Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mio ASAKA of Portland, Oregon

Mio ASAKA shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Mio, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire myself. I approach my work with passion, prioritize quality, and always strive to ensure my customers are happy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Mio Asaka, the owner of Mio’s Delectables, a bakery I’ve been running for over 11 years at the Portland Farmers Market.
I specialize in creating sweets that combine classic techniques with a unique twist of Japanese and French influences.
What makes my brand unique is the attention to detail and the care I put into every pastry, from flavor to presentation. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with new flavor combinations and seasonal specials, always aiming to surprise and delight my customers. I’m also very excited about the next step for my business, as we are set to open at the James Beard Public Market next year.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment I opened my own bakery and saw my customers’ smiles firsthand, I realized that my work has the power to bring joy to people.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I learned how important patience and flexibility are when things don’t go as planned. I don’t think I could have gained these experiences and growth through success alone.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that the sweets I create can bring happiness to people. I can’t prove it with numbers, but my customers’ smiles speak for themselves.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not trying new flavors or styles out of fear. Without taking on challenges, there’s no growth.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Mio Asaka and Mio’s Delectables Team

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