We were lucky to catch up with Mayuka Yatomi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mayuka, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
1. Acceptance of Reality: Resilience begins with the ability to accept the current state of affairs, whether they are positive or negative. As a business owner, acknowledging the reality of my situation is crucial. This acceptance allows me to confront challenges head-on rather than denying or avoiding them.
2. Observational Skills: This is a vital aspect of resilience. Paying close attention to my business environment, industry trends, customer behavior, and competitor actions enables me to make informed decisions and adapt quickly. This observation helps me stay proactive and responsive in my business.
3. Leaning from Experience and Mistakes: Resilience also stems from my willingness to learn from experiences, both successes and failures. By analyzing what works and what doesn’t, I gain valuable insights that can be applied to future endeavors. Mistakes are not seen as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and improvement.
4. Minority Business Owner Challenges: As a minority business owner, I may face unique hurdles related to discrimination, bias, or unequal opportunities for personal and professional development. This mindset allows me to not only overcome adversity but also use it to my advantage, making me stronger and more determined.
5. Building Strength: Through the hardships I’ve encountered, I’ve developed the strength and resilience needed to navigate the business world effectively. The ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a key characteristic of resilience, and my experiences as a minority business owner have undoubtedly contributed to my inner strength.
6. Continuous Improvement: Resilience also involves a commitment to ongoing self-improvement and adaptation. I demonstrate this by continuously seeking ways to enhance my skills, expand my knowledge, and refine my business strategies. This adaptability ensures that I remain competitive and successful in my ventures.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My journey as a business owner is deeply rooted in my unwavering commitment to connecting with people and cultivating meaningful relationships. I firmly believe that, in any endeavor, the key to success lies in the strength of the bonds we create with those around us. Whether it’s in business, the non-profit sector, or any artistic career, [eole are at the heart of what I do.
My primary focus is on nurturing these connections and making the individuals I interact with a top priority. This principle has always taken precedence over concerns about money, personal success, wealth, or fame. For me it’s about the people – my employees, customers, partners, and everyone I encounter along the way.
In my professional journey, I’ve learned that genuine relationships are the foundation upon which lasting success is built. I place a strong emphasis on understanding the needs, aspirations, and concerns of the people I work with, as this empathy is the cornerstone of trust and collaboration.
My approach to business is simple but profound: I view every interaction as an opportunity to build bridges and create win-win situations. By valuing the individuals in my professional network, I’ve seen not only my ventures flourish but also witnessed the incredible power of collective effort.
I’ve carried this mindset into all aspects of my professional life, be it in my business endeavors, nonprofit initiatives, or artistic pursuits. I’ve seen how it leads to more meaningful partnerships, more satisfied customers, and a team that is not just motivated but inspired.
In a world where the pursuit of financial gain and personal recognition often takes precedence, I’ve found that putting people first is not only fulfilling but also a powerful driver of success. I’m dedicated to continuing this journey of connection, fostering relationships, and making the people around me the cornerstone of my professional path, as I firmly believe that, in the end, it’s the quality of our relationships that truly defines our legacy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My advice for those who are early in their journey is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment, and don’t overanalyze. When you have an idea or a goal, take action immediately. My proactive personality has been a significant asset. It has allowed me to identify and create opportunities rather than merely responding to them. Being proactive means being in control of your destiny, and it has helped me steer my business toward success. For individuals starting their journey, I recommend cultivating a proactive mindset, Don’t wait for things to happen; make them happen! It’s a quality that can set you apart.
In my line of business, selling Japanese sake isn’t just about transactions; it’s also about providing knowledge and introducing Japanese culture. This commitment to continuous leaning and cultural enrichment has not only enhanced the value I offer to customers but has also deepened my connection with the product and its significance. To those beginning their journey, I suggest immersing yourself in your field, becoming an expert, and consistently broadening your knowledge. It adds depth and authenticity to your offerings.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m actively seeking individuals and organizations interested in partnering or collaborating with me on the mission to introduce Japanese Sake to a wider American audience and to encourage more people to savor this exquisite beverage. Marketing, advertising, and various promotional efforts are crucial in achieving this goal. The world of Sake is rich in history, culture, and flavor, and I believe it has so much to offer to the American market. However, I also recognize that this endeavor requires a collective effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sakehanatx.com
- Instagram: sakehanatexas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sakehanatexas/
