 It seems like an age ago that the first February collection was born. At that time I was full of hope and excited for the possibility of 2020. We felt privileged that Tokyo was the Olympic host, it was a leap year and anything seemed possible. I was bracing myself for a great year in my business, getting my stock prepared early in readiness for the influx of tourism we were about to experience. But we all know what happened next. Very soon after the launch of the Leap Collection, the world ground to a halt and the Olympics visitors never came. It took until the Summer of 2021 for the Olympics to go ahead (not very well-received in Japan) and Athletes competed in empty stadiums. Supply chains were broken, shipping ceased and we were all terrified of the silent killer. Still are.
Yet through all of that terrible stuff, my business survived. Indeed, it seem to blossom and thrive in a way I didn't foresee. My focus changed to helping others to start and grow their handmade businesses through the Overseas Makers Guild Facebook community and lots of new products were imagined and created for Biku. I held lots of online events, took part in virtual markets and even hosted Zoom Bingo nights as a way to support my lovely customers- and, of course, to make a living. And here we are two years later, ready to launch the third one-of-a-kind collection, still in the midst of the pandemic and a huge surge of cases in Tokyo.
The unwavering resilience of nature and its circularity has been at the forefront of my mind since the triple disaster of 2011 and the story of 'The Little Branch that Could' sparked the idea (you can read the article below). I see a lot of people around me who have blossomed during the last two years and I feel we have woken up to the treadmills we were on. We want more, we want to give more, we want to appreciate more and feel gratitude fully. I think we will look back at this time as a time of blossoming and growth, of understanding of what matters and what really doesn't. Welcome to Bloom. 🌸 You might also like...
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Calling all Japanophiles! We've created a selection of products created by Japan-based makers to please any Japan lover. Art, stationery, fabric items, jewellery, garden supplies and even a craft pattern are all included in this handy guide. 1. ART BY ERICA WARD ILLUSTRATION
2. SUBSCRIPTION STATIONERY BY NEKO NEKO POST
Neko Neko Post creates packages filled with an assortment of beautiful hand-chosen Japanese stationery and delivers it to your doorstep monthly. Neko Neko Post was created to share the best parts of Japanese stationery with the world. The packages are filled with greeting cards, postcards and stickers to inspire you to share some beautiful handwritten messages with your family and friends. A portion of all Neko Neko Post sales is donated to cat shelters in Japan. Website: www.nekonekopost.com IG: www.instagram.com/nekonekopost/ 3. KIMONO JEWELLERY BY BIKUDESIGNS
If bright, bold, cheerful and colourful is your thing, look no further than Bikudesigns' handmade vintage kimono accessories. Victoria incorporates personally-sourced Japanese textiles and other found objects into her one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. Comfortable, light and adaptable pieces, perfect for your Christmas party wardrobe. https://www.bikudesigns.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/ 4. ART BY FROM JUJU WITH LOVE
Juliette Fortuit Innocenti is a creator who has lived in Tokyo since 2013. A former Chanel visual merchandiser from Paris, she has now turned her hand to creating one-of-a-kind art pieces with a Japanese flair. FB: https://m.facebook.com/FromJujuWithLove/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/fromjujuwithlove/?hl=fr 5. EMBROIDERY PATTERN FROM THREE HOUSES DESIGNS
6. QUILLED PAPER FUJI FROM L ROSE STUDIOS
7. CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM KIMONO KOMONO DESIGNS
8. FUJI PLANTERS BY SHIZEN NATURA
9. KIMONO TRINKET BOWL BY KOTTO KIMONO
10. KIMONO POUCHES BY TABI TABI YA
BONUS IDEA! PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY IN JAPAN ONLINE EXPERIENCE FROM ARIGATO JAPAN
