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.
Suede skirt I designed
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.
Today, August 15, marks exactly 3 weeks since Osric, my fur nephew has been staying with me. His dad and one of my besties is moving and I offered to look after him. I don’t know how long I will have him, but I am enjoying every minute of it. During this time, I have learned 5 wonderful things from him.
Drink lots of water! Every opportunity Oz has to ferociously lap at a bowl of water he does–whether it’s here at my home or at the dog parks in North Vancouver. In particular, the park at Harbourside Seawall and the smaller one beside Waterfront Park, near the Lonsdale Quay Market and seabus station.
Osric drinking water at the dog park at Harbourside Seawall in North Vancouver, BC.
2. He taught me to stretch more. After taking a nap, sitting or lying down in the same position, Oz always stretches. The yoga pose, Down Dog has several benefits: it elongates your spine, strengthens the muscles in your arms, upper back and shoulders. hands, wrists and fingers, opens up the backs of your legs and improves circulation, and relieves tension and stress.
My Fur Nephew is The Best Dog I Have Ever Met
3. Be sociable. Osric has a great personality and is friendly with everyone, human or dog. I have never seen him get mad — when I accidentally wake him up from a nap, take a little longer to get ready or I am slow to keep up with his fast pace. He is very relaxed and even-keeled.
4. And take daily walks! Walking lowers your blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and increases your metabolism. It will help you to live longer. Japan has one of the largest number of centenarians in their country because they walk a lot and eat a lot of seafood. Luckily for me, I have been taking Osric out for 3 walks a day.
Osric at Harbourside Seawall and dog park.
5. Also, don’t stay mad at your loved ones. I just yelled at Mama and shortly after I did, my fur nephew came to check on me. He rubbed the top of his head on my leg a couple of times–like don’t be mad. My heart just melted and all the anger disappeared. He is such a wonderful addition to my family and it makes me sad that I won’t be able to see him everyday when Ben takes him back.
The first time I was a guest North Vancouver’s 16 WEST Restaurant was in August 2022, two months after they opened and I loved it! I had a four course meal with wonderful wine pairings.
I recently had the opportunity to interview 16 WEST’s owner and gracious host, Brooke Naito-Campbell.
M: You opened the doors to 16 WEST in the summer of 2022. What has the first year been like (almost the first year)?
B: 16 WEST opened on June 24, 2022 and the first year has been great. A gradual organic growth through word of mouth. Not as busy as we had hoped, but guests from Hachiro would come in so happy and excited saying, “I’m so glad you’re still here!” They weren’t sure what happened to us and they were worried we were gone.
Hachiro Ramen Transformed into 16 WEST
M: I did not get a chance to visit your previous restaurant, Hachiro Ramen. Besides the cuisine, what has been the main difference in running the two different restaurants?
B: Definitely more experienced servers with wine knowledge. We have a wine director and sommelier, Brendan Jones on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays who has curated a wine list for us, mainly local BC wines, but we are looking into curating international wines because our guests have been asking.
16 WEST Restaurant Wines
M: Was Hachiro the first North Vancouver restaurant you and your brother, Stephen opened?
B: Yes, Stephen went to Japan and studied how to make ramen before opening Hachiro. We opened 6 months before COVID hit. It was really hard. But I wanted to fight for our restaurant!
Hachiro had become a take-out restaurant. I wanted to change the menu into more of an izakaya and serve appies and cocktails, but a lot of the guests that came in just wanted a bowl of ramen.
“I am passionate about 16 WEST!”
M: How did 16 WEST come to be? Was it your idea or was it someone else’s?
B: I had a beautiful restaurant and it made me sad to leave it. So my friends, some employees that were there and I thought, what do we need in North Vancouver? What are we passionate about? What would feed the community?
We first thought of a Spanish tapas but then we thought a menu that’s not tied to one kind of food. We could serve French, Italian and Spanish. I love a wine bar and I am passionate about 16 WEST and so is my team.
M: What was your inspiration for the menu? Did you work together with your head chef or did you leave it to them?
B: Our menu is a collaboration between me and Jorge Camacho. He is from Dublin’s La Maison. French Bistro. We work really well together. Our coffee cake, biscuits and all our desserts are made by his best friend, Andrea Lopez.
16 WEST Head Chef Jorge Camacho and Owner Brooke Naito-Campbell
M: What is your favourite dish? (lunch, brunch, dinner)?
