About Us
Short Story
About STEVEN Smile
Where all started
Steven’s journey began in San Francisco, California, a city alive with colour, diversity, and passion. In 2000, while working as a dancer, he was scouted to perform in Japan. What started with roles in dance and entertainment soon grew into broader opportunities, leading him to establish Steven Smile. Through this venture, Steven collaborates extensively with dancers, models, actors, and trainers, building a vibrant creative community in Tokyo organising Events, Contests and various Labs such as training, workshops etc.
What we are
We’re not just event organizers, we’re experienced architects.
At our core, we design spaces where creativity thrives, talent shines, and people grow. From high-energy contests that spark innovation to immersive personal development labs that unlock potential, we bring people together to learn, connect, and enjoy in unforgettable ways.
our vision
is to empower individuals and stregthen communities through meaningful experiences. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, performer, or curious explorer, we create platforms that celebrate you and fuel your journey.
our Mission
is to craft beautiful events resonating across generations and cultures.
Every event we craft is a catalyst for discovery, collaboration, and transformation.
Not Convinced Yet?
The Team
Steven A. Haynes
Creative Director & Chief Executive Officer
Steven Haynes is a visionary creative director whose multifaceted career spans entertainment, fashion, education, and social impact. Born in San Francisco and now deeply embedded in Japan’s cultural landscape, Haynes has consistently redefined beauty, storytelling, and public engagement through bold, inclusive productions and high-profile collaborations.
As a creative director, Haynes has led groundbreaking initiatives, including Japan’s first Today’s Woman Plus Size Beauty Contest, now in its fifth year. His philosophy — “expressing the size of the heart, not the size of the clothes” — has reshaped perceptions of beauty and empowered underrepresented voices. His direction extends to large-scale corporate entertainment shows, notably at Yokohama Arena, and high-impact campaigns such as Booking.com’s “The Moment I Shine.”
Haynes also served as executive producer for the documentary You Decide (Become a Girl as a Son), which won Best Documentary at LADFF and received international acclaim across Sweden, New York, and Japan. His TEDx Ogikubo appearances and workshops at institutions like Meiji University and Bunka Fashion Institute reflect his commitment to nurturing young talent and elevating emotional intelligence in professional settings.
As National Director of Miss Supranational Japan (2016–2023), Haynes helped launch the global success of figures like Ai Haruna and Ikumi Yoshimatsu. His influence spans media, with appearances on NHK, Fuji TV, and Tokyo FM, and creative contributions to musicals, commercials, and magazines including 25ans and Woman Herself.
A published author and recording artist, Haynes has released four books, a CD (Highheels Music), and a DVD (Beauty Rhythm), further showcasing his artistic range. His charitable work, supporting orphanages and hosting inclusive holiday events,underscores a career rooted in empathy and transformation.
Steven Haynes is not just a creative director, he is a cultural architect, blending artistry and advocacy to inspire audiences across borders and generations.
Susumu Ishigami
Chief Operating Officer
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Riccardo Varrazza
Non-executive director
Riccardo Varrazza is a distinguished business executive and strategic advisor whose career bridges high-tech innovation, international business development, and entrepreneurial empowerment. With a dynamic presence across Europe, Asia, and lately in Tokyo Japan, Riccardo has become a trusted partner for SMEs and global enterprises seeking to scale, digitalize, and internationalize their operations.
As Managing Partner at INCOA – International Company Advisors, Riccardo leads cross-border strategy and market entry initiatives, particularly for European firms expanding into North East Asia.
His early career in Deep Tech included leadership roles at Ericsson Italia, University of Bristol where his work contributed to spun an optoelectronics start-up, Polymervision (start-up from Philips of Netherland) pioneering research in rollable displays, and Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, leading several international executive roles between London, Hamburg and Busan.
Riccardo’s academic foundation includes an undergraduate degree from Marche Polytechnic University and a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bristol and an EMBA from the Imperial College London.
Riccardo has authored over 38 scientific publications in fields such as optical switching and packet-based communication systems, while his thought leadership extends to mainstream media, with articles published in Il Sole 24 Ore. Today he regularly publish on his own LinkedIn account where he explores economic trends, innovation, and international business strategies.
Since 2021 Riccardo has relocated in Tokyo Japan and his focus is on empowering entrepreneurs through strategic consulting, and cross-cultural leadership. His work spans on introducing technology companies to Japan businesses and investors. He is also involved in several philanthropic initiatives one of which is to mentors emerging entrepreneurs, offering strategic guidance and global business insights as part of his ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators.