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In the old days it would be aftershave, soap-on-a-rope, boring socks...poor dads all over the world! With this in mind we've curated a selection of gifts for the men in your life to avoid that last dash for the aftershave gift sets aisle (but, seriously, women would love these gifts too). Happy browsing. 1. TABI SOCKS FROM TABI TABI YA
2. KIMONO CUFFLINKS FROM BIKUDESIGNS
3. DIORAMA BY FROM JUJU WITH LOVE
Juliette Fortuit Innocenti is a creator who has lived in Tokyo since 2013. A former Chanel visual merchandiser from Paris, she has now turned her hand to creating one-of-a-kind art pieces with a Japanese pop culture flair. FB: https://m.facebook.com/FromJujuWithLove/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/fromjujuwithlove/ 4. FACE MASKS FROM KIMONO KOMONO DESIGNS
5. GARDENING KIT FROM SHIZEN NATURA
The perfect gift for your favorite green thumb or aspiring gardener, this beautifully hand painted set includes everything one needs to start or grow a plant collection. Abstract brushstrokes in various shades of green, subtle metallic accents, and random clusters of blush pink dots come together to form the perfect setting for any plant. The set includes two hand painted pots in different sizes, a hand painted trowel, a hand painted propagation station with holes for three glass tubes, and three liters of high quality, organic potting soil. Pots are sealed against UV and water damage, and can be used either indoors or outdoors. https://www.instagram.com/shizen.natura/ 6. ONLINE COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE FROM ARIGATO JAPAN
https://arigatojapan.co.jp/ IG:https://www.instagram.com/arigatojapan T: https://twitter.com/Japanfoodtour FB: https://www.facebook.com/arigatojapanfoodtours P: https://www.pinterest.jp/ArigatoJapanFoodTours/ 7. COCKTAIL TRAY FROM CHIMPS TEA PARTY
8. SUBSCRIPTION STATIONERY FROM NEKO NEKO POST
9. COOKING CLASS AT BEST LIVING JAPAN STUDIO
10. FRAMED ORIGAMI BY HANAWA ORIGAMI
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Run a hot bath, sprinkle in some bath salts, scrape up your hair, slap on a face mask, then head for a soak armed with a good book and a sparkling beverage of your choice. Afterwards, snuggle up on your sofa in the flickering candlelight while catching up on your fave show. Actually. Living. The. Dream. Enjoy this selection of snuggly products to snag for your loved ones this holiday season. Did we miss anything? 1. BLANKETS BY TURQUOISE PORT
These versatile cotton blankets have so many uses – add texture and colour to your space: protect items of furniture; decorate a bed, sofa or armchair; use them to snuggle up on colder evenings. Blankets and cushions are the finishing touches that make your place feel homely and unique and can be moved from room to room to introduce colour and texture. www.turquoiseport.com fb:www.facebook.com/TurquoisePort insta:www.instagram.com/turquoiseport 2. BATH SALTS BY SHIZEN NATURA
3. SHAWL BY ITOMAKIMAKI
From her studio in Nara, Japan, Elizabeth O'Brien creates free-style, handwoven, Saori style shawls, scarves, cowls, curtains, pillows, wall art, rugs and more. Items are made with natural fibers (plant and/or animal), and custom designed orders aer welcome. https://itomakimaki.handcrafted.jp/ IG: www.instagram.com/itomakimaki_/ 4. PET BEDS BY SWEET DREAM PET BASKETS
Cats and dogs love to cuddle up in a handmade Sweet Dream Basket! It is such a happiness to watch your pet sleep in one of our special Holiday Baskets we created for you and your pet! You can use Sweet Dream Baskets as a gift, decor and storage item, as they are beautiful accessories for your house too! Please contact us for custom orders and inquiries! www.sweetdreambaskets.com ETSY:https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetyDreamPets IG:https://www.instagram.com/sweet_dream_pet_baskets/ 5. CANDLES WITH A CAUSE BY DD'S DEN
6. KIMONO HEADBANDS BY BIKUDESIGNS
THE perfect accessory for a night of pampering! Pop on your headband, then your face mask and have a long soak in the bath before relaxing with a glass of something yummy in front of your fave TV show. Or gift this to someone else so they have can a perfect night instead! www.bikudesigns.com IG: www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/ FB: www.facebook.com/bikudesigns/ 7. RETRO CUSHIONS BY CHIMPS TEA PARTY
