Brainy and creative, a mountain climber who is equal parts daring and ladylike, this San Francisco–based chemist has been a DHC fan since she was a teenager in Japan; she even introduced her mother to the products.

Interests and hobbies
Hiking and backpacking, cooking, arts and crafts, painting.

Drawn to a career in Chemistry
I studied genetics at the University of California, Davis, but I got into the water treatment field to get my foot in the door and ended up loving it. Water treatment has been and always will be important for the environment, and it is satisfying to know that my job is helping in the
conservation effort.

Climb every mountain
I want to see as many places as possible that are only accessible on foot, after a long trek. Those places, to me, are the most rewarding and also more exclusive than expensive resorts.

First summit
My first "real" climb was Half Dome in Yosemite in 2008. I'll never forget the thrill and sense of accomplishment that I felt after I reached the summit. I’ve been hooked on hiking ever since then.

Most rewarding summit
I climbed Mt. Fuji with my mom in September of 2011, and we watched the sunrise from the top of the mountain. We encouraged each other the whole time, and I am glad that we shared this experience together.

Best backpacking experience
In the Grand Canyon, I hiked all the way down to the canyon bottom and lay by the Colorado River at night. Being deep in the canyon in the pitch dark, I’d never seen so many stars in my entire life. That made me feel small and put me in a whole different perspective.

Favorite travel destination
Kyoto, Japan, in the springtime is absolutely breathtaking. I was in awe looking at cherry blossom trees with temples, some over a thousand years old, in the background.

On feeling beautiful in your own skin
True beauty is confidence that comes from acknowledging your own individuality, and compassion for others. I truly believe that those things show through in a person and make her beautiful.

Read more about Sayuri’s active lifestyle.

How do you stay healthy?
I eat balanced meals and exercise, but most importantly, I try not to stress out. I find ways to relax and unwind after a stressful day, usually by reading a book or treating myself to a cupcake.

How would you describe your cooking style?
I go to a local farmers market every week and try to use the freshest ingredients, whatever is in season, in my cooking. I usually cook most meals and rarely eat out, but when I do go out, I indulge!

Who is your beauty icon and why?
My mother, who has skin like a baby's bottom! She taught me to take care of my skin even at an early age. I thought it unnecessary at the time, but I appreciate it now!

What piece of artwork have you made that you’re most proud of?
A still painting I did was once published in a Williams-Sonoma cookbook. It’s nice for my artwork to be seen and recognized.