Meet Hisako Cabell

We were lucky to catch up with Hisako Cabell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hisako, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I used to actually be very shy when I was younger! I would also get pretty bad anxiety when going out into crowds at events (even though I really wanted to be there!). Going out in a costume or extreme look can be challenging because you’re worried about what people might think. I overcame this fear by simply putting myself out there and pushing myself. I knew I would miss out on amazing experiences and connections if I didn’t push myself to get through it. Perhaps FOMO helped in a way! I have learned to be gentle with myself and remind myself I’m amazing and talented, and I deserve to be out there sharing what I love with others!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a former cosplayer turned geisha henshin located in Houston, TX and have been practicing henshin since March of 2024. ‘Henshin’ is a Japanese word that means ‘to transform’. I am not a real geisha, but someone who studies geisha and has learned to dress like them and transform into the image of a geisha! In addition to learning how to dress in kimono, I’ve also started learning shamisen, traditional Japanese dance, and tea ceremony. I was inspired to start my henshin journey after my honeymoon in Kyoto, Japan of October 2023 where I participated in a geisha makeover experience. I was so mesmerized by the whole experience that when I returned to the states, I knew I needed to learn how to do this for myself! I chose my stage name as ‘Hisako’, which means ‘enduring child’.

I have been in love with geisha culture since I was a child, and always dreamed of becoming one someday. Obviously I could not become a real geisha, but through henshin I was able to achieve my dream in a different way! It has been an amazing way to learn more about geisha culture as a whole. My goal through henshin is to spread more knowledge and interest in this beautiful and mysterious part of Japan’s culture.

I will be making guest appearances at KimoKawaii (Conroe TX) and Tokyo X (Houston TX) in June 2025, as well as Anime Matsuri (Houston TX) in July 2025.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think the three most impactful things that helped with my henshin journey was learning/practicing the art of proper kimono dressing and accurate geisha makeup, LOTS of research on geisha culture and customs, and going beyond dressing up and learning the same kinds of skills/arts that real geisha learn. You do not need to go all the way to Japan to learn these things, but a trip there certainly helps!

My biggest advice to aspiring henshin is to do your research and learn as much as you can so you can be as accurate as possible. Accuracy is important in henshin as it shows respect for the culture and traditions of geisha. I also recommend practicing as much as you can when it comes to kimono and proper makeup techniques! Real geisha practice their art everyday!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My husband has always been my biggest supporter in everything I do, including henshin. I am often too hard on myself, and my husband has been there every step of the way to support me and lift me up. He is my biggest cheerleader! I would not have even begun my henshin journey without his help (he was the one who surprised me with the geisha makeover experience in Kyoto for our honeymoon, as well as gifting me my shamisen!). He is always encouraging me and helping me achieve my dreams and overcome obstacles. I wouldn’t be here doing this without him!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jfinity Photo
Shutter Senpai

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move