Flower power double sided cushions inspired by kitsch 1960's caravan curtains. Both sides have a bold floral print made using paper collage. One side is black, and one side is pink so you can flip it over when you fancy a change! Shop here: https://www.chimpsteaparty.com/products/pre-order-flower-power-cushion IG: https://www.instagram.com/chimpsteaparty/ 8. CRAFT WHILE YOU SNUGGLE FROM THREE HOUSES DESIGNS
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One of the benefits of getting ready early for the Christmas season is that you can have a great time in the festive season yourself. No rushing around the shops at the last minute buying ill-considered gifts, no stress, just a relaxed holiday season. This selection of Christmas themed gifts will get you ready early for the holidays. 1. CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS FROM KATIE SO CRAFTY
2. KIMONO CHRISTMAS CARDS BY BIKUDESIGNS
3. CHRISTMAS TEA TOWELS BY TOKYO DESSERTS
vGet your kitchen holiday-ready! Luxurious full-sized cotton tea towels with unique holiday designs to bring Christmas cheer to your kitchen. SHOP: https://tokyodesserts.blogspot.com/p/online-shop.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/TokyoDesserts IG: https://www.instagram.com/katsmats/ 4. KIMONO CHRISTMAS BAUBLES BY KIMONO KOMONO DESIGNS
Add a touch of japanese flair to your Christmas tree this year with Jelena Uechi's Kimekomi Christmas tree baubles. The decorations are handmade using silk kimono fabrics and come in a set of four. FB: http://www.facebook.com/Kimonokomonodesigns ETSY: www.kimonokomonodesigns.etsy.com IG: www.instagram.com/kimonokomonodesigns 5. CHRISTMAS CARDS BY ERICA WARD ILLUSTRATION
A bright Christmas greeting from Japan! The gentle smile of a maiko is illuminated by the glow of tiny holiday lights, and the fragrance of pine, cinnamon, and clove seems to emanate from this pen and watercolor design that combines holiday motifs and Kyoto style. Blank inside, white envelope included. Sold single, and in sets of three, five, and ten. A4 prints of this design are also available (195kg Vent Nouveau Paper). https://ericawardart.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/erica.ward.illustration/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ericawardart Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericaeward 6. PERSONALISED KIMONO DECORATIONS BY BIKUDESIGNS
Handmade decorations, personalised with your name and year on the reverse. Made from personally-source vintage kimono fabric and sustainably sourced laser-cut wood, these snowflakes would be a perfect keepsake for family members. Each decoration comes individually boxed in Bikudesigns branded packaging. Visit the Christmas Store: www.bikudesigns.com/christmas-store.html IG: www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/ FB: www.facebook.com/bikudesigns/ 7. CHRISTMAS CRACKER RUNNER FROM CHIMPS TEA PARTY
Fill your kitchen or dining room with joy and celebration this christmas with this statement table runner. Bright pink with a giant red christmas cracker design exploding with stars and confetti. https://www.chimpsteaparty.com/products/handmade-to-order-christmas-cracker-table-runner IG: https://www.instagram.com/chimpsteaparty/ 8. HOLIDAYS IN JAPAN ONLINE EXPERIENCE FROM ARIGATO JAPAN  Meet up with the Arigato Japan team for this online interactive experience to celebrate the winter season and learn all about the holidays in Japan! On this 1 hour and 15-minute online experience, we will share Christmas and New Year in Japan from a local’s perspective. You will get to hear about the history, culture, as well as stories, fun facts, trivia and even make your own Japanese-style holiday decoration together online. Arigot Japan virtual tours are fun, family-friendly and interactive. Great for ALL ages to experience together. https://arigatojapan.co.jp/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/arigatojapan T: https://twitter.com/Japanfoodtour FB: https://www.facebook.com/arigatojapanfoodtours P: https://www.pinterest.jp/ArigatoJapanFoodTours/ YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY...