B: My favourite for lunch is the meatball sub. It is really good. One of my favourites for brunch is the steak hash, and for dinner the mushroom risotto with seared Hokkaido scallops (they will be on the menu shortly) and the mussels.
M: 16 WEST is now open for brunch on the weekends and lunch on weekdays. What is the busiest time? Are there certain times/days we should make a reservation?
B: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday nights and brunch on the weekends are the busiest times. We always have the bar open for walk-ins and we will be opening the patio soon for the warmer weather and walk-ins. Our patio is also dog-friendly.
Central Lonsdale Community
M: What is the best part of being located in Central Lonsdale?
B: Central Lonsdale needed a cool, hip restaurant. A hidden gem. It needed love. Lower Lonsdale has all the restaurants. Central Lonsdale is getting developed. 16 WEST is one of the few restaurants with a watering hole.
16 WEST FEATURE WINES
M: Being located in the heart of North Vancouver, in Central Lonsdale, do you feel a sense of community?
B: Yes, I feel the sense of community with our guests. We have some who have stayed with us since Hachiro and have become friends. One such guest, Susan brought a friend who asked me if I have ever thought of hosting a drag show. And I had! Thus our drag show brunches was born!
North Vancouver Roots
M: I read that you grew up in North Vancouver. What area? Where did you go to school?
B: I grew up in Pemberton Heights. I went to Capilano Elementary from Kindergarten to grade 7 and then high school in Arizona where my mom is from.
M: Did you always know that you would own a business? What did you want to be when you grew up?
B: No, I had no idea. Hahaha…what did I want to be when I grew up? As a kid I wanted to do the usual singing, dancing and as a teen I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I was a hair stylist for a long time before opening the restaurants.
After my daughter was born, I turned to food and hospitality because it was something I was around all my life and am passionate about. My dad was the Executive VP of Okabe Company that used to own Coast Hotels.
And now, my daughter, Mika loves to help me set up on the weekends: lighting candles, setting the tables and even expediting the food orders. She loves it!
16 WEST Gnocchi
M: What would your advice to future entrepreneurs with dreams of owning their own business be?
B: Owning a restaurant is tough. Surround yourself with great people. People that you trust and more experienced than you. I have learned so much and I am so grateful that we got through COVID.
M: Do you have a philosophy in life or a famous quote you would like to share?
B: This too shall pass. It’s something I always tell myself and it is true.
16 WEST Hosts Events
M: Is there anything else you would like to share?
B: Right now we are focusing on meaningful events. We host a realtors luncheon and we have an upcoming women’s networking lunch.
In August we will have a PRIDE event with my husband coming out of retirement to be our DJ and drag queens. I am also in the beginning stages of organizing a fundraiser for ALS because my dad passed away from the disease.
If you have an idea for an event, please contact Brooke at kitchen@naitohospitality.com. To book a reservation call: 604.988.7561 or book online. If you would like to learn more about Central Lonsdale’s one of a kind wine restaurant and bar, please visit their website and follow them on Instagram.
If you are looking for something to do this BC Family Day long weekend, you don’t have to look far. My longtime bff and I just went for an amazing Sunday brunch at Catch 122 in the Shipyards District. Although they were crazy busy when I called, the hostess set us up on their waitlist using the Open Table app.
While I waited for Mona to pick me up, I received a text letting me know that our table was ready. I was able to select an option that said we’re on our way so that the restaurant would save it for us. I’m so grateful for this system because when we arrived the wait was over an hour.
I ordered their Huevos Rancheros and my gf had their Seasonal French Toast. It looked like a huge piece of cake and was so filling that she took half of it home. Both were delicious and our server, Anna provided us with great customer service.
Delicious French Toast at Catch 122
2. Go to MONOVA (Museum of North Vancouver) at 115 West Esplanade, just steps from Lonsdale Quay and the Seabus station. They have a wonderful Indigenous exhibit, a beautiful gift shop and are hosting a Family Day Event tomorrow from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Amission is free all day long!
When you are a member you will receive a 10% discount on the merchandise in their gift shop as well as your guests admission to the museum. I purchased Northwest Coast artist, Kelly Robinson‘s Raven Transforming small porcelain dish (shown in the photo below) and the matching platter.
Northwest Coast artist, Kelly Robinson’s Raven Transforming fine porcelain dish
3. MONOVA is also hosting a free virtual Coast Salish Wool Weaving Event tomorrow from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The free tickets are available on EventBrite. The museum made it very easy to register for the tickets and pick up the bracelet making supplies. Tsawasiya Spukwas (Alice Guss), MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmer will be teaching the participants about Coast Salish wool weaving and showing us how to make a wool bracelet. I can’t wait! I registered my Mama and I for the workshop.
