About Chikae
Creative Director, Photographer, Artist, Human Design Reader & Intuitive Guide.
Japanese/American, raised in the UK.
3/5 Projector, INFP/J
The Origins
As a lover of learning, I’ve spent a lifetime accumulating an abundance of knowledge and wisdom that has led me to where I am today to help guide others.
A brief timeline:
2012: I started a floral design business with my friend Jess.
2016-2018: I focused on photography and travelled the world learning with some of the best photographers, event planners, florists, creative directors and retreat hosts out there (check out the “road trip series” in the Journal to explore who I learnt with and where I went.
2017: I founded Hikarui as a counter to my burnout. Every day, I spent time learning, self-developing, creating, and honing skills.
There’s still so much I haven’t shared; slowly I’ll be adding my history here.
Press & publications include: Harpers Bazaar; Hanajikan; Flowerona, BBC, CNBC, BoldJourney, The Times.
Mentors I have personally studied/learnt/collaborated with: Marte Marie Forsberg; The Late Beth Kirby of Local Milk; D’Arcy Benincosa; Ginny Au; Erich McVey; Sinclair & Moore; Tulipina; Sarah Winward; Various Photographers at Wolves Workshop; Lelia Scarfotti; Sandra Coan.
A LOVER OF…
— Japan
— Days centred around sharing experiences with loved ones
— Driving in the summer on country roads with friends, windows rolled down, blasting music
— National Trust / Heritage locations
— Staying in beautiful, inspiring, well-designed hotels and properties to fuel my creativity and joy
— Food, food, food!
— Studio Ghibli
— Pops of NEON
— Fantasy/fairytale/superhero movies, tv shows, games
— Learning / self-development
— Teaching/guiding
— Keeping things new and fresh
— Exercise that involves feeling like I’m in a club; rebounding, dance, loud music, choreography/free-movement
“From a place of personal experience and holding space for others, I believe in our individual capabilities for becoming embodied as our own authorities in how we live and move through the world. Rather than looking for “quick fixes”, I see the deep value in cultivating inner knowing, practicing being resourceful and patient in taking the more sustainable, grounded route.”
— Chikae
WORK WITH ME
One to one intuitive, expansive guidance
One-to-one expansive guidance for Projectors to unearth purpose, joy and fulfilment through bespoke mentorship and human design, unlocking self-expression to manifest the life you desire.
Find out more
Private Photography & Editing Workshops
Learn my signature approach “Treat Digital Like Film” to photograph with intentionality and intuition.