Gifts for mum, sister, sister-in-law, Auntie, Grandma or your BFF...we've got you covered. Whether they're a party animal, a nature-lover or a home-body you'll be able to find something for everyone in this selection of gifts. Let's dive in... 1. BEADED PARTY CLUTCH FROM TURQUOISE PORT
2. JAPAN SOUVENIR BY HANAWA ORIGAMI
3. GARDENER'S DREAM BY SHIZEN NATURA
This Sunshine & Sakura set is the perfect gift for any plant lover. The beautiful blush pink base is neutral enough to complement just about any design scheme, and brushstrokes of white, yellow and clay pink provide subtle contrast. Each piece is finished with rose gold paint splatter that glistens in the sunlight, instantly elevating plant pots to interior design pieces. The set includes two hand painted pots in different sizes, a hand painted trowel, a hand painted propagation station with holes for three glass tubes, and three liters of high quality, organic potting soil. Pots are sealed against UV and water damage, and can be used either indoors or outdoors. IG: www.instagram.com/shizen.natura/ 4. HAND WOVEN SHAWLS BY ITOMAKIMAKI
From her studio in Nara, Elizabeth O'Brien creates free-style, handwoven, Saori style shawls, scarves, cowls, curtains, pillows, wall art, rugs and more. Items are made with natural fibers (plant and/or animal), and custom designed pieces are welcome. https://itomakimaki.handcrafted.jp/ IG: www.instagram.com/itomakimaki_/ 5. CROCHET EARRINGS BY NURO CROCHET
Treat yourself with these micro-crochet floral earrings made from pure cotton lace thread. Pocket-friendly, Sustainable, and handmade in Nagoya Japan by Nuzrath Hameedha. Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NuroCrochets IG:www.instagram.com/nuro.flower.crochet FB: www.facebook.com/nurocrochets 6. VINTAGE KIMONO POUCH BY KIMONO KOMONO DESIGNS
Bright colored re-purposed vintage kimono fabric pouch by Jelena Uechi in Nagoya. This pouch is firm and sturdy and is suitable for make up, bank books, insurance cards and other bits and pieces. A fantastic way to organise the bits and bobs floating around the bottom of your handbag. FB: http://www.facebook.com/Kimonokomonodesigns Etsy: www.Kimonokomonodesigns.etsy.com IG: www.instagram.com/Kimonokomonodesigns 7. TREE OF LIFE DECORATION BY OFF ON A WHIM
Give a gift that brings a smile and warm feelings all year long. This Tree of Life decoration by Erinn LaMattery is handcrafted from copper wire and natural stones and is filled with the energy and peace Mother Nature brings to our lives. These unique gifts will never be forgotten and are a daily reminder of how much you love and are loved. BUY HERE: offonawhim.com/search?page=1&q=tree+of+life FB: facebook.com/offonawhim IG: instagram.com/offonawhim 8. THE GIFT OF LEARNING FROM BEST LIVING JAPAN
9. UNIQUE NECKLACE FROM RISING MOON CRYSTALS
Blue goldstone point, adorned with a genuine moonstone from Jaipur India and paired with an ornate moon. This pendant is provided with a quality stainless steel chain. Stainless steel is kind to skin, extra strong and non-tarnish. Jezebel Ono is a maker based in Chiba, Japan. www.risingmooncrystals.com/ 10. HAORI JACKET FROM TABI TABI YA
11. KIMONO EARRINGS BY BIKUDESIGNS
Handmade vintage kimono accessories made in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo by Victoria Close. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and a perfect reminder of Japan. www.bikudesigns.com IG: www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/ FB: www.facebook.com/bikudesigns/ 12. GREEN TEA EXPERIENCE FROM ARIGATO JAPAN
BONUS IDEA: PREMIUM JEWELLERY BY ATELIER SHINJI GINZA
If you are looking for that something special, look no further than uniquely Japanese handcrafted jewelry from family-run Tokyo-based Atelier Shinji Ginza. Contemporary, seasonal and traditional Japanese motifs make up most of the collection, together with timeless nature motifs inspired by classic Art Nouveau styles. IG: www.instagram.com/atelier_shinji_ginza/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/atelier.shinji.ginza Web (and online store): http://www.ateliershinji.com YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY...
