Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC - MAYUMI IZUMI

February 11, 2022February 11, 2022

Local Small Business Feature Series — Oenomel Chocolates’ First Year Anniversary

Welcome to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s new Small Business Feature Series. Vancouver based, Oenomel Chocolates, is the first business to be featured and just in time to celebrate their first year anniversary.

Oenomel is a Greek word that means sweetness and strength. It’s what Melody hopes her chocolates bring to people.

I met Melody Hu, founder of Oenomel Chocolates on Instagram. I was intrigued by this lovely, ambitious organic chocolatier and started following her profile. She has graciously invited me to her local events but unfortunately, my schedule has not allowed me to attend thus far. My fingers are crossed that I will be able to join her next one!

Melody Hu, Founder of Oenomel Chocolates

M: When did you open your business?

MH: I launched my business on February 24th, 2021. So, in a way, my business is my Valentine. I have so much passion and love for it!

M: Did you always want to own your own business?

MH: I have always dreamt of building a brand that incorporates values, such as craftsmanship, sustainability, and wellness. And using that brand as a tool to create wealth for my loved ones.

M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

MH: I was born in China and spent my childhood both in Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China, and Auckland, where sheep outnumber humans. I finished high school and got my Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where I studied Neuroscience and started my first venture, a macaroon startup business. And gradually, I fell in love with this city and decided that I wanted to build my business and home here.

M: What was your inspiration for your business?

MH: I wanted to create a product that incorporates health, wellness, and craftsmanship. I chose chocolates because there are too many sweets that are unhealthy. They tend to be filled with saturated fats and harmful amounts of sugar. I only use natural ingredients and organic, fair-trade chocolates that are sweet and delicious.

Blood Orange & Almond Blood Oenomel Chocolate

M: What did you do before opening your business?

MH: After graduating from UBC, I worked as an intern in a stem cell research company in Vancouver and then in business development for an international law firm in Shenzhen, China. I gained invaluable experience from both jobs.

M: If you were in a different industry, did you enjoy your former career?

Looking back, I did enjoy my former careers. When I worked in the law firm, I had guidance, and learned to work with others in a team. These are lessons that I have brought to start and develop my own company as an entrepreneur.

M: Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?

MH: I was glad that I got a degree before opening my own business. University was an experience beyond what I chose for my major. I learned to learn, I gained mentorship from professors who have expertise in their field, and I joined clubs where I made lifelong friends.

University life has a lot to offer if you embrace it. There are many famous successful entrepreneurs who don’t have a post-secondary degree, so it is possible to succeed in business without a degree.

But you should know yourself and know what environment and path are best suited for your career development. And no matter which path you choose, you have to believe in yourself, have confidence, and never give up.

Oenomel Valentine’s gourmet truffles and bonbons

M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own business be?

MH: See the value in yourself and your business and bring these values to people you wish to serve.

Work hard, understand and love yourself–Do these things well, and extend it to your employees.

Don’t stop learning, don’t be afraid to try new things and fail.

Never give up. There’s always a way to succeed.

M: Do you have a philosophy in life or a famous quote you would like to share with everyone?

MH: “Dream big, start small, begin now.” — Robin Sharma, The 5 AM Club

MILESTONES

Oenomel Chocolates is celebrating its first year anniversary on February 24 and although it is a a startup business, it gives back to the Metro Vancouver community.

In December 2021. Oenomel Chocolate organized a fundraising event and raised 200 CAD for a non-profit organization to distribute food to insecure communities.

Over 20 local musicians, artists, and businesses participated, and over 100 guests joined us for a beautiful Warm Company and Wine Evening. It was an event worth remembering.

In 2022, Oenomel Chocolate continues to support charities with good causes. We will be organizing fundraising events and making donations to charity through the sales of some of our products.

If you would like to learn more about Oenomel products please visit their website and support them by following their on IG and FB.

December 7, 2021January 27, 2022

Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s Services

Building Community

Now more than ever, it is important to stay connected with our neighbours, local small business owners and strengthen our community. The pandemic has caused many businesses to suffer and some to close.

Services

Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s mission is to empower small businesses to shine by offering digitally marketing, social media management, search engine optimization and public relations services.

We have increased local small businesses’ search engine optimization and raised them within the top 5 of Google searches, written over 30 business and restaurant features to highlight their talent, specialty and expertise.

