I am very excited to announce that Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC has NEW SERVICES to offer you – Mystery Guest services. For those of you, visiting mayumiizumi.com for the first time, this is in addition to the host of other services we provide such as Digital Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Management, and Public Relations. With the global pandemic not going anywhere, anytime soon, supporting Local Businesses is of utmost importance.
But that also means that Local Business Owners need to ensure their employees’ customer service is up to par. Because if it isn’t — customers will go to another restaurant, clothing or grocery store down the street.
If you are following my Instagram page, you know that I am always giving positive feedback on customer service. Being a Local Promoter I want to recommend the business to my friends and followers, encourage the restaurant server or retail associate that they’re doing a great job and to keep doing what they’re doing. Business Owners benefit by knowing they have trained their staff properly, their business gets a shout-out, and also featured on my social media platform.
Why is it so important to me that businesses provide good customer service? I have been in the customer service industry for over 20 years and in that time I learned a thing or two about what GOOD customer service is.
When I am out in my community as a customer, I expect to receive a certain level of service. Number 1 – greet your customers and ask them how they’re doing! It will form their first impression of your business and brand.
You would think it’s common sense to do so but many a time, I have walked into establishments where I have been completely ignored. The middle of part of the interaction is vital but MOST IMPORTANT is to thank your customers! That is the last impression you make on your potential loyal customer.
Customers deserve and need to be treated well. If not they will take their business elsewhere.
There are businesses out there that don’t thank their customers. The cashier or associate says, “Have a nice day”! Have a nice day doesn’t cut it, honey!
You MUST thank your customers. They are contributing to your bottom line. If there is no customer there is no money.
There are other companies that offer Mystery Shoppers — the difference is EXPERIENCE. There are 12 steps to interacting with customers. I will ensure that we provide a full report showing step by step where the server or associate went above and beyond or didn’t meet expectations and detailed suggestions on what areas they can improve on.
If you are an independent Business Owner and do not have a comprehensive training program developed, I will also provide customer service training to your team.
If you have any questions or would like to use our services go to our contact us page.
Kristin Ames and I graduated from Carson Graham Secondary together. One of my first memories of her is from grade 8 when she invited me to her birthday/slumber party. There were 5 of us: Kristin, Tracy Meredith, Judi Hector, Hanna Barber and I (Some of the girls’ last names have since changed but I am using their maiden names).
I don’t remember all the details of her birthday party but I do remember we had fun and the next day we swam in her swimming pool and her Mom made us brunch afterwards to eat on her patio.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce you all to my dear high school friend, Kristin Ames, Founder of Fit LIfe Coaching.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
K: I was born in Vancouver and grew up here in North Vancouver. I had a pretty typical childhood, played sports, was involved in music, lots of social activities. I’ve always liked to be busy and for as long as I can remember, I have had a pretty full plate.
My parents were both university professors, so there was a lot of pressure to excel academically. I can’t really say I regret it though, I learned how to set goals and work hard from a young age, a skill which has served me well over the years. We were always encouraged to set the bar high.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
K: My mom loves to tell the story that when I was 3, I said I wanted to be a ‘fruit cocktail’ waitress. I’ve never heard the end of that one.
Kristin is baking with protein powder & gives us tips on her Instagram page.
I knew I wanted to be involved in business in some aspect, but I had envisioned working for a big company, not for myself. It was the 80s, the era of movies like “Working Girl” and “Baby Boom”, and corporate opportunities for women were on the rise. That world seemed glamorous to me.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
K: I tried college and university, and I felt a business degree would set me up for the future.But quickly found the rigidity of the programs and having to take classes that I had no interest in just to satisfy degree requirements frustrating. When I was 21, I was offered an opportunity to article at an accounting firm by my old boss who I had worked for in high school.
At that time, you could work full-time and go to school at night to get your professional accounting designation. I didn’t even blink; I left university immediately and went to work for an accounting firm downtown.
All I did was work and study for the next 7 years, but I finished my CGA (now rolled into the CPA designation) and by that time I had enough work experience to get a really good job. I didn’t know then that I would end up on a very different career path!
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
K: A couple of years ago I sold my former business, Posy Floral Design, wanting a change of pace. I started to think about how I could still run my own business, but have the flexibility of being able to travel, take care of my family, and enjoy life a bit more.
Fitness has been a big part of my personal life for the last 15 years, and several years ago I developed an interest in sports nutrition. I had also been reading a lot about the online fitness industry and was intrigued with how seamlessly that business model seemed to fit with what I had been envisioning for my future.
Kristin Ames is the ultimate Boss Babe! She started not only 1 but 2 businesses!
I went back to school and got certified as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and Health Coach, which rounded out the practical experience I already had.
I know so many women in their 40s and 50s who have put themselves last for years, working on careers and raising families, neglecting themselves along the way. They don’t know what to do so they do nothing, figuring it’s ‘too late’ to make a change.
Having been there myself at one point in my life, I know that all you need is the belief that you can change and the right people to support you.
This was my inspiration to create Fit Life Coaching; we create customized fitness and nutrition programs for women who want to get back in shape and feel confident again.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
K: I love the feeling of being completely in control of what happens, that the sky’s the limit. There is always something new to learn, some way to grow and get better. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep at night because I just want it to be morning so I can get up and start going again … The feeling that each day is a blank slate, full of possibility. It’s a feeling you just can’t replicate working for someone else.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
K:Don’t feel that where you start is where you have to end up. It’s okay to want different things at different times in your life. People get stuck because they think they have to keep doing what they are already doing – but that’s crazy!