To help you find the perfect holiday gift for lovers of all things interiors, we created a list of holiday gift ideas that any home lover would be thrilled to receive. From hand-forged Japanese knives to gorgeous scented candles, there's sure to be something on our list to make your friends and family smile this holiday season. 1. HANDMADE KNIVES FROM SHIMANE FROM JIKUU
2. SCREEN PRINTED PLANT BAGS FROM INK & BEAR
3. ETHICAL SOY CANDLES FROM DD'S DEN
4. SUSHI MAGNETS FROM L ROSE STUDIO
5. ORIGAMI FROM HANAWA
6. VINTAGE KIMONO DECORATIONS FROM BIKUDESIGNS
Victoria Close is the founder of the vintage kimono jewellery brand, Bikudesigns. Victoria is a long-term resident of Tokyo and has recently added some new holiday items to her jewellery collection. www.bikudesigns.com IG: www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/ FB: www.facebook.com/bikudesigns/ 7. ORIGINAL ART CREATED BY FROM JUJU WITH LOVE
8. GREEN FINGERED GIFTS FROM SHIZEN NATURA
9. SOY CANDLES FROM TURQUOISE PORT
10. RECYCLED OBI CUSHIONS FROM TABI TABI YA
BONUS GIFT IDEA: WALL HANGING FROM ITOMAKIMAKI
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 Email marketing is definitely alive and kicking in 2021. After a worldwide pandemic, when businesses and events went virtual, a newsletter is still the best way to reach your ideal customers. Here's why I still think they are brilliant (even though secretly they feel a bit 1998). 1. Connection with your audience When people get to know, like and trust you, they are more likely to buy from you. And buy from you again, and again, and again. 1000 true fans are all you need for a fabulously successful handmade business. 2. Building Personal Relationships Getting an email straight into your inbox is a more intimate experience for your customers than scrolling through Instagram and maybe or maybe not seeing your posts. 3. You Own Your Email List What if Facebook and Instagram closed tomorrow? What if your account got deleted? You still have a way to get in front of the people on your list, and as they are your best customers.... 4. Less Work Mailing list subscribers are more invested in your products than social media followers so are more likely to buy. This means you have to create less content for your social channels overall. 5. Your Biggest Asset Sales are down, in-person events are cancelled, you have a busy month with family situations...whatever spanner in the works that prevents you from making sales can be solved by emailing your list with an offer, launch or event. 6. Longevity Social media platforms come and go but people hold on to their email addresses for years, even decades. 7. Website analytics Subscribers are far more likely to click through to your website from your newsletter than they are to find your link in bio or Google you. This helps with your Google ranking too. 8. Repurposing Content We create so much content in all areas of our business and our followers only see a small percentage of it. Isn't it exhausting? You can add events, press, podcast appearances, testimonials, new products, blog posts, video links and so much more to your newsletter. I've even added my FAQ page and About Me page from my website to my newsletter. 9. Valuing your community By adding bits and pieces of valuable content, your community will value you and feel like you value them. Just remember that the content needs to make sense for your brand. How about adding tutorials, recipes, travel tips, how-to guides, quizzes, checklists, freebies, mini-courses, meet-ups to your newsletters? 10. Valuable feedback If you want to test a new product or launch something, you'll get a more useful and engaged response from an audience that knows you well. BONUS Accountability When you write something down and send it out to several hundred people, it's amazing what that does for your motivation to get things done. The feeling of not letting people down can be a great driver for your business. You might also like...
Congrats to my lovely online creative friend, Lorna from Lorna Gilbert Ceramics on the launch of her fantastic Instagram charity event at the end of this month. Lorna has encouraged the handmade ceramics community to come together to take part in a one day event to sell their creations to raise money for a charity of their choice. Famous TV potters Keith Brymer Jones, Kate Malone and Sue Pryke (The Great British Throwdown) are donating their work to be raffled off. This sort of pay-it-forward initiative is JUST what the world needs right now. You can find details of the talented artists taking part, the charities they're supporting and the raffles to win amazing pottery prizes over on Lorna's second Instagram here. Follow Lorna Gilbert Ceramics on Instagram. Good luck everyone! You might also like...