Raisu Restaurant BLUEFIN TUNA DELUXE SEAFOOD BOWL — The Bluefin Tuna Deluxe Sewafood Bowl — Raisu Japanese Restaurant Feature, August 2021

Some of the Businesses We Featured

Blvd Bistro & Swich Café (Double Feature — same owner)
Cahill CPA
Coache Collision
Creative Inspo
Eclipse Awards
Fawn Gill Fitness
Daisy’s Sandwiches & Such
Fit Life Coaching
Goodlad Clothing
Green Coast Rubbish
Henna by Arneet
Little Pink Door Boutique
QRZones
Queen of the Closet
Raisu Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Tequila Cocina Restaurant

Connecting with Business Owners

The best part of our work is the connections we make with the people behind the businesses and restaurants we feature all across Metro Vancouver. We carefully select businesses that we truly enjoy whether it is because of the food, product and people or all the above.

We feel privileged to know the inspiring, creative and entrepreneurial individuals that took a chance to follow their dreams, worked hard and succeeded in starting their own businesses.

Kristin Ames of Fit Life Coaching — Interview & Feature, August 2020

There is a spark, a light within these men and women. We are uplifted when we interview them and dig into their stories:

Did they always want to own their own business?
What was their inspiration?
What is their advice to others who want to start their own business?

If you would like to read our upcoming local small business features make sure to subscribe to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC. and also follow our Lifestyle Ezine on our Instagram and Twitter. To inquire about our services, please email: mayumi@mayumiizumi.com.

August 21, 2021August 21, 2021

Local Restaurant Feature — Raisu Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Mama Izumi and I went on a Foodie Adventure recently and had the pleasure of dining at Raisu Restaurant in the heart of Kitsilano, where all of our foodie desires were satiated with their authentic Japanese cuisine.

I have been eating sushi since I was I was a little girl and they have the freshest, most delicious sashimi I’ve ever had. We shared the Raisu Lunch Meal Special.

You can choose 2 out of these 4 items:

Chef’s choice of sashimi (3 kinds), deep fried dishes (2 kinds), today’s meat dish, and today’s grilled fish.

Their lunch special also includes rice, miso soup, small dish, homemade pickles and salad.

We also feasted on their Bluefin Tuna Deluxe Seafood Bowl. And although we were stuffed full of yuminess we ordered their Yuzu Parfiat and Souffle Cheesecake for dessert.

Mama and I highly recommend Raisu to fans of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese food!

Raisu's Desserts — Yuzu Parfait & Souffle Cheesecake

I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about the people behind Raisu. I had the opportunity to interview their Assistant Manager, Yumi Takeshita.

Exclusive Interview with Raisu’s Assistant Manager

M: When did Raisu first open for business? Who is the founder?

Y: Raisu opened on July 2, 2016 as a sister restaurant to Kingyo Izukaya, Suika Snackbar, and Rajio Public House. All 4 restaurants are under the Tamaru Shoten Marketing Corp umbrella.

Minoru Tamaru began Kingyo about 10 years ago because he wanted to introduce people in Vancouver to Izakaya culture and provide authentic Japanese meals.

Raisu Restaurant Japanese Cuisine — Raisu is located at 2340 W 4th in Kitsilano

Inspiration for Opening Raisu and Providing Authentic Japanese Cuisine

M: What was Minoru’s inspiration for Raisu? Is he the sole owner or does he have business partners?

Y: Yes, he is doing this business by himself. Raisu’s concept is 80’s Japanese culture and Teishoku (balanced meal set).

M: Yumi, where are you originally from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

Y: I am from Japan and I hoped to live abroad when I there. I had heard Vancouver is the best city to live and I was interested what the Japanese culture was like here too.

M: What did you do prior to working at Raisu?

Y: I worked for 8 years at Coca-Cola bottlers in Fukuoka prefecture, in Japan. I was sales person, sales office administrator and HR. When I came here in Vancouver, I worked at JAPADOG as a manager, and went to college, worked as an accountant at an agency for Japanese students who want to study in Canada.

Then now I am working at Raisu. I have been working here 3 years and I am assistant manager fortunately since April. All my job experiences are now with food.

M: If you were in a different industry, did you enjoy your former career?

Y: Yes, absolutely. I enjoyed working every occasion. There are a lot of good things to know and learn. If it does not relate between each industry, I can find relations and there is no waste time that I have experienced.

Is University Important for Future Business Owners?

M: Did you go to university? If so, what did you study? Which university did you attend? Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?

Y: Yes, I graduated Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka, Japan, and I earned a Bachelor of Law Degree.

I might recommend to pursue, but if they have clear future vision, that is no need to. However it is very worth time to pursue something and make friends before doing business. I think it is very important at that term.

M: Do you have any interest to own your own business?

Y: Yes I do, but I need to learn about business more, so I start working at Raisu.