If you are so passionate about something that you can’t stop thinking about it and want to do it all day every day, then absolutely stop thinking about it and start doing it. Passion for what you do and hard work will get you through almost any obstacle.
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?
K: There is a perplexing fear of losing and making mistakes in today’s world. We are taking competition away from our children as though it’s a bad thing. I don’t get it. Some of the biggest lessons I learned in life were through my failures and losses; if I hadn’t had those experiences I would never have learned about resilience. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from taking chances.
Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.” – Mary Tyler Moore
If you would like to learn more about Fit Life Coaching, follow her on Instagram and her website.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
I met Gordon Tang when I was 14 years old before he started his salon, GT & Co Hair Studio on East 2nd in North Vancouver. My Mom had her hair done by him and recommended him to me. She said he was, “sugoku jouzu (which means really good or skillful in Japanese)”.
And I have been going to see Gordon since then for over 20 years. Mom was right — Gordon is great! If you ask him to only cut 1/2 an inch off that’s all he will cut. And so talented in the way he cuts and styles hair.
Once I find a person, company or product that I like, admire and enjoy — I stay loyal. I am that “sought after customer” that businesses dream about. Not only do I stay loyal to the company but I also spread the word. I created a hashtag on Instagram #fortheloveoflocal with a heart emoji and without for this exact purpose. I spread the word about a Local Business through my love for them.
So without further ado — It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Gordon, Owner of GT & Co and my stylist since I was in high school.
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
G: I was born and raised in the Hong Kong countryside. My childhood consisted of lots of farming and lots of pets.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
G: I wanted to be aprofessionalsoccerplayer.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
G: I studied businessat Langara College and then I studied hair design at Vidal Sassoon in London, England.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?
G: I moved to Vancouver with my family in 1979 for a better education and more opportunities.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
G: I started my business in 1986. I cut my friends’ hair in high school and it was then that I found my passion — I love to talk to people while hairdressing.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
G: The ability to control my own finances, hours and being able to learn from my customers; and to have the ability to implement their good ideas.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
G: If you believe in yourself and your dreams and are willing to work hard, you willfind success
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?
G: My favourite quote is, “nothing ventured, nothing gained“.
Gordon is old school and does not have any social media platforms or website forhis salon. If you would like to make an appointment with him, please tell him that Mayumi sent you!
GT & Co Hair Studio is located at: 130 2nd St E, North Vancouver, BC and their phone number is: 604.988.9813. The salon hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
I had the pleasure of meeting beautiful and talented Henna Artist, Arneet Dua at a North Vancouver coffee shop opening party via Instagram. I was following the coffee shop on the social media platform and tickets were free on Event Brite.
But the biggest draw for me was having my hands decorated with henna. I always wanted to have it done and I was excited that I was getting my chance. Arneet was one of the Henna Artists there and she did my hands and my Mom’s.
She was so fast! And she did a beautiful job on both of our hands. Also, what stood out for me was Arneet’s charming personality –So grounded, sincere and personable. We exchanged business cards, Instagram handles and kept in touch. Fast forward 2 years and here I am interviewing her!
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them and you, my subscribers.
To build and provide a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
A:I was born and raised in Punjab, India in a relatively open-minded family. Growing up, I was very creative and always into Arts & Crafts. My mother supported me to pursue my passion for Art and would sign me up for any Creative Art classes she couldfind.
I was raised in a huge family with 9 family members living under the same roof. My family was very supportive and encouraged me to be where I am today.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
A: Yes, I actually have studied in various fields, I did my high school with a Commerce/Accounting specialization, then for Undergrad I studied Psychology as my major along with Home Economics to stay connected to my creative side. Idid my Masters in English Literature followed by a Post Graduate Degree in Child Guidance/Family Counselling in India.
M: Did you move to Vancouver or did you grow up here? Why did you move to Vancouver?
A: I moved to Vancouver in December 2014 as an international student to pursue my Post Graduate Degree.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
A: I always wanted to be my own boss, my husband encouraged me in 2016 to take my Henna Art to next level and start doing it professionally. I have been doinghenna since I was 11 years old as a hobby.
In 2016 I shared with my husband that I wanted to start my own business but wasn’t sure what to do and how to begin. He suggested that since I love Art, this might be good opportunity to do it professionally.
We did some research in the current Lower Mainland market and saw there was huge potential in the wedding industry to make this business successful.
A close up of the Bridal Henna showcasing Arneet’s Artistry.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
A: I think the best part is to be able to share my Art with other Boss Babes and inspire my fellow men & women to believe in themselves, take a leap and follow their dreams.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
A: I think it’s great timing for me to answer this question. I just left my 9-5 joblast Fall, I am now getting my Real Estate License and taking my Henna Arts business to the next level — full time.
It was a huge step and life changing decision. I feel I can offer so much more to my clients, give them the best customer service possible and follow my dream. It was bit scary, but totally worth it. I am happy be my own Boss now.
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.
A:I recently came to the realization that life is too short to have any regrets, so now I try to follow my heart and try to fulfill all my realistic dreams (big or small) as much as I can. Life balance is the key.
We can do it, Boss Babes!
To see more of Arneet Dua’s Henna Artisty you can follow her Instagram and Facebook pages. And be sure to subscribe to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC to read more from Arneet … She is our NEW Arts & Culture Contributor!