I've planned so much stuff for Sunday's Extravaganza I just don't know where to start. I'm just sooooo excited that it feels like Christmas has come early! Hope to see you for some of the events...there are LOTS! Everything will be happening over on Instagram with some bits and pieces happening on Facebook too. NOTE: This time I'm observing Tokyo timings due to the 12 hour window!      Hosting monthly trunk shows online was a necessary decision for the survival of my business during Covid-19 times. All in-person events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, and shipping overseas has been patchy or still closed to some countries. Simply put, my job is to buy materials, make all the things and then sell them to make a profit for my time, energy and experience. This is my full-time job, my income, not my hobby or charity work.
 Living and travelling widely in Australia and Asia over the past 18 years I noticed our beloved beaches and oceans becoming polluted with plastic and harming sea life. As a family we watched a disturbing documentary called 'A Plastic Ocean’. My then 10 year old asked me if people knew much about this plastic problem, I didn’t have an answer for him. The movie had such an impact on us that we took on the challenge of eliminating as much single use plastic from our lives as possible.
Using beeswax wraps is one way we can reduce our impact on the environment and embrace sustainable living. Beeswax wraps are the perfect alternative to plastic wrap for keeping food fresh. They are natural, reusable and versatile. Beeswax food wraps are perfect for storing cheese and prolonging the life of vegetables and fruit (avocados and apples do especially well). They are also good for covering any leftover food in bowls or for carrying sandwiches/onigiri and snacks on the go. I absolutely love sharing my story with others and listening to other people’s stories. I am consistently inspired to continue what I am doing. Working together, we can reduce our plastic waste and care for our world for future generations.
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 Something has been bubbling under the surface for a long time. Something that I think I didn't really want to admit to myself if I'm totally honest.
I left teaching 10 years ago because I couldn't imagine life as a mum and as a full-time educator. This is the hand that many women are dealt after having children but I felt it was an easy choice that was best for the family at that point in time. I already secretly knew that I wanted to set up in business on a full-time basis, having previously had a side-business since being a teen. It was a juggle with one little one in Nursery and another as a tiny baby. I learned a lot in those first years, more than my brain could take at times. I can't tell you how often I wanted to give it all up, how I had no idea what a brand actually was never mind owning the skills to build one. I was bootstrapping (self-funding) all the way and it was just me, a studio and an extremely supportive hubby. Being a solo business owner in the handmade field means that you have to learn how to become a photographer, graphic designer, writer, social media manager, marketer, accountant, website designer and salesperson. Oh, and design and make products at the same time. It sounds as if I'm complaining. I'm not. I've never felt freer, more in control or self-motivated in my whole working life. And I should be happy with that right? Well, not exactly. You see the thing I talked about at the beginning, that niggly feeling, that secret fear is that I'm still a teacher after all, despite being out of the classroom for a decade. I want a world where people can work flexibly, feel like they're making a contribution to their family's finances, take their business wherever they travel and have fun while they work. Most of all I want to share my tips and tricks with you, so you don't have to work as crazily as I did in the beginning! It's been a long time coming, but my new FREE Facebook group OVERSEAS MAKERS GUILD to support you in building your handmade business overseas is now LIVE! (When I say 'group' there's actually only me in it so far, as you guys are the first to know.) If you are planning, in the process of setting up, or in the early stages of launching a handmade business overseas, we'd love to have you join us.   Tell us about your work. I create Japan-inspired artworks of pen and watercolor. I sell original artworks at gallery exhibitions and also offer my designs as prints, postcards, illustration books, and more. Does your artwork have a story? My illustrations express intersections. Intersections of reality and fantasy, of familiar and unfamiliar, and intersections of identity. As a foreigner living in Japan there can be a lot of focus placed on cultural identity, and the concept of “insider” versus “outsider.” Art is one place where there are no limits and we don’t have to be one thing or another. By creating a space between reality and imagination, between “inside” and “outside,” I feel I’ve found a space where I don’t have to define who I am. It is a place where viewers can find their own world as well and where everyone is welcome.  