Coast Salish Wool Weaving Supplies from MONOVA
4. If you love thrift shopping as much as Mona and I, there are 3 shops in Lower Lonsdale that you should check out. First time for both us was Wild Honey Vintage, a curated collection from sisters, Joanie and Sarah. Their boutique is in a cozy space that makes you feel like you’re walking into your friend’s living room.
A block up on Lonsdale, is Hunter and Hare, consignment shop with an assortment of goodies: jewelry, hair accessories, shoes, purses, clothing, candles, essential oils and journals. I didn’t buy anything today, but previously picked up some great barrettes that I wear all the time. If you are following me on Instagram, you’ve seen them. Lol.
Another block up is the Good Stuff Connection thrift shop and clothing program at 154 West 3rd Street. It is operated by North Shore Crisis Services Society, a registered North Vancouver charity that helps women and children escape from domestic violence and abuse.
Mona and I found a lot of great thrifty finds! I bought two pairs of Wild Abandon earrings, terry cloth slippers for Mama, an Ikea bathmat and an R&W scarf. And she got an Alisha Keys CD, black mules and pink jeans.
Wild Abandon Jewelry from the Good Stuff Connection thrift store
5. And last but not least, a great IG worthy photo background–Fun Alley! It is located right beside Buddha-Full, Lower Lonsdale vegan restaurant.
Welcome to my new series, Mayumi & Mama Izumi’s Foodie Adventures! Today marks my first installment and I’m very excited to write about Fets Whiskey Kitchen. It was my second and Mama’s first time at the yummy eatery and bar.
Located in East Vancouver’s Little Italy on ‘the Drive’, Fets is nestled beside Havana and across the street from Grandview Park.
Mama and I ordered their Country Fried Steak and the Cooper’s Breakfast. Fets’ Country Fried Steak is crispy on the outside and the organic meat is moist and tender on the inside — the best I’ve had. It is accompanied by Maker’s Mark Bourbon white gravy, rosemary biscuit & bread, sunny side up egg, hashbrowns (with sauteed onions), and a dash of greens (with pickled onions). Delish!
Fets’ Country Fried Steak and Cooper’s Breakfast
The Cooper’s Breakfast is so tasty that my mouth is watering reliving my memories of it. It is comprised of braised local pork, black beans, sunny egg, and cornbread. All the flavours in both dishes enhance rather than compete with each other. It is gourmet comfort food and my gourmand compliments go to the chef.
Not only am I a foodie, but also a coffee connoisseur. Fets did not disappoint. They serve Western Canadian, Canterbury coffee that is filled with multi levels of roasted flavour notes.
Canterbury coffee at Fets Whisky Kitchen
A definite must if you haven’t already had the pleasure to nom at this wonderful Commercial Drive restaurant. Besides the yummy eats, the customer service is also top notch and they have a heated patio. Need I say more?
I am grateful for so many things but top of mind — Mama Izumi, Big Sis and a certain someone who has recently come back into my life …
I risk “scaring” him off if he reads this blog BUT I guess that’s the risk I take for expressing my thoughts in the moment.
This moment is sooo delicious too … Leave it to a foodie to describe time with a food adjective. Hahaha … I’ve got my ear buds plugged into YouTube music and Shawn Mendes’ song, “In My Blood” and I’m feeling really happy.
Sooo back to gratefulness and this certain someone … We are supposed to go on a date today. I have the perfect outfit picked out too. My thrifty finds that I purchased from a Facebook Marketplace seller yesterday — sleeveless white & blue blouse that ties in the back with a teardrop opening $5.00 and stretchy jeans with a proper waist $8.00 (I hate low-waisted pants – they give me muffin top – yuck!).
We recently reconnected on Facebook and exchanged numbers and spoke on the phone a couple of times. Almost every time I think about him I get butterflies … Awww … I’m such a girl. Hahaha ….
This blog is going to be short and sweet like ME. I shall end this here for: 1) fear that he will read this and I may reveal TOO MUCH and 2) I will continue this later and let y’all know what happens …
Question is — WILL HE ACTUALLY CALL TODAY …. Fingers crossed, Babes.
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 inEdmonton, 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 — 6months 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.
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…
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.
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 …