Yumi’s Philosophy

M: Do you have a philosophy in life or famous quote you would like to share with everyone?

Y: Live everyday happily, that makes your future happy!

This is my philosophy to live but I am not sure there is similar quote in English.

MILESTONES

Raisu just celebrated it’s 5 Year Anniversary July 2^nd 2021.

Go in to congratulate them in person at 2340 West 4th Street or learn more about Raisu visit their website. You also have the option to order online and follow them on Instagram.

May 17, 2020December 28, 2023

Babes Promoting Babes – Mayumi of FI INC

I have been enjoying the Babes Promoting Babes Interview Series so much that — I decided to interview myself …. Lol.

Answering my own interview questions is good way for you to get to know me better and what I’m passionate about.

MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entreprenuers 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 …

Q: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?

A: I was born in Vancouver, BC — Yes, I am a true Vancouverite and proud of it! I grew up in East Van as an only child to Masako and Hiroaki Izumi. We’re Japanese, as you can see from our names… Hahahaha …

Q: What did you want to do when you grew up?

A: I wanted to be famous. Actress, singer, model, fashion designer. It’s funny because my Dad named me after a Japanese actress — Mayumi and an Italian Singer — Rosanna.

When I was 11, I wanted to be a lawyer. Very fitting as I am good at arguing my point.

Q: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?

A: Yes, I studied Fashion Design at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Toronto, Ontario and Fashion Merchandising at VCC (Vancouver Community College).

Because I love to learn, I also completed the Small Business Program at VCC as well as the Applied Digital Communications & Social Media Program at Capilano University.

Right now I am in the Bachelor of Communications Program also at the university

Q: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?

A: I was born and raised in Vancouver. But I lived in Edmonton, Alberta for 2 years and when my Mom (capitalized on purpose for respect to the woman who raised me on her own) & I moved back, we moved to North Van and I attended high school here.

I moved to Toronto in 1999 and lived there for 3 years to study Fashion Design as I mentioned above.

Q: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?

A: I started FI INC in 2018. My inspiration was my love and passion for writing.

Q: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?

A: I love waking up and being excited about my day. What am I going to work on … How am I going to help my clients … What angle am I going to use to make my clients’ businesses shine …

I am an artist. Any outlet that allows me to use my creativity makes me happy.

Also, working at home is AWESOME!

Q: 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: GO FOR IT! But do it with intelligence. Save money — 6 months to 1 year of income to have a cushion while you’re building your business before you quit your day job.

I did not do this BUT it is ideal to feel safe while GOING AFTER YOUR DREAMS …

Q: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?

A: My favourite quote is from one of my favourite books and authors:

“The seventh spiritual law of success is the Law of Dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means ‘purpose in life.’ The Law of Dharma says that we have taken manifestation in physical form to fulfill a purpose. The field of pure potentiality is divinity in its essence, and the divine takes human form to fulfill a purpose.” — Deepak Chopra

You have to do what makes you happy. When you find what that is and can make money doing it then you’re in Dharma.

May 7, 2020May 9, 2020

Babes Promoting Babes – Shane of Goodlad Clothing

I had the pleasure of meeting Shane Meier last year when I walked into Goodlad Clothing and introduced myself.

I chose to visit his store because I wanted to feature their Men’s Clothing in my First Annual Fashion Gala, “For the Love of Local”. And to my delight, Shane agreed on the spot. He was also a gracious host and gave me a tour of his store, barber & coffee shop — All contained in the one location.

Shane told me the reason he named his store Goodlad. It was his grandfather’s last name. Grandpa James Goodlad’s portrait was rendered by an amazing local artist, Kevin Keeler. It is hung in the center of Shane’s store & shown above .

A portion of my fashion show ticket sales will be donated to Not for Profit Organization, Harvest Project. Designer garments from their thrift store, Clothes For Change will be highlighted and 3 suits designed & constructed by VCC (Vancouver Community College) Fashion Design students will be auctioned and all proceeds will be going to help families in the Harvest Project program. Stay tuned, I will be announcing when and where the gala will be taking place when it is deemed safe to do so.

Goodlad Clothing Store – Men’s Fashion in North Vancouver

MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entreprenuers and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them.

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?

S: I was born and raised in Saskatoon, Sask (Saskatchewan) but lived most of my life in the Lower Mainland.

Spent about 30 years in the Film/TV Industry both locally and in Los Angeles, as well as across most of Canada. Currently live in Yaletown but cannot wait to get to the North Shore where my business GOODLAD is located.

M: What did you want to do when you grew up?