Do you have a business philosophy? I believe that it is important to create from the heart. Both the artist and the viewer can feel a good vibe from artwork that is genuine. I will only put out a design that I’ve really put my love into and I have grown to trust that that energy will be conveyed naturally to my patrons as well. As an individual creating art and running a business I also value keeping a personal touch with customers. I always add a handwritten note to my webstore orders, to let my customers know it really is me every time at the other end of their order and that I am filled with personal gratitude for their support. How did you come up with the idea for your business? Art has always been something I’ve loved to do, so creating artwork has never been a question. Since moving to Tokyo I became aware of a wide variety of amazing opportunities and venues to connect with other artists, showcase art, and find new fans. As I had the chance to connect with more people I was motivated and encouraged to widen the variety of offerings using my designs, such as making smaller printed merchandise that was more accessible, especially for younger patrons. Now I have a range of merchandise for tabling events and webstore sales, and also continue to offer original artworks at galleries.  What sets your artwork apart from others? My subject matter and art style fit into that “in between” space. My experience living in Japan has evolved both my identity and my art style and viewers seem to pick up on that. Both Japanese and non-Japanese patrons find my designs unique, yet oddly relatable. I love thinking that how I express my imagination and experience through artwork might help open up more flexibility for everyone who feels like they are in an “in between” space living in Tokyo. I think original art is often forgotten as an option for gifts or personal memories. I hope that I can remind people of the option and help them find something special and unique.  Find out more about Erica Ward Illustration Click the “Shop” link from the menu on my website to see my available products. For inquiries about illustration or commission artworks, feel free to drop me a message in the “Contact” section or on social media. To hear about upcoming exhibitions, events, and to peruse my artwork, feel free to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. 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The fabulous Lena from Root and Blossom created a business from a personal breakthrough. Now she's helping others to organise their cash and supporting charities along the way.  Hi! My name is Lena, and I am the owner of and maker at Root and Blossom. I sell personally handmade, high-quality cash wallets that equip people to be organized with their finances, whether it's for budgeting, currencies when traveling, or staying tidy. Root and Blossom was a brand name I remember hitting me square across the back of my head in 2009 one night while walking through a parking lot to my boyfriend's (now husband) truck. In retrospect, my life lacked many advantages growing up but for whatever reason, I never saw it that way. I've always lived with the mentality that life is what you make of it; regardless of your situation, you need to take root and blossom to thrive.  In 2014 my husband and I were young, newly married with a one-year-old and pregnant. We were overwhelmed with the world of money, investing, saving, and spending. We took a financial class that focused on cash budgeting, the idea being that it's critical to physically feel the painful emotions associated with giving money over and seeing money leave your wallet each month that wasn't present when mindlessly swiping a card. I was already quite overwhelmed with switching away from social spending norms that I needed to find a way to make it less of a hassle at the checkout stand fiddling with my money, so I designed, constructed, and began using my wallet! Having all my budgets organized into simple zipped pockets in one place allowed me to organize and handle my money and budgets with ease and confidence.  After two years, my husband and I were able to rid ourselves of debt because we now truly felt and saw the value of a dollar. Throughout that experience, I'd got checkout employees and other customers in line asking me where I bought my wallet and how they could get one. I started making individual sales here and there, but then those people had friends or family that they wanted to pass my information along to, which eventually led to my first Etsy wallet sale on September 2, 2014. Over the last five and a half years, I've learned that people around the world desire these wallets for more reasons than my intended purpose, and I adore that! I set out to solve the problem of simplifying budgeting, but I also helped solve the problem of organizing currencies for people who are traveling through multiple countries and thrifty shoppers wanting a practical way to divide their coupons.  What I want potential customers to know about my business is that when you buy from Root and Blossom, you're not only supporting a single small business, you're supporting multiple! It's my business philosophy that there is room for everyone, and the success of my business is because of the other team players in the arena. I also find it beautifully poetic that financial frustrations and burdens led me to a place of financial freedom where I now have the means to donate and support charities more than I was capable of previously! The bigger my business grows, the more I can give, and that's what keeps me in it. HOW TO FIND ROOT AND BLOSSOM If you are interested in checking out my cash wallets, please visit my shop at www.rootandblossom.etsy.com! You can also find the latest Root and Blossom information through Instagram, @rootandblossom. XO YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY...
