Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shouta Ogihara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shouta, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
For me, work ethic is not just about completing assigned tasks, but actively learning and achieving results, even in unfamiliar areas. Having worked in the tough car trade industry, I initially saw entering the cosmetics industry—a field completely foreign to me—as a big challenge. However, driven by the desire to change the current situation where Japan’s excellent products and companies are not fully recognized in the U.S. and globally, I’ve dedicated myself to playing my part.
I am responsible for a wide range of tasks, from marketing and sales to inventory management, and I continue to find creative ways to communicate the appeal of our products while consistently delivering results. To me, work ethic means taking initiative, even in difficult situations, and leading the team to achieve our goals.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At first glance, these industries may seem completely different, but in reality, there is a common theme running through my career.
I have previously worked in the automotive parts trade industry, where I was responsible for coordinating with factories around the world to deliver high-quality products on time. Naturally, working with automotive parts involves a lot of precision and technical expertise. In this role, I was always focused on one question: “How can we deliver better products?” This mindset led me to develop a strong attention to detail and a deep understanding of the importance of quality control and meeting deadlines.
It was during this time that I found a connection with the cosmetics industry. While it may seem that cosmetics ingredients are worlds apart from automotive parts, I believe the underlying principles are quite similar. Both require precision, a focus on quality, sustainability, and an understanding of customer needs. Recently, the demand for vegan, organic, and natural ingredients in the cosmetics industry has surged, and innovative materials like rose placenta, which I am working with, can meet this demand.
My decision to join the launch of the U.S. branch was driven by my belief that I could apply this commitment to quality and innovation. Rose placenta, which is the first of its kind in the world, has tremendous potential. I believe that if we can introduce it to the U.S. market, we have the opportunity to create a new trend.
My goal is to leverage my past experience to showcase the true value of our products in the U.S. market. Just like in the automotive parts industry, where precision and reliability are key, I want to bring the same spirit to the cosmetics ingredients sector and drive innovation in the industry.
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?
1,Willingness to Take on Challenges
As demonstrated by my leap into the unfamiliar women’s cosmetics industry, I value the drive to actively embrace new environments and tackle difficult situations. In the cosmetics industry, I handle a wide range of responsibilities, including marketing, sales, and inventory management. I am always focused on delivering results, even in areas that are new to me, by applying my own approach to overcoming challenges.
2.Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Given that I am responsible for launching a cosmetics brand in the U.S. market, it is clear that strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities are crucial. Specifically, in order to expand Japanese products in the U.S. and globally, I need to develop and implement strategies that are tailored to consumer needs, ensuring we effectively reach and engage our target market.
3.Leadership and Communication Skills
As I manage various tasks from marketing to sales and inventory, I believe that strong communication skills are essential for leading a team and driving results. Taking initiative and working collaboratively with team members to achieve our goals is an important aspect of leadership, and I consider this to be a key quality in my approach to leadership.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are looking for collaborators!
Our company provides innovative, high-quality cosmetic ingredients, and our products, particularly those made with the world’s first rose placenta, have received high praise in both the Japanese and Korean markets. We also have a strong track record supplying ingredients to luxury cosmetic brands. Although our brand is not yet well-known in the U.S. market, we are confident that our products have great potential.
Our products are especially suited for those interested in natural ingredients, vegan cosmetics, and high-quality, authentic products. To increase awareness in the U.S. market, we are looking for individuals who can assist with PR activities, such as promoting our products on Instagram, as well as providing sales support. We are also offering product samples to those interested in trying our products.
We are excited about the possibility of collaborating with others who share our passion for spreading the word about our products and growing together. If you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ginza-tomato.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginzatomatousa
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/shooota.029/
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