S: I had ZERO clue. Lol … In FACT, I didn’t know what I wanted to do (for the rest of my life) until I was in my late 30’s.

Acting was a hobby and that was it. I was too small to play most sports as a kid so Film/TV performances were a natural fit for me and I was very fortunate to get work steadily as a kid.

M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?

S: I did not. I moved to LA when I was 17 and lived there for a year. THAT was my post secondary education.

M: When did you move to Vancouver? Where in Vancouver did you move to?

S: We moved from Saskatchewan around 1988. I lived and grew up in Coquitlam.

M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?

S: Goodlad was born about 2 years ago. We officially opened for business in August 2018 so we are still new!

Inspiration came just wanting to be a business owner. I’ve always worked for myself my whole life in the Film World.

I wanted to open something special where people would gravitate towards. I wanted each person that comes through the doors to have a great experience.

Goodlad's Coffee Shop — Goodlad’s Coffee Shop – drink coffee & grab a breakfast sandwich or snack

M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?

S: If you ask ANY of my staff I DO NOT use the term BOSS in or around the shop. I am their colleague. Co-worker. Mentor. I just so happen to be the signing officer on their paychecks — That is it.

I do, however, like being able to do just that. Mentor and point people in the right direction.

I was once in their shoes. And learning from people with experience only helped push me in the direction I wanted to go.

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?

S: YES. Take the plunge. Commit. A lot of people get scared and stay in their 9-5’s and are miserable for most of their lives.

Goodlad - Barber Shop — Goodlad Barber Shop – get your hair cut, and a shave while you shop

Being an entrepreneur is one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. Stressful at times, but once you see what you have created for people, there is no better feeling.

I may have brought this mentality from my performing days…

M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.

S: Never be afraid. Attack projects with KNOWING that you will succeed. Hard work always pays off in the end.

Motivating books?? Gino Wickman writes a ton of VERY useful books for running anything from 2 to 2000 staff business. Very useful for me when opening Goodlad.

And you cannot go wrong with Mr. Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules of Life”. It’s a true game changer!!

Shane Meier is the Owner of Goodlad Clothing, North Vancouver’s premier Men’s Fashion store, barber & coffee shop all rolled into one. Very unique concept and a triple threat: https://www.goodladclothing.com/ and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodladclothing/

February 16, 2020October 10, 2021

Family Day Long Weekend

As I get older, family and friends that have become family are of utmost importance to me. I grew up an only child and my parents divorced when I was 11 years old so I have a very small family. My best friend of 23 years and partner in crime, Mona has become my Big Sis.

It’s a great feeling to have a big sister. Growing up, I always wanted a sibling and when I was about 5 years old, I told my parents while we were driving somewhere in East Van. They told me to pray for a brother or sister. I did but to no avail.

Almost two years ago before I moved, I endured a horrible situation where someone was breaking into my apartment. No matter how many times I spoke about it, Mona listened when no one else did. She stood by me and supported me. That is true friendship. That is love.

Mama told me that everyone needs someone they can trust but it doesn’t have to be a family member. I am fortunate and grateful that I have two such people–her and my Big Sis.

I hope that you have at least one such friend or family member and enjoy this Family Day long weekend with them. Show them that you care and tell them that you love them. You don’t know when they will be gone…

January 18, 2020

Welcome to my Lifestyle Ezine, Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC!

Welcome to my page and thank you to all the new subscribers! I normally send our new subscribers our Newsletter but the latest issue is currently in the works. STAY TUNED I will send you our 2020 Newsletter SOON!

My goal is to create a community of positive thinking people both male and female who would like to share their dreams, goals, and aspirations.

I have a lot of exciting projects that I am working on and if you would like to participate there are opportunities such as joining my Small to Medium Business Meetup, Babes Supporting Babes – meetup.com, I have a podcast by the same name that will be airing this Spring through – capilanoradio.com and my first interviewee will be our Fitness Contributor – fawngillfitness.com and Mayumi’s First Annual Charity Fashion Show Gala on – eventbrite.com and if you don’t live in Vancouver, BC you can still be a part of my community on Instagram @mayumiizumi.

November 18, 2019

Vancouver Is Expensive AF – Thrifting Is My Solution!

What was once just for fun, has turned into a lifestyle and necessity for me. Through one of my Instagram alter egos, Miss M: https://www.instagram.com/missmsthriftyfinds/ – I am your guide to thrifting and share my thrifty finds that I purchase mainly via Facebook Marketplace sellers, but also at my favourite thrift store, Clothes For Change in North Vancouver and various other thrift stores sprinkled throughout our city such as BC SOS Thrift Stores in Steveston.

