank you Bere!
Rocio
Junior Stylist
650.726.2088
Rocio graces us with her sweet smile and happy presence. She actually brings sunshine to Mizu Salon when she arrives. We haven’t seen this kind of subtle tenacity during the 17 year history of Mizu. All this and Roci even came with her raw innate talent. We are so very fortunate, as she continues to renew and refine her hair design skills.
College is her immediate future. She loves learning. Secret . . . she would love to practice French with you as she’s taken 4 years of it. Bilingual just doesn’t cut it! Call to make an appointment.
Tyler
Stylist
650.726.2088
Tyler joined Mizu in 2016. His brilliant mind runs circles around the whole place. Besides his masterful cutting and coloring skills Tyler might just be the wittiest and most sarcastic person in all of Half Moon Bay. We dare you to make an appointment with him.
His education is vast, from Emerson in Boston to SF State, and Aveda Congress in Minneapolis. This stylist has been AROUND! We love laughing and because of him work has become such a perfect playground.
– The Pack –
At Mizu Salon we love our canine kids – where four out the five are rescues! The curly brown one, Lil’ Fig, became part of the family during the Covid lockdown.
OUR BELIEFS
OUR VALUES
Values and Beliefs
Our mission at Mizu Salon is to provide services with a commitment to enhancing beauty, each other, the industry, our community, and the world around us. We believe in organic products, recycling, and renewable resources to take care of our precious ‘aina (earth). Through education, teamwork, kindness, and sincerity, we humbly strive to maintain and care for our environment and each other to bring out the beauty that lives within all of us.
Education is Key to our Successs
Mizu's professionals are highly-trained experts. Our stylists are required to attend advanced courses taught by industry leaders as well as in-house education classes. We also attend the magnificent Aveda Master Jam in Europe and Aveda Congress hosted every other year in Minneapolis.
Our Story
In July 2008 a dream turned into reality when the doors of Mizu Salon opened for business. Influenced by Japanese and Hawaiian cultures, salon owner Carla Yamanaka chose the name Mizu, meaning water.
Water is one of nature’s most powerful elements and is closely connected to the feminine, the psyche, and intuition. Water also represents balance and harmony. Water – fluid, flowing, and formless – adapts to its environment and changes course when necessary. These concepts have been translated into the symbol of the Salon.
As you travel down your chosen path you will adapt and change too. The staff at Mizu Salon will help you shape and form the vision you want to see reflected in the mirror. Adapt and change to your environment and embrace life’s challenges by looking and feeling your best.