Mari Funatsu
18+ years of experience
Mari Funatsu is a distinguished Japanese esthetician and massage therapist renowned for her innovative contributions to the beauty industry. As the founder and CEO of Vivace Beauty Salon and the Funatsu Mari Beauty Academy, she has dedicated her career to developing and teaching advanced facial massage techniques that promote both aesthetic enhancement and holistic well-being. Professional Journey and Achievements Mari Funatsu embarked on her journey in the beauty industry after graduating from a specialized beauty school. She gained extensive experience working at a major esthetic salon, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of client care. In 2006, she established Vivace Beauty Salon in Tokyo's Yoyogi Uehara district, offering personalized treatments that quickly garnered a loyal clientele.In 2010, expanding her vision, Ms. Funatsu opened a diet studio named Delight in Nakameguro, focusing on holistic approaches to beauty and health. Her commitment to excellence was nationally recognized in 2014 when she secured first place in the Esthetic Grand Prix, winning both the Facial Technique category and the National Customer Satisfaction Ranking. These accolades earned her the title of Japan's best esthetician.
In 2019, Ms. Funatsu achieved the prestigious "Gold Master" certification from the International Federation of Estheticians (INFA), reflecting her mastery and dedication to the field.
Innovations and Teaching
Ms. Funatsu is the creator of the "Bi-zen Kinkotsu Treatment," an original all-hand massage technique designed to alleviate jaw tension and promote a smaller, more contoured facial appearance. This method has been acclaimed for its effectiveness and has been integrated into the curricula of various beauty institutions.
In 2016, she founded the Bi-zen Facial Association to disseminate her techniques and philosophy to a broader audience. Through the Funatsu Mari Beauty Academy, she has trained over 50,000 professionals, emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also the importance of hospitality and client care.
Publications and Media Presence
Ms. Funatsu has authored several publications to share her expertise, including:
- Bi-zen Kinkotsu Facial (2015)
- Bi-zen Kinkotsu Facial Treatment (2016)
- Facial Stress Muscle Relief (2017)
Philosophy and Global Outreach
At the heart of Ms. Funatsu's philosophy is a commitment to enhancing wellness while prioritizing client safety. She believes in the transformative power of esthetic treatments that not only improve appearance but also contribute to overall health. Her dedication to education and collaboration has led her to work with companies developing cosmetic equipment and beauty technologies, further advancing the industry.
Ms. Funatsu continues to focus on training estheticians worldwide, sharing her skills and the secrets of Japanese hospitality to elevate the standard of beauty treatments globally.