"The Secrets of Shining Women" is an interview series showcasing women who excel in a variety of fields, from work to home. Our eighth guest is Hiromori Chieko, beauty producer at HABA, a cosmetics brand committed to providing high-quality, additive-free products. She has a 36-year career in the beauty industry. This August, she opened the concept store "HABA Ginzakan" in Ginza, and her beauty seminars for the general public and lectures around the country have been hugely successful. We spoke to Hiromori, who has gained support from people of all ages, about her secrets to beauty. What inspired you to pursue a career in beauty? I think my mother had a big influence. She was a very fashionable person. I was the youngest of four sisters, and we often went out wearing matching outfits. I vividly remember her often wearing gingham check dresses. Being the youngest, I always accompanied my mother wherever I went.

The image of my mother is of her waking up every morning, sitting in front of the dressing table, applying lipstick. It was the kind of red lipstick that's popular these days. She'd put her hair in a formal updo and wear the lily-of-the-valley perfume she kept in her drawer. She'd then wear an apron while doing housework. I guess I unconsciously admired my mother's figure. When she wasn't home, I'd sneakily remove the cover of the dressing table and apply lipstick.

--I can picture the image of my wonderful mother.

That's why, from a young age, I wanted to become a beauty consultant at a department store. In the end, my dream came true. My mother believed that "women must be beautiful," and that idea has been ingrained in me.

--What kind of work does a beauty producer do?

It's a job that helps people become more beautiful and explores beauty from all angles. That said, the suggestions I make aren't about going to a beauty salon or doing anything special, but rather about things you can do in your everyday life. I help each woman become more beautiful by tailoring them to her lifestyle. When I talk to people at my seminars, they often ask me questions like, "What about serums? What about foundation?" I sometimes reply, "From what you've said, I think it's best to go to bed early." --It's not just about cosmetics and skincare, is it? Of course, I talk about those things, but other things are also very important. In my seminars, I ask participants about their diet, and I dig deep into their sleep habits, asking questions like, "Are you scrubbing your face too hard when washing it?" From there, I make suggestions tailored to each individual. People have limited budgets, and it's unrealistic to expect them to replace all of their current cosmetics. I think it's far more important to have the desire to become beautiful. --But you sell skincare products?

I'm absolutely confident in our products, but I don't believe you need to have a full line. Many women think that simply changing their cosmetics will instantly make them look beautiful, but that's simply not the case. I'm always interested in teaching you how to become even more beautiful while continuing to use the cosmetics you currently own that suit your skin type.

--What's the secret to maintaining your beauty despite your busy schedule and remaining at the forefront of the industry?

I generally don't worry. I believe that time heals most problems, except for life-or-death ones. Time passes equally, whether the results are good or bad. The important thing is to try your best and not worry when you just can't achieve it.

Another thing I do is when something bad happens, tell yourself, "Today was probably the worst day of my life. Tomorrow will be a little better," and do one good thing before you go home. If the sink at work is a little dirty, I wipe it with paper towels—it's a really small thing, but it helps me turn negative thoughts into positives, and even when something unpleasant happens, I try to keep a smile on my face and not look so stern. This is probably also due to my mother's influence. My mother always told me, "Girls aren't cute if they're sulky, so you have to keep smiling."

--You've also expanded your activities, such as volunteering at hospitals and welfare facilities by applying makeup.

It all started when I was hospitalized 13 years ago. Many people around me were suffering from serious illnesses, and I couldn't help but feel depressed. That experience made me wonder if there was something I could do to help. So I applied makeup to the patients, and their faces instantly lit up. My work at nursing homes was inspired by something similar. I started volunteering at nursing homes because I knew I would inevitably need help there, and the people there were so happy.

This isn't just for women; it's the same for men. They are very happy when I tell them how cool they look after grooming themselves. I also believe it is because they use HABA cosmetics that they are able to do this kind of activity. They have not had a single skin problem so far, so they can use them with confidence.

--Listening to you talk somehow makes me feel energized.

That's right. I want to make everyone feel energized. There are still many things I want to do. I would like to continue helping everyone become beautiful and healthy.

In the second half, we will hear more about your beauty secrets and your philosophy on fashion.