Fashion - MAYUMI IZUMI

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023

Fashion, I Love It, Don’t You?

I began my fashion journey at the age of seven. I remember the day clearly. My mom brought home an outfit and I didn’t like it. I told her from now on, not to buy clothes for me unless I was with her.

In 1999, I studied fashion design at the International Academy of Design and Technology (IAOD) in Toronto. First, I had taken textile design in high school for 2 years and, I won the textile design award in my senior year. After I completed the program and returned to Vancouver, I graduated from Vancouver Community College (VCC). And I was proud to wear my gown and cap to receive the Fashion Merchandising Certificate. I designed and constructed the black suede skirt while attending IAOD as well as the corset dress in the featured photo when I was at VCC Fashion.

Columnist

And then fast forward to 2022, I had my own column at Capilano Courier called “CapU, What Are You Wearing?”. In the column, I interviewed faculty and students on campus to ask about their outfits and in the process found out more about the people behind the clothes. It was a fun way to get to know the Capilano University community better and combine my love of vogue with my passion for writing.

Thrifted Fashion

Currently, my fashionista ways has turned thrift shopping into an addiction. If you are interested in having your own style and enjoy clothes shopping, you should start thrifting. It is like a modern day treasure hunt and adventure. The best part is you never know what unique items that you will find.

What’s more is that there are thrift stores all across Metro Vancouver, but some of the best are in East Van such as My Sister’s Closet, Miscellany Thrift and Vintage and Still Fabulous. And in North Vancouver, my favourite is Clothes For A Change and Good Stuff Connection. For online shopping, my favourite is my own pop-up boutique, Mobile Vintage By M and M and Facebook Marketplace. I created an Instagram and Facebook profiles dedicated to thrifted finds.

FI INC.

Finally, I launched my website in 2018 in combination with my digital marketing business FI INC. I started an interview series that I originally named Babes Promoting Babes where I featured local small business owners and the people behind the businesses.

If you would like to find out more about my blog and interview series read the interview on myself.

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 11, 2020

Babes Promoting Babes – Daisy of DSS Creatives

I met Daisy Salvacion-Shields at VCC (Vancouver Community College) in the Fashion Merchandising Program in 2007. She was in some of my classes, but it wasn’t until after VCC that we connected on a personal level.

She is the talented artist who did my make-up and photos featured here, on Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC. Daisy was working on a project called, “Celebrate You” and she asked me if I wanted to be a part of it. I said, “YESSSS!”

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?

D: I was born in Calgary, Alberta but at a very young age moved to the tiniest town called Hope, BC. Childhood was full of fun, creativity and adventure. I learned to love the outdoors but stayed a city girl at heart.

Bedroom walls consisted of magazine collages inspiring me with fashion and style, down time was dress-up with friends. I even organized my first fashion show in grade 7!

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

D: So many things, and still do … ha! Singer, dancer, teacher, writer, and artist (I loved doing cartoon drawings of Betty and Veronica).

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

D: I was in the Film Program at Capilano University and also took Fashion Merchandising and Screenwriting courses at VCC.

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

D: 2001, to go to Capilano U.

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

Parent company, DSS Creatives was just born this year. And under the umbrella of DSS, are two divisions.

The first is Conceptual Portraits, started in 2011, the focus is on Editorial Portraiture (photo shoots) . Bulan Productions is the second and newer division, with its first film made in 2017 and its focus is Digital Film Making.

Daisy - DSS Creatives - BPB Interview — Daisy making her first film in 2017.

My biggest inspiration is storytelling, especially when it can help to motivate others and DSS Creatives houses my two favourite mediums to do that with.

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

D: I’m doing work that is speaking to what I really love doing so it’s work that gives me energy back.

Energy to keep going as opposed to work that sucks the energy away. I am all about committing to a career that I love because life is too short.

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?

D: I’ve gone down that path. I quit my career of 15 years with a small amount of savings, support from my husband and no solid structure of what I was going to do next but a solid commitment to feed my soul. That’s it.

I knew what made me feel alive and I went in that direction. It’s been such a rewarding career ever since, monetarily, creatively.

So definitely, my advice is when you are at the point where you can’t ignore the whispers (they don’t go away for a reason) take the freaking leap. Of course it will be scary, but stay genuinely committed to your truth, whatever that may mean to you.

You are growing. It’s human. You’ll be met on the other side with synchronicities in your favour and I’m cheering for you!

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

D: Favourite Book: “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. It changed my life.

Favourite Quote: “When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to Achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho

Daisy Salvacion-Shields is the founder of DSS Creatives, a creative agency that specializes in visual storytelling through its digital film-making division, Bulan Productions and its editorial portraiture division, Conceptual Portraits. Check out her Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/daisysalvacions/

May 9, 2020May 11, 2020

Babes Promoting Babes – Sonja of The Queen of the Closet

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 Sonja Brooke last year at Earnest Ice Cream in North Vancouver. We were introduced by Sarah Murray, Fashion Program Coordinator at VCC (Vancouver Community College) when she sent over Sonja, Fashion Merchandising student to help me organize my fashion show. For those of you who missed my last interview — “For the Love of Local” is my First Annual Fashion Gala and it is still in the works.

STUDENT?! –Sonja, with heels stands about 6 feet tall and wow, what a stunner! She is a former model and working actress, not to mention a Boss Babe with her own business, the Queen of the Closet, that she started with her daughter, Bella (left in the photo shown above).

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

S: Born in Australia – raised there, England and the States. My childhood was awesome, as were my parents.

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

S: Growing up I wanted to be an artist and a News Broadcaster.

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

S: I went to Sydney University and studied Journalism.

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

S: My daughter was born in Vancouver but spent the first years of her life in Australia. We moved back to Vancouver about 15 years ago.

M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration? What is the Queen of the Closet’s mission?

S: I am a gemologist by trade, but my love of the land and environment is what prompted the creation of The Queen of the Closet.

Our mission is simple — we spread the narrative that asks consumers to, “Buy better – Buy less – Save money and in turn save the planet”.

Sonja holding sustainable fashion handbag - BPB Interview — Sonja holding sustainable fashion handbag by Staud Clothing

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

S: Hilarious, I never saw myself as a “Boss Babe”. I have always worked as a team. I am a very private person and always enjoyed taking the back seat.

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: I think it depends on the person and the situation. If a person is young and has no responsibilities by all means – JUMP!

It really depends. I have always taken calculated risks but then again, I have always had responsibility therefore I had to really think the situation through.

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

S: I always love to paraphrase a couple quotes by Maya Angelou – “When a person tells you who they are, believe them” and “Stop making someone a priority when they are making you an option”

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/

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 4, 2019September 5, 2019

Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC’s First E-Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 1

Thank you so much everyone for registering for Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC. As a special thank you I am sending everyone who registered our very first E-Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 1. I have sent it to the email that you supplied us to register for our site.

The overwhelming response has been wonderful and means so much to us.

One of the features in our E-Newsletter is looking chic on a budget. I love shopping and I especially love shopping at thrift stores. Some of my favourites are; Clothes For Change in North Vancouver, BC and SOS BC Thrift store In Steveston, BC.

I was introduced to thrifting by my Mom (capitalized to show my respect), Mako. She introduced me to all the best things in my life today: yoga, being a foodie, and a good skincare routine (one of my next features).

Please check your inboxes for our E-Newsletter and if you don’t received it, add us as a contact: admin@mayumiizumi.com. And if you enjoy my photos I post everyday on my Instagram profile @mayumiizumi OR you can click on the link on our Contact page: https://mayumiizumi.com/contact-us/ . I have 3 Instagram profiles hence the 3 icons.