Saori Hirata
Q What do you do?
“I make really adorable and tasty food. Job-wise, I make DTC brands money through email, sms and subscriptions.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
The first e-commerce company I worked for was an agency that blew up from Ed Hardy. The owner built his own proprietary e-commerce platform, taking product photos in his garage. I started as a copywriter for brands like True Religion lol. It just goes to show - you never know someone's dark past.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I love an irreverent brand and working alongside creative people. That's where I thrive. Working for brands like Liquid Death and MOTHER, taught me so much about differentiation as a brand. I think that carried me a lot in terms of distinguishing myself from other people too.
Q What are you working on right now?
Haircare for all by Beyoncé Knowles Carter aka Cécred
Q What’s your style?
One of my favorite collaborations was between Liquid Death and Bert Kreischer. It was the perfect union of two like-minded brands. I love that Bert was the ambassador for the campaign when most water companies hired fitness models. It was a truly body-positive campaign and the merch (a workout video and signed Speedos) sold out within minutes. It was bold and funny but it also had a valuable message too.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love learning about food and I also used to be a preschool teacher. Creativity was a huge part of my curriculum. I wish I could spend more time playing and being creative.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Putting a good deck together takes up a lot of my time. Most of it is spent editing it down.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
As much as I like to cook for creativity, I wish I could hire someone to feed me so I don't have to think about what to eat (which takes up so much time!)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I had told myself to take more risks. It's a muscle that goes dormant if you don't practice enough. Usually if you're on the right path you seem to land softly.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Dolly Parton! I love her so much. Her creativity, talent, business acumen, and philanthropy. I’d also love to study her media training—she’s one of the most universally beloved people in the world, and I want to know… is that just who she is?!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Anyone who wants to have fun!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I really really loved working with FullWell a fertility-based supplements company. 1. They are really out here changing lives with their products. 2. They are a fantastic group of super knowledgeable women. 3. Everyone is nice :)
Q: What is your rate?
Most of my contracts are project based and start at $3k
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me at: hellocafesao@gmail.com
Please include a description of the project and budget.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I gotta put all my friends on:
Bambi and I go back to the True Religion days. She's one of the most creative and funniest people I know. She also works for ilovecreatives.
Joellen runs social at Reformation and she is one of the funniest I people.
Mory is a talented Art Director with impeccable taste. Also hilarious.
Rachael and I worked together at Liquid Death. She is obviously hilarious and super talented.
Jeni is an amazing James Beard award-winning photographer and she throws the best dinner parties.
Oscar is super funny. He can do anything; marketing, photography and can predict the future.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Go on a solo date to somewhere you've never been before. Sights = Insights
This member profile was originally published in July 2025.