Thrifting brings me such joy. I plan a whole day around my Facebook Marketplace appointments and make it an adventure! On Saturday, I had two appointments in Port Coquitlam and invited my Mom, Mako to join me in my modern day treasure hunt.

We picked up a NYX eyeshadow palette for $10.00, an IKEA rug for ONLY $5.00, enjoyed lunch at Arisu where the food was so yummy that it immediately became my new favourite Korean restaurant. After lunch we went downstairs and did some grocery shopping at Hanam Supermarket.

The pricing was good at the market, fresh produce AND best of all they have a customer loyalty program in which they reward us with points and exclusive special prices. They gave me 3 key tags so I gave one to my Mom.

Hanam customer service actually recommended sharing their loyalty program with family and friends when they gave me the key tags. Great for sustainability and since Mako would be coming with me it only made sense that we would open just one loyalty account.

Thrift shopping, even if you’re just looking is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends or family. On Sunday, I met up with one of my BFFs and Big Sis, Mona on Commercial Drive in the heart of Vancouver thrift.

We went to Miscellany Finds for the first time and it is a huge store with lots of great thrifty finds! And the best part we didn’t spend a dime. A truly thrifty experience – we were just window shopping …

September 20, 2019September 22, 2019

Happy Birthday to ME ….

It’s my Birthday today … I’m listening to Elvis’ “Little Sister” and drinking Vancouver’s Ethical Bean coffee. If you have never tried it, you HAVTA. I am happy to say they serve it at my school, Capilano University.

I was born on Monday, September 20th at 10:40 pm to Masako & Hiroaki Izumi in Vancouver, BC on Oak Street. Coincidentally, it’s one of my favourite streets in Vancouver – not only was I born there, but the beautiful, Van Dusen Garden is located there as well as one other reason that shall remain unsaid . Yup, that’s riiiigghhht I AM A TRUE VANCOUVERITE, born AND raised! And OH, SO PROUD of it!

I am hoping my colleagues fulfill my desire for a Tiramisu birthday cake as I requested a month ago …. Hahaha ….I am not shy about asking for what I want. I am always the one who organizes everyone’s birthdays at the office so why not?!

Sooo this afternoon when I make my wish before I blow my birthday candles out, I do have everything I want or could possibly need BUT one thing – I’m not superstitious so I am going to share my wish with you … I wish for a family. A husband (or life partner), 2 kids (boy & girl), a Husky dog, and a house on the North Shore. And during the summer months we will live in Tofino, BC.

Well, I did receive my wish for a Tiramisu cake …. NOW, let’s see WHEN my other wish comes TRUE! I will keep you in the loop …

If this was a rom-com the man I wrote about in my Love blog: https://mayumiizumi.com/2019/09/07/man-of-my-dreams/ would appear at my work as he did in real life: https://medium.com/@mayumiizumi/unrequited-love-d723ce1388ab. I am no longer in love with him BUT … I once thought he was my IDEAL MAN …

September 11, 2019September 14, 2019

10 Reasons to Become a Member at Steve Nash Lonsdale Fitness Club

There are many reasons to become a member at Steve Nash Lonsdate but to keep this blog short and sweet like me I am going to share 10 reasons.

Reason #1 – You will receive awesome customer service from Mikaela, one of the nicest and friendliest staff members at the front desk. She will help you with any questions you may have such as the current promotions/contests, the sign in OR parking app.

Reason #2 – The Lonsdale location has one of the best views of the downtown skyline and Lions Gate Bridge.

Reason #3 – The club has plenty of cardio equipment to use: treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, and step machines and TV’s to watch with closed captioning so we can listen to our music but still watch the news OR see ME & other Steve Nash members and staff featured on the gym’s TV’s.

Reason #4 – If you’re like me and love North Van Firefighters you can ogle them from the gym.

Reason #5 – Great group fitness classes and instructors. Classes such as Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cycling, Circuit AND many more…

Reason #6 – A stretching room with mats, foam rollers, and giant balls with enough room to stretch, do sit ups, yoga …

Reason #7 – You get points when you download the Steve Nash app onto your smart phone and it also serves as your membership card to sign in with. You can redeem your points for merchandise from the club. personal training sessions.

Reason # 8 – You will also receive free personal training sessions during your birthday month.

Reason #9 – You get 2 hours FREE PARKING when you workout and register your licence plate number into the parking app.

And lastly reason #10 – Shopper’s Drug Mart and Whole Foods are downstairs in the same building and you can pick up necessary items before or after your workout – very convenient.