This month we welcome Tokyo-based Jikuu Japan founded by Mayuko Rutledge and Ali Buford. I'm so privileged to know these two savvy business women in person, the loveliest knife sellers in Japan.  Tell us a bit about your business. We make handcrafted knives and other kitchen items from Japan. We blend traditional Japanese artistry with newer technologies and design to make modern treasures. How did you meet? We met at our children's’ school and discovered a common love of food, travel and all things made by hand. We also had a surprising history: Mayuko, from Shimane prefecture, was an exchange student in the United States at the same time that Ali, from the US, was part of a travel program in Japan including Shimane. We had the dream to share our love of Japanese things with our friends and family in further flung places (including Tokyo!). Mayuko had relationships with makers in her hometown and once she started introducing Ali to the goods, especially those knives, she was hooked and an idea was born!  What's the story behind the knives? We want to help in our small way to breathe life into the tradition of Japanese craftsmanship by connecting people to our products. Our chief artisan’s family has been making knives for centuries and samurai swords before that. There is something special about things that are made by human hands, repeatedly over time. In what ways do you help your customers? Japanese artistry is in a league-of-its-own but can be difficult to access - especially for foreigners. We want to connect our customers to products they love as well as give them information so that they can make the best purchasing decisions for themselves. And finally, we help customers understand how to care for their knives so that they can last a lifetime (or a very, very long time).  What sets your business apart from others?
Everything is handmade in a tradition centuries old, but re-imagined for modern kitchens. For example, our knives are typically made from high-speed carbon steel so that customers can have a super sharp knife but also one that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance (no oiling needed!) We also provide quality customer care (e.g. generous warranty; classes for sharpening and knife skills; handle replacement for a small fee) so our customers can buy and own with confidence. What's your best seller? Our all purpose knife, the Santoku, and our vegetable knife, the Nakiri are our best sellers and our cornerstone products. We always tell our customers that you can get 99% of basic kitchen tasks completed with these two knives. And, they seem to listen to us! Get in touch with Jikuu Shop online: www.jikuujapan.com Reach out to see our knives in person in Tokyo: info@jikuujapan.com
We've all been there... searching the internet blindly to find that special gift for an important birthday, a special thank you, a pick-me-up for a friend, a graduation, Mothers' Day, Fathers' day...the list really goes on. We spend hours and hours scrolling for that 'special something'. But why do we feel the need to gift that special something in the first place? 1. It shows the receiver that we know them. 2. It shows them we care enough to go the extra mile to find something they'll love. 3. It demonstrates our good taste. 4. We want the receiver to feel unique and valued. 5. We want to support small businesses and all they stand for. 6. We want to shop sustainably, buying items from brands that are not mass-produced. 7. We want a story. Of the hands who made it, the history, where the idea came from. As a maker, I see the work that artisans put into their work and support them as much as I can. I appreciate that they do the same in return for my business. I'm often asked where the Biku concept came from. Back in the day my response was a rather long-winded affair with twists and turns and tales of unrequited design love. But after several years of making, sourcing, talking to kimono vendors, thinking deeply, learning how to pitch, studying, focusing on brand messaging and thinking a LOT more, it boils down to this simple phrase. 'Re-purposing forgotten things.' Forgotten things, places and people make me sad. I wondered, 'How can I make the useless useful? How can I make the once-loved re-loved? How can I make the damaged beautiful? How can I make forgotten things remembered?' And in that process I remembered myself again. On a more detailed level, Biku has a bunch of values that set it apart from other businesses, values that make it unique. The concept is based around 4 elements that came from my own life as a mum and business owner.
The Biku brand is still developing and more ideas are swimming around my head every day. It's pretty exciting stuff to be on this ride, Want to join me?
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I'm Victoria, the founder, designer and creator at Bikudesigns, a vintage kimono accessories brand in Tokyo, Japan. Categories
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