Last Updated on January 25, 2026 by David Thomas
DAILYdEPOSITS Podcast 008
Summary
In this episode, we sit down with Mason, the creative director and designer behind TEN Hair Care.
From sketches in a notebook to a full shelf-ready product line, Mason has been a key force in shaping the look, feel, and voice of the brand. We talk about what it’s like to design for small businesses, why creative work takes more strategy than people think, and how thoughtful design connects directly to trust and brand integrity.
Mason breaks down what it really means to be a creative director — part artist, part strategist, part problem solver. He shares the behind-the-scenes realities of working with small brands like TEN versus large corporations, and how creativity often becomes the bridge between passion and product.
Highlights
From Idea to Shelf: How TEN went from notes on paper to bottles in people’s hands.
The Difference Between Design & Strategy: Why great design starts with questions, not colors.
Small Business Reality: The creative freedom and challenges of working with limited resources.
The Importance of Care: Why good design is about empathy — not just aesthetics.
Client Communication: How to guide brand owners through the unknowns of product creation.
Quotes That Hit:
” Your work is a reflection of who you are. So you have to care about it — no matter who it’s for.”
– Mason
Connect with MASON:
Website: https://nobuocreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mason.kk