Meet Benedick Suharly | Hair Artist/ Stylist and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benedick Suharly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benedick, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In my early years, I believed success came from constant motion and saying yes to everything, grinding through exhaustion, and tying my value to productivity. I wore burnout like a badge of honor. But as I matured, especially while reflecting on my long-term goals and career vision, I realized that pace without purpose is dangerous.

One of the most meaningful turning points came through a gift from my grandfather, a brass plate engraved with a quote that lives in my mind every day:

“We sacrifice our health to chase wealth. Then we sacrifice our wealth to chase back our health, only to find a grave in the end.”

That message reshaped how I think about success. I no longer want to be the richest man in the grave. I still pursue my goals with intensity, but now I make space for reflection, faith, community, and creativity. Over time, I’ve grown more intentional. Not just about what I do, but why I do it.

That shift in perspective now translates into my work, through the precision of every haircut, the atmosphere and conversations, the way I make people feel seen and confident. My craft isn’t just about aesthetics but it’s about making people feel better about themselves, and contributing to something larger than myself.

I believe my role as an artist goes beyond monetary value. It’s about presence, culture, and the ability to uplift others, one person at a time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey hasn’t been easy. I came to the U.S. alone to attend college when I was 17, with a dream in mind but not sure what it was. I didn’t have connections or a safety net , just a deep passion for the craft and a belief that I could make something of it. There were days I felt invisible, misunderstood, or completely out of place. But those moments built something in me that technique alone never could: resilience, discipline, and faith.

I’ve learned that success isn’t just about how good your work is but it’s about how long you’re willing to stay committed when nobody is clapping yet. I’ve failed, started over, worked in silence, and kept showing up. Every cut, every conversation, every challenge has shaped the way I approach my craft, with care, presence, and intention.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a title or a moment, it’s the way I’ve kept my integrity intact while building something meaningful. That’s what I carry into every space I step into: the mindset that hard work, vision, and consistency always win in the long run.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I’d want to show them the real energy of the city. Not just the typical tourist spots, but the places that inspire me and feel like home.

LA is huge, and what I love most is that every neighborhood has its own story to tell. You can drive 20 minutes and feel like you’re in a completely different world. From the beach to the city to the hills, the contrast is what makes it special.

We’d start in Koreatown with a late-night meal at Sun Nong Dan or BCD Tofu House. Ktown has this energy that never really sleeps. It’s always alive, always flavorful. Then we’d hit Santa Monica to walk along the beach and check out the pier, before cruising up through Malibu along the PCH and catching golden hour at El Matador Beach. That part of LA always feels like a breath of fresh air.

We’d also spend a day in Silver Lake, just walking around, grabbing coffee spots, and checking out the local shops. The creative scene there feels more intimate, less flashy, but full of personality and inspiration.

Throughout the week, we’d eat our way through the city. Probably Hide sushi spot in Sawtelle, and wrap up one of the nights with Korean fried chicken or boba back in Ktown.

The perfect LA trip isn’t about doing everything. It’s about slowing down, having real conversations, and soaking in the different stories each part of the city holds. That’s the version of LA I love, where every block feels like it has something to teach you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandma, has been going through health struggles recently, and it’s made me reflect even more on everything she and my grandfather went through. They were both entrepreneurs in their own time, from running a tailoring shop, making and selling cakes, opening a restaurant to eventually built a very successful retail business that passed down to the next generation. They never stopped, even when life was hard. There’s a story my aunt shared recently that stuck with me, about how, even when they had to migrate to bigger cities. Sacrifices after sacrifices, hard work never stop. My grandmother once suffered burns on her legs from boiling water while running a restaurant. And yet, they never gave up. That work ethic, that heart, was all to give future generations, including me for a better trajectory of life.

I believe their journey from the small local businesses they built, to the values they passed down is what allows me to stand where I am today. Their sacrifices paved the way for my opportunities. Every time I show up with intention, with care, with excellence in my craft, I’m honoring them.

So this shoutout is for my family back home, for their grit, their quiet power, and the legacy they built through love.

Website: https://kavyar.com/benedick-suharly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.barbroski/