Seattle, WA (PRWEB) December 6, 2007 -- Studio 904 salon owner Kay Hirai came to a profound realization-her Jack Russell Terrier, Yumi, was the four legged embodiment of all she had incorporated into her successful business during the last 20 years. So she decided to write Yumi's Life Lessons, a book detailing the six principles Kay observed and learned from Yumi during her life.

Yumi's Life Lessons goes hand in hand with Hirai's use of Kaizen in her successful award-winning business. Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning life-long learning in small, incremental steps with a focus on continuous improvement.

Hirai considers Kaizen to be an integral part of any thriving small business and proves the theory in her own business, Studio 904. In addition to offering a full range of salon services, her business philosophy stresses building long-term customer relations through unique one-on-one training with each of her employees, as well as her salon clients.

Kay's successful use of the Kaizen philosophy has been recognized by Seattle's business community as well as publications such as Working Mother, Day Spa, and Self. Taking the concept into the community, she also offers programs such as "You're Looking Good," to provide haircuts to hundreds of disadvantaged children in the Seattle area.

Hirai recognized that these same principles were also traits her beloved Terrier, who passed away in 2005, consistently displayed. An affectionate and agile, energetic bundle of love, Yumi became Hirai's unlikely teacher. Hirai's book, Yumi's Life Lessons, is her loving tribute to both Yumi and to the philosophy she bases her life and business on.

Hirai also believes every person and animal fortunate enough to have a good life should become a part of her network in giving back. Hirai relates, "I used to always tell Yumi how lucky she was to be owned by me and would often wonder what Yumi could do to affect a change for the better for other animals who are not as fortunate."

Yumi's Life Lessons is available for $12 from www.yumihappyday.com and at www.amazon.com, and arrives in beautiful holiday gift wrapping if purchased before Christmas. The book makes a unique gift for everyone from pet lovers and business owners to friends, family and employees. In addition, 10% of the proceeds are donated directly to Pasado's Safe Haven, a shelter providing 24-hour rescue of abused, neglected or abandoned dogs, cats, and factory-farmed animals.

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